1
|
Taghehchian N, Lotfi M, Zangouei AS, Akhlaghipour I, Moghbeli M. MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of Forkhead box protein family during gynecological and breast tumor progression and metastasis. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:330. [PMID: 37689738 PMCID: PMC10492305 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01329-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynecological and breast tumors are one of the main causes of cancer-related mortalities among women. Despite recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, tumor relapse is observed in a high percentage of these patients due to the treatment failure. Late diagnosis in advanced tumor stages is one of the main reasons for the treatment failure and recurrence in these tumors. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the molecular mechanisms involved in progression of these tumors to introduce the efficient early diagnostic markers. Fokhead Box (FOX) is a family of transcription factors with a key role in regulation of a wide variety of cellular mechanisms. Deregulation of FOX proteins has been observed in different cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as a group of non-coding RNAs have important roles in post-transcriptional regulation of the genes involved in cellular mechanisms. They are also the non-invasive diagnostic markers due to their high stability in body fluids. Considering the importance of FOX proteins in the progression of breast and gynecological tumors, we investigated the role of miRNAs in regulation of the FOX proteins in these tumors. MicroRNAs were mainly involved in progression of these tumors through FOXM, FOXP, and FOXO. The present review paves the way to suggest a non-invasive diagnostic panel marker based on the miRNAs/FOX axis in breast and gynecological cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negin Taghehchian
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Malihe Lotfi
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Sadra Zangouei
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Iman Akhlaghipour
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hettige NC, Fleming P, Semenak A, Zhang X, Peng H, Hagel MD, Théroux JF, Zhang Y, Ni A, Jefri M, Antonyan L, Alsuwaidi S, Schuppert A, Stumpf PS, Ernst C. FOXG1 targets BMP repressors and cell cycle inhibitors in human neural progenitor cells. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:2511-2522. [PMID: 37216650 PMCID: PMC10360395 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXG1 is a critical transcription factor in human brain where loss-of-function mutations cause a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, while increased FOXG1 expression is frequently observed in glioblastoma. FOXG1 is an inhibitor of cell patterning and an activator of cell proliferation in chordate model organisms but different mechanisms have been proposed as to how this occurs. To identify genomic targets of FOXG1 in human neural progenitor cells (NPCs), we engineered a cleavable reporter construct in endogenous FOXG1 and performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing. We also performed deep RNA sequencing of NPCs from two females with loss-of-function mutations in FOXG1 and their healthy biological mothers. Integrative analyses of RNA and ChIP sequencing data showed that cell cycle regulation and Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) repression gene ontology categories were over-represented as FOXG1 targets. Using engineered brain cell lines, we show that FOXG1 specifically activates SMAD7 and represses CDKN1B. Activation of SMAD7 which inhibits BMP signaling may be one way that FOXG1 patterns the forebrain, while repression of cell cycle regulators such as CDKN1B may be one way that FOXG1 expands the NPC pool to ensure proper brain size. Our data reveal novel mechanisms on how FOXG1 may control forebrain patterning and cell proliferation in human brain development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuwan C Hettige
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Peter Fleming
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Amelia Semenak
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Xin Zhang
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Huashan Peng
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Marc-Daniel Hagel
- Joint Research Center for Computational Biomedicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | | | - Ying Zhang
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Anjie Ni
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Malvin Jefri
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Lilit Antonyan
