Isolation and characterization of a novel ligand-dependent thyroid hormone receptor-coactivating protein

Understanding the role of BRD8 in human carcinogenesis

The bromodomain is a conserved protein-protein interaction module that functions exclusively to recognize acetylated lysine residues on histones and other proteins. It is noteworthy that bromodomain-containing proteins are involved in transcriptional modulation by recruiting various transcription factors and/or protein complexes such as ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers and acetyltransferases. Bromodomain-containing protein 8 (BRD8), a molecule initially recognized as skeletal muscle abundant protein and thyroid hormone receptor coactivating protein of 120 kDa (TrCP120), was shown to be a subunit of the NuA4/TIP60-histone acetyltransferase complex. BRD8 has been reported to be upregulated in a subset of cancers and implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation as well as in the response to cytotoxic agents. However, little is still known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that the bromodomain of BRD8 recognizes acetylated and/or nonacetylated histones H4 and H2AZ, and that BRD8 is associated with cancer development in both a NuA4/TIP60 complex-dependent and -independent manner. In this review, we will provide an overview of the current knowledge on the molecular function of BRD8, focusing on the biological role of the bromodomain of BRD8 in cancer cells.

Targeting bromodomian-containing protein 8 (BRD8): An advanced tool to interrogate BRD8

Epigenetic modifications play crucial roles in physiological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, and death. Bromodomain/Brd-containing proteins (BCPs) regulate abnormal gene expression in various diseases by recognizing the lysine-ε-N-acetylated residues (KAc) or by acting as transcriptional co-activators. Small molecule inhibitors targeting BCPs offer an attractive strategy for modulating aberrant gene expression. Besides the extensive research on the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) domain family proteins, the non-BET proteins have gained increasing attention. Bromodomain containing protein 8 (BRD8), a reader of KAc and co-activator of nuclear receptors (NRs), plays a key role in various cancers. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the structure, disease-related functions, and inhibitor development of BRD8. Opportunities and challenges for future studies targeting BRD8 in disease treatment are discussed.

Molecular mechanisms of TWIST1-regulated transcription in EMT and cancer metastasis

TWIST1 induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to drive cancer metastasis. It is yet unclear what determines TWIST1 functions to activate or repress transcription. We found that the TWIST1 N-terminus antagonizes TWIST1-regulated gene expression, cancer growth and metastasis. TWIST1 interacts with both the NuRD complex and the NuA4/TIP60 complex (TIP60-Com) via its N-terminus. Non-acetylated TWIST1-K73/76 selectively interacts with and recruits NuRD to repress epithelial target gene transcription. Diacetylated TWIST1-acK73/76 binds BRD8, a component of TIP60-Com that also binds histone H4-acK5/8, to recruit TIP60-Com to activate mesenchymal target genes and MYC. Knockdown of BRD8 abolishes TWIST1 and TIP60-Com interaction and TIP60-Com recruitment to TWIST1-activated genes, resulting in decreasing TWIST1-activated target gene expression and cancer metastasis. Both TWIST1/NuRD and TWIST1/TIP60-Com complexes are required for TWIST1 to promote EMT, proliferation, and metastasis at full capacity. Therefore, the diacetylation status of TWIST1-K73/76 dictates whether TWIST1 interacts either with NuRD to repress epithelial genes, or with TIP60-Com to activate mesenchymal genes and MYC. Since BRD8 is essential for TWIST1-acK73/76 and TIP60-Com interaction, targeting BRD8 could be a means to inhibit TWIST1-activated gene expression.

Human Cytomegalovirus Induces Vitamin-D Resistance In Vitro by Dysregulating the Transcriptional Repressor Snail

Vitamin-D supplementation is considered to play a beneficial role against multiple viruses due to its immune-regulating and direct antimicrobial effects. In contrast, the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has shown to be resistant to treatment with vitamin D in vitro by downregulation of the vitamin-D receptor. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism and possible biological consequences of vitamin-D resistance during HCMV infection. Mechanistically, HCMV induced vitamin-D resistance by downregulating the vitamin-D receptor (VDR) within hours of lytic infection. We found that the VDR was inhibited at the promoter level, and treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors could restore VDR expression. VDR downregulation highly correlated with the upregulation of the transcriptional repressor Snail1, a mechanism likely contributing to the epigenetic inactivation of the VDR promoter, since siRNA-mediated knockdown of Snail partly restored levels of VDR expression. Finally, we found that direct addition of the vitamin-D-inducible antimicrobial peptide LL-37 strongly and significantly reduced viral titers in infected fibroblasts, highlighting VDR biological relevance and the potential of vitamin-D-inducible peptides for the antiviral treatment of vitamin-D deficient patients.

LG-ESSs and HG-ESSs: underlying molecular alterations and potential therapeutic strategies

Endometrial stromal tumors (ESTs) include endometrial stromal nodule (ESN), low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LG-ESS), high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (HG-ESS), and undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (UUS). Since these are rare tumor types, there is an unmet clinical need for the systematic therapy of advanced LG-ESS or HG-ESS. Cytogenetic and molecular advances in ESTs have shown that multiple recurrent gene fusions are present in a large proportion of LG-ESSs, and HG-ESSs are identified by the tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein epsilon (YWHAE)-family with sequence similarity 22 (FAM22) fusion. Recently, a group of ESSs harboring both zinc finger CCCH domain-containing protein 7B (ZC3H7B)-B-cell lymphoma 6 corepressor(BCOR) fusion and internal tandem duplication (ITD) of the BCOR gene have been provisionally classified as HG-ESSs. In this review, we firstly describe current knowledge about the molecular characteristics of recurrent aberrant proteins and their roles in the tumorigenesis of LG-ESSs and HG-ESSs. Next, we summarize the possibly shared signal pathways in the tumorigenesis of LG-ESSs and HG-ESSs, and list potentially actionable targets. Finally, based on the above discussion, we propose a few promising therapeutic strategies for LG-ESSs and HG-ESSs with recurrent gene alterations.

Ossifying low grade endometrial stromal sarcoma with PHF1-BRD8 fusion

Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma and ossifying fibromyxoid tumors are two types of mesenchymal tumors that share no similarities in terms of site, sex, and morphological characteristics. They are rare, low grade tumors of uncertain lineage, with no definite immunological markers. Interestingly, a common PHF1 gene- related rearrangement was observed in these two tumors. Here, we report a case of endometrial stromal sarcoma with distinct ossification. Microscopically, the tumor is composed of bland-looking ovoid cells with low cellularity in the fibromyxoid stroma. Foci of metaplastic bone formation were noted. Using a combination of FISH, transcriptome sequencing, and molecular techniques, we identified a new PHF1-BRD8 fusion transcript, which was previously described, but in its reciprocal fusion form. This case expands the current understanding of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma and emphasizes the importance of molecular characterization of unique fusion, which may be related to its distinct morphological features and the possibly chemosensitive target.

The Bromodomain Containing 8 (BRD8) transcriptional network in human lung epithelial cells

Mechanisms regulating gene expression in the airway epithelium underlie its response to the environment. A network of transcription factors (TFs) and architectural proteins, modulate chromatin accessibility and recruit activating or repressive signals. Bromodomain-containing proteins function as TFs or by engaging methyltransferase or acetyltransferase activity to induce chromatin modifications. Here we investigate the role of Bromodomain Containing 8 (BRD8) in coordinating lung epithelial function. Sites of BRD8 occupancy genome-wide were mapped in human lung epithelial cell lines (Calu-3 and 16HBE14o^-). CCCTC-Binding Factor (CTCF) was identified as a predicted co-factor of BRD8, based upon motif over-representation under BRD8 ChIP-seq peaks. Following siRNA-mediated depletion of BRD8, differentially expressed genes with nearby peaks of BRD8 occupancy were subject to gene ontology process enrichment analysis. BRD8 targets are enriched for genes involved in the innate immune response and the cell cycle. Depletion of BRD8 increased the secretion of the antimicrobial peptide beta-defensin 1 and multiple chemokines, and reduced cell proliferation.

