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Liang J, Guo H, He H, Liu B, Zhang N, Xian L, Zhu K, Zhang D. The transcription factors HNF-4α and NF-κB activate the CDO gene to promote taurine biosynthesis in the golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus (Linnaeus 1758). Gene 2024; 928:148786. [PMID: 39047959 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148786] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) is a rate-limiting enzyme in taurine biosynthesis. Taurine synthesis is limited in marine fish, and most taurine is provided by their diet. Although a nutritional study indicated that the transcription of ToCDO was significantly altered by treatment with 10.5 g/kg taurine in food, the regulatory mechanism of this biosynthesis has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we identified the sequence features of Trachinotus ovatus cysteine dioxygenase (ToCDO), which consists of 201 amino acids. It is characterized by being a member of the cupin superfamily with two conserved cupin motifs located at amino acids 82-102 and 131-145 and with a glutamate residue substituted by a cysteine in its first motif. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis revealed that the similarity of the amino acid sequences between ToCDO and other species ranged from 84.58 % to 91.54 %. Furthermore, a high-performance liquid-phase assay of the activity of recombinantly purified ToCDO protein showed that ToCDO could catalyse the oxidation of cysteine to produce cysteine sulphite. Furthermore, the core promoter region of CDO was identified as -1182-+1 bp. Mutational analysis revealed that the HNF4α and NF-κB sites significantly and actively affected the transcription of CDO. To further investigate the binding of these two loci to the CDO promoter, an electrophoretic shift assay (EMSA) was performed to verify that HNF4α-1 and NF-κB-1 interact with the binding sites of the promoter and promote CDO gene expression, respectively. Additionally, cotransfection experiments showed that HNF4α or both HNF4α and NF-κB can significantly influence CDO promoter activity, and HNF4α was the dominant factor. Thus, HNF4α and NF-κB play important roles in CDO expression and may influence taurine biosynthesis within T. ovatus by regulating CDO expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Liang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 510300 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huayang Guo
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 510300 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineer Technology Research Center of Marine Biological Seed Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, Sanya, Hainan Province, China
| | - Hongxi He
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 510300 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Baosuo Liu
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 510300 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineer Technology Research Center of Marine Biological Seed Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, Sanya, Hainan Province, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 510300 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineer Technology Research Center of Marine Biological Seed Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, Sanya, Hainan Province, China
| | - Lin Xian
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 510300 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineer Technology Research Center of Marine Biological Seed Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, Sanya, Hainan Province, China
| | - Kecheng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 510300 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineer Technology Research Center of Marine Biological Seed Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, Sanya, Hainan Province, China.
| | - Dianchang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 510300 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineer Technology Research Center of Marine Biological Seed Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, Sanya, Hainan Province, China.
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2
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Oh JW, Beer MA. Gapped-kmer sequence modeling robustly identifies regulatory vocabularies and distal enhancers conserved between evolutionarily distant mammals. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6464. [PMID: 39085231 PMCID: PMC11291912 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50708-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene regulatory elements drive complex biological phenomena and their mutations are associated with common human diseases. The impacts of human regulatory variants are often tested using model organisms such as mice. However, mapping human enhancers to conserved elements in mice remains a challenge, due to both rapid enhancer evolution and limitations of current computational methods. We analyze distal enhancers across 45 matched human/mouse cell/tissue pairs from a comprehensive dataset of DNase-seq experiments, and show that while cell-specific regulatory vocabulary is conserved, enhancers evolve more rapidly than promoters and CTCF binding sites. Enhancer conservation rates vary across cell types, in part explainable by tissue specific transposable element activity. We present an improved genome alignment algorithm using gapped-kmer features, called gkm-align, and make genome wide predictions for 1,401,803 orthologous regulatory elements. We show that gkm-align discovers 23,660 novel human/mouse conserved enhancers missed by previous algorithms, with strong evidence of conserved functional activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Woo Oh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael A Beer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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3
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Hu R, Long S, Luo M, Tang B, Tan T, Dong W, Wang Q, Zhang J. Hyperglycemia Inhibits Hepatic SHBG Synthesis Through the NGBR-AMPK-HNF4 Pathway in Rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Induced by Letrozole in Combination with a High-Fat Diet. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300915. [PMID: 38862276 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is closely related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a glycoprotein produced by the liver. Hepatic lipogenesis inhibits hepatic SHBG synthesis, which leads to hyperandrogenemia and ovarian dysfunction in PCOS. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the mechanism whereby liver lipogenesis inhibits SHBG synthesis. METHODS AND RESULTS This study establishes a rat model of PCOS complicated by NAFLD using a high-fat diet in combination with letrozole and performs transcriptomic analysis of the liver. Transcriptomic analysis of the liver shows that the expression of neurite growth inhibitor-B receptor (NgBR), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α), and SHBG is low. Meantime, HepG2 cells are treated with palmitic acid (PA) to model NAFLD in vitro, which causes decreases in the expression of NgBR, HNF4α, and SHBG. However, the expression of HNF4α and SHBG is restored by treatment with the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist AICAR. CONCLUSIONS NgBR regulates the expression of HNF4α by activating the AMPK signaling pathway, thereby affecting the synthesis of SHBG in the liver. Further mechanistic studies regarding the effect of liver fat on NGBR expression are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rao Hu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Gynecology &Obstetrics and Reproductive Medical Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Institute of Applied Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Shuanglian Long
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Gynecology &Obstetrics and Reproductive Medical Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Institute of Applied Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Min Luo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Gynecology &Obstetrics and Reproductive Medical Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Institute of Applied Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Bowen Tang
- Institute of Applied Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Tao Tan
- Institute of Applied Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Weilei Dong
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Gynecology &Obstetrics and Reproductive Medical Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Qian Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Gynecology &Obstetrics and Reproductive Medical Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Gynecology &Obstetrics and Reproductive Medical Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
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Ng NHJ, Ghosh S, Bok CM, Ching C, Low BSJ, Chen JT, Lim E, Miserendino MC, Tan YS, Hoon S, Teo AKK. HNF4A and HNF1A exhibit tissue specific target gene regulation in pancreatic beta cells and hepatocytes. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4288. [PMID: 38909044 PMCID: PMC11193738 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48647-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
HNF4A and HNF1A encode transcription factors that are important for the development and function of the pancreas and liver. Mutations in both genes have been directly linked to Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. To better define the pleiotropic gene regulatory roles of HNF4A and HNF1A, we generated a comprehensive genome-wide map of their binding targets in pancreatic and hepatic cells using ChIP-Seq. HNF4A was found to bind and regulate known (ACY3, HAAO, HNF1A, MAP3K11) and previously unidentified (ABCD3, CDKN2AIP, USH1C, VIL1) loci in a tissue-dependent manner. Functional follow-up highlighted a potential role for HAAO and USH1C as regulators of beta cell function. Unlike the loss-of-function HNF4A/MODY1 variant I271fs, the T2D-associated HNF4A variant (rs1800961) was found to activate AKAP1, GAD2 and HOPX gene expression, potentially due to changes in DNA-binding affinity. We also found HNF1A to bind to and regulate GPR39 expression in beta cells. Overall, our studies provide a rich resource for uncovering downstream molecular targets of HNF4A and HNF1A that may contribute to beta cell or hepatic cell (dys)function, and set up a framework for gene discovery and functional validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Hui Jin Ng
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Soumita Ghosh
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Chek Mei Bok
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Carmen Ching
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Blaise Su Jun Low
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Juin Ting Chen
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore
| | - Euodia Lim
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore
| | - María Clara Miserendino
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Yaw Sing Tan
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Shawn Hoon
- Molecular Engineering Laboratory, IMCB, A*STAR, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Adrian Kee Keong Teo
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore.