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Shaima Alsuwaidi
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Andreas Schuppert
- Joint Research Center for Computational Biomedicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Patrick S Stumpf
- Joint Research Center for Computational Biomedicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Carl Ernst
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
- Psychiatric Genetics Group, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Choi Y, Luo Y, Lee S, Jin H, Yoon HJ, Hahn Y, Bae J, Lee HH. FOXL2 and FOXA1 cooperatively assemble on the TP53 promoter in alternative dimer configurations. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:8929-8946. [PMID: 35920317 PMCID: PMC9410875 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although both the p53 and forkhead box (FOX) family proteins are key transcription factors associated with cancer progression, their direct relationship is unknown. Here, we found that FOX family proteins bind to the non-canonical homotypic cluster of the p53 promoter region (TP53). Analysis of crystal structures of FOX proteins (FOXL2 and FOXA1) bound to the p53 homotypic cluster indicated that they interact with a 2:1 stoichiometry accommodated by FOX-induced DNA allostery. In particular, FOX proteins exhibited distinct dimerization patterns in recognition of the same p53-DNA; dimer formation of FOXA1 involved protein–protein interaction, but FOXL2 did not. Biochemical and biological functional analyses confirmed the cooperative binding of FOX proteins to the TP53 promoter for the transcriptional activation of TP53. In addition, up-regulation of TP53 was necessary for FOX proteins to exhibit anti-proliferative activity in cancer cells. These analyses reveal the presence of a discrete characteristic within FOX family proteins in which FOX proteins regulate the transcription activity of the p53 tumor suppressor via cooperative binding to the TP53 promoter in alternative dimer configurations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Choi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Yongyang Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Seunghwa Lee
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Hanyong Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Hye-Jin Yoon
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Yoonsoo Hahn
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Jeehyeon Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Hyung Ho Lee
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Biedermannová L, Černý J, Malý M, Nekardová M, Schneider B. Knowledge-based prediction of DNA hydration using hydrated dinucleotides as building blocks. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2022; 78:1032-1045. [PMID: 35916227 PMCID: PMC9344474 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798322006234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Database-derived water probability densities around structurally and sequentially distinct DNA dinucleotide fragments reproduce the known hydration motifs, which thus can be used as building blocks to predict DNA hydration. Water plays an important role in stabilizing the structure of DNA and mediating its interactions. Here, the hydration of DNA was analyzed in terms of dinucleotide fragments from an ensemble of 2727 nonredundant DNA chains containing 41 853 dinucleotides and 316 265 associated first-shell water molecules. The dinucleotides were classified into categories based on their 16 sequences and the previously determined structural classes known as nucleotide conformers (NtCs). The construction of hydrated dinucleotide building blocks allowed dinucleotide hydration to be calculated as the probability of water density distributions. Peaks in the water densities, known as hydration sites (HSs), uncovered the interplay between base and sugar-phosphate hydration in the context of sequence and structure. To demonstrate the predictive power of hydrated DNA building blocks, they were then used to predict hydration in an independent set of crystal and NMR structures. In ten tested crystal structures, the positions of predicted HSs and experimental waters were in good agreement (more than 40% were within 0.5 Å) and correctly reproduced the known features of DNA hydration, for example the ‘spine of hydration’ in B-DNA. Therefore, it is proposed that hydrated building blocks can be used to predict DNA hydration in structures solved by NMR and cryo-EM, thus providing a guide to the interpretation of experimental data and computer models. The data for the hydrated building blocks and the predictions are available for browsing and visualization at the website https://watlas.datmos.org/watna/.
