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Silvani A, Ghorayeb I, Manconi M, Li Y, Clemens S. Putative Animal Models of Restless Legs Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Evaluation of Their Face and Construct Validity. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:154-178. [PMID: 36536233 PMCID: PMC10119375 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01334-4] [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] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder that severely affects sleep. It is characterized by an urge to move the legs, which is often accompanied by periodic limb movements during sleep. RLS has a high prevalence in the population and is usually a life-long condition. While its origins remain unclear, RLS is initially highly responsive to treatment with dopaminergic agonists that target D2-like receptors, in particular D2 and D3, but the long-term response is often unsatisfactory. Over the years, several putative animal models for RLS have been developed, mainly based on the epidemiological and neurochemical link with iron deficiency, treatment efficacy of D2-like dopaminergic agonists, or genome-wide association studies that identified risk factors in the patient population. Here, we present the first systematic review of putative animal models of RLS, provide information about their face and construct validity, and report their role in deciphering the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that may cause or contribute to RLS. We propose that identifying the causal links between genetic risk factors, altered organ functions, and changes to molecular pathways in neural circuitry will eventually lead to more effective new treatment options that bypass the side effects of the currently used therapeutics in RLS, especially for long-term therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Silvani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Ravenna Campus, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Imad Ghorayeb
- Département de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Pôle Neurosciences Cliniques, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, UMR 5287, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mauro Manconi
- Sleep Medicine Unit, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Ospedale Civico, Lugano, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Yuqing Li
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Stefan Clemens
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
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2
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MeCP2 and transcriptional control of eukaryotic gene expression. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151237. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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3
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Zhang B, Liu M, Fong CT, Iqbal MA. MEIS2 (15q14) gene deletions in siblings with mild developmental phenotypes and bifid uvula: documentation of mosaicism in an unaffected parent. Mol Cytogenet 2021; 14:58. [PMID: 34930369 PMCID: PMC8690878 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-021-00570-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
MEIS2 (Meis homeobox 2) encodes a homeobox protein in the three amino acid loop extension (TALE) family of highly conserved homeodomain-containing transcription regulators important for development. MEIS2 deletions/mutations have been associated with cleft lip/palate, dysmorphic facial features, cardiac defects, as well as intellectual disability at a variable severity. Here we report on one familial case that two affected siblings carry the same non-mosaic ~ 423 kb genomic deletion at 15q14 encompassing the entirety of CDIN1 and the last three exons (ex. 10, 11, 12) of the MEIS2 gene, while their unaffected father is mosaic for the same deletion in about 10% lymphocytes. Both siblings presented with mild developmental delay and bifid uvula, while no congenital cardiac abnormalities were identified. The elder sister also showed syncopal episodes and mild speech delay and the father had atrial septal defects. This is the first report showing multiple family members inherit a genomic deletion resulting in a MEIS2 partial truncation from a mosaic parent. Taken all together, this study has important implications for genetic counseling regarding recurrence risk and also points to the importance of offering MEIS2 gene tests covering both point mutations and microdeletions to individuals with milder bifid uvula and developmental delay.