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme (TRP), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
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5
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Kind L, Molnes J, Tjora E, Raasakka A, Myllykoski M, Colclough K, Saint-Martin C, Adelfalk C, Dusatkova P, Pruhova S, Valtonen-André C, Bellanné-Chantelot C, Arnesen T, Kursula P, Njølstad PR. Molecular mechanism of HNF-1A-mediated HNF4A gene regulation and promoter-driven HNF4A-MODY diabetes. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e175278. [PMID: 38855865 PMCID: PMC11382887 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.175278] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Monogenic diabetes is a gateway to precision medicine through molecular mechanistic insight. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1A (HNF-1A) and HNF-4A are transcription factors that engage in crossregulatory gene transcription networks to maintain glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells. Variants in the HNF1A and HNF4A genes are associated with maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). Here, we explored 4 variants in the P2-HNF4A promoter region: 3 in the HNF-1A binding site and 1 close to the site, which were identified in 63 individuals from 21 families of different MODY disease registries across Europe. Our goal was to study the disease causality for these variants and to investigate diabetes mechanisms on the molecular level. We solved a crystal structure of HNF-1A bound to the P2-HNF4A promoter and established a set of techniques to probe HNF-1A binding and transcriptional activity toward different promoter variants. We used isothermal titration calorimetry, biolayer interferometry, x-ray crystallography, and transactivation assays, which revealed changes in HNF-1A binding or transcriptional activities for all 4 P2-HNF4A variants. Our results suggest distinct disease mechanisms of the promoter variants, which can be correlated with clinical phenotype, such as age of diagnosis of diabetes, and be important tools for clinical utility in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kind
- Department of Biomedicine and
- Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Janne Molnes
- Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics and
| | - Erling Tjora
- Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Kevin Colclough
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Cécile Saint-Martin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, DMU BioGeM, Paris, France
- Monogenic Diabetes Study Group of the Société Francophone du Diabète, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Adelfalk
- Clinical Genetics, Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Petra Dusatkova
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stepanka Pruhova
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Christine Bellanné-Chantelot
- Department of Medical Genetics, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, DMU BioGeM, Paris, France
- Monogenic Diabetes Study Group of the Société Francophone du Diabète, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Arnesen
- Department of Biomedicine and
- Department of Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Petri Kursula
- Department of Biomedicine and
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine & Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Pål Rasmus Njølstad
- Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Children and Youth Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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6
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Verma A, Mishra DK, Edward DP, Ramappa M. Band-shaped keratopathy in HNF4A-related Fanconi syndrome: a case report and review of the literature. Ophthalmic Genet 2024; 45:246-251. [PMID: 37997707 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2023.2285310] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fanconi's syndrome (FS) is characterized by type-2 renal tubular acidosis, short stature, and renal rickets, along with glycosuria, aminoaciduria, hypophosphaturia, and urinary bicarbonate wasting. The genetic form of FS has been linked to HNF4A variants. Although additional clinical features such as hearing impairment have recently been associated with HNF4A-linked FS, its ocular manifestation has not been described. MATERIAL AND METHODS Presenting a case of a 5-year-old male child with bilateral progressive corneal opacification and the presence of bilateral greyish-white deposits in the interpalpebral region since infancy. A next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based genetic testing was performed for the child followed by parental genetic testing for the identified variant. Furthermore, relevant works of literature were reviewed related to this condition. RESULTS Detailed corneal findings showed a bilateral band-shaped keratopathy (BSK) in the patient. Physical and systemic findings showed signs consistent with FS. Sequencing analysis revealed a novel heterozygous c.635C>T, (p.Pro212Leu) variant in the HNF4A gene in the proband and mother, while the father had a normal genotype. CONCLUSIONS Our case highlights the occurrence of BSK in an exceptionally rare manifestation of hereditary FS linked to HNF4A gene variant. The variant exists both in proband and asymptomatic mother. Therefore, the variable penetrance which is known to exist in HNF4A is acknowledged in this context. This report suggests the first documented instance establishing a plausible connection between BSK and HNF4A-associated FS, characterized by the variable penetrance attributed to the HNF4A gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshuman Verma
- Kallam Anji Reddy Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Institute for Rare Eye Diseases and Ocular Genetics, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Dilip Kumar Mishra
- Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Deepak P Edward
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Muralidhar Ramappa
- Institute for Rare Eye Diseases and Ocular Genetics, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- The Cornea Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Jasti V Ramanamma Children's Eye Care Center, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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7
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Kaci A, Solheim MH, Silgjerd T, Hjaltadottir J, Hornnes LH, Molnes J, Madsen A, Sjøholt G, Bellanné-Chantelot C, Caswell R, Sagen JV, Njølstad PR, Aukrust I, Bjørkhaug L. Functional characterization of HNF4A gene variants identify promoter and cell line specific transactivation effects. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:894-904. [PMID: 38433330 PMCID: PMC11070132 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor-4 alpha (HNF-4A) regulates genes with roles in glucose metabolism and β-cell development. Although pathogenic HNF4A variants are commonly associated with maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY1; HNF4A-MODY), rare phenotypes also include hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, renal Fanconi syndrome and liver disease. While the association of rare functionally damaging HNF1A variants with HNF1A-MODY and type 2 diabetes is well established owing to robust functional assays, the impact of HNF4A variants on HNF-4A transactivation in tissues including the liver and kidney is less known, due to lack of similar assays. Our aim was to investigate the functional effects of seven HNF4A variants, located in the HNF-4A DNA binding domain and associated with different clinical phenotypes, by various functional assays and cell lines (transactivation, DNA binding, protein expression, nuclear localization) and in silico protein structure analyses. Variants R85W, S87N and R89W demonstrated reduced DNA binding to the consensus HNF-4A binding elements in the HNF1A promoter (35, 13 and 9%, respectively) and the G6PC promoter (R85W ~10%). While reduced transactivation on the G6PC promoter in HepG2 cells was shown for S87N (33%), R89W (65%) and R136W (35%), increased transactivation by R85W and R85Q was confirmed using several combinations of target promoters and cell lines. R89W showed reduced nuclear levels. In silico analyses supported variant induced structural impact. Our study indicates that cell line specific functional investigations are important to better understand HNF4A-MODY genotype-phenotype correlations, as our data supports ACMG/AMP interpretations of loss-of-function variants and propose assay-specific HNF4A control variants for future functional investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Kaci
- Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Haukelandsbakken 1, Bergen 5020, Norway
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Østfold Hospital Trust, Kalnesveien 300, Grålum 1714, Norway
| | - Marie Holm Solheim
- Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Haukelandsbakken 1, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Trine Silgjerd
- Department of Safety, Chemistry, and Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Inndalsveien 28, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Jorunn Hjaltadottir
- Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Haukelandsbakken 1, Bergen 5020, Norway
- Department of Safety, Chemistry, and Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Inndalsveien 28, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Lorentze Hope Hornnes
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies veg 87, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Janne Molnes
- Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Haukelandsbakken 1, Bergen 5020, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies veg 87, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Andre Madsen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies veg 87, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Gry Sjøholt
- Department of Safety, Chemistry, and Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Inndalsveien 28, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Christine Bellanné-Chantelot
- Départment of Medical Genetics, Sorbonne University, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtriére, 21 rue de l'école de médecine, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Richard Caswell
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX2 5DW, United Kingdom
| | - Jørn V Sagen
- Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Haukelandsbakken 1, Bergen 5020, Norway
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies veg 87, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Pål R Njølstad
- Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Haukelandsbakken 1, Bergen 5020, Norway
- Children and Youth Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Haukelandsbakken 1, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Ingvild Aukrust
- Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Haukelandsbakken 1, Bergen 5020, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies veg 87, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Lise Bjørkhaug
- Department of Safety, Chemistry, and Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Inndalsveien 28, Bergen 5020, Norway
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8
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Hazarika S, Yu T, Biswas A, Dube N, Villalona P, Okafor CD. Nuclear receptor interdomain communication is mediated by the hinge with ligand specificity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.10.579785. [PMID: 38405809 PMCID: PMC10888817 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.10.579785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are ligand-induced transcription factors that bind directly to target genes and regulate their expression. Ligand binding initiates conformational changes that propagate to other domains, allosterically regulating their activity. The nature of this interdomain communication in nuclear receptors is poorly understood, largely owing to the difficulty of experimentally characterizing full-length structures. We have applied computational modeling approaches to describe and study the structure of the full length farnesoid X receptor (FXR), approximated by the DNA binding domain (DBD) and ligand binding domain (LBD) connected by the flexible hinge region. Using extended molecular dynamics simulations (> 10 microseconds) and enhanced sampling simulations, we provide evidence that ligands selectively induce domain rearrangement, leading to interdomain contact. We use protein-protein interaction assays to provide experimental evidence of these interactions, identifying a critical role of the hinge in mediating interdomain contact. Our results illuminate previously unknown aspects of interdomain communication in FXR and provide a framework to enable characterization of other full length nuclear receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurov Hazarika
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Tracy Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Arumay Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Namita Dube
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Priscilla Villalona
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - C. Denise Okafor
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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9
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Jiang L, Liu X, Liang X, Dai S, Wei H, Guo M, Chen Z, Xiao D, Chen Y. Structural characterization of the DNA binding mechanism of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma. Structure 2024; 32:467-475.e3. [PMID: 38309263 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ) plays critical roles in regulating various biological processes and has been linked to immunodeficiency disorders and cancers. DNA recognition is essential for RORγ to exert its functions. However, the underlying mechanism of the DNA binding by RORγ remains unclear. In this study, we present the crystal structure of the complex of RORγ1 DNA-binding domain (RORγ1-DBD)/direct repeat DNA element DR2 at 2.3 Å resolution. We demonstrate that RORγ1-DBD binds the DR2 motif as a homodimer, with the C-terminal extension (CTE) region of RORγ1-DBD contributing to the DNA recognition and the formation of dimeric interface. Further studies reveal that REV-ERB-DBD and RXR-DBD, also bind the DR2 site as a homodimer, while NR4A2-DBD binds DR2 as a monomer. Our research uncovers a binding mechanism of RORγ1 to the DR2 site and provides insights into the biological functions of RORγ1 and the broader RORs subfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longying Jiang
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xueke Liu
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xujun Liang
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuyan Dai
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hudie Wei
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhuchu Chen
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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10
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Zhuang J, Shang Q, Rastinejad F, Wu D. Decoding Allosteric Control in Hypoxia-Inducible Factors. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168352. [PMID: 37935255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian family of basic helix-loop-helix-PER-ARNT-SIM (bHLH-PAS) transcription factors possess the ability to sense and respond to diverse environmental and physiological cues. These proteins all share a common structural framework, comprising a bHLH domain, two PAS domains, and transcriptional activation or repression domain. To function effectively as transcription factors, members of the family must form dimers, bringing together bHLH segments to create a functional unit that allows for DNA response element binding. The significance of bHLH-PAS family is underscored by their involvement in many major human diseases, offering potential avenues for therapeutic intervention. Notably, the clear identification of ligand-binding cavities within their PAS domains enables the development of targeted small molecules. Two examples are Belzutifan, targeting hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α, and Tapinarof, targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), both of which have gained regulatory approval recently. Here, we focus on the HIF subfamily. The crystal structures of all three HIF-α proteins have been elucidated, revealing their bHLH and tandem PAS domains are used to engage their dimerization partner aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT, also called HIF-1β). A broad range of recent findings point to a shared allosteric modulation mechanism among these proteins, whereby small-molecules at the PAS-B domains exert direct influence over the HIF-α transcriptional functions. As our understanding of the architectural and allosteric mechanisms of bHLH-PAS proteins continues to advance, the possibility of discovering new therapeutic drugs becomes increasingly promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhuang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China; Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Qinghong Shang
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Fraydoon Rastinejad
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK.
