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Hemphill WO, Steiner HR, Kominsky JR, Wuttke DS, Cech TR. Transcription factors ERα and Sox2 have differing multiphasic DNA and RNA binding mechanisms. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.18.585577. [PMID: 38562825 PMCID: PMC10983890 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.18.585577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Many transcription factors (TFs) have been shown to bind RNA, leading to open questions regarding the mechanism(s) of this RNA binding and its role in regulating TF activities. Here we use biophysical assays to interrogate the k o n , k o f f , and K d for DNA and RNA binding of two model human transcription factors, ERα and Sox2. Unexpectedly, we found that both proteins exhibited multiphasic nucleic acid binding kinetics. We propose that Sox2 RNA and DNA multiphasic binding kinetics could be explained by a conventional model for sequential Sox2 monomer association and dissociation. In contrast, ERα nucleic acid binding exhibited biphasic dissociation paired with novel triphasic association behavior, where two apparent binding transitions are separated by a 10-20 min "lag" phase depending on protein concentration. We considered several conventional models for the observed kinetic behavior, none of which adequately explained all the ERα nucleic acid binding data. Instead, simulations with a model incorporating sequential ERα monomer association, ERα nucleic acid complex isomerization, and product "feedback" on isomerization rate recapitulated the general kinetic trends for both ERα DNA and RNA binding. Collectively, our findings reveal that Sox2 and ERα bind RNA and DNA with previously unappreciated multiphasic binding kinetics, and that their reaction mechanisms differ with ERα binding nucleic acids via a novel reaction mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne O. Hemphill
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303 USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303 USA
| | - Halley R. Steiner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303 USA
| | - Jackson R. Kominsky
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303 USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303 USA
| | - Deborah S. Wuttke
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303 USA
| | - Thomas R. Cech
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303 USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303 USA
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Wang J, Sun Y, Deng Q, Wang X, Cai W, Chen Y. A novel MAMLD1 variant in a newborn with hypospadias and elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Hormones (Athens) 2024; 23:171-178. [PMID: 37996649 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00513-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Disorders of sex development (DSD) have complex pathogenesis, and evidence suggests an association between MAMLD1 defects and DSD. MAMLD1 is expressed in gonadal tissues and affected males exhibit hypospadias, steroid hormone abnormalities, or gonadal underdevelopment. We performed genetic testing on a newborn patient with severe hypospadias and an elevation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OH) for the diagnosis of DSD. METHODS Genetic testing of the proband and parents was conducted using whole-exome and Sanger sequencing. The identified variant was transfected into HEK293T cells to assess mutant protein expression using western blot (WB) and into steroidogenic NCI-H295R cells to assess MAMLD1 and CYP17A1 transcript levels using qPCR. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to construct a structural model and analyze potential biological implications. RESULTS A novel heterozygous variant was identified in the proband's MAMLD1, NM_005491.5: c.1619_1637del (p.Gln540Alafs*72), inherited from the mother. In transfected cells, the wild-type and mutant proteins were 86.2 and 68.3 kDa, respectively, indicating the formation of a truncated protein. While MAMLD1 transcription was not affected, CYP17A1 transcription levels decreased with the variant compared to wild-type, suggesting an impact on the transactivation of CYP17A1. The truncated protein exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity, owing to the absence of the C-terminal structural portion, resulting in a looser protein structure. CONCLUSION Severe hypospadias in the proband may be attributed to a novel MAMLD1 variant, whereas the 17α-OH elevation might be related to interference with CYP17A1 transcriptional activation. This study expands the spectrum of MAMLD1 variants and underscores the critical role of genetic testing in the diagnosis of DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Wang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, Children's Hospital of Fudan University Anhui Hospital, Wangjiang Road & No.39, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Yafeng Sun
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, Children's Hospital of Fudan University Anhui Hospital, Wangjiang Road & No.39, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Qian Deng
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, Children's Hospital of Fudan University Anhui Hospital, Wangjiang Road & No.39, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, Children's Hospital of Fudan University Anhui Hospital, Wangjiang Road & No.39, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Wenjuan Cai
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, Children's Hospital of Fudan University Anhui Hospital, Wangjiang Road & No.39, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, Children's Hospital of Fudan University Anhui Hospital, Wangjiang Road & No.39, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
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Bjarnason S, McIvor JAP, Prestel A, Demény KS, Bullerjahn JT, Kragelund BB, Mercadante D, Heidarsson PO. DNA binding redistributes activation domain ensemble and accessibility in pioneer factor Sox2. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1445. [PMID: 38365983 PMCID: PMC10873366 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45847-2] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
More than 1600 human transcription factors orchestrate the transcriptional machinery to control gene expression and cell fate. Their function is conveyed through intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) containing activation or repression domains but lacking quantitative structural ensemble models prevents their mechanistic decoding. Here we integrate single-molecule FRET and NMR spectroscopy with molecular simulations showing that DNA binding can lead to complex changes in the IDR ensemble and accessibility. The C-terminal IDR of pioneer factor Sox2 is highly disordered but its conformational dynamics are guided by weak and dynamic charge interactions with the folded DNA binding domain. Both DNA and nucleosome binding induce major rearrangements in the IDR ensemble without affecting DNA binding affinity. Remarkably, interdomain interactions are redistributed in complex with DNA leading to variable exposure of two activation domains critical for transcription. Charged intramolecular interactions allowing for dynamic redistributions may be common in transcription factors and necessary for sensitive tuning of structural ensembles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sveinn Bjarnason
- Department of Biochemistry, Science Institute, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 7, 102, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Jordan A P McIvor
- School of Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andreas Prestel
- Department of Biology, REPIN and Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kinga S Demény
- Department of Biochemistry, Science Institute, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 7, 102, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Jakob T Bullerjahn
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Straße 3, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Birthe B Kragelund
- Department of Biology, REPIN and Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Davide Mercadante
- School of Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Pétur O Heidarsson
- Department of Biochemistry, Science Institute, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 7, 102, Reykjavík, Iceland.
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Yoo W, Song YW, Kim J, Ahn J, Kim J, Shin Y, Ryu JK, Kim KK. Molecular basis for SOX2-dependent regulation of super-enhancer activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11999-12019. [PMID: 37930832 PMCID: PMC10711550 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pioneer transcription factors (TFs) like SOX2 are vital for stemness and cancer through enhancing gene expression within transcriptional condensates formed with coactivators, RNAs and mediators on super-enhancers (SEs). Despite their importance, how these factors work together for transcriptional condensation and activation remains unclear. SOX2, a pioneer TF found in SEs of pluripotent and cancer stem cells, initiates SE-mediated transcription by binding to nucleosomes, though the mechanism isn't fully understood. To address SOX2's role in SEs, we identified mSE078 as a model SOX2-enriched SE and p300 as a coactivator through bioinformatic analysis. In vitro and cell assays showed SOX2 forms condensates with p300 and SOX2-binding motifs in mSE078. We further proved that SOX2 condensation is highly correlated with mSE078's enhancer activity in cells. Moreover, we successfully demonstrated that p300 not only elevated transcriptional activity but also triggered chromatin acetylation via its direct interaction with SOX2 within these transcriptional condensates. Finally, our validation of SOX2-enriched SEs showcased their contribution to target gene expression in both stem cells and cancer cells. In its entirety, this study imparts valuable mechanistic insights into the collaborative interplay of SOX2 and its coactivator p300, shedding light on the regulation of transcriptional condensation and activation within SOX2-enriched SEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanki Yoo
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi Wei Song
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Ahn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongdae Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Kyung Ryu
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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Siu WS, Ma H, Ko CH, Shiu HT, Cheng W, Lee YW, Kot CH, Leung PC, Lui PPY. Rat Plantar Fascia Stem/Progenitor Cells Showed Lower Expression of Ligament Markers and Higher Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines after Intensive Mechanical Loading or Interleukin-1β Treatment In Vitro. Cells 2023; 12:2222. [PMID: 37759446 PMCID: PMC10526819 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of plantar fasciitis is unclear, which hampers the development of an effective treatment. The altered fate of plantar fascia stem/progenitor cells (PFSCs) under overuse-induced inflammation might contribute to the pathogenesis. This study aimed to isolate rat PFSCs and compared their stem cell-related properties with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). The effects of inflammation and intensive mechanical loading on PFSCs' functions were also examined. We showed that plantar fascia-derived cells (PFCs) expressed common MSC surface markers and embryonic stemness markers. They expressed lower Nanog but higher Oct4 and Sox2, proliferated faster and formed more colonies compared to BMSCs. Although PFCs showed higher chondrogenic differentiation potential, they showed low osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential upon induction compared to BMSCs. The expression of ligament markers was higher in PFCs than in BMSCs. The isolated PFCs were hence PFSCs. Both IL-1β and intensive mechanical loading suppressed the mRNA expression of ligament markers but increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix-degrading enzymes in PFSCs. In summary, rat PFSCs were successfully isolated. They had poor multi-lineage differentiation potential compared to BMSCs. Inflammation after overuse altered the fate and inflammatory status of PFSCs, which might lead to poor ligament differentiation of PFSCs and extracellular matrix degeneration. Rat PFSCs can be used as an in vitro model for studying the effects of intensive mechanical loading-induced inflammation on matrix degeneration and erroneous stem/progenitor cell differentiation in plantar fasciitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Sum Siu
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Hay Ko
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi Ting Shiu
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wen Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuk Wa Lee
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cheuk Hin Kot
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ping Chung Leung
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pauline Po Yee Lui
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Mendoza G, González-Pastor R, Sánchez JM, Arce-Cerezo A, Quintanilla M, Moreno-Bueno G, Pujol A, Belmar-López C, de Martino A, Riu E, Rodriguez TA, Martin-Duque P. The E1a Adenoviral Gene Upregulates the Yamanaka Factors to Induce Partial Cellular Reprogramming. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091338. [PMID: 37174738 PMCID: PMC10177049 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The induction of pluripotency by enforced expression of different sets of genes in somatic cells has been achieved with reprogramming technologies first described by Yamanaka's group. Methodologies for generating induced pluripotent stem cells are as varied as the combinations of genes used. It has previously been reported that the adenoviral E1a gene can induce the expression of two of the Yamanaka factors (c-Myc and Oct-4) and epigenetic changes. Here, we demonstrate that the E1a-12S over-expression is sufficient to induce pluripotent-like characteristics closely to epiblast stem cells in mouse embryonic fibroblasts through the activation of the pluripotency gene regulatory network. These findings provide not only empirical evidence that the expression of one single factor is sufficient for partial reprogramming but also a potential mechanistic explanation for how viral infection could lead to neoplasia if they are surrounded by the appropriate environment or the right medium, as happens with the tumorogenic niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracia Mendoza
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rebeca González-Pastor
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Juan Miguel Sánchez
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 ONN, UK
| | - Altamira Arce-Cerezo
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal y de Terapia Génica (CBATEG), Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Miguel Quintanilla