Collapse
|
5
|
Novack D, Qian L, Acker G, Voelz VA, Baxter RHG. Oncogenic Mutations in the DNA-Binding Domain of FOXO1 that Disrupt Folding: Quantitative Insights from Experiments and Molecular Simulations. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1669-1682. [PMID: 35895105 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
FOXO1, a member of the family of winged-helix motif Forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors, is the most abundantly expressed FOXO member in mature B cells. Sequencing of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) tumors and cell lines identified specific mutations in the forkhead domain linked to loss of function. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermal shift assays were used to characterize how eight of these mutations affect the stability of the FOX domain. Mutations L183P and L183R were found to be particularly destabilizing. Electrophoresis mobility shift assays show these same mutations also disrupt FOXO1 binding to their canonical DNA sequences, suggesting that the loss of function is due to destabilization of the folded structure. Computational modeling of the effect of mutations on FOXO1 folding was performed using alchemical free energy perturbation (FEP), and a Markov model of the entire folding reaction was constructed from massively parallel molecular simulations, which predicts folding pathways involving the late folding of helix α3. Although FEP can qualitatively predict the destabilization from L183 mutations, we find that a simple hydrophobic transfer model, combined with estimates of unfolded-state solvent-accessible surface areas from molecular simulations, is able to more accurately predict changes in folding free energies due to mutations. These results suggest that the atomic detail provided by simulations is important for the accurate prediction of mutational effects on folding stability. Corresponding disease-associated mutations in other FOX family members support further experimental and computational studies of the folding mechanism of FOX domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Novack
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - Lei Qian
- Department of Medical Genetics & Molecular Biochemistry, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3440 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Gwyneth Acker
- Department of Medical Genetics & Molecular Biochemistry, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3440 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Vincent A Voelz
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - Richard H G Baxter
- Department of Medical Genetics & Molecular Biochemistry, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3440 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kharrat M, Triki CC, Alila-Fersi O, Jallouli O, Khemakham B, Mallouli S, Maalej M, Ammar M, Frikha F, Kamoun F, Fakhfakh F. Combined in Silico Prediction Methods, Molecular Dynamic Simulation, and Molecular Docking of FOXG1 Missense Mutations: Effect on FoxG1 Structure and Its Interactions with DNA and Bmi-1 Protein. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:1695-1705. [PMID: 35654936 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02032-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
FoxG1 encoded by FOXG1 gene is a transcriptional factor interacting with the DNA of targeted genes as well as with several proteins to regulate the forebrain development. Mutations in the FOXG1 gene have been shown to cause a wide spectrum of brain disorders, including the congenital variant of Rett syndrome. In this study, the direct sequencing of FOXG1 gene revealed a novel c.645C > A (F215L) variant in the patient P1 and a de novo known one c.755G > A (G252D) in the patient P2. To investigate the putative impact of FOXG1 missense variants, a computational pipeline by the application of in silico prediction methods, molecular dynamic simulation, and molecular docking approaches was used. Bioinformatics analysis and molecular dynamics simulation have demonstrated that F215L and G252D variants found in the DNA binding domain are highly deleterious mutations that may cause the protein structure destabilization. On the other hand, molecular docking revealed that F215L mutant is likely to have a great impact on destabilizing the protein structure and the disruption of the Bmi-1 binding site quite significantly. Regarding G252D mutation, it seems to abolish the ability of FoxG1 to bind DNA target, affecting the transcriptional regulation of targeted genes. Our study highlights the usefulness of combined computational approaches, molecular dynamic simulation, and molecular docking for a better understanding of the dysfunctional effects of FOXG1 missense mutations and their role in the etiopathogenesis as well as in the genotype-phenotype correlation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Kharrat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Genetics, Faculty of Science, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Chahnez Charfi Triki
- Child Neurology Department, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia.,Research Laboratory (LR19ES15), Sfax Medical School, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Alila-Fersi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Genetics, Faculty of Science, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Jallouli
- Child Neurology Department, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia.,Research Laboratory (LR19ES15), Sfax Medical School, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Bassem Khemakham
- Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Salma Mallouli
- Child Neurology Department, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia.,Research Laboratory (LR19ES15), Sfax Medical School, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Marwa Maalej
- Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Genetics, Faculty of Science, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Marwa Ammar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Genetics, Faculty of Science, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Fakher Frikha
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Kamoun
- Child Neurology Department, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia.,Research Laboratory (LR19ES15), Sfax Medical School, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Faiza Fakhfakh
- Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Genetics, Faculty of Science, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu J, Yang M, Su M, Liu B, Zhou K, Sun C, Ba R, Yu B, Zhang B, Zhang Z, Fan W, Wang K, Zhong M, Han J, Zhao C. FOXG1 sequentially orchestrates subtype specification of postmitotic cortical projection neurons. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabh3568. [PMID: 35613274 PMCID: PMC9132448 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abh3568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian neocortex is a highly organized six-layered structure with four major cortical neuron subtypes: corticothalamic projection neurons (CThPNs), subcerebral projection neurons (SCPNs), deep callosal projection neurons (CPNs), and superficial CPNs. Here, careful examination of multiple conditional knockout model mouse lines showed that the transcription factor FOXG1 functions as a master regulator of postmitotic cortical neuron specification and found that mice lacking functional FOXG1 exhibited projection deficits. Before embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5), FOXG1 enforces deep CPN identity in postmitotic neurons by activating Satb2 but repressing Bcl11b and Tbr1. After E14.5, FOXG1 exerts specification functions in distinct layers via differential regulation of Bcl11b and Tbr1, including specification of superficial versus deep CPNs and enforcement of CThPN identity. FOXG1 controls CThPN versus SCPN fate by fine-tuning Fezf2 levels through diverse interactions with multiple SOX family proteins. Thus, our study supports a developmental model to explain the postmitotic specification of four cortical projection neuron subtypes and sheds light on neuropathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University,
Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mengjie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University,
Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mingzhao Su
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University,
Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University,
Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kaixing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University,
Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Congli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University,
Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ru Ba
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University,
Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Baocong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University,
Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Baoshen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University,
Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University,
Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wenxin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology,
Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University,
Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Min Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University,
Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Junhai Han
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology,
Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chunjie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human
Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University,
Nanjing 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Leung RF, George AM, Roussel EM, Faux MC, Wigle JT, Eisenstat DD. Genetic Regulation of Vertebrate Forebrain Development by Homeobox Genes. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:843794. [PMID: 35546872 PMCID: PMC9081933 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.843794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Forebrain development in vertebrates is regulated by transcription factors encoded by homeobox, bHLH and forkhead gene families throughout the progressive and overlapping stages of neural induction and patterning, regional specification and generation of neurons and glia from central nervous system (CNS) progenitor cells. Moreover, cell fate decisions, differentiation and migration of these committed CNS progenitors are controlled by the gene regulatory networks that are regulated by various homeodomain-containing transcription factors, including but not limited to those of the Pax (paired), Nkx, Otx (orthodenticle), Gsx/Gsh (genetic screened), and Dlx (distal-less) homeobox gene families. This comprehensive review outlines the integral role of key homeobox transcription factors and their target genes on forebrain development, focused primarily on the telencephalon. Furthermore, links of these transcription factors to human diseases, such as neurodevelopmental disorders and brain tumors are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan F. Leung
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ankita M. George
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Enola M. Roussel
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Maree C. Faux
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeffrey T. Wigle
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - David D. Eisenstat
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Akol I, Gather F, Vogel T. Paving Therapeutic Avenues for FOXG1 Syndrome: Untangling Genotypes and Phenotypes from a Molecular Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020954. [PMID: 35055139 PMCID: PMC8780739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of the central nervous system (CNS) depends on accurate spatiotemporal control of signaling pathways and transcriptional programs. Forkhead Box G1 (FOXG1) is one of the master regulators that play fundamental roles in forebrain development; from the timing of neurogenesis, to the patterning of the cerebral cortex. Mutations in the FOXG1 gene cause a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called FOXG1 syndrome, also known as congenital form of Rett syndrome. Patients presenting with FOXG1 syndrome manifest a spectrum of phenotypes, ranging from severe cognitive dysfunction and microcephaly to social withdrawal and communication deficits, with varying severities. To develop and improve therapeutic interventions, there has been considerable progress towards unravelling the multi-faceted functions of FOXG1 in the neurodevelopment and pathogenesis of FOXG1 syndrome. Moreover, recent advances in genome editing and stem cell technologies, as well as the increased yield of information from high throughput omics, have opened promising and important new avenues in FOXG1 research. In this review, we provide a summary of the clinical features and emerging molecular mechanisms underlying FOXG1 syndrome, and explore disease-modelling approaches in animals and human-based systems, to highlight the prospects of research and possible clinical interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ipek Akol
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (I.A.); (F.G.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModul Basics), Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Gather
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (I.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Tanja Vogel
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (I.A.); (F.G.)