| | - Dalei Wu
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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11
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Rastinejad F. The protein architecture and allosteric landscape of HNF4α. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1219092. [PMID: 37732120 PMCID: PMC10507258 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1219092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) is a multi-faceted nuclear receptor responsible for governing the development and proper functioning of liver and pancreatic islet cells. Its transcriptional functions encompass the regulation of vital metabolic processes including cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism, and glucose sensing and control. Various genetic mutations and alterations in HNF4α are associated with diabetes, metabolic disorders, and cancers. From a structural perspective, HNF4α is one of the most comprehensively understood nuclear receptors due to its crystallographically observed architecture revealing interconnected DNA binding domains (DBDs) and ligand binding domains (LBDs). This review discusses key properties of HNF4α, including its mode of homodimerization, its binding to fatty acid ligands, the importance of post-translational modifications, and the mechanistic basis for allosteric functions. The surfaces linking HNF4α's DBDs and LBDs create a convergence zone that allows signals originating from any one domain to influence distant domains. The HNF4α-DNA complex serves as a prime illustration of how nuclear receptors utilize individual domains for specific functions, while also integrating these domains to create cohesive higher-order architectures that allow signal responsive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraydoon Rastinejad
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute (NDMRB), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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12
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Zhang J, Jiang Y, Li J, Zou H, Yin L, Yang Y, Yang L. Identification and precision therapy for three maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) families caused by mutations in the HNF4A gene. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1237553. [PMID: 37711893 PMCID: PMC10498112 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1237553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Heterozygous pathogenic variants in HNF4A gene cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 1 (MODY1). The mutation carriers for MODY1 have been reported to be relatively rare, in contrast to the most frequently reported forms of MODY2 and MODY3. Methods Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were performed for genetic analysis of MODY pedigrees. Tertiary structures of the mutated proteins were predicted using PyMOL software. Results Three heterozygous missense mutations in the HNF4A gene, I159T, W179C, and D260N, were identified in the probands of three unrelated MODY families using WES, one of which (W179C) was novel. Cascade genetic screening revealed that the mutations co-segregated with hyperglycemic phenotypes in their families. The molecular diagnosis of MODY1 has partly transformed its management in clinical practice and improved glycemic control. The proband in family A successfully converted to sulfonylureas and achieved good glycemic control. Proband B responded well to metformin combined with diet therapy because of his higher body mass index (BMI). The proband in family C, with paternal-derived mutations, had markedly defective pancreatic β-cell function due to the superposition effect of T2DM susceptibility genes from the maternal grandfather, and he is currently treated with insulin. In silico analysis using PyMOL showed that the I159T and D260N mutations altered polar interactions with the surrounding residues, and W179C resulted in a smaller side chain. Discussion We identified three heterozygous missense mutations of HNF4A from Chinese MODY families. Structural alterations in these mutations may lead to defects in protein function, further contributing to the hyperglycemic phenotype of mutation carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhang
- Institute of Monogenic Disease, School of Medicine, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
- Department of Scientific Research Section, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Yanyan Jiang
- Department of Geriatric Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Department of Emergency Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haiyin Zou
- Institute of Monogenic Disease, School of Medicine, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
- Department of Scientific Research Section, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The 990th Hospital of The People’s Liberation Army, Zhumadian, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Scientific Research Section, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Scientific Research Section, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
- Zhumadian Key Laboratory of Chronic Disease Research and Translational Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
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13
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Radi SH, Vemuri K, Martinez-Lomeli J, Sladek FM. HNF4α isoforms: the fraternal twin master regulators of liver function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1226173. [PMID: 37600688 PMCID: PMC10438950 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1226173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In the more than 30 years since the purification and cloning of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 (HNF4α), considerable insight into its role in liver function has been gleaned from its target genes and mouse experiments. HNF4α plays a key role in lipid and glucose metabolism and intersects with not just diabetes and circadian rhythms but also with liver cancer, although much remains to be elucidated about those interactions. Similarly, while we are beginning to elucidate the role of the isoforms expressed from its two promoters, we know little about the alternatively spliced variants in other portions of the protein and their impact on the 1000-plus HNF4α target genes. This review will address how HNF4α came to be called the master regulator of liver-specific gene expression with a focus on its role in basic metabolism, the contributions of the various isoforms and the intriguing intersection with the circadian clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H. Radi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Kiranmayi Vemuri
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Jose Martinez-Lomeli
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Frances M. Sladek
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
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14
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Grassi M, Laubscher B, Pandey AV, Tschumi S, Graber F, Schaller A, Janner M, Aeberli D, Hewer E, Nuoffer JM, Gautschi M. Expanding the p.(Arg85Trp) Variant-Specific Phenotype of HNF4A: Features of Glycogen Storage Disease, Liver Cirrhosis, Impaired Mitochondrial Function, and Glomerular Changes. Mol Syndromol 2023; 14:347-361. [PMID: 37766831 PMCID: PMC10521240 DOI: 10.1159/000529306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The p.(Arg85Trp) variant-specific phenotype of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha shows a complex clinical picture affecting three different organ systems and their corresponding metabolisms. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved and their relationship with the diverse symptoms seen in the context of this specific variant. Here, we present data of a new patient that expand the clinical phenotype, suggesting possible disease mechanisms. Case Presentation Clinical data were extracted from the patient's charts. The liver, kidney, and muscle were analyzed with routine histology and electron microscopy. Mitochondrial function was assessed by respirometric analyses and enzymatic activity assays. Structure and sequence analyses of this specific variant were investigated by in silico analyses. Our patient showed the known features of the variant-specific phenotype, including macrosomia, congenital hyperinsulinism, transient hepatomegaly, and renal Fanconi syndrome. In addition to that, she showed liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, and altered mitochondrial morphology and function. The clinical and biochemical phenotype had features of a new type of glycogen storage disease. Discussion This case expands the p.(Arg85Trp) variant-specific phenotype. Possible pathomechanistic explanations for the documented multiorgan involvement and changes of symptoms and signs during development of this ultra-rare but instructive disorder are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Grassi
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bernard Laubscher
- Department of Pediatrics, Réseau hospitalier neuchâtelois, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatrics, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Amit V. Pandey
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sibylle Tschumi
- Pediatric Nephrology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - André Schaller
- Department of Human Genetics, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Janner
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Aeberli
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ekkehard Hewer
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Pathology, Lausanne, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Nuoffer
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Gautschi
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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15
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Choi WJ, Haratipour Z, Blind RD. Full-length nuclear receptor allosteric regulation. J Lipid Res 2023; 64:100406. [PMID: 37356665 PMCID: PMC10388211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2023.100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are a superfamily of transcription factors regulated by a wide range of lipids that include phospholipids, fatty acids, heme-based metabolites, and cholesterol-based steroids. Encoded as classic two-domain modular transcription factors, nuclear receptors possess a DNA-binding domain (DBD) and a lipid ligand-binding domain (LBD) containing a transcriptional activation function. Decades of structural studies on the isolated LBDs of nuclear receptors established that lipid-ligand binding allosterically regulates the conformation of the LBD, regulating transcriptional coregulator recruitment and thus nuclear receptor function. These structural studies have aided the development of several FDA-approved drugs, highlighting the importance of understanding the structure-function relationships between lipids and nuclear receptors. However, there are few published descriptions of full-length nuclear receptor structure and even fewer descriptions of how lipids might allosterically regulate full-length structure. Here, we examine multidomain interactions based on the published full-length nuclear receptor structures, evaluating the potential of interdomain interfaces within these nuclear receptors to act as inducible sites of allosteric regulation by lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woong Jae Choi
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Zeinab Haratipour
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Center for Structural Biology, Nashville, TN, USA; Program in Precision Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Raymond D Blind
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Center for Structural Biology, Nashville, TN, USA; Program in Precision Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Diabetes Research and Training Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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16
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Bhimsaria D, Rodríguez-Martínez JA, Mendez-Johnson JL, Ghoshdastidar D, Varadarajan A, Bansal M, Daniels DL, Ramanathan P, Ansari AZ. Hidden modes of DNA binding by human nuclear receptors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4179. [PMID: 37443151 PMCID: PMC10345098 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39577-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human nuclear receptors (NRs) are a superfamily of ligand-responsive transcription factors that have central roles in cellular function. Their malfunction is linked to numerous diseases, and the ability to modulate their activity with synthetic ligands has yielded 16% of all FDA-approved drugs. NRs regulate distinct gene networks, however they often function from genomic sites that lack known binding motifs. Here, to annotate genomic binding sites of known and unexamined NRs more accurately, we use high-throughput SELEX to comprehensively map DNA binding site preferences of all full-length human NRs, in complex with their ligands. Furthermore, to identify non-obvious binding sites buried in DNA-protein interactomes, we develop MinSeq Find, a search algorithm based on the MinTerm concept from electrical engineering and digital systems design. The resulting MinTerm sequence set (MinSeqs) reveal a constellation of binding sites that more effectively annotate NR-binding profiles in cells. MinSeqs also unmask binding sites created or disrupted by 52,106 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with human diseases. By implicating druggable NRs as hidden drivers of multiple human diseases, our results not only reveal new biological roles of NRs, but they also provide a resource for drug-repurposing and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devesh Bhimsaria
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, India.