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols', Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), (UAM-CSIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Moreno-Bueno
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols', Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), (UAM-CSIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Fundación MD Anderson Internacional, 28033 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC) and Red de Nanomedicina y Nanomateriales (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Pujol
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal y de Terapia Génica (CBATEG), Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Carolina Belmar-López
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- OncoGenomics Lab, Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Lima 15038, Peru
| | - Alba de Martino
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Efrén Riu
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal y de Terapia Génica (CBATEG), Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Tristan A Rodriguez
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 ONN, UK
| | - Pilar Martin-Duque
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC) and Red de Nanomedicina y Nanomateriales (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Araid, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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7
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Signaling pathways and targeted therapies in lung squamous cell carcinoma: mechanisms and clinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:353. [PMID: 36198685 PMCID: PMC9535022 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01200-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death across the world. Unlike lung adenocarcinoma, patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) have not benefitted from targeted therapies. Although immunotherapy has significantly improved cancer patients' outcomes, the relatively low response rate and severe adverse events hinder the clinical application of this promising treatment in LSCC. Therefore, it is of vital importance to have a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of LSCC as well as the inner connection among different signaling pathways, which will surely provide opportunities for more effective therapeutic interventions for LSCC. In this review, new insights were given about classical signaling pathways which have been proved in other cancer types but not in LSCC, including PI3K signaling pathway, VEGF/VEGFR signaling, and CDK4/6 pathway. Other signaling pathways which may have therapeutic potentials in LSCC were also discussed, including the FGFR1 pathway, EGFR pathway, and KEAP1/NRF2 pathway. Next, chromosome 3q, which harbors two key squamous differentiation markers SOX2 and TP63 is discussed as well as its related potential therapeutic targets. We also provided some progress of LSCC in epigenetic therapies and immune checkpoints blockade (ICB) therapies. Subsequently, we outlined some combination strategies of ICB therapies and other targeted therapies. Finally, prospects and challenges were given related to the exploration and application of novel therapeutic strategies for LSCC.
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Metz EP, Wilder PJ, Popay TM, Wang J, Liu Q, Kalluchi A, Rowley MJ, Tansey WP, Rizzino A. Elevating SOX2 Downregulates MYC through a SOX2:MYC Signaling Axis and Induces a Slowly Cycling Proliferative State in Human Tumor Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1946. [PMID: 35454854 PMCID: PMC9025961 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Slowly cycling/infrequently proliferating tumor cells present a clinical challenge due to their ability to evade treatment. Previous studies established that high levels of SOX2 in both fetal and tumor cells restrict cell proliferation and induce a slowly cycling state. However, the mechanisms through which elevated SOX2 levels inhibit tumor cell proliferation have not been identified. To identify common mechanisms through which SOX2 elevation restricts tumor cell proliferation, we initially performed RNA-seq using two diverse tumor cell types. SOX2 elevation in both cell types downregulated MYC target genes. Consistent with these findings, elevating SOX2 in five cell lines representing three different human cancer types decreased MYC expression. Importantly, the expression of a dominant-negative MYC variant, omomyc, recapitulated many of the effects of SOX2 on proliferation, cell cycle, gene expression, and biosynthetic activity. We also demonstrated that rescuing MYC activity in the context of elevated SOX2 induces cell death, indicating that the downregulation of MYC is a critical mechanistic step necessary to maintain survival in the slowly cycling state induced by elevated SOX2. Altogether, our findings uncover a novel SOX2:MYC signaling axis and provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms through which SOX2 elevation induces a slowly cycling proliferative state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan P. Metz
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (E.P.M.); (P.J.W.)
| | - Phillip J. Wilder
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (E.P.M.); (P.J.W.)
| | - Tessa M. Popay
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (T.M.P.); (W.P.T.)
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (J.W.); (Q.L.)
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (J.W.); (Q.L.)
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Achyuth Kalluchi
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (A.K.); (M.J.R.)
| | - M. Jordan Rowley
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (A.K.); (M.J.R.)
| | - William P. Tansey
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (T.M.P.); (W.P.T.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Angie Rizzino
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (E.P.M.); (P.J.W.)
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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9
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Pouremamali F, Vahedian V, Hassani N, Mirzaei S, Pouremamali A, Kazemzadeh H, Faridvand Y, Jafari-gharabaghlou D, Nouri M, Maroufi NF. The role of SOX family in cancer stem cell maintenance: With a focus on SOX2. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 231:153783. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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10
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Huang Y, Duan X, Wang Z, Sun Y, Guan Q, Kang L, Zhang Q, Fang L, Li J, Wong J. An acetylation-enhanced interaction between transcription factor Sox2 and the steroid receptor coactivators facilitates Sox2 transcriptional activity and function. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101389. [PMID: 34762910 PMCID: PMC8668987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
SRY-box 2 (Sox2) is a transcription factor with critical roles in maintaining embryonic stem (ES) cell and adult stem cell functions and in tumorigenesis. However, how Sox2 exerts its transcriptional function remains unclear. Here, we used an in vitro protein–protein interaction assay to discover transcriptional regulators for ES cell core transcription factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc) and identified members of the steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs) as Sox2-specific interacting proteins. The SRC family coactivators have broad roles in transcriptional regulation, but it is unknown whether they also serve as Sox2 coactivators. We demonstrated that these proteins facilitate Sox2 transcriptional activity and act synergistically with p300. Furthermore, we uncovered an acetylation-enhanced interaction between Sox2 and SRC-2/3, but not SRC-1, demonstrating it is Sox2 acetylation that promotes the interaction. We identified putative Sox2 acetylation sites required for acetylation-enhanced interaction between Sox2 and SRC-3 and demonstrated that acetylation on these sites contributes to Sox2 transcriptional activity and recruitment of SRC-3. We showed that activation domains 1 and 2 of SRC-3 both display a preferential binding to acetylated Sox2. Finally, functional analyses in mouse ES cells demonstrated that knockdown of SRC-2/3 but not SRC-1 in mouse ES cells significantly downregulates the transcriptional activities of various Sox2 target genes and impairs ES cell stemness. Taken together, we identify specific SRC family proteins as novel Sox2 coactivators and uncover the role of Sox2 acetylation in promoting coactivator recruitment and Sox2 transcriptional function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyong Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Fengxian District Central Hospital-ECNU Joint Center of Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoya Duan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Fengxian District Central Hospital-ECNU Joint Center of Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Fengxian District Central Hospital-ECNU Joint Center of Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yimei Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Fengxian District Central Hospital-ECNU Joint Center of Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingqing Guan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Fengxian District Central Hospital-ECNU Joint Center of Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Kang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Fengxian District Central Hospital-ECNU Joint Center of Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Fengxian District Central Hospital-ECNU Joint Center of Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Fang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Fengxian District Central Hospital-ECNU Joint Center of Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiwen Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Fengxian District Central Hospital-ECNU Joint Center of Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiemin Wong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Fengxian District Central Hospital-ECNU Joint Center of Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Fengxian District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Li Y, Wu T, Liu S. Identification and Distinction of Tenocytes and Tendon-Derived Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:629515. [PMID: 33937230 PMCID: PMC8085586 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.629515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Restoring the normal structure and function of injured tendons is one of the biggest challenges in orthopedics and sports medicine department. The discovery of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) provides a novel perspective to treat tendon injuries, which is expected to be an ideal seed cell to promote tendon repair and regeneration. Because of the lack of specific markers, the identification of tenocytes and TDSCs has not been conclusive in the in vitro study of tendons. In addition, the morphology of tendon derived cells is similar, and the comparison and identification of tenocytes and TDSCs are insufficient, which causes some obstacles to the in vitro study of tendon. In this review, the characteristics of tenocytes and TDSCs are summarized and compared based on some existing research results (mainly in terms of biomarkers), and a potential marker selection for identification is suggested. It is of profound significance to further explore the mechanism of biomarkers in vivo and to find more specific markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuange Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyi Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Metz EP, Wuebben EL, Wilder PJ, Cox JL, Datta K, Coulter D, Rizzino A. Tumor quiescence: elevating SOX2 in diverse tumor cell types downregulates a broad spectrum of the cell cycle machinery and inhibits tumor growth. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:941. [PMID: 32998722 PMCID: PMC7528478 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Quiescent tumor cells pose a major clinical challenge due to their ability to resist conventional chemotherapies and to drive tumor recurrence. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that promote quiescence of tumor cells could help identify therapies to eliminate these cells. Significantly, recent studies have determined that the function of SOX2 in cancer cells is highly dose dependent. Specifically, SOX2 levels in tumor cells are optimized to promote tumor growth: knocking down or elevating SOX2 inhibits proliferation. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that quiescent tumor cells express higher levels of SOX2 compared to adjacent proliferating cells. Currently, the mechanisms through which elevated levels of SOX2 restrict tumor cell proliferation have not been characterized. Methods To understand how elevated levels of SOX2 restrict the proliferation of tumor cells, we engineered diverse types of tumor cells for inducible overexpression of SOX2. Using these cells, we examined the effects of elevating SOX2 on their proliferation, both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we examined how elevating SOX2 influences their expression of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and p27Kip1. Results Elevating SOX2 in diverse tumor cell types led to growth inhibition in vitro. Significantly, elevating SOX2 in vivo in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, medulloblastoma, and prostate cancer cells induced a reversible state of tumor growth arrest. In all three tumor types, elevation of SOX2 in vivo quickly halted tumor growth. Remarkably, tumor growth resumed rapidly when SOX2 returned to endogenous levels. We also determined that elevation of SOX2 in six tumor cell lines decreased the levels of cyclins and CDKs that control each phase of the cell cycle, while upregulating p27Kip1. Conclusions Our findings indicate that elevating SOX2 above endogenous levels in a diverse set of tumor cell types leads to growth inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, our findings indicate that SOX2 can function as a master regulator by controlling the expression of a broad spectrum of cell cycle machinery. Importantly, our SOX2-inducible tumor studies provide a novel model system for investigating the molecular mechanisms by which elevated levels of SOX2 restrict cell proliferation and tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan P Metz
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Erin L Wuebben
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Phillip J Wilder
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Jesse L Cox
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Kaustubh Datta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Donald Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Angie Rizzino
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA.