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4
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Pejhan S, Del Bigio MR, Rastegar M. The MeCP2E1/E2-BDNF- miR132 Homeostasis Regulatory Network Is Region-Dependent in the Human Brain and Is Impaired in Rett Syndrome Patients. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:763. [PMID: 32974336 PMCID: PMC7471663 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a rare and progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by de novo mutations in the X-linked Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene and is subjected to X-chromosome inactivation. RTT is commonly associated with neurological regression, autistic features, motor control impairment, seizures, loss of speech and purposeful hand movements, mainly affecting females. Different animal and cellular model systems have tremendously contributed to our current knowledge about MeCP2 and RTT. However, the majority of these findings remain unexamined in the brain of RTT patients. Based on previous studies in rodent brains, the highly conserved neuronal microRNA “miR132” was suggested to be an inhibitor of MeCP2 expression. The neuronal miR132 itself is induced by Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a neurotransmitter modulator, which in turn is controlled by MeCP2. This makes the basis of the MECP2-BDNF-miR132 feedback regulatory loop in the brain. Here, we studied the components of this feedback regulatory network in humans, and its possible impairment in the brain of RTT patients. In this regard, we evaluated the transcript and protein levels of MECP2/MeCP2E1 and E2 isoforms, BDNF/BDNF, and miR132 (both 3p and 5p strands) by real time RT-PCR, Western blot, and ELISA in four different regions of the human RTT brains and their age-, post-mortem delay-, and sex-matched controls. The transcript level of the studied elements was significantly compromised in RTT patients, even though the change was not identical in different parts of the brain. Our data indicates that MeCP2E1/E2-BDNF protein levels did not follow their corresponding transcript trends. Correlational studies suggested that the MECP2E1/E2-BDNF-miR132 homeostasis regulation might not be similarly controlled in different parts of the human brain. Despite challenges in evaluating autopsy samples in rare diseases, our findings would help to shed some light on RTT pathobiology, and obscurities caused by limited studies on MeCP2 regulation in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Pejhan
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Marc R Del Bigio
- Department of Pathology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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5
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VanOpstall C, Perike S, Brechka H, Gillard M, Lamperis S, Zhu B, Brown R, Bhanvadia R, Vander Griend DJ. MEIS-mediated suppression of human prostate cancer growth and metastasis through HOXB13-dependent regulation of proteoglycans. eLife 2020; 9:e53600. [PMID: 32553107 PMCID: PMC7371429 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular roles of HOX transcriptional activity in human prostate epithelial cells remain unclear, impeding the implementation of new treatment strategies for cancer prevention and therapy. MEIS proteins are transcription factors that bind and direct HOX protein activity. MEIS proteins are putative tumor suppressors that are frequently silenced in aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Here we show that MEIS1 expression is sufficient to decrease proliferation and metastasis of prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo murine xenograft models. HOXB13 deletion demonstrates that the tumor-suppressive activity of MEIS1 is dependent on HOXB13. Integration of ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data revealed direct and HOXB13-dependent regulation of proteoglycans including decorin (DCN) as a mechanism of MEIS1-driven tumor suppression. These results define and underscore the importance of MEIS1-HOXB13 transcriptional regulation in suppressing prostate cancer progression and provide a mechanistic framework for the investigation of HOXB13 mutants and oncogenic cofactors when MEIS1/2 are silenced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin VanOpstall
- The Committee on Cancer Biology, The University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Srikanth Perike
- Department of Pathology, The University of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Hannah Brechka
- The Committee on Cancer Biology, The University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Marc Gillard
- Department of Surgery, Section of Urology, The University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Sophia Lamperis
- Department of Pathology, The University of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Baizhen Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Section of Urology, The University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Ryan Brown
- Department of Pathology, The University of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Raj Bhanvadia
- Department of Urology, UT SouthwesternDallasUnited States
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Wang L, Tang Q, Xu J, Li H, Yang T, Li L, Machon O, Hu T, Chen Y. The transcriptional regulator MEIS2 sets up the ground state for palatal osteogenesis in mice. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:5449-5460. [PMID: 32169905 PMCID: PMC7170518 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.012684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency of Meis homeobox 2 (MEIS2), encoding a transcriptional regulator, is associated with human cleft palate, and Meis2 inactivation leads to abnormal palate development in mice, implicating MEIS2 functions in palate development. However, its functional mechanisms remain unknown. Here we observed widespread MEIS2 expression in the developing palate in mice. Wnt1Cre -mediated Meis2 inactivation in cranial neural crest cells led to a secondary palate cleft. Importantly, about half of the Wnt1Cre ;Meis2f/f mice exhibited a submucous cleft, providing a model for studying palatal bone formation and patterning. Consistent with complete absence of palatal bones, the results from integrative analyses of MEIS2 by ChIP sequencing, RNA-Seq, and an assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing identified key osteogenic genes regulated directly by MEIS2, indicating that it plays a fundamental role in palatal osteogenesis. De novo motif analysis uncovered that the MEIS2-bound regions are highly enriched in binding motifs for several key osteogenic transcription factors, particularly short stature homeobox 2 (SHOX2). Comparative ChIP sequencing analyses revealed genome-wide co-occupancy of MEIS2 and SHOX2 in addition to their colocalization in the developing palate and physical interaction, suggesting that SHOX2 and MEIS2 functionally interact. However, although SHOX2 was required for proper palatal bone formation and was a direct downstream target of MEIS2, Shox2 overexpression failed to rescue the palatal bone defects in a Meis2-mutant background. These results, together with the fact that Meis2 expression is associated with high osteogenic potential and required for chromatin accessibility of osteogenic genes, support a vital function of MEIS2 in setting up a ground state for palatal osteogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Preventive Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
| | - Qinghuang Tang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
| | - Jue Xu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118; West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
| | - Tianfang Yang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
| | - Liwen Li
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
| | - Ondrej Machon
- Department of Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 14200 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Tao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Preventive Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - YiPing Chen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118.