| | | | | | | | - Ashwin Varadarajan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Manju Bansal
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Danette L Daniels
- Promega Corporation, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
- Foghorn Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Parameswaran Ramanathan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | - Aseem Z Ansari
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
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17
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Beinsteiner B, Billas IML, Moras D. Structural insights into the HNF4 biology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1197063. [PMID: 37404310 PMCID: PMC10315846 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1197063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 (HNF4) is a transcription factor (TF) belonging to the nuclear receptor (NR) family that is expressed in liver, kidney, intestine and pancreas. It is a master regulator of liver-specific gene expression, in particular those genes involved in lipid transport and glucose metabolism and is crucial for the cellular differentiation during development. Dysregulation of HNF4 is linked to human diseases, such as type I diabetes (MODY1) and hemophilia. Here, we review the structures of the isolated HNF4 DNA binding domain (DBD) and ligand binding domain (LBD) and that of the multidomain receptor and compare them with the structures of other NRs. We will further discuss the biology of the HNF4α receptors from a structural perspective, in particular the effect of pathological mutations and of functionally critical post-translational modifications on the structure-function of the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brice Beinsteiner
- Laboratory IGBMC (Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology), Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg (Unistra), Strasbourg, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1258, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
| | - Isabelle M. L. Billas
- Laboratory IGBMC (Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology), Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg (Unistra), Strasbourg, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1258, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
| | - Dino Moras
- Laboratory IGBMC (Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology), Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg (Unistra), Strasbourg, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1258, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
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18
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Martinez-Calle M, Courbon G, Hunt-Tobey B, Francis C, Spindler J, Wang X, dos Reis LM, Martins CS, Salusky IB, Malluche H, Nickolas TL, Moyses RM, Martin A, David V. Transcription factor HNF4α2 promotes osteogenesis and prevents bone abnormalities in mice with renal osteodystrophy. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e159928. [PMID: 37079387 PMCID: PMC10231994 DOI: 10.1172/jci159928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is a disorder of bone metabolism that affects virtually all patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes including fractures, cardiovascular events, and death. In this study, we showed that hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α), a transcription factor mostly expressed in the liver, is also expressed in bone, and that osseous HNF4α expression was dramatically reduced in patients and mice with ROD. Osteoblast-specific deletion of Hnf4α resulted in impaired osteogenesis in cells and mice. Using multi-omics analyses of bones and cells lacking or overexpressing Hnf4α1 and Hnf4α2, we showed that HNF4α2 is the main osseous Hnf4α isoform that regulates osteogenesis, cell metabolism, and cell death. As a result, osteoblast-specific overexpression of Hnf4α2 prevented bone loss in mice with CKD. Our results showed that HNF4α2 is a transcriptional regulator of osteogenesis, implicated in the development of ROD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Martinez-Calle
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and Center for Translational Metabolism and Health, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Guillaume Courbon
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and Center for Translational Metabolism and Health, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Bridget Hunt-Tobey
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and Center for Translational Metabolism and Health, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Connor Francis
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and Center for Translational Metabolism and Health, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jadeah Spindler
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and Center for Translational Metabolism and Health, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Xueyan Wang
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and Center for Translational Metabolism and Health, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Luciene M. dos Reis
- LIM 16, Nephrology Department, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina S.W. Martins
- LIM 16, Nephrology Department, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isidro B. Salusky
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hartmut Malluche
- Division of Nephrology, Bone and Mineral Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Thomas L. Nickolas
- Department of Medicine, Columbia Irving University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rosa M.A. Moyses
- LIM 16, Nephrology Department, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline Martin
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and Center for Translational Metabolism and Health, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Valentin David
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and Center for Translational Metabolism and Health, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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19
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Jiang L, Liu X, Liang X, Dai S, Wei H, Guo M, Chen Z, Xiao D, Chen Y. Structural basis of the farnesoid X receptor/retinoid X receptor heterodimer on inverted repeat DNA. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3149-3157. [PMID: 37287811 PMCID: PMC10242635 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor known as bile acid receptor (BAR). FXR plays critical roles in various biological processes, including metabolism, immune inflammation, liver regeneration and liver carcinogenesis. FXR forms a heterodimer with the retinoid X receptor (RXR) and binds to diverse FXR response elements (FXREs) to exert its various biological functions. However, the mechanism by which the FXR/RXR heterodimer binds the DNA elements remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to use structural, biochemical and bioinformatics analyses to study the mechanism of FXR binding to the typical FXRE, such as the IR1 site, and the heterodimer interactions in the FXR-DBD/RXR-DBD complex. Further biochemical assays showed that RAR, THR and NR4A2 do not form heterodimers with RXR when bound to the IR1 sites, which indicates that IR1 may be a unique binding site for the FXR/RXR heterodimer. Our studies may provide a further understanding of the dimerization specificity of nuclear receptors.
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20
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Samadli S, Zhou Q, Zheng B, Gu W, Zhang A. From glucose sensing to exocytosis: takes from maturity onset diabetes of the young. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1188301. [PMID: 37255971 PMCID: PMC10226665 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1188301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Monogenic diabetes gave us simplified models of complex molecular processes occurring within β-cells, which allowed to explore the roles of numerous proteins from single protein perspective. Constellation of characteristic phenotypic features and wide application of genetic sequencing techniques to clinical practice, made the major form of monogenic diabetes - the Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young to be distinguishable from type 1, type 2 as well as neonatal diabetes mellitus and understanding underlying molecular events for each type of MODY contributed to the advancements of antidiabetic therapy and stem cell research tremendously. The functional analysis of MODY-causing proteins in diabetes development, not only provided better care for patients suffering from diabetes, but also enriched our comprehension regarding the universal cellular processes including transcriptional and translational regulation, behavior of ion channels and transporters, cargo trafficking, exocytosis. In this review, we will overview structure and function of MODY-causing proteins, alterations in a particular protein arising from the deleterious mutations to the corresponding gene and their consequences, and translation of this knowledge into new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sama Samadli
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Pediatric Diseases II, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Qiaoli Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bixia Zheng
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Gu
- Department of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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21
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Peterson ND, Tse SY, Huang QJ, Wani KA, Schiffer CA, Pukkila-Worley R. Non-canonical pattern recognition of a pathogen-derived metabolite by a nuclear hormone receptor identifies virulent bacteria in C. elegans. Immunity 2023; 56:768-782.e9. [PMID: 36804958 PMCID: PMC10101930 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Distinguishing infectious pathogens from harmless microorganisms is essential for animal health. The mechanisms used to identify infectious microbes are not fully understood, particularly in metazoan hosts that eat bacteria as their food source. Here, we characterized a non-canonical pattern-recognition system in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) that assesses the relative threat of virulent Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) to activate innate immunity. We discovered that the innate immune response in C. elegans was triggered by phenazine-1-carboxamide (PCN), a toxic metabolite produced by pathogenic strains of P. aeruginosa. We identified the nuclear hormone receptor NHR-86/HNF4 as the PCN sensor in C. elegans and validated that PCN bound to the ligand-binding domain of NHR-86/HNF4. Activation of NHR-86/HNF4 by PCN directly engaged a transcriptional program in intestinal epithelial cells that protected against P. aeruginosa. Thus, a bacterial metabolite is a pattern of pathogenesis surveilled by nematodes to identify a pathogen in its bacterial diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Peterson
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Samantha Y Tse
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Qiuyu Judy Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Khursheed A Wani
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Celia A Schiffer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Read Pukkila-Worley
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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22
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Helsen C, Rocca MS, Nguyen TT, Eerlings R, Lee XY, De Block S, Vinanzi C, Di Millo F, Giagulli V, Voet A, Ferlin A, Claessens F. Study of novel androgen receptor V770 variant in androgen insensitivity syndrome patients reveals the transitional state of the androgen receptor ligand binding domain homodimer. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4599. [PMID: 36806291 PMCID: PMC10019450 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
We report the discovery of the androgen receptor missense mutation V770D, that was found in two sisters suffering from complete androgen insensitivity. Experimental validation of AR V770 variants demonstrated that AR V770D was transcriptionally inactive due to the inability to dimerize and a reduced ligand binding affinity. The more conservative AR V770A variant showed a dimerization defect at low levels of DHT with a partial recovery of the transcriptional activity and of the receptor's ability to dimerize when increasing the DHT levels. With V770 located outside of the proposed LBD dimerization interface of the AR LBD homodimer crystal structure, the effects of the V770A mutation on AR dimerization were unexpected. We therefore explored whether the AR LBD dimerization interface would be better described by an alternative dimerization mode based on available human homodimeric LBD crystal structures of other nuclear receptors. Superposition of the monomeric AR LBD in the homodimeric crystal structures of GR, PR, ER, CAR, TRβ, and HNF-4α showed that the GR-like LBD dimer model was energetically the most stable. Moreover, V770 was a key energy residue in the GR-like LBD dimer while it was not involved in the stabilization of the AR LBD homodimer according to the crystal structure. Additionally, the observation that 4 AIS mutations impacted the stability of the AR LBD dimer while 16 mutations affected the GR-like LBD dimer, suggested that the AR LBD dimer crystal is a snapshot of a breathing AR LBD homodimer that can transition into the GR-like LBD dimer model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive MedicineUniversity Hospital of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Tien T. Nguyen
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Modelling and Design, the Chemistry DepartmentKU LeuvenHeverleeBelgium
| | - Roy Eerlings
- Molecular Endocrinology LaboratoryKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Xiao Yin Lee
- Molecular Endocrinology LaboratoryKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Sofie De Block
- Molecular Endocrinology LaboratoryKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Cinzia Vinanzi
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive MedicineUniversity Hospital of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | | | - Vito Giagulli
- Santa Maria and Villa Lucia HospitalGVM Care & ResearchBariItaly
| | - Arnout Voet
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Modelling and Design, the Chemistry DepartmentKU LeuvenHeverleeBelgium
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23
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Zhen X, Gan Q, Qu L, Dong Y, Pan C, Liu J, Wang N, Xu T. ERRγ-DBD undergoes dimerization and conformational rearrangement upon binding to the downstream site of the DR1 element. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 656:16-22. [PMID: 36944284 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
The estrogen-related receptor (ERR) family members are reported to bind DNA elements as either monomer or dimer. However, to date, only one solution NMR structure of ERRβ in complex with a half-site DNA element has been reported. To better understand the DNA regulation mechanism, we determined the crystal structure of ERRγ-DBD bound to a natural DR1 element in Pla2g12b promoter to 2.2 Å resolution. Combined with biochemical assays, we show that ERRγ acts as a dimer and the C-terminal extension region undergoes conformational rearrangement when binding to the downstream DR1 element. In addition, the T-box region on the dimerization interface exhibits unique main-chain conformation. Thus, our structure presents a novel dimer interface for NR binding on DR1 DNA and provides a molecular basis for understanding the homodimer organization of ERR on DR1 elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Zhen
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Qingqing Gan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Linbing Qu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Yan Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Chen Pan
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Na Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
| | - Tingting Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
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24
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Kumar R. Structure and functions of the N-terminal domain of steroid hormone receptors. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:399-416. [PMID: 37717992 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The steroid hormone receptors (SHRs) belong to the large superfamily of nuclear receptors that selectively modulate gene expression in response to specific hormone ligands. The SHRs are required in a broad range of normal physiological processes as well as associated with numerous pathological conditions. Over years, the understanding of the SHR biology and mechanisms of their actions on target cells have found many clinical applications and management of various endocrine-related disorders. However, the effectiveness of SHR-based therapies in endocrine-related cancers remain a clinical challenge. This, in part, is due to the lack of in-depth understanding of structural dynamics and functions of SHRs' intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain (NTD). Recent progress in delineating SHR structural information and their correlations with receptor action in a highly dynamic environment is ultimately helping to explain how diverse SHR signaling mechanisms can elicit selective biological effects. Recent developments are providing new insights of how NTD's structural flexibility plays an important role in SHRs' allosteric regulation leading to the fine tuning of target gene expression to more precisely control SHRs' cell/tissue-specific functions. In this review article, we are discussing the up-to-date knowledge about the SHR actions with a particular emphasis on the structure and functions of the NTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Touro College of Pharmacy, New York, NY, United States.