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13
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Single-gene imaging links genome topology, promoter-enhancer communication and transcription control. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2020; 27:1032-1040. [PMID: 32958948 PMCID: PMC7644657 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-020-0493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Transcription activation by distal enhancers is essential for cell-fate specification and maintenance of cellular identities. How long-range gene regulation is physically achieved, especially within complex regulatory landscapes of non-binary enhancer-promoter configurations, remains elusive. Recent nanoscopy advances have quantitatively linked promoter kinetics and ~100- to 200-nm-sized clusters of enhancer-associated regulatory factors (RFs) at important developmental genes. Here, we further dissect mechanisms of RF clustering and transcription activation in mouse embryonic stem cells. RF recruitment into clusters involves specific molecular recognition of cognate DNA and chromatin-binding sites, suggesting underlying cis-element clustering. Strikingly, imaging of tagged genomic loci, with ≤1 kilobase and ~20-nanometer precision, in live cells, reveals distal enhancer clusters over the extended locus in frequent close proximity to target genes-within RF-clustering distances. These high-interaction-frequency enhancer-cluster 'superclusters' create nano-environments wherein clustered RFs activate target genes, providing a structural framework for relating genome organization, focal RF accumulation and transcription activation.
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14
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Functional characterization of SOX2 as an anticancer target. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:135. [PMID: 32728033 PMCID: PMC7391717 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00242-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SOX2 is a well-characterized pluripotent factor that is essential for stem cell self-renewal, reprogramming, and homeostasis. The cellular levels of SOX2 are precisely regulated by a complicated network at the levels of transcription, post-transcription, and post-translation. In many types of human cancer, SOX2 is dysregulated due to gene amplification and protein overexpression. SOX2 overexpression is associated with poor survival of cancer patients. Mechanistically, SOX2 promotes proliferation, survival, invasion/metastasis, cancer stemness, and drug resistance. SOX2 is, therefore, an attractive anticancer target. However, little progress has been made in the efforts to discover SOX2 inhibitors, largely due to undruggable nature of SOX2 as a transcription factor. In this review, we first briefly introduced SOX2 as a transcription factor, its domain structure, normal physiological functions, and its involvement in human cancers. We next discussed its role in embryonic development and stem cell-renewal. We then mainly focused on three aspects of SOX2: (a) the regulatory mechanisms of SOX2, including how SOX2 level is regulated, and how SOX2 cross-talks with multiple signaling pathways to control growth and survival; (b) the role of SOX2 in tumorigenesis and drug resistance; and (c) current drug discovery efforts on targeting SOX2, and the future perspectives to discover specific SOX2 inhibitors for effective cancer therapy.
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15
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Li Y, Song Y, Xu W, Li Q, Wang X, Li K, Wang J, Liu Z, Velychko S, Ye R, Xia Q, Wang L, Guo R, Dong X, Zheng Z, Dai Y, Li H, Yao M, Xue Y, Schöler HR, Sun Q, Yao H. R-loops coordinate with SOX2 in regulating reprogramming to pluripotency. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaba0777. [PMID: 32704541 PMCID: PMC7360481 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba0777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
R-loops modulate genome stability and regulate gene expression, but the functions and the regulatory mechanisms of R-loops in stem cell biology are still unclear. Here, we profiled R-loops during somatic cell reprogramming and found that dynamic changes in R-loops are essential for reprogramming and occurred before changes in gene expression. Disrupting the homeostasis of R-loops by depleting RNaseH1 or catalytic inactivation of RNaseH1 at D209 (RNaseH1D209N) blocks reprogramming. Sox2, but not any other factor in the Yamanaka cocktail, overcomes the inhibitory effects of RNaseH1 activity loss on reprogramming. Sox2 interacts with the reprogramming barrier factor Ddx5 and inhibits the resolvase activity of Ddx5 on R-loops and thus facilitates reprogramming. Furthermore, reprogramming efficiency can be modulated by dCas9-mediated RNaseH1/RNaseH1D209N targeting the specific R-loop regions. Together, these results show that R-loops play important roles in reprogramming and shed light on the regulatory module of Sox2/Ddx5 on R-loops during reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyi Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510005, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yawei Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510005, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qin Li
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xinxiu Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510005, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kuan Li
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Juehan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510005, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zicong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510005, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Sergiy Velychko
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Muenster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Rong Ye
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qing Xia
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510005, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rong Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510005, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaotao Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510005, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhikai Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510005, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yushuang Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510005, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Haojie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510005, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Mingze Yao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yuanchao Xue
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hans R. Schöler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Muenster, Münster 48149, Germany
- Medical Faculty, University of Muenster, Domagkstrasse 3, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Qianwen Sun
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Corresponding author. (Q.S.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hongjie Yao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health GuangDong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou 510005, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Corresponding author. (Q.S.); (H.Y.)