Modulation of Nuclear Receptor Function by Chromatin Modifying Factor TIP60

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are transcription factors that bind to specific DNA sequences known as hormone response elements located upstream of their target genes. Transcriptional activity of NRs can be modulated by binding of the compatible ligand and transient interaction with cellular coregulators, functioning either as coactivators or as corepressors. Many coactivator proteins possess intrinsic histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity that catalyzes the acetylation of specific lysine residues in histone tails and loosens the histone-DNA interaction, thereby facilitating access of transcriptional factors to the regulatory sequences of the DNA. Tat interactive protein 60 (TIP60), a member of the Mof-Ybf2-Sas2-TIP60 family of HAT protein, is a multifunctional coregulator that controls a number of physiological processes including apoptosis, DNA damage repair, and transcriptional regulation. Over the last two decades or so, TIP60 has been extensively studied for its role as NR coregulator, controlling various aspect of steroid receptor functions. The aim of this review is to summarize the findings on the role of TIP60 as a coregulator for different classes of NRs and its overall functional implications. We also discuss the latest studies linking TIP60 to NR-associated metabolic disorders and cancers for its potential use as a therapeutic drug target in future.

A transcription factor network represses CFTR gene expression in airway epithelial cells

Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause the inherited disorder cystic fibrosis (CF). Lung disease is the major cause of CF morbidity, though CFTR expression levels are substantially lower in the airway epithelium than in pancreatic duct and intestinal epithelia, which also show compromised function in CF. Recently developed small molecule therapeutics for CF are highly successful for one specific CFTR mutation and have a positive impact on others. However, the low abundance of CFTR transcripts in the airway limits the opportunity for drugs to correct the defective substrate. Elucidation of the transcriptional mechanisms for the CFTR locus has largely focused on intragenic and intergenic tissue-specific enhancers and their activating trans-factors. Here, we investigate whether the low CFTR levels in the airway epithelium result from the recruitment of repressive proteins directly to the locus. Using an siRNA screen to deplete ∼1500 transcription factors (TFs) and associated regulatory proteins in Calu-3 lung epithelial cells, we identified nearly 40 factors that upon depletion elevated CFTR mRNA levels more than 2-fold. A subset of these TFs was validated in primary human bronchial epithelial cells. Among the strongest repressors of airway expression of CFTR were Krüppel-like factor 5 and Ets homologous factor, both of which have pivotal roles in the airway epithelium. Depletion of these factors, which are both recruited to an airway-selective cis-regulatory element at -35 kb from the CFTR promoter, improved CFTR production and function, thus defining novel therapeutic targets for enhancement of CFTR.

Fusion of the genes BRD8 and PHF1 in endometrial stromal sarcoma

We present a new endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS)-associated genomic rearrangement involving chromosome arms 5p and 6p and leading to the formation of a BRD8-PHF1 fusion gene. The PHF1 (PHD finger protein 1) gene, from 6p21, is known to be rearranged in ESS in a promiscuous way inasmuch as it has been shown to recombine with JAZF1, EPC1, MEAF6, and now also with BRD8, in tumors of this type. In all rearrangements of PHF1, including the present one, a recurrent theme is that the entire coding part of PHF1 constitutes the 3' end of the fusion. BRD8 (bromodomain containing 8) encodes a protein which is involved in regulation of protein acetylation and/or histone acetyl transferase activity. All the genetic fusions identified so far in ESS appear to recombine genes involved in transcriptional regulation, that is, polycomb group complex-mediated and aberrant methylation/acetylation genes. This adds to the likelihood that the new BRD8-PHF1 shares the same pathogenetic mechanism as the other ESS-specific rearrangements.

Construction and Clarification of Dynamic Gene Regulatory Network of Cancer Cell Cycle via Microarray Data

Background

Cell cycle is an important clue to unravel the mechanism of cancer cells. Recently, expression profiles of cDNA microarray data of Cancer cell cycle are available for the information of dynamic interactions among Cancer cell cycle related genes. Therefore, it is more appealing to construct a dynamic model for gene regulatory network of Cancer cell cycle to gain more insight into the infrastructure of gene regulatory mechanism of cancer cell via microarray data.

Results

Based on the gene regulatory dynamic model and microarray data, we construct the whole dynamic gene regulatory network of Cancer cell cycle. In this study, we trace back upstream regulatory genes of a target gene to infer the regulatory pathways of the gene network by maximum likelihood estimation method. Finally, based on the dynamic regulatory network, we analyze the regulatory abilities and sensitivities of regulatory genes to clarify their roles in the mechanism of Cancer cell cycle.

Conclusions

Our study presents a systematically iterative approach to discern and characterize the transcriptional regulatory network in Hela cell cycle from the raw expression profiles. The transcription regulatory network in Hela cell cycle can also be confirmed by some experimental reviews. Based on our study and some literature reviews, we can predict and clarify the E2F target genes in G1/S phase, which are crucial for regulating cell cycle progression and tumorigenesis. From the results of the network construction and literature confirmation, we infer that MCM4, MCM5, CDC6, CDC25A, UNG and E2F2 are E2F target genes in Hela cell cycle.

Mutations in TBL1X Are Associated With Central Hypothyroidism

CONTEXT

Isolated congenital central hypothyroidism (CeH) can result from mutations in TRHR, TSHB, and IGSF1, but its etiology often remains unexplained. We identified a missense mutation in the transducin β-like protein 1, X-linked (TBL1X) gene in three relatives diagnosed with isolated CeH. TBL1X is part of the thyroid hormone receptor-corepressor complex.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of the study were the identification of TBL1X mutations in patients with unexplained isolated CeH, Sanger sequencing of relatives of affected individuals, and clinical and biochemical characterization; in vitro investigation of functional consequences of mutations; and mRNA expression in, and immunostaining of, human hypothalami and pituitary glands.

DESIGN

This was an observational study.

SETTING

The study was conducted at university medical centers.

PATIENTS

Nineteen individuals with and seven without a mutation participated in the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome measures included sequencing results, clinical and biochemical characteristics of mutation carriers, and results of in vitro functional and expression studies.

RESULTS

Sanger sequencing yielded five additional mutations. All patients (n = 8; six males) were previously diagnosed with CeH (free T₄ [FT4] concentration below the reference interval, normal thyrotropin). Eleven relatives (two males) also carried mutations. One female had CeH, whereas 10 others had low-normal FT4 concentrations. As a group, adult mutation carriers had 20%-25% lower FT4 concentrations than controls. Twelve of 19 evaluated carriers had hearing loss. Mutations are located in the highly conserved WD40-repeat domain of the protein, influencing its expression and thermal stability. TBL1X mRNA and protein are expressed in the human hypothalamus and pituitary.

CONCLUSIONS

TBL1X mutations are associated with CeH and hearing loss. FT4 concentrations in mutation carriers vary from low-normal to values compatible with CeH.

MiR-185 attenuates androgen receptor function in prostate cancer indirectly by targeting bromodomain containing 8 isoform 2, an androgen receptor co-activator

OBJECTIVES

Aberrant androgen receptor (AR) signaling functions are implicated in prostate cancer (PCa) pathogenesis. Here, we studied interactions between miR-185 and the bromodomain containing 8 isoform 2 (BRD8 ISO2) to investigate indirect mechanisms of miR-185 with respect to AR function through BRD8 ISO2 in PCa.

METHODS

Putative miRNA response element (MRE) of miR-185 in 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of BRD8 ISO2 mRNA was predicted by software and confirmed using dual-luciferase assays and Ago2 immunoprecipitation. BRD8 and AR expression were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot in PCa cells and tissues. MMTV-Fluc reporter plasmids and dual-luciferase assays were used to evaluate AR activity.