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25
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Postel S, Wissler L, Johansson CA, Gunnarsson A, Gordon E, Collins B, Castaldo M, Köhler C, Öling D, Johansson P, Fröderberg Roth L, Beinsteiner B, Dainty I, Delaney S, Klaholz BP, Billas IML, Edman K. Quaternary glucocorticoid receptor structure highlights allosteric interdomain communication. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:286-295. [PMID: 36747092 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00914-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that binds DNA and assembles co-regulator complexes to regulate gene transcription. GR agonists are widely prescribed to people with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Here we present high-resolution, multidomain structures of GR in complex with ligand, DNA and co-regulator peptide. The structures reveal how the receptor forms an asymmetric dimer on the DNA and provide a detailed view of the domain interactions within and across the two monomers. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange and DNA-binding experiments demonstrate that ligand-dependent structural changes are communicated across the different domains in the full-length receptor. This study demonstrates how GR forms a distinct architecture on DNA and how signal transmission can be modulated by the ligand pharmacophore, provides a platform to build a new level of understanding of how receptor modifications can drive disease progression and offers key insight for future drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Postel
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisa Wissler
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carina A Johansson
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Gunnarsson
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Euan Gordon
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Barry Collins
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Castaldo
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christian Köhler
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David Öling
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Patrik Johansson
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Brice Beinsteiner
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
| | - Ian Dainty
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stephen Delaney
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bruno P Klaholz
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
| | - Isabelle M L Billas
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
| | - Karl Edman
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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26
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Cancela S, Esteves A, Alvite G, Paulino M. Modeling, molecular dynamics and docking studies of a full-length Echinococcus granulosus 2DBD nuclear receptor. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:1414-1423. [PMID: 34994278 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2023641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors capable of regulating the expression of complex gene networks. The family includes seven subfamilies of protein with a wide phylogenetic distribution. A novel subfamily with two DNA-binding domains (2DBDs) has been first reported in Schistosoma mansoni (Platyhelminth, Trematoda). Employing an ab initio protocol and homology modeling methods, the full-length 3D structure of the Eg2DBDα.1 nuclear receptor from Echinococcus granulosus (Platyhelminth, Cestoda) was generated. The model analysis reveals the presence of the conserved three-layered alpha-helical sandwich structure in the ligand binding domain, and a particularly long and flexible hinge region. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed previous to dock a conformational library of fatty acids and retinoic acids. Our results indicate that oleic and linoleic acids are suitable ligands to this receptor. The ligand-protein complex is stabilized mainly by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The fact that 2DBD nuclear receptors have not been identified in vertebrates confers particular interest to these nuclear receptors, not only concerning their structure and function but as targets of new anthelmintic drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saira Cancela
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Esteves
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gabriela Alvite
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Margot Paulino
- Bioinformatics Center, DETEMA, Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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27
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Wang K, Yang Z, Li X, Liu S, Wang L, Zhang H, Yu H. A Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor BtabHNF4 Mediates Desiccation Tolerance and Fecundity in Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 52:138-147. [PMID: 36462170 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvac103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4) is essential for glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism in insects. However, little is known about the role of HNF4 in whiteflies. In the present study, we identified a hepatocyte nuclear factor protein from Bemsia tabaci (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and named it BtabHNF4. The full-length of BtabHNF4 was 3,006 bp, encoding a sequence of 434 amino acids that contains a conserved zinc-finger DNA-binding domain (DBD) and a well-conserved ligand-binding domain (LBD). The temporal and spatial expression showed that BtabHNF4 was highly expressed in the female adult stage and abdominal tissues of B. tabaci. A leaf-mediated RNA interference method was used to explore the function of BtabHNF4 in whiteflies. Our results showed that the knockdown of BtabHNF4 influences the desiccation tolerance, egg production, and egg hatching rate of whiteflies. Additionally, BtabHNF4 silencing significantly inhibited the expression level of vitellogenin. These results expand the function of HNF4 and pave the way for understanding the molecular mechanisms of HNF4 in regulating multiple physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Wang
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhifang Yang
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Shunxiao Liu
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
- College of Agrarian Technology and Natural Resources, Sumy National Agrarian University, Sumy 40021, Ukraine
| | - Liuhao Wang
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Natural Resources, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
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28
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Interactions governing transcriptional activity of nuclear receptors. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1941-1952. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20220338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The key players in transcriptional regulation are transcription factors (TFs), proteins that bind specific DNA sequences. Several mechanisms exist to turn TFs ‘on’ and ‘off’, including ligand binding which induces conformational changes within TFs, subsequently influencing multiple inter- and intramolecular interactions to drive transcriptional responses. Nuclear receptors are a specific family of ligand-regulated TFs whose activity relies on interactions with DNA, coregulator proteins and other receptors. These multidomain proteins also undergo interdomain interactions on multiple levels, further modulating transcriptional outputs. Cooperation between these distinct interactions is critical for appropriate transcription and remains an intense area of investigation. In this review, we report and summarize recent findings that continue to advance our mechanistic understanding of how interactions between nuclear receptors and diverse partners influence transcription.
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29
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Integrative analysis reveals structural basis for transcription activation of Nurr1 and Nurr1-RXRα heterodimer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206737119. [PMID: 36442107 PMCID: PMC9894219 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206737119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 plays important roles in the progression of various diseases, including Parkinson's disease, neuroinflammation, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. It can recognize DNA as a monomer or heterodimer with retinoid X receptor α (RXRα). But the molecular mechanism of its transcriptional activity regulation is still largely unknown. Here we obtained a crystal structure of monomer Nurr1 (DNA- and ligand-binding domains, DBD and LBD) bound to NGFI-B response element. The structure exhibited two different forms with distinct DBD orientations, unveiling the conformational flexibility of nuclear receptor monomer. We then generated an integrative model of Nurr1-RXRα heterodimer. In the context of heterodimer, the structural flexibility of Nurr1 would contribute to its transcriptional activity modulation. We demonstrated that the DNA sequence may specifically modulate the transcriptional activity of Nurr1 in the absence of RXRα agonist, but the modulation can be superseded when the agonist binds to RXRα. Together, we propose a set of signaling pathways for the constitutive transcriptional activation of Nurr1 and provide molecular mechanisms for therapeutic discovery targeting Nurr1 and Nurr1-RXRα heterodimer.
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30
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Giguère V, Evans RM. Chronicle of a discovery: the retinoic acid receptor. J Mol Endocrinol 2022; 69:T1-T11. [PMID: 35900848 DOI: 10.1530/jme-22-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The landmark 1987 discovery of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) came as a surprise, uncovering a genomic kinship between the fields of vitamin A biology and steroid receptors. This stunning breakthrough triggered a cascade of studies to deconstruct the roles played by the RAR and its natural and synthetic ligands in embryonic development, skin, growth, physiology, vision, and disease as well as providing a template to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which nuclear receptors regulate gene expression. In this review, written from historic and personal perspectives, we highlight the milestones that led to the discovery of the RAR and the subsequent studies that enriched our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms by which a low-abundant dietary compound could be so essential to the generation and maintenance of life itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Giguère
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ronald M Evans
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA
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31
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Rastinejad F. Retinoic acid receptor structures: the journey from single domains to full-length complex. J Mol Endocrinol 2022; 69:T25-T36. [PMID: 36069789 PMCID: PMC11376212 DOI: 10.1530/jme-22-0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The retinoic acid receptors (RARα, β, and γ) are multi-domain polypeptides that heterodimerize with retinoid X receptors (RXRα, β, and γ) to form functional transcription factors. Understanding the three-dimensional molecular organization of these nuclear receptors (NRs) began with RAR and RXR DNA-binding domains (DBDs), and were followed with studies on isolated ligand-binding domains (LBDs). The more complete picture emerged in 2017 with the multi-domain crystal structure of RXRα-RARβ on its response element with retinoic acid molecules and coactivator segments on both proteins. The analysis of that structure and its complementary studies have clarified the direct communication pathways within RXR-RAR polypeptides, through which DNA binding, protein-ligand, and protein-protein interactions are integrated for overall functional responses. Understanding the molecular connections in the RXR-RAR complex has benefited from direct observations of the multi-domain structures of RXRα-PPARγ, RXRα-LXRβ, HNF-4α homodimer, and androgen receptor homodimer, each bound to its response element. These comprehensive NR structures show unique quaternary architectures, yet all have DBD-DBD, LBD-LBD, and DBD-LBD domain-domain contacts within them. These convergence zones allow signals from discrete domains of their polypeptides to be propagated and integrated across their entire complex, shaping their overall responses in an allosteric fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraydoon Rastinejad
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Target Discovery Institute (NDM RB), Oxford, UK
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Daffern N, Radhakrishnan I. A Novel Mechanism of Coactivator Recruitment by the Nurr1 Nuclear Receptor. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167718. [PMID: 35810793 PMCID: PMC9922031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors constitute one of the largest families of transcription factors that regulate genes in metazoans in response to small molecule ligands. Many receptors harbor two transactivation domains, one at each end of the protein sequence. Whereas the molecular mechanisms of transactivation mediated by the ligand-binding domain at the C-terminus of the protein are generally well established, the mechanism involving the N-terminal domain called activation function 1 (AF1) has remained elusive. Previous studies implicated the AF1 domain as a significant contributor towards the overall transcriptional activity of the NR4A family of nuclear receptors and suggested that the steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs) play an important role in this process. Here we show that a short segment within the AF1 domain of the NR4A receptor Nurr1 can directly engage with the SRC1 PAS-B domain. We also show that this segment forms a helix upon binding to a largely hydrophobic groove on PAS-B, overlapping with the surface engaged by the STAT6 transcription factor, suggesting that this mode of recruitment could be shared by diverse transcription factors including other nuclear receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ishwar Radhakrishnan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, United States.