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16
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Vaidya M, Sugaya K. Differential sequences and single nucleotide polymorphism of exosomal SOX2 DNA in cancer. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229309. [PMID: 32092088 PMCID: PMC7039433 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common form of brain cancer, with an average life expectancy of fewer than two years post-diagnosis. We have previously reported that cancer cell originated exosomes, including GBM, have NANOG and NANOGP8 DNA associated with them. The exosomal NANOG DNA has certain differences as compared to its normal counterpart that are of immense importance as a potential cancer biomarker. NANOG has been demonstrated to play an essential role in the maintenance of embryonic stem cells, and its pseudogene, NANOGP8, is suggested to promote the cancer stem cell phenotype. Similarly, SOX2 is another stemness gene highly expressed in cancer stem cells with an intimate involvement in GBM progression and metastasis as well as promotion of tumorigenicity in Neuroblastoma (NB). Since exosomes are critical in intercellular communication with a role in dissipating hallmark biomolecules responsible for cancer, we conducted a detailed analysis of the association of the SOX2 gene with exosomes whose sequence modulations with further research and appropriate sample size can help to identify diagnostic markers for cancer. We have detected SOX2 DNA associated with exosomes and have identified some of the SNPs and nucleotide variations in the sequences from a GBM and SH-SY5Y sample. Although a further systematic investigation of exosomal DNA from GBM and NB patient's blood is needed, finding of SOX2 DNA in exosomes in the current study may have value in clinical research. SOX2 is known to be misregulated in cancer cells by changes in miRNA function, such as SNPs in the binding sites. Our finding of cancer-specific SNPs in exosomal SOX2 DNA sequence may reflect those changes in the cancer stem cells as well as cancer cells. A series of our study on embryonic stem cell gene analysis in exosomal DNA may lead to a minimally invasive exosome-based diagnosis, and give us a key in understanding the mechanisms of cancer formation, progression, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjusha Vaidya
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kiminobu Sugaya
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
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17
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Schaefer T, Lengerke C. SOX2 protein biochemistry in stemness, reprogramming, and cancer: the PI3K/AKT/SOX2 axis and beyond. Oncogene 2020; 39:278-292. [PMID: 31477842 PMCID: PMC6949191 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0997-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Research of the past view years expanded our understanding of the various physiological functions the cell-fate determining transcription factor SOX2 exerts in ontogenesis, reprogramming, and cancer. However, while scientific reports featuring novel and exciting aspects of SOX2-driven biology are published in near weekly routine, investigations in the underlying protein-biochemical processes that transiently tailor SOX2 activity to situational demand are underrepresented and have not yet been comprehensively summarized. Largely unrecognizable to modern array or sequencing-based technology, various protein secondary modifications and concomitant function modulations have been reported for SOX2. The chemical modifications imposed onto SOX2 are inherently heterogeneous, comprising singular or clustered events of phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, PARPylation, and O-glycosylation that reciprocally affect each other and critically impact SOX2 functionality, often in a tissue and species-specific manner. One recurring regulatory principle though is the canonical PI3K/AKT signaling axis to which SOX2 relates in various entangled, albeit not exclusive ways. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge on SOX2 protein modifications, their proposed relationship to the PI3K/AKT pathway, and regulatory influence on SOX2 with regards to stemness, reprogramming, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Schaefer
- University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Department of Biomedicine, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Claudia Lengerke
- University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Department of Biomedicine, Basel, Switzerland
- University Hospital Basel, Division of Hematology, Basel, Switzerland
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18
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Metz EP, Wilder PJ, Dong J, Datta K, Rizzino A. Elevating SOX2 in prostate tumor cells upregulates expression of neuroendocrine genes, but does not reduce the inhibitory effects of enzalutamide. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:3731-3740. [PMID: 31587305 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in men. In this cancer, the stem cell transcription factor SOX2 increases during tumor progression, especially as the cancer progresses to the highly aggressive neuroendocrine-like phenotype. Other studies have shown that knockdown of RB1 and TP53 increases the expression of neuroendocrine markers, decreases the sensitivity to enzalutamide, and increases the expression of SOX2. Importantly, knockdown of SOX2 in the context of RB1 and TP53 depletion restored sensitivity to enzalutamide and reduced the expression of neuroendocrine markers. In this study, we examined whether elevating SOX2 is not only necessary, but also sufficient on its own to promote the expression of neuroendocrine markers and confer enzalutamide resistance. For this purpose, we engineered LNCaP cells for inducible overexpression of SOX2 (i-SOX2-LNCaP). As shown previously for other tumor cell types, inducible elevation of SOX2 in i-SOX2-LNCaP inhibited cell proliferation. SOX2 elevation also increased the expression of several neuroendocrine markers, including several neuropeptides and synaptophysin. However, SOX2 elevation did not decrease the sensitivity of i-SOX2-LNCaP cells to enzalutamide, which indicates that elevating SOX2 on its own is not sufficient to confer enzalutamide resistance. Furthermore, knocking down SOX2 in C4-2B cells, a derivative of LNCaP cells which is far less sensitive to enzalutamide and which expresses much higher levels of SOX2 than LNCaP cells, did not alter the growth response to this antiandrogen. Thus, our studies indicate that NE marker expression can increase independently of the sensitivity to enzalutamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan P Metz
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Phillip J Wilder
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Jixin Dong
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Kaustubh Datta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Angie Rizzino
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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19
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Single-Molecule Nanoscopy Elucidates RNA Polymerase II Transcription at Single Genes in Live Cells. Cell 2019; 178:491-506.e28. [PMID: 31155237 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Transforming the vast knowledge from genetics, biochemistry, and structural biology into detailed molecular descriptions of biological processes inside cells remains a major challenge-one in sore need of better imaging technologies. For example, transcription involves the complex interplay between RNA polymerase II (Pol II), regulatory factors (RFs), and chromatin, but visualizing these dynamic molecular transactions in their native intracellular milieu remains elusive. Here, we zoom into single tagged genes using nanoscopy techniques, including an active target-locking, ultra-sensitive system that enables single-molecule detection in addressable sub-diffraction volumes, within crowded intracellular environments. We image, track, and quantify Pol II with single-molecule resolution, unveiling its dynamics during the transcription cycle. Further probing multiple functionally linked events-RF-chromatin interactions, Pol II dynamics, and nascent transcription kinetics-reveals detailed operational parameters of gene-regulatory mechanisms hitherto-unseen in vivo. Our approach sets the stage for single-molecule studies of complex molecular processes in live cells.
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20
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Sybirna A, Wong FCK, Surani MA. Genetic basis for primordial germ cells specification in mouse and human: Conserved and divergent roles of PRDM and SOX transcription factors. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 135:35-89. [PMID: 31155363 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are embryonic precursors of sperm and egg that pass on genetic and epigenetic information from one generation to the next. In mammals, they are induced from a subset of cells in peri-implantation epiblast by BMP signaling from the surrounding tissues. PGCs then initiate a unique developmental program that involves comprehensive epigenetic resetting and repression of somatic genes. This is orchestrated by a set of signaling molecules and transcription factors that promote germ cell identity. Here we review significant findings on mammalian PGC biology, in particular, the genetic basis for PGC specification in mice and human, which has revealed an evolutionary divergence between the two species. We discuss the importance and potential basis for these differences and focus on several examples to illustrate the conserved and divergent roles of critical transcription factors in mouse and human germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiya Sybirna
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust/Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Frederick C K Wong
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust/Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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21
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Satou Y, Minami K, Hosono E, Okada H, Yasuoka Y, Shibano T, Tanaka T, Taira M. Phosphorylation states change Otx2 activity for cell proliferation and patterning in the Xenopus embryo. Development 2018; 145:dev.159640. [PMID: 29440302 DOI: 10.1242/dev.159640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The homeodomain transcription factor Otx2 has essential roles in head and eye formation via the negative and positive regulation of its target genes, but it remains elusive how this dual activity of Otx2 affects cellular functions. In the current study, we first demonstrated that both exogenous and endogenous Otx2 are phosphorylated at multiple sites. Using Xenopus embryos, we identified three possible cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) sites and one Akt site, and analyzed the biological activities of phosphomimetic (4E) and nonphosphorylatable (4A) mutants for those sites. In the neuroectoderm, the 4E but not the 4A mutant downregulated the Cdk inhibitor gene p27xic1 (cdknx) and posterior genes, and promoted cell proliferation, possibly forming a positive-feedback loop consisting of Cdk, Otx2 and p27xic1 for cell proliferation, together with anteriorization. Conversely, the 4A mutant functioned as an activator on its own and upregulated the expression of eye marker genes, resulting in enlarged eyes. Consistent with these results, the interaction of Otx2 with the corepressor Tle1 is suggested to be phosphorylation dependent. These data suggest that Otx2 orchestrates cell proliferation, anteroposterior patterning and eye formation via its phosphorylation state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeko Satou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kohei Minami
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Erina Hosono
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hajime Okada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yuuri Yasuoka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.,Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Takashi Shibano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Tanaka
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| | - Masanori Taira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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22
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Wuebben EL, Wilder PJ, Cox JL, Grunkemeyer JA, Caffrey T, Hollingsworth MA, Rizzino A. SOX2 functions as a molecular rheostat to control the growth, tumorigenicity and drug responses of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2017; 7:34890-906. [PMID: 27145457 PMCID: PMC5085197 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly deadly malignancy. Expression of the stem cell transcription factor SOX2 increases during progression of PDAC. Knockdown of SOX2 in PDAC cell lines decreases growth in vitro; whereas, stable overexpression of SOX2 in one PDAC cell line reportedly increases growth in vitro. Here, we reexamined the role of SOX2 in PDAC cells, because inducible SOX2 overexpression in other tumor cell types inhibits growth. In this study, four PDAC cell lines were engineered for inducible overexpression of SOX2 or inducible knockdown of SOX2. Remarkably, inducible overexpression of SOX2 in PDAC cells inhibits growth in vitro and reduces tumorigenicity. Additionally, inducible knockdown of SOX2 in PDAC cells reduces growth in vitro and in vivo. Thus, growth and tumorigenicity of PDAC cells is highly dependent on the expression of optimal levels of SOX2 – a hallmark of molecular rheostats. We also determined that SOX2 alters the responses of PDAC cells to drugs used in PDAC clinical trials. Increasing SOX2 reduces growth inhibition mediated by MEK and AKT inhibitors; whereas knockdown of SOX2 further reduces growth when PDAC cells are treated with these inhibitors. Thus, targeting SOX2, or its mode of action, could improve the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Wuebben
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5950, USA
| | - Phillip J Wilder
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5950, USA
| | - Jesse L Cox
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3135, USA
| | - James A Grunkemeyer
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5950, USA
| | - Thomas Caffrey
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5950, USA
| | - Michael A Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5950, USA
| | - Angie Rizzino
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5950, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5870, USA
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23
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Kim BR, Coyaud E, Laurent EMN, St-Germain J, Van de Laar E, Tsao MS, Raught B, Moghal N. Identification of the SOX2 Interactome by BioID Reveals EP300 as a Mediator of SOX2-dependent Squamous Differentiation and Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Growth. Mol Cell Proteomics 2017; 16:1864-1888. [PMID: 28794006 PMCID: PMC5629269 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m116.064451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, with squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) being the second most common form. SQCCs are thought to originate in bronchial basal cells through an injury response to smoking, which results in this stem cell population committing to hyperplastic squamous rather than mucinous and ciliated fates. Copy number gains in SOX2 in the region of 3q26-28 occur in 94% of SQCCs, and appear to act both early and late in disease progression by stabilizing the initial squamous injury response in stem cells and promoting growth of invasive carcinoma. Thus, anti-SOX2 targeting strategies could help treat early and/or advanced disease. Because SOX2 itself is not readily druggable, we sought to characterize SOX2 binding partners, with the hope of identifying new strategies to indirectly interfere with SOX2 activity. We now report the first use of proximity-dependent biotin labeling (BioID) to characterize the SOX2 interactome in vivo We identified 82 high confidence SOX2-interacting partners. An interaction with the coactivator EP300 was subsequently validated in both basal cells and SQCCs, and we demonstrate that EP300 is necessary for SOX2 activity in basal cells, including for induction of the squamous fate. We also report that EP300 copy number gains are common in SQCCs and that growth of lung cancer cell lines with 3q gains, including SQCC cells, is dependent on EP300. Finally, we show that EP300 inhibitors can be combined with other targeted therapeutics to achieve more effective growth suppression. Our work supports the use of BioID to identify interacting protein partners of nondruggable oncoproteins such as SOX2, as an effective strategy to discover biologically relevant, druggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ram Kim
- From the ‡Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
- §Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Etienne Coyaud
- From the ‡Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Estelle M N Laurent
- From the ‡Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Jonathan St-Germain
- From the ‡Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Emily Van de Laar
- From the ‡Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ming-Sound Tsao
- From the ‡Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
- ¶Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Raught
- From the ‡Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
- §Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Nadeem Moghal
- From the ‡Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada;
- §Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
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24
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Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-Dependent Phosphorylation of Sox2 at Serine 39 Regulates Neurogenesis. Mol Cell Biol 2017; 37:MCB.00201-17. [PMID: 28584195 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00201-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sox2 is known to be important for neuron formation, but the precise mechanism through which it activates a neurogenic program and how this differs from its well-established function in self-renewal of stem cells remain elusive. In this study, we identified a highly conserved cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) phosphorylation site on serine 39 (S39) in Sox2. In neural stem cells (NSCs), phosphorylation of S39 enhances the ability of Sox2 to negatively regulate neuronal differentiation, while loss of phosphorylation is necessary for chromatin retention of a truncated form of Sox2 generated during neurogenesis. We further demonstrated that nonphosphorylated cleaved Sox2 specifically induces the expression of proneural genes and promotes neurogenic commitment in vivo Our present study sheds light on how the level of Cdk kinase activity directly regulates Sox2 to tip the balance between self-renewal and differentiation in NSCs.