RESULTS

MRE prediction, dual-luciferase assays and Ago2 immunoprecipitation confirmed that miR-185 is capable of binding the 3'-UTR of BRD8 ISO2 mRNA. QRT-PCR and Western blot indicated that BRD8 ISO2 expression is decreased by miR-185 mimic transfection while increased by miR-185 inhibitor transfection. MMTV-Fluc reporter assays revealed that miR-185 can attenuate AR function by suppressing BRD8 ISO2. Additionally, Pearson's correlation analyses confirmed that BRD8 ISO2 mRNA expression is inversely correlated with miR-185 expression in clinical specimens.

CONCLUSION

In addition to suppression of AR expression, miR-185 can attenuate AR function indirectly by suppressing BRD8 ISO2. MiR-185 and BRD8 ISO2 may be possible therapeutic targets for PCa treatment.

A bivalent role of TIP60 histone acetyl transferase in human cancer

Acetylation is a major modification that is required for gene regulation, genome maintenance and metabolism. A dysfunctional acetylation plays an important role in several diseases, including cancer. A group of enzymes-lysine acetyltransferases are responsible for this modification and act in regulation of transcription as cofactors and by acetylation of histones and other proteins. Tip60, a member of MYST family, is expressed ubiquitously and is the acetyltransferase catalytic subunit of human NuA4 complex. This HAT has a well-characterized involvement in many processes, such as cellular signaling, DNA damage repair, transcriptional and cellular cycle. Aberrant lysine acetyltransferase functions promote or suppress tumorigenesis in different cancers such as colon, breast and prostate tumors. Therefore, Tip60 might be a potential and important therapeutic target in the cancer treatment; new histone acetyl transferase inhibitors were identified and are more selective inhibitors of Tip60.

Molecular basis of thyrotropin and thyroid hormone action during implantation and early development

BACKGROUND

Implantation and early embryo development are finely regulated processes in which several molecules are involved. Evidence that thyroid hormones (TH: T4 and T3) might be part of this machinery is emerging. An increased demand for TH occurs during gestation, and any alteration in maternal thyroid physiology has significant implications for both maternal and fetal health. Not only overt but also subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with infertility as well as with obstetric complications, including disruptions and disorders of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and troubles in early neonatal life.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles related to TH action on ovary, endometrium, trophoblast maturation and embryo implantation. In addition, articles on the regulation of TH activity at cellular level have been reviewed. The findings are hereby summarized and critically discussed.

RESULTS

TH have been shown to influence endometrial, ovarian and placental physiology. TH receptors (TR) and thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone: TSH) receptors (TSHR) are widely expressed in the feto-maternal unit during implantation, and both the endometrium and the trophoblast might be influenced by TH either directly or through TH effects on the synthesis and activity of implantation-mediating molecules. Interestingly, due to the multiplicity of mechanisms involved in TH action (e.g. differential expression of TR isoforms, heterodimeric receptor partners, interacting cellular proteins, and regulating enzymes), the TH concentration in blood is not always predictive of their cellular availability and activity at both genomic and nongenomic level.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to the known role of TH on the hormonal milieu of the ovarian follicle cycle, which is essential for a woman's fertility, evidence is emerging on the importance of TH signaling during implantation and early pregnancy. Based on recent observations, a local action of TH on female reproductive organs and the embryo during implantation appears to be crucial for a successful pregnancy. Furthermore, an imbalance in the spatio-temporal expression of factors involved in TH activity might induce early arrest of pregnancy in women considered as euthyroid, based on their hormonal blood concentration. In conclusion, alterations of the highly regulated local activity of TH may play a crucial, previously underestimated, role in early pregnancy and pregnancy loss. Further studies elucidating this topic should be encouraged.

The human RVB complex is required for efficient transcription of type I interferon-stimulated genes

Type I interferons (IFNs) stimulate transcription through a latent heterotrimeric transcription factor composed of tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT1 and STAT2 and the DNA binding partner IRF9, with STAT2 contributing a critical transactivation domain. Human RVB1 and RVB2, which are highly conserved AAA(+) ATP binding proteins contained in chromatin-remodeling complexes such as Ino80, SNF2-related CBP activator protein (SRCAP), and Tip60/NuA4, interacted with the transactivation domain of STAT2 in the nuclei of IFN-stimulated cells. RNA interference (RNAi) experiments demonstrated that RVB proteins were required for robust activation of IFN-α-stimulated genes (ISGs). The requirement for RVB proteins was specific to IFN-α/STAT2 signaling; transcription of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)- and IFN-γ-driven genes was not affected by RVB1 depletion. Using RNAi-based depletion, we assessed the involvement of catalytic subunits of the RVB-containing Tip60, BRD8, Ino80, SRCAP, and URI complexes. No component other than RVB1/2 was uniquely required for ISG induction, suggesting that RVB1/2 functions as part of an as yet unidentified complex. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that RVB1/2 was required for recruitment of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) to ISG promoters but was dispensable for STAT2 recruitment to chromatin. We hypothesize that an RVB1/2 chromatin-remodeling complex is required for efficient Pol II recruitment and initiation at ISG promoters and is recruited through interaction with the STAT2 transactivation domain.

C20orf20 (MRG-binding protein) as a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer

Background:

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death worldwide. Using cDNA microarray containing 23 040 genes, we earlier investigated gene-expression profiles in 11 colorectal cancers for the purpose of better understanding of colorectal carcinogenesis as well as development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. MRG-binding protein (MRGBP) or C20orf20, encoding a subunit of TRRAP/TIP60-containing histone acetyltransferase complex, was up-regulated in the majority of colorectal tumours.

Methods and results:

The elevated expression of MRGBP was observed in colorectal cancer tissues by quantitative PCR as well as immunohistochemical analyses. MRGBP marginally expressed in normal vital organs. Notably, suppressed MRGBP expression by MRGBP short hairpin RNA inhibited proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. Yeast two-hybrid screening and subsequent immunoprecipitation analysis identified bromodomain containing 8 (BRD8) as an MRGBP-interacting protein. As RNA interference against BRD8 also suppressed proliferation of colorectal cancer cells, BRD8 may be an important down-stream target of MRGBP.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that MRGBP has an important function in proliferation of cancer cells through the regulation of BRD8 and that MRGBP should be a novel therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.

Thyroid hormone promotes cell invasion through activation of furin expression in human hepatoma cell lines

The objective of this study was to identify genes regulated by thyroid hormone (T(3)) and associated with tumor invasion. The gene encoding furin, as previously identified by cDNA microarray, is known to be up-regulated by T(3) treatment, and stimulated furin production occurs in thyroidectomized rats after administration of T(3). Presently, by using serial deletion of the promoter and EMSAs, the T(3) response element on the furin promoter was localized to the -6317/-6302 region. T(3)-mediated furin up-regulation was cooperative with TGF-beta because T(3) induction increased after Smad3/4 addition. Furthermore, the invasiveness of HepG2-thyroid hormone receptor (TR) cells was significantly increased by T(3) treatment, perhaps due to furin processing of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9. In addition, furin up-regulation either by stable overexpression or T(3) and/or TGF-beta induction was evident in severe-combined immune-deficient mice inoculated with HepG2-TRalpha1 cells. The HepG2-furin mice displayed a higher metastasis index and tumor size than HepG2-neo mice. Notably, the increased liver and lung tumor number or size in the hyperthyroid severe-combined immune-deficient mice as well as TGF-beta mice was attributed specifically to furin overexpression in the HepG2-TRalpha1 cells. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that furin overexpression in some types of hepatocellular carcinomas is TR dependent and might play a crucial role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, T(3) regulates furin gene expression via a novel mechanism or in cooperation with TGF-beta to enhance tumor metastasis in vitro and in vivo.