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Rochel N. Vitamin D and Its Receptor from a Structural Perspective. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14142847. [PMID: 35889804 PMCID: PMC9325172 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The activities of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25D3, are mediated via its binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor that belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily. Numerous studies have demonstrated the important role of 1,25D3 and VDR signaling in various biological processes and associated pathologies. A wealth of information about ligand recognition and mechanism of action by structural analysis of the VDR complexes is also available. The methods used in these structural studies were mainly X-ray crystallography complemented by NMR, cryo-electron microscopy and structural mass spectrometry. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge of VDR structures and also to explore the recent progress in understanding the complex mechanism of action of 1,25D3 from a structural perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Rochel
- Integrated Structural Biology Department, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 67404 Illkirch, France;
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, 67404 Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1258, 67404 Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
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In Silico Identification of lncRNAs Regulating Sperm Motility in the Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo L.). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147642. [PMID: 35887003 PMCID: PMC9324027 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts not translated into proteins with a length of more than 200 bp. LncRNAs are considered an important factor in the regulation of countless biological processes, mainly through the regulation of gene expression and interactions with proteins. However, the detailed mechanism of interaction as well as functions of lncRNAs are still unclear and therefore constitute a serious research challenge. In this study, for the first time, potential mechanisms of lncRNA regulation of processes related to sperm motility in turkey were investigated and described. Customized bioinformatics analysis was used to detect and identify lncRNAs, and their correlations with differentially expressed genes and proteins were also investigated. Results revealed the expression of 863 new/unknown lncRNAs in ductus deferens, testes and epididymis of turkeys. Moreover, potential relationships of the lncRNAs with the coding mRNAs and their products were identified in turkey reproductive tissues. The results obtained from the OMICS study may be useful in describing and characterizing the way that lncRNAs regulate genes and proteins as well as signaling pathways related to sperm motility.
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Wasmuth EV, Broeck AV, LaClair JR, Hoover EA, Lawrence KE, Paknejad N, Pappas K, Matthies D, Wang B, Feng W, Watson PA, Zinder JC, Karthaus WR, de la Cruz MJ, Hite RK, Manova-Todorova K, Yu Z, Weintraub ST, Klinge S, Sawyers CL. Allosteric interactions prime androgen receptor dimerization and activation. Mol Cell 2022; 82:2021-2031.e5. [PMID: 35447082 PMCID: PMC9177810 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a nuclear receptor that governs gene expression programs required for prostate development and male phenotype maintenance. Advanced prostate cancers display AR hyperactivation and transcriptome expansion, in part, through AR amplification and interaction with oncoprotein cofactors. Despite its biological importance, how AR domains and cofactors cooperate to bind DNA has remained elusive. Using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, we isolated three conformations of AR bound to DNA, showing that AR forms a non-obligate dimer, with the buried dimer interface utilized by ancestral steroid receptors repurposed to facilitate cooperative DNA binding. We identify novel allosteric surfaces which are compromised in androgen insensitivity syndrome and reinforced by AR's oncoprotein cofactor, ERG, and by DNA-binding motifs. Finally, we present evidence that this plastic dimer interface may have been adopted for transactivation at the expense of DNA binding. Our work highlights how fine-tuning AR's cooperative interactions translate to consequences in development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth V Wasmuth
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Laboratory of Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Arnaud Vanden Broeck
- Laboratory of Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Justin R LaClair
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Hoover
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kayla E Lawrence
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Navid Paknejad
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kyrie Pappas
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Doreen Matthies
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Biran Wang
- Molecular Cytology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Weiran Feng
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Philip A Watson
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - John C Zinder
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Wouter R Karthaus
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - M Jason de la Cruz
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Richard K Hite
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Zhiheng Yu
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Susan T Weintraub
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Sebastian Klinge
- Laboratory of Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Charles L Sawyers
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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Protein interaction networks of the mammalian core clock proteins. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2022; 131:207-233. [PMID: 35871891 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythm is a 24-h cycle that regulates the biochemical and behavioral changes of organisms. It controls a wide range of functions, from gene expression to behavior, allowing organisms to anticipate daily changes in their environment. In mammals, circadian rhythm is generated by a complex transcriptional and translational feedback loop mechanism. The binding of CLOCK/BMAL1 heterodimer to the E-box of DNA located within the promoter region initiates transcription of clock control genes including the transcription of the other two core clock genes of Periods (Pers) and Cryptochromes (Crys). Then PERs and CRYs along with casein kinase 1ɛ/Δ translocate into the nucleus where they suppress CLOCK/BMAL1 transactivation and, in turn, clock-regulated gene expression. Various clock components must be operational to aid in their stabilization and period extension in circadian rhythm. In this review, we have highlighted the recent progress for the core clock interacting proteins to maintain and to stabilize circadian rhythm in mammals.
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Scholtes C, Giguère V. Transcriptional control of energy metabolism by nuclear receptors. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:750-770. [DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00486-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Li LL, Peng Z, Hu Q, Xu LJ, Zou X, Huang DM, Yi P. Berberine retarded the growth of gastric cancer xenograft tumors by targeting hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:842-857. [PMID: 35582103 PMCID: PMC9048536 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i4.842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is the third deadliest cancer in the world and ranks second in incidence and mortality of cancers in China. Despite advances in prevention, diagnosis, and therapy, the absolute number of cases is increasing every year due to aging and the growth of high-risk populations, and gastric cancer is still a leading cause of cancer-related death. Gastric cancer is a consequence of the complex interaction of microbial agents, with environmental and host factors, resulting in the dysregulation of multiple oncogenic and tumor-suppressing signaling pathways. Global efforts have been made to investigate in detail the genomic and epigenomic heterogeneity of this disease, resulting in the identification of new specific and sensitive predictive and prognostic biomarkers. Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody against the HER2 receptor, is approved in the first-line treatment of patients with HER2+ tumors, which accounts for 13%-23% of the gastric cancer population. Ramucirumab, a monoclonal antibody against VEGFR2, is currently recommended in patients progressing after first-line treatment. Several clinical trials have also tested novel agents for advanced gastric cancer but mostly with disappointing results, such as anti-EGFR and anti-MET monoclonal antibodies. Therefore, it is still of great significance to screen specific molecular targets for gastric cancer and drugs directed against the molecular targets.
AIM To investigate the effect and mechanism of berberine against tumor growth in gastric cancer xenograft models and to explore the role of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)-WNT5a/β-catenin pathways played in the antitumor effects of berberine.
METHODS MGC803 and SGC7901 subcutaneous xenograft models were established. The control group was intragastrically administrated with normal saline, and the berberine group was administrated intragastrically with 100 mg/kg/d berberine. The body weight of nude mice during the experiment was measured to assess whether berberine has any adverse reaction. The volume of subcutaneous tumors during this experiment was recorded to evaluate the inhibitory effect of berberine on the growth of MGC803 and SGC7901 subcutaneous transplantation tumors. Polymerase chain reaction assays were conducted to evaluate the alteration of transcriptional expression of HNF4α, WNT5a and β-catenin in tumor tissues and liver tissues from the MGC803 and SGC7901 xenograft models. Western blotting and IHC were performed to assess the protein expression of HNF4α, WNT5a and β-catenin in tumor tissues and liver tissues from the MGC803 and SGC7901 xenograft models.
RESULTS In the both MGC803 and SGC7901 xenograft tumor models, berberine significantly reduced tumor volume and weight and thus retarded the growth rate of tumors. In the SGC7901 and MGC803 subcutaneously transplanted tumor models, berberine down-regulated the expression of HNF4α, WNT5a and β-catenin in tumor tissues from both transcription and protein levels. Besides, berberine also suppressed the protein expression of HNF4α, WNT5a and β-catenin in liver tissues.