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25
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Liu X, Wei W, Liu Y, Yang X, Wu J, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Shi T, Du JX, Zhao Y, Lei M, Zhou JQ, Li J, Wong J. MOF as an evolutionarily conserved histone crotonyltransferase and transcriptional activation by histone acetyltransferase-deficient and crotonyltransferase-competent CBP/p300. Cell Discov 2017; 3:17016. [PMID: 28580166 PMCID: PMC5441097 DOI: 10.1038/celldisc.2017.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that histones are subjected to various types of acylation including acetylation, propionylation and crotonylation. CBP and p300 have been shown to catalyze multiple types of acylation but are not conserved in evolution, raising the question as to the existence of other enzymes for histone acylation and the functional relationship between well-characterized acetylation and other types of acylation. In this study, we focus on enzymes catalyzing histone crotonylation and demonstrate that among the known histone acetyltransferases, MOF, in addition to CBP and p300, also possesses histone crotonyltransferase (HCT) activity and this activity is conserved in evolution. We provide evidence that CBP and p300 are the major HCTs in mammalian cells. Furthermore, we have generated novel CBP/p300 mutants with deficient histone acetyltransferase but competent HCT activity. These CBP/p300 mutants can substitute the endogenous CBP/p300 to enhance transcriptional activation in the cell, which correlates with enhanced promoter crotonylation and recruitment of DPF2, a selective reader for crotonylated histones. Taken together, we have identified MOF as an evolutionarily conserved HCT and provide first cellular evidence that CBP/p300 can facilitate transcriptional activation through histone acylation other than acetylation, thus supporting an emerging role for the non-acetylation type of histone acylation in transcription and possibly other chromatin-based processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoguang Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueli Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wu
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Science Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tieliu Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - James X Du
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingming Zhao
- Ben May Department of Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ming Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Qiu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiwen Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiemin Wong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Joint Research Center for Translational Medicine, East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
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26
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Rizzino A, Wuebben EL. Sox2/Oct4: A delicately balanced partnership in pluripotent stem cells and embryogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2016; 1859:780-91. [PMID: 26992828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made in understanding the roles of Sox2 and Oct4 in embryonic stem cells and mammalian embryogenesis. Specifically, significant progress has been made in answering three questions about the functions of Sox2 and Oct4, which are the focus of this review. 1) Are the first or second cell lineage decisions during embryogenesis controlled by Oct4 and/or Sox2? 2) Do the levels of Oct4 and Sox2 need to be maintained within narrow limits to promote normal development and to sustain the self-renewal of pluripotent stem cells? 3) Do Oct4 and Sox2 work closely together or is the primary role of Sox2 in pluripotent cells to ensure the expression of Oct4? Although significant progress has been made in answering these questions, additional studies are needed to resolve several important remaining issues. Nonetheless, the preponderance of the evidence suggests there is considerable crosstalk between Sox2 and Oct4, and further suggests Sox2 and Oct4 function as molecular rheostats and utilize negative feedback loops to carefully balance their expression and other critical genes during embryogenesis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Oct transcription factor family, edited by Dr. Dean Tantin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angie Rizzino
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5950, United States.
| | - Erin L Wuebben
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5950, United States
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27
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Myers SA, Peddada S, Chatterjee N, Friedrich T, Tomoda K, Krings G, Thomas S, Maynard J, Broeker M, Thomson M, Pollard K, Yamanaka S, Burlingame AL, Panning B. SOX2 O-GlcNAcylation alters its protein-protein interactions and genomic occupancy to modulate gene expression in pluripotent cells. eLife 2016; 5:e10647. [PMID: 26949256 PMCID: PMC4841768 DOI: 10.7554/elife.10647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor SOX2 is central in establishing and maintaining pluripotency. The processes that modulate SOX2 activity to promote pluripotency are not well understood. Here, we show SOX2 is O-GlcNAc modified in its transactivation domain during reprogramming and in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Upon induction of differentiation SOX2 O-GlcNAcylation at serine 248 is decreased. Replacing wild type with an O-GlcNAc-deficient SOX2 (S248A) increases reprogramming efficiency. ESCs with O-GlcNAc-deficient SOX2 exhibit alterations in gene expression. This change correlates with altered protein-protein interactions and genomic occupancy of the O-GlcNAc-deficient SOX2 compared to wild type. In addition, SOX2 O-GlcNAcylation impairs the SOX2-PARP1 interaction, which has been shown to regulate ESC self-renewal. These findings show that SOX2 activity is modulated by O-GlcNAc, and provide a novel regulatory mechanism for this crucial pluripotency transcription factor. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10647.001 Embryos develop from stem cells, which have the ability to mature into any type of cell in the body. The activity of proteins called transcription factors determines whether a stem cell will become a specialized cell type or remain in an immature “pluripotent” state that has the potential to become any cell type. These transcription factors bind to the cell’s DNA to regulate the activity of target genes. SOX2 is a transcription factor that helps to maintain embryonic stem cells in a pluripotent state. In 2011, a group of researchers showed that a specific sugar molecule was added to SOX2 in mouse embryonic stem cells, in a process called O-GlcNAcylation. Now, Myers, Peddada et al. – including the researchers who performed the 2011 study – have studied the effects of this SOX2 modification in more detail. Transcription factors have two major activities – they bind to DNA and recruit other proteins that can turn target genes on or off. Myers, Peddada et al. found that, in pluripotent stem cells, a complex pattern of O-GlcNAcylation is present on SOX2 in a region that is responsible for recruiting other proteins. In addition, SOX2 O-GlcNAcylation decreases when stem cells are directed to become a new cell type. Further experiments investigated gene activity in stem cells that contained a mutant form of SOX2 that cannot be O-GlcNAc modified. In these cells, genes that help to maintain the cell in a pluripotent state were more active than in normal cells. The mutant form of SOX2 was altered in its ability to bind DNA and to associate with proteins that control gene activity. Myers, Peddada et al.’s findings raise several questions. Does O-GlcNAcylation control the activity of SOX2 in other cell types, such as neurons and cancer cells, in which this modification can be detected on SOX2? Why does a modification on the portion of the SOX2 that is thought to interact with other proteins affect SOX2 DNA binding activity? Finally, understanding how O-GlcNAcylation is employed to regulate SOX2 activity in response to developmental cues remains a major challenge. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10647.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A Myers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Chemistry and Chemical Biology Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Sailaja Peddada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Nilanjana Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Tara Friedrich
- Gladstone Institute University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Kiichrio Tomoda
- Gladstone Institute University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Gregor Krings
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Sean Thomas
- Gladstone Institute University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Jason Maynard
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Michael Broeker
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Matthew Thomson
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Katherine Pollard
- Gladstone Institute University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Institute for Human Genetics, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Shinya Yamanaka
- Gladstone Institute University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Alma L Burlingame
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Barbara Panning
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
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28
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Gao J, Wang Z, Shao K, Fan L, Yang L, Song H, Liu M, Wang Z, Wang X, Zhang Q. Identification and characterization of a Sox2 homolog in the Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Gene 2014; 544:165-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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29
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De D, Jeong MH, Leem YE, Svergun DI, Wemmer DE, Kang JS, Kim KK, Kim SH. Inhibition of master transcription factors in pluripotent cells induces early stage differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:1778-83. [PMID: 24434556 PMCID: PMC3918783 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1323386111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential for pluripotent cells to differentiate into diverse specialized cell types has given much hope to the field of regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, the low efficiency of cell commitment has been a major bottleneck in this field. Here we provide a strategy to enhance the efficiency of early differentiation of pluripotent cells. We hypothesized that the initial phase of differentiation can be enhanced if the transcriptional activity of master regulators of stemness is suppressed, blocking the formation of functional transcriptomes. However, an obstacle is the lack of an efficient strategy to block protein-protein interactions. In this work, we take advantage of the biochemical property of seventeen kilodalton protein (Skp), a bacterial molecular chaperone that binds directly to sex determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2). The small angle X-ray scattering analyses provided a low resolution model of the complex and suggested that the transactivation domain of Sox2 is probably wrapped in a cleft on Skp trimer. Upon the transduction of Skp into pluripotent cells, the transcriptional activity of Sox2 was inhibited and the expression of Sox2 and octamer-binding transcription factor 4 was reduced, which resulted in the expression of early differentiation markers and appearance of early neuronal and cardiac progenitors. These results suggest that the initial stage of differentiation can be accelerated by inhibiting master transcription factors of stemness. This strategy can possibly be applied to increase the efficiency of stem cell differentiation into various cell types and also provides a clue to understanding the mechanism of early differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debojyoti De
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 440-746, Korea
| | - Myong-Ho Jeong
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 440-746, Korea
| | - Young-Eun Leem
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 440-746, Korea
| | - Dmitri I. Svergun
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Outstation, 22603 Hamburg, Germany; and
| | - David E. Wemmer
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Jong-Sun Kang
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 440-746, Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 440-746, Korea
| | - Sung-Hou Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
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Neves J, Vachkov I, Giraldez F. Sox2 regulation of hair cell development: incoherence makes sense. Hear Res 2013; 297:20-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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SOX2 co-occupies distal enhancer elements with distinct POU factors in ESCs and NPCs to specify cell state. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003288. [PMID: 23437007 PMCID: PMC3578749 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