A novel splice variant of the nuclear coactivator p120 functions strongly for androgen receptor: characteristic expression in prostate disease

We cloned a novel splicing variant for nuclear coactivator p120(alpha), designated as p120beta and studied its function and expression in several human prostate diseases. Transfection assays demonstrated that p120beta functions as a strong coactivator for androgen receptor (AR), but weakly for other nuclear receptors. GST-pull down assay showed that a glutamine-rich region of the p120 bound to the ligand-binding domain of AR. Interestingly, p120beta mRNAs were expressed predominantly in the normal prostate, androgen-responsive prostate cancers and an androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP, but weakly in recurrent cancers and the androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cell lines PC3 and DU145. Furthermore, knockdown of p120alpha by siRNA abolished coactivator activity on thyroid hormone receptors (TR) and PPARgamma, but did not affect that of ARs in PC3 cells. In addition, competitive assay with other nuclear receptors demonstrated that TR and PPARgamma did not inhibit p120beta-induced stimulation. These findings suggested that while p120alpha was essential for ligand-dependent stimulation of TRs and PPARgamma, p120beta acted as a coactivating protein predominantly for AR.

The adipogenic acetyltransferase Tip60 targets activation function 1 of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

The transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) plays a key role in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism in adipocytes, by regulating their differentiation, maintenance, and function. The transcriptional activity of PPARgamma is dictated by the set of proteins with which this nuclear receptor interacts under specific conditions. Here we identify the HIV-1 Tat-interacting protein 60 (Tip60) as a novel positive regulator of PPARgamma transcriptional activity. Using tandem mass spectrometry, we found that PPARgamma and the acetyltransferase Tip60 interact in cells, and through use of chimeric proteins, we established that coactivation by Tip60 critically depends on the N-terminal activation function 1 of PPARgamma, a domain involved in isotype-specific gene expression and adipogenesis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments showed that the endogenous Tip60 protein is recruited to PPARgamma target genes in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes but not in preadipocytes, indicating that Tip60 requires PPARgamma for its recruitment to PPARgamma target genes. Importantly, we show that in common with disruption of PPARgamma function, small interfering RNA-mediated reduction of Tip60 protein impairs differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Taken together, these findings qualify the acetyltransferase Tip60 as a novel adipogenic factor.

The MYST family of histone acetyltransferases and their intimate links to cancer

The histone acetyltransferases (HATs) of the MYST family are highly conserved in eukaryotes and carry out a significant proportion of all nuclear acetylation. These enzymes function exclusively in multisubunit protein complexes whose composition is also evolutionarily conserved. MYST HATs are involved in a number of key nuclear processes and play critical roles in gene-specific transcription regulation, DNA damage response and repair, as well as DNA replication. This suggests that anomalous activity of these HATs or their associated complexes can easily lead to severe cellular malfunction, resulting in cell death or uncontrolled growth and malignancy. Indeed, the MYST family HATs have been implicated in several forms of human cancer. This review summarizes the current understanding of these enzymes and their normal function, as well as their established and putative links to oncogenesis.

Direct regulation of androgen receptor-associated protein 70 by thyroid hormone and its receptors

Thyroid hormone (T3) regulates multiple physiological processes during development, growth, differentiation, and metabolism. Most T3 actions are mediated via thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) that are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors. The effects of T3 treatment on target gene regulation was previously examined in TRalpha1-overexpressing hepatoma cell lines (HepG2-TRalpha1). Androgen receptor (AR)-associated protein 70 (ARA70) was one gene found to be up-regulated by T3. The ARA70 is a ligand-dependent coactivator for the AR and was significantly increased by 4- to 5-fold after T3 treatment by Northern blot analyses in the HepG2-TRalpha1 stable cell line. T3 induced a 1- to 2-fold increase in the HepG2-TRbeta1 stable cell line. Both stable cell lines attained the highest fold expression after 24 h treatment with 10 nM T3. The ARA70 protein was increased up to 1.9-fold after T3 treatment in HepG2-TRalpha1 cells. Similar findings were obtained in thyroidectomized rats after T3 application. Cycloheximide treatment did not suppress induction of ARA70 transcription by T3, suggesting that this regulation is direct. A series of deletion mutants of ARA70 promoter fragments in pGL2 plasmid were generated to localize the thyroid hormone response element (TRE). The DNA fragments (-234/-190 or +56/+119) gave 1.55- or 2-fold enhanced promoter activity by T3. Thus, two TRE sites exist in the upstream-regulatory region of ARA70. The TR-TRE interaction was further confirmed with EMSAs. Additionally, ARA70 could interfere with TR/TRE complex formation. Therefore, the data indicated that ARA70 suppresses T3 signaling in a TRE-dependent manner. These experimental results suggest that T3 directly up-regulates ARA70 gene expression. Subsequently, ARA70 negatively regulates T3 signaling.

Co-activator p120 is increased by gonadotropins in the rat ovary and enhances progesterone receptor activity

BACKGROUND

Ovarian follicular development is primarily dependent on pituitary gonadotropins. Identification of gonadotropin-inducible genes in the ovary is one of the effective approaches for the study of follicular development. In this study we identify rat homologue of p120, a nuclear transcription co-activator, as one of the FSH inducible genes in the rat granulosa cells.

METHODS

A full-length cDNA encoding rat p120 was cloned, and expression of the gene in the ovary was examined by Northern blotting. Tissue localization of p120 was examined by in situ hybridization. Cellular functions of p120 were studied by co-transfection of rat p120 gene together with estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha, ER-beta, androgen receptor (AR), or progesterone receptor (PR) genes.

RESULTS

A full-length cDNA encoding rat p120 was characterized as a protein with 957 amino acid residues. Rat p120 was expressed ubiquitously, but strongly in the ovary and the testis. Expression of p120 mRNA was also induced in vivo by PMSG or PMSG/hCG treatment. Strong expression of p120 mRNA was observed in the granulosa cells of pre-ovulatory large antral follicles. Progesterone receptor was co-localized with p120 in the large antral follicles. Co-transfection experiments revealed that rat p120 activated AR, ER-alpha, ER-beta, and PR in the presence of their respective ligands.

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest that rat p120 is strongly induced in the ovarian granulosa cells, and may work together with PR in the granulosa cells of ovulatory follicles to promote the ovulation process.

Expression of thyroid hormone receptor isoforms down-regulated by thyroid hormone in human medulloblastoma cells

The role of thyroid hormone (T3) in the regulation of growth and development of the central nervous system including the cerebellum has been well established. However, the effects of thyroid hormone on malignant tumors derived from the cerebellum remain poorly understood. Our analysis mainly focused on expression levels of TR isoforms and the effects of thyroid hormone in human medulloblastoma HTB-185 cells. Northern blot analysis revealed TRalpha2 mRNA but not TRalpha1, beta1 or beta2 mRNA in the cell. The TRalpha1 and TRbeta1 mRNAs were detected only by RT-PCR method and TRbeta2 was not expressed. Incubation of T3 for 24 h decreased TRalpha1, TRalpha2 and TRbeta1 mRNA. Addition of actinomycin D caused an acute increase in the basal TR mRNA levels and the rate of decrease of all kinds of TR isoform mRNA was accelerated in the T3-treated groups compared to controls, indicating that the stability of TR mRNA was affected by T3. Incubation with cycloheximide also blocked a decrease in TR mRNA levels in the T3-treated HTB-185 cells suggesting that down-regulation of TR mRNA required the synthesis of new protein. Our data provide novel evidence for the expression of TRs down-regulated by T3 in HTB-185 cells, suggesting that TR expression is post-transcriptionally regulated by T3 at the level of RNA stability.