CONCLUSION Berberine retarded the growth of MGC803 and SGC7901 xenograft model tumors, and the mechanism behind these anti-growth effects might be the downregulation of the expression of HNF4α-WNT5a/β-catenin signaling pathways both in tumor tissues and liver tissues of the xenograft models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Li Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430045, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ze Peng
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430045, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qian Hu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li-Jun Xu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430045, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xin Zou
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430045, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dong-Mei Huang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430045, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430045, Hubei Province, China
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Verma S, Chakraborti S, Singh OP, Pande V, Dixit R, Pandey AV, Pandey KC. Recognition of fold- and function-specific sites in the ligand-binding domain of the thyroid hormone receptor-like family. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:981090. [PMID: 36246927 PMCID: PMC9559826 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.981090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The thyroid hormone receptor-like (THR-like) family is the largest transcription factors family belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily, which directly binds to DNA and regulates the gene expression and thereby controls various metabolic processes in a ligand-dependent manner. The THR-like family contains receptors THRs, RARs, VDR, PPARs, RORs, Rev-erbs, CAR, PXR, LXRs, and others. THR-like receptors are involved in many aspects of human health, including development, metabolism and homeostasis. Therefore, it is considered an important therapeutic target for various diseases such as osteoporosis, rickets, diabetes, etc. METHODS In this study, we have performed an extensive sequence and structure analysis of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the THR-like family spanning multiple taxa. We have use different computational tools (information-theoretic measures; relative entropy) to predict the key residues responsible for fold and functional specificity in the LBD of the THR-like family. The MSA of THR-like LBDs was further used as input in conservation studies and phylogenetic clustering studies. RESULTS Phylogenetic analysis of the LBD domain of THR-like proteins resulted in the clustering of eight subfamilies based on their sequence homology. The conservation analysis by relative entropy (RE) revealed that structurally important residues are conserved throughout the LBDs in the THR-like family. The multi-harmony conservation analysis further predicted specificity in determining residues in LBDs of THR-like subfamilies. Finally, fold and functional specificity determining residues (residues critical for ligand, DBD and coregulators binding) were mapped on the three-dimensional structure of thyroid hormone receptor protein. We then compiled a list of natural mutations in THR-like LBDs and mapped them along with fold and function-specific mutations. Some of the mutations were found to have a link with severe diseases like hypothyroidism, rickets, obesity, lipodystrophy, epilepsy, etc. CONCLUSION Our study identifies fold and function-specific residues in THR-like LBDs. We believe that this study will be useful in exploring the role of these residues in the binding of different drugs, ligands, and protein-protein interaction among partner proteins. So this study might be helpful in the rational design of either ligands or receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Verma
- Parasite-Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, University Children’s Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Translational Hormone Research Cluster, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Om P. Singh
- Parasite-Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Veena Pande
- Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttrakhand, India
| | - Rajnikant Dixit
- Parasite-Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Amit V. Pandey
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, University Children’s Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Translational Hormone Research Cluster, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Kailash C. Pandey, ; Amit V. Pandey,
| | - Kailash C. Pandey
- Parasite-Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
- *Correspondence: Kailash C. Pandey, ; Amit V. Pandey,
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Guo Y, Zhao J, Huang R, Xu T, Zhou K, Zheng L. Scalable Dual-Fluorescence Assay for Functional Interpretation of HNF-4α Missense Variants. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:812747. [PMID: 35237236 PMCID: PMC8883583 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.812747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The study aimed to develop a scalable dual-fluorescence assay in cells to enable the functional interpretation of HNF-4α missense variants identified in exome sequencing, which can be used to guide clinical diagnosis. METHODS Using mOrange2 and GFP fluorescence proteins to track the expression of HNF-4α (HNF-4α-mOrange2) and reporter activity under the control of the HNF-1α promoter (pHNF1A-GFP), respectively, we designed a dual-fluorescence assay to evaluate the expression level, cellular localization, and transcriptional function of HNF-4α simultaneously in live cells. To assess the scalable characteristic of the assay, a small library containing five previously reported mutations and wild-type HNF-4α was constructed. Cells infected with this library were sorted into different populations through fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) according to the transcription activity and expression abundance. Cloning and Sanger sequencing were used to detect the mutations of the different groups. High content screening (HCS) assay was used for the validation of individual mutants in the function and expression point of view. RESULTS HNF-4α-mOrange2 exhibited nuclear localization and transactivation capability on the HNF-1α promoter as physical HNF-4α does. The expression of HNF-4α-mOrange2 shows a 6-fold induction of GFP expression compared to the control without HNF-4α-mOrange2, which was significantly abolished by the known loss-of-function mutant M373R. The different performances of wild-type and mutant M373R made them distinguishable in the FACS system, empowering the scalable capability of this assay for classifying large numbers of variants combining functional stratification and sequencing. Further application of the assay in the small library showed that three cell populations were seen grouped as Normal (same transactivation as wild type), Reducedexp_nor (reduced transactivation with normal or higher expression), and Reducedexp_low (reduced transactivation with lower expression). Subsequently, Sanger sequencing showed that wild-type HNF-4α was in the Normal group, two mutations (M373R and G79C) were enriched in the Reducedexp_nor group, and three mutations (C115S, L272P, and F83C) belonged to the Reducedexp_low group. These results were validated by further imaging data using HCS assay for individual mutation. CONCLUSIONS Our study proposes a scalable and informative approach for the characterization of the variants in HNF-4α genes in a quantitative and high-throughput manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Guo
- College of Life Sciences, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Tao Xu
- College of Life Sciences, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Li Zheng, ; Kaixin Zhou, ; Tao Xu,
| | - Kaixin Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Li Zheng, ; Kaixin Zhou, ; Tao Xu,
| | - Li Zheng
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Li Zheng, ; Kaixin Zhou, ; Tao Xu,
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Structural overview and perspectives of the nuclear receptors, a major family as the direct targets for small-molecule drugs. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2021; 54:12-24. [PMID: 35130630 PMCID: PMC9909358 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2021001] [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: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptors (NRs) are an evolutionarily related family of transcription factors, which share certain common structural characteristics and regulate the expressions of various genes by recognizing different response elements. NRs play important roles in cell differentiation, proliferation, survival and apoptosis, rendering them indispensable in many physiological activities including growth and metabolism. As a result, dysfunctions of NRs are closely related to a variety of diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, infertility, inflammation, the Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases, prostate and breast cancers. Meanwhile, small-molecule drugs directly targeting NRs have been widely used in the treatment of above diseases. Here we summarize recent progress in the structural biology studies of NR family proteins. Compared with the dozens of structures of isolated DNA-binding domains (DBDs) and the striking more than a thousand of structures of isolated ligand-binding domains (LBDs) accumulated in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) over thirty years, by now there are only a small number of multi-domain NR complex structures, which reveal the integration of different NR domains capable of the allosteric signal transduction, or the detailed interactions between NR and various coregulator proteins. On the other hand, the structural information about several orphan NRs is still totally unavailable, hindering the further understanding of their functions. The fast development of new technologies in structural biology will certainly help us gain more comprehensive information of NR structures, inspiring the discovery of novel NR-targeting drugs with a new binding site beyond the classic LBD pockets and/or a new mechanism of action.
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Chen X, Zhao Y, Wang D, Lin Y, Hou J, Xu X, Wu J, Zhong L, Zhou Y, Shen J, Zhang W, Cao H, Hong X, Hu T, Zhan YY. The HNF4α-BC200-FMR1-Positive Feedback Loop Promotes Growth and Metastasis in Invasive Mucinous Lung Adenocarcinoma. Cancer Res 2021; 81:5904-5918. [PMID: 34654723 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Invasive mucinous lung adenocarcinoma (IMA) is a subtype of lung adenocarcinoma with a strong invasive ability. IMA frequently carries "undruggable" KRAS mutations, highlighting the need for new molecular targets and therapies. Nuclear receptor HNF4α is abnormally enriched in IMA, but the potential of HNF4α to be a therapeutic target for IMA remains unknown. Here, we report that P2 promoter-driven HNF4α expression promotes IMA growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, HNF4α transactivated lncRNA BC200, which acted as a scaffold for mRNA binding protein FMR1. BC200 promoted the ability of FMR1 to bind and regulate stability of cancer-related mRNAs and HNF4α mRNA, forming a positive feedback circuit. Mycophenolic acid, the active metabolite of FDA-approved drug mycophenolate mofetil, was identified as an HNF4α antagonist exhibiting anti-IMA activities in vitro and in vivo. This study reveals the role of a HNF4α-BC200-FMR1-positive feedback loop in promoting mRNA stability during IMA progression and metastasis, providing a targeted therapeutic strategy for IMA. SIGNIFICANCE: Growth and metastatic progression of invasive mucinous lung adenocarcinoma can be restricted by targeting HNF4α, a critical regulator of a BC200-FMR1-mRNA stability axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Chen
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Yujie Zhao
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Daxuan Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Jihuan Hou
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolin Xu
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Jianben Wu
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Linhai Zhong
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Yitong Zhou
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Jinying Shen
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Hanwei Cao
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoting Hong
- Department of Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Tianhui Hu
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhan
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R. China.
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Strutzenberg TS, Zhu Y, Novick SJ, Garcia-Ordonez RD, Doebelin C, He Y, Chang MR, Kamenecka TM, Edwards DP, Griffin PR. Conformational Changes of RORγ During Response Element Recognition and Coregulator Engagement. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167258. [PMID: 34547329 PMCID: PMC8556364 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γ (RORγ) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor of the nuclear receptor super family that underpins metabolic activity, immune function, and cancer progression. Despite being a valuable drug target in health and disease, our understanding of the ligand-dependent activities of RORγ is far from complete. Like most nuclear receptors, RORγ must recruit coregulatory protein to enact the RORγ target gene program. To date, a majority of structural studies have been focused exclusively on the RORγ ligand-binding domain and the ligand-dependent recruitment of small peptide segments of coregulators. Herein, we examine the ligand-dependent assembly of full length RORγ:coregulator complexes on cognate DNA response elements using structural proteomics and small angle x-ray scattering. The results from our studies suggest that RORγ becomes elongated upon DNA recognition, preventing long range interdomain crosstalk. We also determined that the DNA binding domain adopts a sequence-specific conformation, and that coregulatory protein may be able to 'sense' the ligand- and DNA-bound status of RORγ. We propose a model where ligand-dependent coregulator recruitment may be influenced by the sequence of the DNA to which RORγ is bound. Overall, the efforts described herein will illuminate important aspects of full length RORγ and monomeric orphan nuclear receptor target gene regulation through DNA-dependent conformational changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yingmin Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Scott J Novick
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | | | - Christelle Doebelin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Yuanjun He
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Mi Ra Chang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Theodore M Kamenecka
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Dean P Edwards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrick R Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA.