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModul Basics), Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang H, Dai S, Liang X, Li J, Chen Y. Mechanistic Insights into the Preference for Tandem Binding Sites in DNA Recognition by FOXM1. J Mol Biol 2021; 434:167426. [PMID: 34973238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
FOXM1 is an essential proliferation-associated transcription factor that controls the activation of a number of cell cycle regulatory genes. Unlike other forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors, FOXM1 has been shown to prefer binding tandem regulatory DNA sites. However, the underlying reason for such preference is not clear. Here, we showed that the tandem DNA motif, named DIV2, is widely distributed in the promoter region of FOXM1 target genes. The binding of FOXM1 on the DIV2 site differs dramatically from other sites, which is in a highly cooperative fashion, with a much enhanced thermal stability and can be clearly detected by EMSA. The crystal structure of FOXM1 in complex with the DIV2 DNA reveals that the cooperative binding is likely to be driven by intermolecular protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Further half-site spacer insertion assays showed that FOXM1 can bind another site, DIV0, in a similar manner to the DIV2 site. Given the high occurrence of the DIV2 and DIV0 sites in FOXM1 target genes, our results suggest that FOXM1 prefers tandem DNA sites to enable cooperative DNA recognition, and such binding characteristics may further confer its specificity during transcriptional regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Shuyan Dai
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
| | - Xujun Liang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dai S, Qu L, Li J, Chen Y. Toward a mechanistic understanding of DNA binding by forkhead transcription factors and its perturbation by pathogenic mutations. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:10235-10249. [PMID: 34551426 PMCID: PMC8501956 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) proteins are an evolutionarily conserved family of transcription factors that play numerous regulatory roles in eukaryotes during developmental and adult life. Dysfunction of FOX proteins has been implicated in a variety of human diseases, including cancer, neurodevelopment disorders and genetic diseases. The FOX family members share a highly conserved DNA-binding domain (DBD), which is essential for DNA recognition, binding and function. Since the first FOX structure was resolved in 1993, >30 FOX structures have been reported to date. It is clear now that the structure and DNA recognition mechanisms vary among FOX members; however, a systematic review on this aspect is lacking. In this manuscript, we present an overview of the mechanisms by which FOX transcription factors bind DNA, including protein structures, DNA binding properties and disease-causing mutations. This review should enable a better understanding of FOX family transcription factors for basic researchers and clinicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Dai
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Linzhi Qu
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li J, Dai S, Chen X, Liang X, Qu L, Jiang L, Guo M, Zhou Z, Wei H, Zhang H, Chen Z, Chen L, Chen Y. Mechanism of forkhead transcription factors binding to a novel palindromic DNA site. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:3573-3583. [PMID: 33577686 PMCID: PMC8034652 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead transcription factors bind a canonical consensus DNA motif, RYAAAYA (R = A/G, Y = C/T), as a monomer. However, the molecular mechanisms by which forkhead transcription factors bind DNA as a dimer are not well understood. In this study, we show that FOXO1 recognizes a palindromic DNA element DIV2, and mediates transcriptional regulation. The crystal structure of FOXO1/DIV2 reveals that the FOXO1 DNA binding domain (DBD) binds the DIV2 site as a homodimer. The wing1 region of FOXO1 mediates the dimerization, which enhances FOXO1 DNA binding affinity and complex stability. Further biochemical assays show that FOXO3, FOXM1 and FOXI1 also bind the DIV2 site as homodimer, while FOXC2 can only bind this site as a monomer. Our structural, biochemical and bioinformatics analyses not only provide a novel mechanism by which FOXO1 binds DNA as a homodimer, but also shed light on the target selection of forkhead transcription factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Shuyan Dai
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xiaojuan Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xujun Liang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Lingzhi Qu
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Longying Jiang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhan Zhou
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Hudie Wei
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Huajun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhuchu Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Molecular and Computational Biology Program, Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| |
Collapse
|