Transcriptional activities of retinoic acid receptors

Vitamin A derivatives plays a crucial role in embryonic development, as demonstrated by the teratogenic effect of either an excess or a deficiency in vitamin A. Retinoid effects extend however beyond embryonic development, and tissue homeostasis, lipid metabolism, cellular differentiation and proliferation are in part controlled through the retinoid signaling pathway. Retinoids are also therapeutically effective in the treatment of skin diseases (acne, psoriasis and photoaging) and of some cancers. Most of these effects are the consequences of retinoic acid receptors activation, which triggers transcriptional events leading either to transcriptional activation or repression of retinoid-controlled genes. Synthetic molecules are able to mimic part of the biological effects of the natural retinoic acid receptors, all-trans retinoic acid. Therefore, retinoic acid receptors are considered as highly valuable therapeutic targets and limiting unwanted secondary effects due to retinoid treatment requires a molecular knowledge of retinoic acid receptors biology. In this review, we will examine experimental evidence which provide a molecular basis for the pleiotropic effects of retinoids, and emphasize the crucial roles of coregulators of retinoic acid receptors, providing a conceptual framework to identify novel therapeutic targets.

Coactivation of nuclear receptors and myogenic factors induces the major BTG1 influence on muscle differentiation

The btg1 (B-cell translocation gene 1) gene coding sequence was isolated from a translocation break point in a case of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. We have already shown that BTG1, considered as an antiproliferative protein, strongly stimulates myoblast differentiation. However, the mechanisms involved in this influence remained unknown. In cultured myoblasts, we found that BTG1 stimulates the transcriptional activity of nuclear receptors (T3 and all-trans retinoic acid receptors but not RXRalpha and PPARgamma), c-Jun and myogenic factors (CMD1, Myf5, myogenin). Immunoprecipitation experiments performed in cells or using in vitro-synthesized proteins and GST pull-down assays established that BTG1 directly interacts with T3 and all-trans retinoic acid receptors and with avian MyoD (CMD1). These interactions are mediated by the transactivation domain of each transcription factor and the A box and C-terminal part of BTG1. NCoR presence induces the ligand dependency of the interaction with nuclear receptors. Lastly, deletion of BTG1 interacting domains abrogates its ability to stimulate nuclear receptors and CMD1 activity, and its myogenic influence. In conclusion, BTG1 is a novel important coactivator involved in the regulation of myoblast differentiation. It not only stimulates the activity of myogenic factors, but also of nuclear receptors already known as positive myogenic regulators.

Unliganded RXR acts as an inhibitory factor on troglitazone-induced activation

Troglitazone (TZ), a thiazolidinedione derivative, is a specific ligand for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma and improves insulin sensitivity. PPARgamma regulates the expression of genes by binding to PPAR response element in promoter regions of regulator genes as heterodimers with a retinoid X receptor (RXR). We report here that PPARgamma activation by TZ depends on the expression levels of RXR. A transient transfection study in CV-1 cells revealed that the activation by TZ was suppressed by increasing amounts of expression of RXR, but not PPARgamma. Northern blot analysis revealed that PPARgamma and RXR were not expressed in CV-1 cells, and TZ did not induce PPARgamma or RXR mRNA in CV-1 cells indicating that RXR suppression is not related to these endogenous receptor expressions. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that the increasing amount of RXR did not compete with the DNA binding of the PPARgamma/RXR heterodimer in the presence or absence of TZ. Transfected co-activators enhanced the TZ-dependent gene transcription, and this activation was inhibited by excessive amounts of RXR, indicating that unliganded RXR may recruit the specific coactivators from the PPARgamma/RXR heterodimer.

Structural and functional conservation of the NuA4 histone acetyltransferase complex from yeast to humans

The NuA4 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) multisubunit complex is responsible for acetylation of histone H4 and H2A N-terminal tails in yeast. Its catalytic component, Esa1, is essential for cell cycle progression, gene-specific regulation and has been implicated in DNA repair. Almost all NuA4 subunits have clear homologues in higher eukaryotes, suggesting that the complex is conserved throughout evolution to metazoans. We demonstrate here that NuA4 complexes are indeed present in human cells. Tip60 and its splice variant Tip60b/PLIP were purified as stable HAT complexes associated with identical polypeptides, with 11 of the 12 proteins being homologs of yeast NuA4 subunits. This indicates a highly conserved subunit composition and the identified human proteins underline the role of NuA4 in the control of mammalian cell proliferation. ING3, a member of the ING family of growth regulators, links NuA4 to p53 function which we confirmed in vivo. Proteins specific to the human NuA4 complexes include ruvB-like helicases and a bromodomain-containing subunit linked to ligand-dependent transcription activation by the thyroid hormone receptor. We also demonstrate that subunits MRG15 and DMAP1 are present in distinct protein complexes harboring histone deacetylase and SWI2-related ATPase activities, respectively. Finally, analogous to yeast, a recombinant trimeric complex formed by Tip60, EPC1, and ING3 is sufficient to reconstitute robust nucleosomal HAT activity in vitro. In conclusion, the NuA4 HAT complex is highly conserved in eukaryotes, in which it plays primary roles in transcription, cellular response to DNA damage, and cell cycle control.

Identification of new subunits of the multiprotein mammalian TRRAP/TIP60-containing histone acetyltransferase complex

The mammalian ATM/PI 3-kinase-related TRRAP protein was previously found to be a component of a multi-protein histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complex containing the HAT TIP60. In this report, we identify a previously uncharacterized protein encoded by the FLJ10914 ORF, which we designate MRGBP, as a new component of the TRRAP/TIP60 HAT complex. In addition, through purification of MRGBP and its associated proteins from HeLa cell nuclear extracts, we identify the thyroid receptor coactivating protein (TRCp120), DMAP1, and the related MRG15 and MRGX proteins as MRGBP-associating proteins, and we present biochemical evidence that they are previously unrecognized components of the TRRAP/TIP60 HAT complex. Taken together, our findings shed new light on the structure and function of the mammalian TRRAP/TIP60 histone acetyltransferase complex.

Retinoid receptors and their coregulators

Retinoids regulate gene transcription by binding to the nuclear receptors, the retinoic acid (RA) receptors (RARs), and the retinoid X receptors (RXRs). RARs and RXRs are ligand-activated transcription factors for the regulation of RA-responsive genes. The actions of RARs and RXRs on gene transcription require a highly coordinated interaction with a large number of coactivators and corepressors. This review focuses on our current understanding of these coregulators known to act in concert with RARs and RXRs. The mechanisms of action of these coregulators are beginning to be uncovered and include the modification of chromatin and the recruitment of basal transcription factors. Challenges remain to understand the specificity of action of RARs and RXRs and the formation of specific transcription complexes consisting of the receptors, coregulators, and other unknown factors.

Leucine at codon 428 in the ninth heptad of thyroid hormone receptor beta1 is necessary for interactions with the transcriptional cofactors and functions regardless of dimer formations

Structure/function studies of the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) beta(1) have demonstrated that single amino acid substitutions in either position 428 or 429 in the ligand-binding domain (LBD) can alter heterodimerizations and homodimerizations, respectively. A leucine at 428 is located in a highly conserved region corresponding to the putative ninth heptad repeat of a leucine-zipper-like motif in the LBD of TRbeta(1). To investigate how the side chain of amino acids at 428 affect receptor characteristics, gel-shift mobility shift assays and yeast two-hybrid assays were analyzed. The neutral status amino acids such as a leucine (wild-type) or a glutamine at 428 preferred heterodimerization with RXR. Furthermore, a positively charged side chain of amino acids at 428 such as an arginine or a lysine, preserved homodimer formation. Irrespective of charge, ninth heptad mutant receptors did not bind the ligand and were not able to interact with either corepressor or coactivating proteins. Limited trypsinization assays revealed no major conformational change in the ninth heptad mutant receptors. Together, these findings suggested that a leucine at 428 was a critical amino acid for both interaction with the thyroid hormone receptor associated proteins and ligand-independent and -dependent functions regardless of dimer formations.