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Teeli AS, Łuczyńska K, Haque E, Gayas MA, Winiarczyk D, Taniguchi H. Disruption of Tumor Suppressors HNF4α/HNF1α Causes Tumorigenesis in Liver. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215357. [PMID: 34771521 PMCID: PMC8582545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α (HNF4α) and hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α (HNF1α) are transcription factors that influence the development and maintenance of homeostasis in a variety of tissues, including the liver. As such, disruptions in their transcriptional networks can herald a number of pathologies, such as tumorigenesis. Largely considered tumor suppressants in liver cancer, these transcription factors regulate key events of inflammation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metabolic reprogramming, and the differentiation status of the cell. High-throughput analysis of cancer cell genomes has identified a number of hotspot mutations in HNF1α and HNF4α in liver cancer. Such results also showcase HNF1α and HNF4α as important therapeutic targets helping us step into the era of personalized medicine. In this review, we update current findings on the roles of HNF1α and HNF4α in liver cancer development and progression. It covers the molecular mechanisms of HNF1α and HNF4α dysregulation and also highlights the potential of HNF4α as a therapeutic target in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamir Salam Teeli
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, Poland; (A.S.T.); (K.Ł.); (E.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Kamila Łuczyńska
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, Poland; (A.S.T.); (K.Ł.); (E.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Effi Haque
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, Poland; (A.S.T.); (K.Ł.); (E.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Mohmmad Abrar Gayas
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-K, Jammu 19000, India;
| | - Dawid Winiarczyk
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, Poland; (A.S.T.); (K.Ł.); (E.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Hiroaki Taniguchi
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, Poland; (A.S.T.); (K.Ł.); (E.H.); (D.W.)
- Correspondence:
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45
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Zhao P, Malik S, Xing S. Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in HCV-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Front Oncol 2021; 11:677926. [PMID: 34336665 PMCID: PMC8320331 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.677926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, which is largely caused by virus infection. About 80% of the virus-infected people develop a chronic infection that eventually leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With approximately 71 million HCV chronic infected patients worldwide, they still have a high risk of HCC in the near future. However, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis in chronic HCV infection have not been still fully understood, which involve a complex epigenetic regulation and cellular signaling pathways. Here, we summarize 18 specific gene targets and different signaling pathways involved in recent findings. With these epigenetic alterations requiring histone modifications and DNA hyper or hypo-methylation of these specific genes, the dysregulation of gene expression is also associated with different signaling pathways for the HCV life cycle and HCC. These findings provide a novel insight into a correlation between HCV infection and HCC tumorigenesis, as well as potentially preventable approaches. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection largely causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide with 3 to 4 million newly infected cases diagnosed each year. It is urgent to explore its underlying molecular mechanisms for therapeutic treatment and biomarker discovery. However, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis in chronic HCV infection have not been still fully understood, which involve a complex epigenetic regulation and cellular signaling pathways. Here, we summarize 18 specific gene targets and different signaling pathways involved in recent findings. With these epigenetic alterations requiring histone modifications and DNA hyper or hypo-methylation of these specific genes, the dysregulation of gene expression is also associated with different signaling pathways for the HCV life cycle and HCC. These findings provide a novel insight into a correlation between HCV infection and HCC tumorigenesis, as well as potentially preventable approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Zhao
- Guandong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Samiullah Malik
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaojun Xing
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
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Steroid receptor-coregulator transcriptional complexes: new insights from CryoEM. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:857-866. [PMID: 34061186 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20210019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Steroid receptors activate gene transcription through recruitment of a number of coregulators to facilitate histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and general transcription machinery stabilization. Understanding the structures of full-length steroid receptor and coregulatory complexes has been difficult due to their large molecular sizes and dynamic structural conformations. Recent developments in cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) technology and proteomics have advanced the structural studies of steroid receptor complexes. Here, we will review the insights we learned from cryoEM studies of the estrogen and androgen receptor transcriptional complexes. Despite similar domain organizations, the two receptors have different coregulator interaction modes. The cryoEM structures now have revealed the fundamental differences between the two receptors and their functional mechanisms.
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Hall A, Chanteux H, Ménochet K, Ledecq M, Schulze MSED. Designing Out PXR Activity on Drug Discovery Projects: A Review of Structure-Based Methods, Empirical and Computational Approaches. J Med Chem 2021; 64:6413-6522. [PMID: 34003642 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This perspective discusses the role of pregnane xenobiotic receptor (PXR) in drug discovery and the impact of its activation on CYP3A4 induction. The use of structural biology to reduce PXR activity on drug discovery projects has become more common in recent years. Analysis of this work highlights several important molecular interactions, and the resultant structural modifications to reduce PXR activity are summarized. The computational approaches undertaken to support the design of new drugs devoid of PXR activation potential are also discussed. Finally, the SAR of empirical design strategies to reduce PXR activity is reviewed, and the key SAR transformations are discussed and summarized. In conclusion, this perspective demonstrates that PXR activity can be greatly diminished or negated on active drug discovery projects with the knowledge now available. This perspective should be useful to anyone who seeks to reduce PXR activity on a drug discovery project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Hall
- UCB, Avenue de l'Industrie, Braine-L'Alleud 1420, Belgium
| | | | | | - Marie Ledecq
- UCB, Avenue de l'Industrie, Braine-L'Alleud 1420, Belgium
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A Review of Functional Characterization of Single Amino Acid Change Mutations in HNF Transcription Factors in MODY Pathogenesis. Protein J 2021; 40:348-360. [PMID: 33950347 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-021-09991-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in HNF transcription factor genes cause the most common subtypes of maturity-onset of diabetes of youth (MODY), a monogenic form of diabetes mellitus. Mutations in the HNF1-α, HNF4-α, and HNF1-β genes are primarily considered as the cause of MODY3, MODY1, and MODY5 subtypes, respectively. Although patients with different subtypes display similar symptoms, they may develop distinct diabetes-related complications and require different treatments depending on the type of the mutation. Genetic analysis of MODY patients revealed more than 400 missense/nonsense mutations in HNF1-α, HNF4-α, and HNF1-β genes, however only a small portion of them are functionally characterized. Evaluation of nonsense mutations are more direct as they lead to premature stop codons and mostly in mRNA decay or nonfunctional truncated proteins. However, interpretation of the single amino acid change (missense) mutation is not such definite, as effect of the variant may vary depending on the location and also the substituted amino acid. Mutations with benign effect on the protein function may not be the pathologic variant and further genetic testing may be required. Here, we discuss the functional characterization analysis of single amino acid change mutations identified in HNF1-α, HNF4-α, and HNF1-β genes and evaluate their roles in MODY pathogenesis. This review will contribute to comprehend HNF nuclear family-related molecular mechanisms and to develop more accurate diagnosis and treatment based on correct evaluation of pathologic effects of the variants.
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Mukherjee S, Dasgupta S, Adhikari U, Panja SS. Molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulation studies on thyroid hormone receptor from Rattus norvegicus: role of conserved water molecules. J Mol Model 2021; 27:126. [PMID: 33834296 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-021-04740-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormone receptor (THR) belongs to the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily that is activated by binding of appropriate ligand molecules (thyroid hormones). These receptors directly bind to specific DNA sequences for gene expression, which is essential for metabolism, homeostasis, and the development of organisms, making it an important drug target. Extensive MD-simulation studies of triiodothyronine (T3) docked modeled rnTHRβ1 structures have indicated the presence of twelve conserved water molecules at the DNA-DBD (DNA binding domain) interface. The W1-W5 water centers have been involved in the recognition between the A-chain of DBD to C-chain of DNA, W6 and W7 mediated the interaction between A-chain of DBD and D-chain of DNA, W8 and W9 recognized the B-chain of DBD and C-chain of DNA, and W9-W12 centers conjugated the residues of B-chain of DBD to D-chain of DNA through hydrogen bonds. The conformation flexibility of Phe272 and Met313 residues in the absence of T3 at the LBD (ligand-binding domain) region have been observed and reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumita Mukherjee
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology-Durgapur, Durgapur, West Bengal, 713209, India
| | - Subrata Dasgupta
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology-Durgapur, Durgapur, West Bengal, 713209, India
| | - Utpal Adhikari
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology-Durgapur, Durgapur, West Bengal, 713209, India
| | - Sujit Sankar Panja
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology-Durgapur, Durgapur, West Bengal, 713209, India.
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50
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Glucocorticoid receptor dimerization in the cytoplasm might be essential for nuclear localization. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 553:154-159. [PMID: 33773137 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) plays an important role in steroid-dependent regulation of metabolism, development, and the immune response in humans. Although GR is known to be activated by the binding of glucocorticoid, the mechanism of action is poorly understood. We investigated dimerization of GR in the cytoplasm and nuclear trans-localization in response to treatment with the ligand dexamethasone. GFP-tagged GR and FLAG-tagged GR were co-expressed in COS-1 cells, and cell lysates were subjected to co-immunoprecipitation assay with anti-GFP antibody to determine their dimerization. FLAG-GR was co-precipitated with GFP-GR in the cytoplasmic fraction of COS-1 cells. Treatment with the GR agonist dexamethasone significantly decreased the cytoplasmic interaction between FLAG- and GFP-GR, and significantly increased interaction of the GRs in the nuclear fraction. The two amino acids, Pro625 and Ile628 known to be located in GR-GR dimer interface, were mutated to alanine and the influence of the mutation on dimerization, ligand-dependent nuclear localization, and transcriptional activities were determined. Mutant GR showed a dramatic decrease in interaction in the cytoplasmic fraction and no detectable nuclear translocation in the presence or absence of dexamethasone. Furthermore, luciferase assays showed that mutant GR showed no detectable transcriptional activation via the GR-responsive DNA element (GRE) compared to the wild-type. Our results suggest that GR exists as a dimer in the cytoplasm and this dimerization may be essential for GRE-mediated transcriptional activation following ligand binding.
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