SOX2 is a master regulator of both pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and multipotent neural progenitor cells (NPCs); however, we currently lack a detailed understanding of how SOX2 controls these distinct stem cell populations. Here we show by genome-wide analysis that, while SOX2 bound to a distinct set of gene promoters in ESCs and NPCs, the majority of regions coincided with unique distal enhancer elements, important cis-acting regulators of tissue-specific gene expression programs. Notably, SOX2 bound the same consensus DNA motif in both cell types, suggesting that additional factors contribute to target specificity. We found that, similar to its association with OCT4 (Pou5f1) in ESCs, the related POU family member BRN2 (Pou3f2) co-occupied a large set of putative distal enhancers with SOX2 in NPCs. Forced expression of BRN2 in ESCs led to functional recruitment of SOX2 to a subset of NPC-specific targets and to precocious differentiation toward a neural-like state. Further analysis of the bound sequences revealed differences in the distances of SOX and POU peaks in the two cell types and identified motifs for additional transcription factors. Together, these data suggest that SOX2 controls a larger network of genes than previously anticipated through binding of distal enhancers and that transitions in POU partner factors may control tissue-specific transcriptional programs. Our findings have important implications for understanding lineage specification and somatic cell reprogramming, where SOX2, OCT4, and BRN2 have been shown to be key factors. In mammals, a few thousand transcription factors regulate the differential expression of more than 20,000 genes to specify ∼200 functionally distinct cell types during development. How this is accomplished has been a major focus of biology. Transcription factors bind non-coding DNA regulatory elements, including proximal promoters and distal enhancers, to control gene expression. Emerging evidence indicates that transcription factor binding at distal enhancers plays an important role in the establishment of tissue-specific gene expression programs during development. Further, combinatorial binding among groups of transcription factors can further increase the diversity and specificity of regulatory modules. Here, we report the genome-wide binding profile of the HMG-box containing transcription factor SOX2 in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and neural progenitor cells (NPCs), and we show that SOX2 occupied a distinct set of binding sites with POU homeodomain family members, OCT4 in ESCs and BRN2 in NPCs. Thus, transitions in SOX2-POU partners may control tissue-specific gene networks. Ultimately, a global analysis detailing the combinatorial binding of transcription factors across all tissues is critical to understand cell fate specification in the context of the complex mammalian genome.
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The role of SRY-related HMG box transcription factor 4 (SOX4) in tumorigenesis and metastasis: friend or foe? Oncogene 2012; 32:3397-409. [PMID: 23246969 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Development and progression of cancer are mediated by alterations in transcriptional networks, resulting in a disturbed balance between the activity of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Transcription factors have the capacity to regulate global transcriptional profiles, and are consequently often found to be deregulated in their expression and function during tumorigenesis. Sex-determining region Y-related high-mobility-group box transcription factor 4 (SOX4) is a member of the group C subfamily of the SOX transcription factors and has a critical role during embryogenesis, where its expression is widespread and controls the development of numerous tissues. SOX4 expression is elevated in a wide variety of tumors, including leukemia, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer, suggesting a fundamental role in the development of these malignancies. In many cancers, deregulated expression of this developmental factor has been correlated with increased cancer cell proliferation, cell survival, inhibition of apoptosis and tumor progression through the induction of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. However, in a limited subset of tumors, SOX4 has also been reported to act as a tumor suppressor. These opposing roles suggest that the outcome of SOX4 activation depends on the cellular context and the tumor origin. Indeed, SOX4 expression, transcriptional activity and target gene specificity can be controlled by signaling pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β and the WNT pathway, as well as at the post-translational level through regulation of protein stability and interaction with specific cofactors, such as TCF, syntenin-1 and p53. Here, we provide an overview of our current knowledge concerning the role of SOX4 in tumor development and progression.
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33
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Epigenetic obstacles encountered by transcription factors: reprogramming against all odds. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2012; 22:409-15. [PMID: 22922161 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2012.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Revised: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Reprogramming of a somatic nucleus to an induced pluripotent state can be achieved in vitro through ectopic expression of Oct4 (Pou5f1), Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc. While the ability of these factors to regulate transcription in a pluripotent context has been studied extensively, their ability to interact with and remodel a somatic genome remains underexplored. Several recent studies have begun to provide mechanistic insights that will eventually lead to a more rational design and improved understanding of nuclear reprogramming.
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Neves J, Uchikawa M, Bigas A, Giraldez F. The prosensory function of Sox2 in the chicken inner ear relies on the direct regulation of Atoh1. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30871. [PMID: 22292066 PMCID: PMC3264626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The proneural gene Atoh1 is crucial for the development of inner ear hair cells and it requires the function of the transcription factor Sox2 through yet unknown mechanisms. In the present work, we used the chicken embryo and HEK293T cells to explore the regulation of Atoh1 by Sox2. The results show that hair cells derive from Sox2-positive otic progenitors and that Sox2 directly activates Atoh1 through a transcriptional activator function that requires the integrity of Sox2 DNA binding domain. Atoh1 activation depends on Sox transcription factor binding sites (SoxTFBS) present in the Atoh1 3′ enhancer where Sox2 directly binds, as shown by site directed mutagenesis and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). In the inner ear, Atoh1 enhancer activity is detected in the neurosensory domain and it depends on Sox2. Dominant negative competition (Sox2HMG-Engrailed) and mutation of the SoxTFBS abolish the reporter activity in vivo. Moreover, ChIP assay in isolated otic vesicles shows that Sox2 is bound to the Atoh1 enhancer in vivo. However, besides activating Atoh1, Sox2 also promotes the expression of Atoh1 negative regulators and the temporal profile of Atoh1 activation by Sox2 is transient suggesting that Sox2 triggers an incoherent feed-forward loop. These results provide a mechanism for the prosensory function of Sox2 in the inner ear. We suggest that sensory competence is established early in otic development through the activation of Atoh1 by Sox2, however, hair cell differentiation is prevented until later stages by the parallel activation of negative regulators of Atoh1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Neves
- CEXS, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Masanori Uchikawa
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Anna Bigas
- Program in Cancer Research, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Giraldez
- CEXS, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Shimozaki K, Zhang CL, Suh H, Denli AM, Evans RM, Gage FH. SRY-box-containing gene 2 regulation of nuclear receptor tailless (Tlx) transcription in adult neural stem cells. J Biol Chem 2011; 287:5969-78. [PMID: 22194602 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.290403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is maintained by self-renewable neural stem cells (NSCs). Their activity is regulated by multiple signaling pathways and key transcription factors. However, it has been unclear whether these factors interplay with each other at the molecular level. Here we show that SRY-box-containing gene 2 (Sox2) and nuclear receptor tailless (TLX) form a molecular network in adult NSCs. We observed that both Sox2 and TLX proteins bind to the upstream region of Tlx gene. Sox2 positively regulates Tlx expression, whereas the binding of TLX to its own promoter suppresses its transcriptional activity in luciferase reporter assays. Such TLX-mediated suppression can be antagonized by overexpressing wild-type Sox2 but not a mutant lacking the transcriptional activation domain. Furthermore, through regions involved in DNA-binding activity, Sox2 and TLX physically interact to form a complex on DNAs that contain a consensus binding site for TLX. Finally, depletion of Sox2 revealed the potential negative feedback loop of TLX expression that is antagonized by Sox2 in adult NSCs. These data suggest that Sox2 plays an important role in Tlx transcription in cultured adult NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Shimozaki
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
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36
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Jauch R, Aksoy I, Hutchins AP, Ng CKL, Tian XF, Chen J, Palasingam P, Robson P, Stanton LW, Kolatkar PR. Conversion of Sox17 into a pluripotency reprogramming factor by reengineering its association with Oct4 on DNA. Stem Cells 2011; 29:940-51. [PMID: 21472822 DOI: 10.1002/stem.639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Very few proteins are capable to induce pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and their biochemical uniqueness remains unexplained. For example, Sox2 cooperates with other transcription factors to generate iPS cells, but Sox17, despite binding to similar DNA sequences, cannot. Here, we show that Sox2 and Sox17 exhibit inverse heterodimerization preferences with Oct4 on the canonical versus a newly identified compressed sox/oct motif. We can swap the cooperativity profiles of Sox2 and Sox17 by exchanging single amino acids at the Oct4 interaction interface resulting in Sox2KE and Sox17EK proteins. The reengineered Sox17EK now promotes reprogramming of somatic cells to iPS, whereas Sox2KE has lost this potential. Consistently, when Sox2KE is overexpressed in embryonic stem cells it forces endoderm differentiation similar to wild-type Sox17. Together, we demonstrate that strategic point mutations that facilitate Sox/Oct4 dimer formation on variant DNA motifs lead to a dramatic swap of the bioactivities of Sox2 and Sox17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Jauch
- Laboratory for Structural Biochemistry and Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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37
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Solubility partner IF2 Domain I enables high yield synthesis of transducible transcription factors in Escherichia coli. Protein Expr Purif 2011; 80:145-51. [PMID: 21757009 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2011.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2011] [Revised: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery that somatic cells could be reprogrammed back to a pluripotent state through the viral expression of a certain set of transcription factors, there has been great interest in reprogramming using a safer and more clinically relevant protein-based approach. However, the search for an efficient reprogramming approach utilizing the transcription factors in protein form requires a significant amount of protein material. Milligram quantities of transcription factors are challenging to obtain due to low yields and poor solubility. In this work, we describe enhanced production of the pluripotency transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, Nanog, and Lin28 after fusing them to a solubility partner, IF2 Domain I (IF2D1). We expressed and purified milligram quantities of the fusion proteins. Though the transcription factor passenger proteins became insoluble after removal of the IF2D1, the un-cleaved Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and Nanog fusion proteins exhibited specific binding to their consensus DNA sequences. However, when we administered the un-cleaved IF2D1-Oct4-R9 and IF2D1-Sox2-R9 to fibroblasts and measured their ability to influence transcriptional activity, we found that they were not fully bioactive; IF2D1-Oct4-R9 and IF2D1-Sox2-R9 influenced only a subset of their downstream gene targets. Thus, while the IF2D1 solubility partner enabled soluble production of the fusion protein at high levels, it did not yield fully bioactive transcription factors.