Thyroid hormone receptor DNA binding is required for both positive and negative gene regulation

The beta isoform of thyroid hormone receptor (TR-beta) has a key role in the feedback regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (H-P-T) axis. The mechanism of trans-repression of the hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) subunit genes, however, remains poorly understood. A number of distinct mechanisms for TR-beta-mediated negative regulation by thyroid hormone have been proposed, including those that require and do not require DNA binding. To clarify the importance of DNA binding in negative regulation, we constructed a DNA-binding mutant of TR-beta in which two amino acids within the P box were altered (GSG for EGG) to resemble that found in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). We termed this mutant GS125, and as expected, it displayed low binding affinities for positive and negative thyroid hormone-response element (pTRE and nTRE, respectively) in gel-mobility shift assays. In transient transfection assays, the GS125 mutant abolished transactivation on three classic pTREs (DR+4, LAP, and PAL) and all negatively regulated promoters in the H-P-T axis (TRH, TSH-beta, and TSH-alpha). However, GS125 TR-beta bound to a composite TR/GR-response element and was fully functional on this hybrid TR/GR-response element. Moreover, the GS125 TR-beta mutant displayed normal interactions with transcriptional cofactors in mammalian two-hybrid assays. These data do not support a DNA-binding independent mechanism for thyroid hormone negative regulation in the H-P-T axis.

Inhibition of the dihydrotestosterone-activated androgen receptor by nuclear receptor corepressor

Nuclear receptor corepressor (NCoR) mediates transcriptional repression by unliganded nuclear receptors and certain steroid hormone receptors (SHRs) bound to nonphysiological antagonists, but has not been found to regulate SHRs bound to their natural ligands. This report demonstrates that NCoR interacts directly with the androgen receptor (AR) and represses dihydrotestosterone-stimulated AR transcriptional activity. The NCoR C terminus, containing the receptor interacting domains, was necessary for repression, which was ablated by mutations in the corepressor nuclear receptor (CoRNR) boxes. In contrast, the NCoR N terminus, containing domains that can recruit histone deacetylases, was not necessary for repression. Binding studies in vitro with a series of glutathione-S-transferase-NCoR and -AR fusion proteins demonstrated a direct interaction that was similarly dependent upon the NCoR corepressor nuclear receptor boxes and AR ligand binding domain and was independent of ligand and helix 12 in the AR ligand binding domain. This NCoR-AR interaction was further demonstrated in mammalian two-hybrid assays and by coimmunoprecipitation of the endogenous proteins from a prostate cancer cell line. Finally, AR transcriptional activity could be enhanced in vivo by sequestration of endogenous NCoR with unliganded thyroid hormone receptor. These results demonstrate that AR, in contrast to other SHRs, is regulated by NCoR and suggest the possibility of developing selective AR modulators that enhance this interaction.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat binding protein-1 is a transcriptional coactivator specific for TR

The DNA-binding domain of nuclear hormone receptors functions as an interaction interface for other transcription factors. Using the DNA-binding domain of TRbeta1 as bait in the yeast two-hybrid system, we cloned the Tat binding protein-1 that was originally isolated as a protein binding to the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat transactivator. Tat binding protein-1 has subsequently been identified as a member of the ATPase family and a component of the 26S proteasome. Tat binding protein-1 interacted with the DNA-binding domain but not with the ligand binding domain of TR in vivo and in vitro. TR bound to the amino-terminal portion of Tat binding protein-1 that contains a leucine zipper-like structure. In mammalian cells, Tat binding protein-1 potentiated the ligand-dependent transactivation by TRbeta1 and TRalpha1 via thyroid hormone response elements. Both the intact DNA-binding domain and activation function-2 of the TR were required for the transcriptional enhancement in the presence of Tat binding protein-1. Tat binding protein-1 did not augment the transactivation function of the RAR, RXR, PPARgamma, or ER. The intrinsic activation domain in Tat binding protein-1 resided within the carboxyl-terminal conserved ATPase domain, and a mutation of a putative ATP binding motif but not a helicase motif in the carboxyl-terminal conserved ATPase domain abolished the activation function. Tat binding protein-1 synergistically activated the TR-mediated transcription with the steroid receptor coactivator 1, p120, and cAMP response element-binding protein, although Tat binding protein-1 did not directly interact with these coactivators in vitro. In contrast, the N-terminal portion of Tat binding protein-1 directly interacted in vitro and in vivo with the TR-interacting protein 1 possessing an ATPase activity that interacts with the activation function-2 of liganded TR. Collectively, Tat binding protein-1 might function as a novel DNA-binding domain-binding transcriptional coactivator specific for the TR probably in cooperation with other activation function-2-interacting cofactors such as TR-interacting protein 1.

Physiological and molecular basis of thyroid hormone action

Thyroid hormones (THs) play critical roles in the differentiation, growth, metabolism, and physiological function of virtually all tissues. TH binds to receptors that are ligand-regulatable transcription factors belonging to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Tremendous progress has been made recently in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie TH action. In this review, we present the major advances in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of TH action and their implications for TH action in specific tissues, resistance to thyroid hormone syndrome, and genetically engineered mouse models.

The TRAP/SMCC/Mediator complex and thyroid hormone receptor function

The TRAP/SMCC/Mediator complex is a mammalian transcriptional regulatory complex that contains over 25 polypeptides and is, in part, phylogenetically conserved. It was originally isolated as a thyroid hormone receptor (TR)-associated protein (TRAP) complex that mediates TR-activated transcription from DNA templates in conjunction with the general transcription machinery, and probably acts in vivo after the action of other receptor-interacting coactivators involved in chromatin remodeling. Subsequently, the TRAP complex was identified as a more broadly used coactivator complex for a wide variety of activators. The TRAP220 subunit mediates ligand-dependent interactions of the complex with TR and other nuclear receptors; and genetic ablation of murine TRAP220 has revealed that it is essential both for optimal TR function and for a variety of early developmental and adult homeostasis events in mice, but not for cell viability per se.

Transcript map and comparative analysis of the 1.5-Mb commonly deleted segment of human 5q31 in malignant myeloid diseases with a del(5q)

Loss of a whole chromosome 5, or a del(5q), are recurring abnormalities in malignant myeloid diseases. In previous studies, we defined a commonly deleted segment (CDS) of 1.5 Mb between D5S479 and D5S500 in patients with a del(5q), and we established a P1 artificial chromosome-based contig encompassing this interval. To identify candidate tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), we developed a transcript map of the CDS. The map contains 18 genes and 12 expressed sequence tags/UniGenes. Among the 18 genes are 10 genes that were previously cloned and 8 novel genes. The newly identified genes include CDC23, which encodes a component of the anaphase-promoting complex; RAB6KIFL, which encodes a kinesin-like protein involved in organelle transport; and KLHL3, which encodes a human homologue of the Drosophila ring canal protein, kelch. We determined the intron/exon organization of 14 genes and eliminated each gene as a classical TSG by mutation analysis. In addition, we established a single-nucleotide polymorphism map as well as a map of the mouse genome that is syntenic to the CDS of human 5q31. The development of a transcription map will facilitate the molecular cloning of a myeloid leukemia suppressor gene on 5q.

Transcriptional regulation of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone gene by leptin and melanocortin signaling

Starvation causes a rapid reduction in thyroid hormone levels in rodents. This adaptive response is caused by a reduction in thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) expression that can be reversed by the administration of leptin. Here we examined hypothalamic signaling pathways engaged by leptin to upregulate TRH gene expression. As assessed by leptin-induced expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3) in fasted rats, TRH neurons in the paraventricular nucleus are activated directly by leptin. To a greater degree, they also contain melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4Rs), implying that leptin can act directly or indirectly by increasing the production of the MC4R ligand, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), to regulate TRH expression. We further demonstrate that both pathways converge on the TRH promoter. The melanocortin system activates the TRH promoter through the phosphorylation and DNA binding of the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and leptin signaling directly regulates the TRH promoter through the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3). Indeed, a novel Stat-response element in the TRH promoter is necessary for leptin's effect. Thus, the TRH promoter is an ideal target for further characterizing the integration of transcriptional pathways through which leptin acts.

Androgen receptor interacts with a novel MYST protein, HBO1

The androgen receptor (AR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, plays a central role in male sexual differentiation and prostate cell proliferation. Results of treating prostate cancer by androgen ablation indicate that signals mediated through AR are critical for the growth of these tumors. Like other nuclear receptors, AR exerts its transcriptional function by binding to cis-elements upstream of promoters and interacting with other transcriptional factors (e.g. activators, repressors and modulators). To determine the mechanism of AR-regulated transcription, we used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify AR-associated proteins. One of the proteins we identified is identical to the human origin recognition complex-interacting protein termed HBO1. A ligand-enhanced interaction between AR and HBO1 was further confirmed in vivo and in vitro. Immunofluorescence experiments showed that HBO1 is a nuclear protein, and Northern blot analysis revealed that it is ubiquitously expressed, with the highest levels present in human testis. HBO1 belongs to the MYST family, which is characterized by a highly conserved C2HC zinc finger and a putative histone acetyltransferase domain. Surprisingly, two yeast members of the MYST family, SAS2 and SAS3, have been shown to function as transcription silencers, despite the presence of the histone acetyltransferase domain. Using a GAL4 DNA-binding domain assay, we mapped a transcriptional repression domain within the N-terminal region of HBO1. Transient transfection experiments revealed that HBO1 specifically repressed AR-mediated transcription in both CV-1 and PC-3 cells. These results indicate that HBO1 is a new AR-interacting protein capable of modulating AR activity. It could play a significant role in regulating AR-dependent genes in normal and prostate cancer cells.

The mechanism of action of thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormone is essential for normal development, differentiation, and metabolic balance. Thyroid hormone action is mediated by multiple thyroid hormone receptor isoforms derived from two distinct genes. The thyroid hormone receptors belong to a nuclear receptor superfamily that also includes receptors for other small lipophilic hormones. Thyroid hormone receptors function by binding to specific thyroid hormone-responsive sequences in promoters of target genes and by regulating transcription. Thyroid hormone receptors often form heterodimers with retinoid X receptors. Heterodimerization is regulated through distinct mechanisms that together determine the specificity and flexibility of the sequence recognition. Amino-terminal regions appear to modulate thyroid hormone receptor function in an isoform-dependent manner. Unliganded thyroid hormone receptor represses transcription through recruitment of a corepressor complex, which also includes Sin3A and histone deacetylase. Ligand binding alters the conformation of the thyroid hormone receptor in such a way as to release the corepressor complex and recruit a coactivator complex that includes multiple histone acetyltransferases, including a steroid receptor family coactivator, p300/CREB-binding protein-associated factor (PCAF), and CREB binding protein (CBP). The existence of histone-modifying activities in the transcriptional regulatory complexes indicates an important role of chromatin structure. Stoichiometric, structural, and sequence-specific rules for coregulator interaction are beginning to be understood, as are aspects of the tissue specificity of hormone action. Moreover, knockout studies suggest that the products of two thyroid hormone receptor genes mediate distinct functions in vivo. The increased understanding of the structure and function of thyroid hormone receptors and their interacting proteins has markedly clarified the molecular mechanisms of thyroid hormone action.

Gene regulation by thyroid hormone

Regulation of gene expression by thyroid hormones (T3, T4) is mediated via thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). TRs are DNA-binding transcription factors that function as molecular switches in response to ligand. TRs can activate or repress gene transcription depending on the promoter context and ligand-binding status. In most cases, in the absence of ligand, TRs interact with a corepressor complex containing histone deacetylase activity, which actively inhibits transcription. The binding of ligand triggers a conformational change in the TR that results in the replacement of the corepressor complex by a coactivator complex containing histone acetyltransferase activity, through which the chromatin structure is remodeled, thereby leading to activation of transcription. In addition, the finding that several TR-interacting coregulators act more directly on the basal transcriptional machinery suggests that mechanisms independent of histone acetylation and deacetylation also are involved in TR action.

Delineation of a minimal interval and identification of 9 candidates for a tumor suppressor gene in malignant myeloid disorders on 5q31

Interstitial deletion or loss of chromosome 5 is frequent in malignant myeloid disorders, including myelodysplasia (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), suggesting the presence of a tumor suppressor gene. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis was used to define a minimal deletion interval for this gene. Polymorphic markers on 5q31 were identified using a high-resolution physical and radiation hybrid breakpoint map and applied to a patient with AML with a subcytogenetic deletion of 5q. By comparing the DNA from leukemic cells to buccal mucosa cells, LOH was detected with markers D5S476 and D5S1372 with retention of flanking markers D5S500 to D5S594. The D5S500–D5S594 interval, which covers approximately 700 kb, thus represents a minimal localization for the tumor suppressor gene. Further refinement of the physical map enabled the specification of 9 transcription units within the encompassing radiation hybrid bins and 7 in flanking bins. The 9 candidates include genes CDC25, HSPA9, EGR1, CTNNA1, and 5 unknown ESTs. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction confirms that all of them are expressed in normal human bone marrow CD34+ cells and in AML cell lines and thus represent likely candidates for the MDS–AML tumor suppressor gene at 5q31.

Delineation of a minimal interval and identification of 9 candidates for a tumor suppressor gene in malignant myeloid disorders on 5q31

Interstitial deletion or loss of chromosome 5 is frequent in malignant myeloid disorders, including myelodysplasia (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), suggesting the presence of a tumor suppressor gene. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis was used to define a minimal deletion interval for this gene. Polymorphic markers on 5q31 were identified using a high-resolution physical and radiation hybrid breakpoint map and applied to a patient with AML with a subcytogenetic deletion of 5q. By comparing the DNA from leukemic cells to buccal mucosa cells, LOH was detected with markers D5S476 and D5S1372 with retention of flanking markers D5S500 to D5S594. The D5S500–D5S594 interval, which covers approximately 700 kb, thus represents a minimal localization for the tumor suppressor gene. Further refinement of the physical map enabled the specification of 9 transcription units within the encompassing radiation hybrid bins and 7 in flanking bins. The 9 candidates include genes CDC25, HSPA9, EGR1, CTNNA1, and 5 unknown ESTs. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction confirms that all of them are expressed in normal human bone marrow CD34+ cells and in AML cell lines and thus represent likely candidates for the MDS–AML tumor suppressor gene at 5q31.

Thyroid hormone-independent interaction between the thyroid hormone receptor beta2 amino terminus and coactivators

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) mediate hormone action by binding to DNA response elements (TREs) and either activating or repressing gene expression in the presence of ligand, T(3). Coactivator recruitment to the AF-2 region of TR in the presence of T(3) is central to this process. The different TR isoforms, TR-beta1, TR-beta2, and TR-alpha1, share strong homology in their DNA- and ligand-binding domains but differ in their amino-terminal domains. Because TR-beta2 exhibits greater T(3)-independent activation on TREs than other TR isoforms, we wanted to determine whether coactivators bound to TR-beta2 in the absence of ligand. Our results show that TR-beta2, unlike TR-beta1 or TR-alpha1, is able to bind certain coactivators (CBP, SRC-1, and pCIP) in the absence of T(3) through a domain which maps to the amino-terminal half of its A/B domain. This interaction is specific for certain coactivators, as TR-beta2 does not interact with other co-factors (p120 or the CBP-associated factor (pCAF)) in the absence of T(3). The minimal TR-beta2 domain for coactivator binding is aa 21-50, although aa 1-50 are required for the full functional response. Thus, isoform-specific regulation by TRs may involve T(3)-independent coactivator recruitment to the transcription complex via the AF-1 domain.