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38
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Oct4 kinetics predict cell lineage patterning in the early mammalian embryo. Nat Cell Biol 2011; 13:117-23. [PMID: 21258368 DOI: 10.1038/ncb2154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors are central to sustaining pluripotency, yet little is known about transcription factor dynamics in defining pluripotency in the early mammalian embryo. Here, we establish a fluorescence decay after photoactivation (FDAP) assay to quantitatively study the kinetic behaviour of Oct4, a key transcription factor controlling pre-implantation development in the mouse embryo. FDAP measurements reveal that each cell in a developing embryo shows one of two distinct Oct4 kinetics, before there are any morphologically distinguishable differences or outward signs of lineage patterning. The differences revealed by FDAP are due to differences in the accessibility of Oct4 to its DNA binding sites in the nucleus. Lineage tracing of the cells in the two distinct sub-populations demonstrates that the Oct4 kinetics predict lineages of the early embryo. Cells with slower Oct4 kinetics are more likely to give rise to the pluripotent cell lineage that contributes to the inner cell mass. Those with faster Oct4 kinetics contribute mostly to the extra-embryonic lineage. Our findings identify Oct4 kinetics, rather than differences in total transcription factor expression levels, as a predictive measure of developmental cell lineage patterning in the early mouse embryo.
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Rizzino A. Sox2 and Oct-3/4: a versatile pair of master regulators that orchestrate the self-renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2011; 1:228-236. [PMID: 20016762 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
During the past 10 years, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the transcriptional mechanisms that control the biology of stem cells. Given the importance of stem cells in development, regenerative medicine, and cancer, it is no surprise that the pace of discovery continues to accelerate--paradigm-shifting models proposed only a few years ago are quickly giving way to even more sophisticated models of regulation. This review summarizes some of the major advances made in delineating the roles of two transcription factors, Sox2 and Oct-3/4, in stem cell biology. Additionally, unanswered questions related to their mechanisms of action are discussed. When viewed together, it is evident that Sox2 and Oct-3/4 exhibit the major properties expected of master regulators. They are each essential for mammalian development, they help regulate the transcription of other genes that are essential for development, and they influence their own transcription by both positive and negative feedback loops. Moreover, small changes in the levels of either Sox2 or Oct-3/4 trigger the differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells. Thus, each functions as a molecular rheostat to control the self-renewal and pluripotency of ES cells. Overall, understanding how Sox2 and Oct-3/4 function mechanistically will not only provide important insights into stem cells in general, but should also have a significant impact on our understanding of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and, hence, the emerging field of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angie Rizzino
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA
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40
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Cox JL, Mallanna SK, Luo X, Rizzino A. Sox2 uses multiple domains to associate with proteins present in Sox2-protein complexes. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15486. [PMID: 21103394 PMCID: PMC2980493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Master regulators, such as Sox2, Oct4 and Nanog, control complex gene networks necessary for the self-renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells (ESC). These master regulators associate with co-activators and co-repressors to precisely control their gene targets. Recent studies using proteomic analysis have identified a large, diverse group of co-activators and co-repressors that associate with master regulators, including Sox2. In this report, we examined the size distribution of nuclear protein complexes containing Sox2 and its associated proteins HDAC1, Sall4 and Lin28. Interestingly, we determined that Sox2 and HDAC1 associate with protein complexes that vary greatly in size; whereas, Lin28 primarily associates with smaller complexes, and Sall4 primarily associates with larger complexes. Additionally, we examined the domains of Sox2 necessary to mediate its association with its partner proteins Sall4, HDAC1 and HDAC2. We determined that Sox2 uses multiple and distinct domains to associate with its partner proteins. We also examined the domains of Sox2 necessary to mediate its self-association, and we determined that Sox2 self-association is mediated through multiple domains. Collectively, these studies provide novel insights into how Sox2 is able to associate with a wide array of nuclear proteins that control gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse L Cox
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
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41
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Karantzali E, Lekakis V, Ioannou M, Hadjimichael C, Papamatheakis J, Kretsovali A. Sall1 regulates embryonic stem cell differentiation in association with nanog. J Biol Chem 2010; 286:1037-45. [PMID: 21062744 PMCID: PMC3020710 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.170050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sall1 is a multi-zinc finger transcription factor that regulates kidney organogenesis. It is considered to be a transcriptional repressor, preferentially localized on heterochromatin. Mutations or deletions of the human SALL1 gene are associated with the Townes-Brocks syndrome. Despite its high expression, no function was yet assigned for Sall1 in embryonic stem (ES) cells. In the present study, we show that Sall1 is expressed in a differentiation-dependent manner and physically interacts with Nanog and Sox2, two components of the core pluripotency network. Genome-wide mapping of Sall1-binding loci has identified 591 genes, 80% of which are also targeted by Nanog. A large proportion of these genes are related to self-renewal and differentiation. Sall1 positively regulates and synergizes with Nanog for gene transcriptional regulation. In addition, our data show that Sall1 suppresses the ectodermal and mesodermal differentiation. Specifically, the induction of the gastrulation markers T brachyury, Goosecoid, and Dkk1 and the neuroectodermal markers Otx2 and Hand1 was inhibited by Sall1 overexpression during embryoid body differentiation. These data demonstrate a novel role for Sall1 as a member of the transcriptional network that regulates stem cell pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthimia Karantzali
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas, 70013 Heraklio, Crete, Greece
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42
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Hu Q, Zhang L, Wen J, Wang S, Li M, Feng R, Yang X, Li L. The EGF receptor-sox2-EGF receptor feedback loop positively regulates the self-renewal of neural precursor cells. Stem Cells 2010; 28:279-86. [PMID: 19882665 DOI: 10.1002/stem.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The transcriptional factor Sox2 and epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr)-mediated signaling are both required for self-renewal of neural precursor cells (NPCs). However, the mechanism by which these factors coordinately regulate this process is largely unknown. Here we show that Egfr-mediated signaling promotes Sox2 expression, which in turn binds to the Egfr promoter and directly upregulates Egfr expression. Knockdown of Sox2 by RNA interference downregulates Egfr expression and attenuates colony formation of NPCs, whereas overexpression of Sox2 elevates Egfr expression and promotes NPC self-renewal. Moreover, the effect of Sox2 on NPC self-renewal is completely inhibited by AG1478, a specific inhibitor for Egfr; it is also inhibited by LY294002 and U0126, selective antagonists for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk1/2), respectively. Collectively, we conclude that NPC self-renewal is enhanced through a novel cellular feedback loop with mutual regulation of Egfr and Sox2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qikuan Hu
- Peking University Stem Cell Research Center and National Center for International Research, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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43
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Schneider A, Bardakjian T, Reis LM, Tyler RC, Semina EV. Novel SOX2 mutations and genotype-phenotype correlation in anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Am J Med Genet A 2010; 149A:2706-15. [PMID: 19921648 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
SOX2 represents a High Mobility Group domain containing transcription factor that is essential for normal development in vertebrates. Mutations in SOX2 are known to result in a spectrum of severe ocular phenotypes in humans, also typically associated with other systemic defects. Ocular phenotypes include anophthalmia/microphthalmia (A/M), optic nerve hypoplasia, ocular coloboma and other eye anomalies. We screened 51 unrelated individuals with A/M and identified SOX2 mutations in the coding region of the gene in 10 individuals. Seven of the identified mutations are novel alterations, while the remaining three individuals carry the previously reported recurrent 20-nucleotide deletion in SOX2, c.70del20. Among the SOX2-positive cases, seven patients had bilateral A/M and mutations resulting in premature termination of the normal protein sequence (7/38; 18% of all bilateral cases), one patient had bilateral A/M associated with a single amino acid insertion (1/38; 3% of bilateral cases), and the final two patients demonstrated unilateral A/M associated with missense mutations (2/13; 15% of all unilateral cases). These findings and review of previously reported cases suggest a potential genotype/phenotype correlation for SOX2 mutations with missense changes generally leading to less severe ocular defects. In addition, we report a new familial case of affected siblings with maternal mosaicism for the identified SOX2 mutation, which further underscores the importance of parental testing to provide accurate genetic counseling to families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Schneider
- Albert Einstein Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics Division of Genetics, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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44