A novel family of bromodomain genes

The bromodomain is a structural motif characteristic of proteins involved in chromatin-dependent regulation of transcription. Bromodomain proteins have been identified as integral components of chromatin remodeling complexes and frequently possess histone acetyltransferase activity. Their encoding genes have been identified at translocation breakpoints, and at least one, CBP, is a tumor suppressor gene. We have identified a series of novel bromodomain genes by EST database and cDNA library screening. Comparison of sequences for four clones indicated that they represent genes belonging to a novel bromodomain family. Full-length sequences for these genes, which are widely expressed, predict encoded proteins of between 1527 and 1972 amino acids. In addition to a carboxy-terminal bromodomain, an adjacent PHD finger, and a WACZ motif, at least four other conserved novel motifs are present in each protein. The genes contain regions conserved with Drosophila Acf1 and Caenorhabditis elegans ZK783.4. The novel genes, termed BAZ1A, BAZ1B, BAZ2A, and BAZ2B, localize to chromosomes 14q12-q13, 7q11-q21, 12q24.3-qter, and 2q23-q24, respectively. Conservation of multiple domains throughout these genes with Acf1 indicates that they are likely to be components of chromatin remodeling complexes.

Regulation of the mouse preprothyrotropin-releasing hormone gene by retinoic acid receptor

Retinoic acid (RA) has been reported to inhibit the secretion and synthesis of the pituitary TSH in vivo and in vitro. However, little is known about the influence of RA on the expression of the prepro-TRH gene. We therefore investigated whether the promoter activity of the mouse TRH gene is directly regulated by RA using a transient transfection assay into CV-1 cells. In the absence of cotransfected RA receptor (RAR), all-trans-RA did not affect the promoter activity. In contrast, the cotransfected RARalpha significantly stimulated promoter activity in the absence of ligand, and all-trans-RA reversed basal promoter activation. The cotransfected thyroid hormone receptor-beta (TRbeta), but not 9-cis-RA receptor (RXR), had an additive effect on the RAR-dependent stimulation. TR and RAR can similarly interact with the corepressor proteins, and the cotransfected nuclear receptor corepressor (N-CoR) has been demonstrated to augment the transcriptional stimulation of the TRH gene by unliganded TR. As observed with TR, the coexpression of a N-CoR variant significantly enhanced the ligand-independent stimulation by RAR. A mutant RAR (RAR403) lacking the C-terminal activation function-2 (AF-2) activation domain that was essential for ligand-induced corepressor release constitutively stimulated the promoter activity. The constitutive stimulation by RAR403 was augmented by the cotransfected N-CoR variant. A deletion analysis of the 5'-flanking region of the TRH gene revealed that the minimal promoter region for the regulation by RAR was -83 to +53, with a consensus half-site motif for the thyroid hormone response element at -57. In contrast to the strong binding of TR to the thyroid hormone response element half-site in gel retardation assays, no binding of RAR homodimer, RAR/ RXR heterodimer, or RAR/TR heterodimer was observed to the minimal promoter region. These results collectively suggest that RAR without heterodimerization with RXR and TR regulates transcription of the mouse TRH gene in cooperation with the corepressor, and that the DNA binding of RAR appeared to be unnecessary for regulation of the TRH gene promoter.

Tumor susceptibility gene 101 protein represses androgen receptor transactivation and interacts with p300

BACKGROUND

Functional inactivation of the tsg101 gene in mouse fibroblasts leads to cell transformation and the ability to form metastatic tumors in nude mice. Abnormal TSG101 transcripts with highly-specific deletions in the protein-coding region have been identified in human tumor samples and cancer cell lines, including prostate and breast carcinomas, and have been attributed to alternative splicing of TSG101 mRNA. The function of the TSG101 protein is not known, although its predicted sequence has suggested that it may function as a transcription factor.

METHODS

Human TSG101 N-terminal (encoding amino acids 10-240) and C-terminal (encoding amino acids 230-391) fragments were cloned and used in both transient transfection and protein binding experiments. The transient transfections were carried in CV-1 cells. Protein-protein interactions were determined by both glutathione-S-transferase fusion protein binding and co-immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

The N-terminal region of TSG101, when fused to the GAL4 DNA binding domain, can activate transcription; whereas the C-terminal region mediates transcriptional repression. Full-length TSG101 or its separated regions repressed ligand-dependent transcriptional activation by nuclear receptors, including androgen receptor and estrogen receptor, which play central roles in prostate carcinoma and breast carcinoma, respectively. In addition, a direct association between TSG101 and the transcriptional co-factor p300 was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that TSG101 can function as a transcription modulator to affect nuclear receptor-mediated transcriptional activation, which raises the possibility that the tumor suppression by TSG101 observed previously may be mediated at least in part by its effects on nuclear receptor function.

Isolation and characterization of ARA160 as the first androgen receptor N-terminal-associated coactivator in human prostate cells

The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the steroid receptor superfamily that may require coactivators for proper or maximal transactivation. Using a purified AR N-terminal peptide as a probe to screen the human testis expression library, we identified an androgen-enhanced AR N-terminal-associated protein ARA160, which consists of 1,093 amino acids with an apparent molecular mass of 160 kDa. Sequence comparison in GenBank(TM) reveals that ARA160 shares an identical sequence with a HIV-1 TATA element modulatory factor, TMF. The far-Western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that the AR can interact directly with ARA160/TMF. Affinity gel pull-down and mammalian two-hybrid assays further suggest androgen can enhance significantly the interaction between AR and ARA160. Transient transfection assays demonstrated that ARA160 might function as a coactivator for AR-mediated transactivation in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Our data further suggest that this AR N-terminal coactivator can function cooperatively with AR C-terminal coactivator, ARA70, in PC-3 cells. Together, our data demonstrate that ARA160 might represent the first identified androgen-enhanced N-terminal coactivator for the AR.

Identification of mouse TRAP100: a transcriptional coregulatory factor for thyroid hormone and vitamin D receptors

Nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) regulate transcription in part by recruiting distinct transcriptional coregulatory complexes to target gene promoters. The thyroid hormone receptor (TR) was recently purified from thyroid hormone-cultured HeLa cells in association with a complex of novel nuclear proteins termed TRAPs (thyroid hormone receptor-associated proteins) ranging in size from 20 to 240 kDa. The TRAP complex markedly enhances TR-mediated transcription in vitro, suggesting a coactivator role for one or more of the TRAP components. Here we present the mouse cDNA for the 100-kDa component of the TRAP complex (mTRAP100). The mTRAP100 protein contains seven LxxLL motifs thought to be potential binding surfaces for liganded NRs, yet surprisingly fails to interact with TR and other NRs in vitro. By contrast, mTRAP100 coprecipitates in vivo with another component of the TRAP complex (TRAP220), which directly contacts TR and the vitamin D receptor in a ligand-dependent manner. Our findings thus suggest that TRAP100 is targeted to NRs in association with TRAP complexes specifically containing TRAP220. Transient overexpression of mTRAP100 in mammalian cells further enhances ligand-dependent transcription by both TR and the vitamin D receptor, revealing a functional role for mTRAP100 in NR-mediated transactivation. The presence of an intrinsic mTRAP100 transactivation function is suggested by the ability of mTRAP100 to activate transcription constitutively when tethered to the GAL4 DNA-binding domain. Collectively, these findings suggest that TRAP100, in concert with other TRAPs, plays an important functional role in mediating transactivation by specific NRs.