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Baltus GA, Kowalski MP, Zhai H, Tutter AV, Quinn D, Wall D, Kadam S. Acetylation of sox2 induces its nuclear export in embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells 2009; 27:2175-84. [PMID: 19591226 DOI: 10.1002/stem.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells require a coordinated network of transcription factors to maintain pluripotency or trigger lineage specific differentiation. Central to these processes are the proteins Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2. Although the transcriptional targets of these factors have been extensively studied, very little is known about how the proteins themselves are regulated, especially at the post-translational level. Post-translational modifications are well documented to have broad effects on protein stability, activity, and cellular distribution. Here, we identify a key lysine residue in the nuclear export signal of Sox2 that is acetylated, and demonstrate that blocking acetylation at this site retains Sox2 in the nucleus and sustains expression of its target genes under hyperacetylation or differentiation conditions. Mimicking acetylation at this site promotes association of Sox2 with the nuclear export machinery. In addition, increased cellular acetylation leads to reduction in Sox2 levels by ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, thus abrogating its ability to drive transcription of its target genes. Acetylation-mediated nuclear export may be a commonly used regulatory mechanism for many Sox family members, as this lysine is conserved across species and in orthologous proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen A Baltus
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research,Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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45
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Miyagi S, Kato H, Okuda A. Role of SoxB1 transcription factors in development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2009; 66:3675-84. [PMID: 19633813 PMCID: PMC11115863 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-009-0097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2009] [Revised: 07/03/2009] [Accepted: 07/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SoxB1 factors, which include Sox1, 2, and 3, share more than 90% amino acid identity in their DNA binding HMG box and participate in diverse developmental events. They are known to exert cell-type-specific functions in concert with other transcription factors on Sox factor-dependent regulatory enhancers. Due to the high degree of sequence similarity both within and outside the HMG box, SoxB1 members show almost identical biological activities. As a result, they exhibit strong functional redundancy in regions where SoxB1 members are coexpressed, such as neural stem/progenitor cells in the developing central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Miyagi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hidemasa Kato
- Division of Developmental Biology, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1241 Japan
| | - Akihiko Okuda
- Division of Developmental Biology, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1241 Japan
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46
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Ma W, Yan RT, Li X, Wang SZ. Reprogramming retinal pigment epithelium to differentiate toward retinal neurons with Sox2. Stem Cells 2009; 27:1376-87. [PMID: 19489100 DOI: 10.1002/stem.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Guiding non-neural, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to produce retinal neurons may offer a source of developing neurons for cell-replacement. Sox2 plays important roles in maintaining neural progenitor/stem cell properties and in converting fibroblasts into pluripotent stem cells. This study tests the possibility of using Sox2 to reprogram RPE to differentiate toward retinal neurons in vivo and in vitro. Expression of Sox2 in the chick retina was detected in progenitor cells, in cells at a discrete location in the layers of amacrine and ganglion cells, and in Muller glia. Overexpression of Sox2 in the developing eye resulted in hypopigmentation of the RPE. In the affected regions, expression of retinal ganglion cell markers became apparent in the RPE layer. In RPE cell culture, Sox2 promoted the expression of retinal ganglion and amacrine markers, and suppressed the expression of genes associated with RPE properties. Mechanistic investigation using the developing retina revealed a coexpression of Sox2 and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a growth factor commonly used in stem cell culture and capable of inducing RPE-to-retina transdifferentiation (or reprogramming) during early development. Similar patterns of changes in Sox2 expression and in bFGF expression were observed in atrophic retina and in injured retina. In RPE cell culture, Sox2 and bFGF mutually enhanced one another's expression. Upregulation of bFGF expression by Sox2 also occurred in the retina. These results suggest that Sox2 can initiate a reprogramming of RPE cells to differentiate toward retinal neurons and may engage bFGF during the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Boer B, Cox JL, Claassen D, Mallanna SK, Desler M, Rizzino A. Regulation of the Nanog gene by both positive and negative cis-regulatory elements in embryonal carcinoma cells and embryonic stem cells. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 76:173-82. [PMID: 18537119 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor Nanog is essential for mammalian embryogenesis, as well as the pluripotency of embryonic stem (ES) cells. Work with ES cells and embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells previously identified positive and negative cis-regulatory elements that influence the activity of the Nanog promoter, including adjacent cis-regulatory elements that bind Sox2 and Oct-3/4. Given the importance of Nanog during mammalian development, we examined the cis-regulatory elements required for Nanog promoter activity more closely. In this study, we demonstrate that two positive cis-regulatory elements previously shown to be active in F9 EC cells are also active in ES cells. We also identify a novel negative regulatory region that is located in close proximity to two other positive Nanog cis-regulatory elements. Although this negative regulatory region is active in F9 EC cells and ES cells, it is inactive in P19 EC cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that one of the positive cis-regulatory elements active in F9 EC cells and ES cells is inactive in P19 EC cells. Together, these and other studies suggest that Nanog transcription is regulated by the interplay of positive and negative cis-regulatory elements. Given that P19 appears to be more closely related to a later developmental stage of mammalian development than F9 and ES cells, differential utilization of cis-regulatory elements may reflect mechanisms used during development to achieve the correct level of Nanog expression as embryogenesis unfolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Boer
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-6805, USA
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Mallanna SK, Boer B, Desler M, Rizzino A. Differential regulation of the Oct-3/4 gene in cell culture model systems that parallel different stages of mammalian development. Mol Reprod Dev 2008; 75:1247-57. [PMID: 18213644 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Oct-3/4 is an essential transcription factor that regulates stem cell fate during embryogenesis. Previous reports have shown that the Oct-3/4 gene utilizes different enhancers to regulate its expression as development proceeds. However, the cis-elements contributing to the differential activity of these enhancers require further study. Here, we investigated the function of the HMG/POU cassette and LRH-1 site present in the distal enhancer (DE) and the proximal enhancer, respectively. F9 and P19 EC cells were the focus of this study because their differential utilization of Oct-3/4 enhancers parallels the use of these enhancers during different stages of development. We determined that the LRH-1 site functions as a positive and a negative cis-regulatory element in P19 and F9 EC cells, respectively. Furthermore, we determined that the HMG/POU cassette in the DE strongly activates the Oct-3/4 promoter in F9 cells, but is a much weaker positive regulatory element in P19 cells. Given that HMG/POU cassettes play key roles in the regulation of at least seven essential genes, the Oct-3/4 HMG/POU cassette was examined more closely by focusing on Sox2, which can bind to HMG/POU cassettes. Although chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that Sox2 binds to the Oct-3/4 gene equally well in both EC cell lines, tethering Sox2 to the region of the HMG/POU cassette only activated the Oct-3/4 promoter in F9 EC cells. These and other findings suggest that the differential activity of the HMG/POU cassette of the Oct-3/4 gene in EC cells is due to differential action of Sox2 and its associated co-factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar Mallanna
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-6805, USA
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Fukami M, Wada Y, Okada M, Kato F, Katsumata N, Baba T, Morohashi KI, Laporte J, Kitagawa M, Ogata T. Mastermind-like Domain-containing 1 (MAMLD1 or CXorf6) Transactivates the Hes3 Promoter, Augments Testosterone Production, and Contains the SF1 Target Sequence. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:5525-32. [DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m703289200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Aidlen JT, Nazarey PP, Kinane TB, Donahoe PK, Schnitzer JJ, Kling DE. Retinoic acid-mediated differentiation protects against nitrofen-induced apoptosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 80:406-16. [PMID: 17896343 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitrofen is a diphenyl ether that induces a spectrum of birth defects subsequent to administration to pregnant rodents, in which the molecular etiology of these defects are poorly characterized. Because previous reports showed that nitrofen induced apoptosis in undifferentiated P19 teratocarcinoma cells, we hypothesized that undifferentiated fetal cells have greater susceptibility to nitrofen-induced apoptosis than their differentiated derivatives. METHODS To investigate this hypothesis, cell lines including P19 and F9 were differentiated with retinoic acid into neuronal and endodermal derivatives respectively. Apoptosis was characterized by caspase-3 cleavage and Terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. RESULTS Both differentiated cell-types had reduced nitrofen-induced caspase-3 cleavage and DNA fragmentation compared with the naive controls, strongly suggesting that differentiation of these cells protects against nitrofen-induced apoptosis. In addition, resistance to apoptotic induction was proportional to the expression levels of the differentiation marker, p27 (kip1) while direct proportionality was not observed for the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. CONCLUSIONS These studies show that nitrofen may induce its associated birth defects via a mechanism involving apoptosis of undifferentiated fetal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy T Aidlen
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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