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7
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Schulte D, Geerts D. MEIS transcription factors in development and disease. Development 2019; 146:146/16/dev174706. [PMID: 31416930 DOI: 10.1242/dev.174706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MEIS transcription factors are key regulators of embryonic development and cancer. Research on MEIS genes in the embryo and in stem cell systems has revealed novel and surprising mechanisms by which these proteins control gene expression. This Primer summarizes recent findings about MEIS protein activity and regulation in development, and discusses new insights into the role of MEIS genes in disease, focusing on the pathogenesis of solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Schulte
- Institute of Neurology (Edinger Institute), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dirk Geerts
- Department of Medical Biology L2-109, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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CEH-60/PBX and UNC-62/MEIS Coordinate a Metabolic Switch that Supports Reproduction in C. elegans. Dev Cell 2019; 49:235-250.e7. [PMID: 30956009 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The molecular basis of how animals integrate metabolic, developmental, and environmental information before committing resources to reproduction is an unresolved issue in developmental biology. In C. elegans, adult animals reallocate fat stores from intestinal cells to the germline via low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-like particles to promote embryogenesis. Here, I demonstrate that two conserved homeodomain transcription factors, CEH-60/PBX and UNC-62/MEIS, coordinate a transcriptional network that supports reproduction while suppressing longevity and stress-response pathways. The CEH-60:UNC-62 heterodimer serves an unanticipated dual function in intestinal nuclei by directly activating the expression of lipoprotein genes while directly repressing stress-responsive genes. Consequently, ceh-60 mutants display fat storage defects, a dramatic lifespan extension, and hyper-activation of innate immunity genes. Finally, CEH-60 associates with PQM-1 at the DAF-16-associated element within the promoters of stress-responsive genes to control gene expression. Thus, CEH-60 governs an elaborate transcriptional network that balances stress responses and longevity against reproduction during developmental transitions.
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9
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Douglas G, Cho MT, Telegrafi A, Winter S, Carmichael J, Zackai EH, Deardorff MA, Harr M, Williams L, Psychogios A, Erwin AL, Grebe T, Retterer K, Juusola J. De novo
missense variants in
MEIS2
recapitulate the microdeletion phenotype of cardiac and palate abnormalities, developmental delay, intellectual disability and dysmorphic features. Am J Med Genet A 2018; 176:1845-1851. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.40368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Susan Winter
- Valley Children's Hospital Central California Madera California
| | | | - Elaine H. Zackai
- The Division of GeneticsThe Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- The Department of PediatricsThe Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Matthew A. Deardorff
- The Division of GeneticsThe Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- The Department of PediatricsThe Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Margaret Harr
- The Division of GeneticsThe Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Linford Williams
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - Apostolos Psychogios
- The Departments of PediatricsInternal Medicine, and Cardiology, University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky
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In vivo identification of novel TGIF2LX target genes in colorectal adenocarcinoma using the cDNA-AFLP method. Arab J Gastroenterol 2018; 19:65-70. [PMID: 29960902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Homeobox-containing genes are composed of a group of regulatory genes encoding transcription factors involved in the control of developmental processes. The homeodomain proteins could activate or repress the expression of downstream target genes. This study was conducted to in vivo identify the potential target gene(s) of TGIF2LX in colorectal adenocarcinoma. METHODS A human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, SW48, was transfected with the recombinant pEGFPN1-TGIF2LX. The cells were injected subcutaneously into the flank of the three groups of 6-week-old female athymic C56BL/6 nude mice (n = 6 per group). The transcript profiles in the developed tumours were investigated using the cDNA amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP) technique. RESULTS The real-time RT-PCR and DNA sequencing data for the identified genes indicated that the N-terminal domain-interacting receptor 1 (Nir1) gene was suppressed whereas Nir2 and fragile histidine triad (FHIT) genes were upregulated followed by the overexpression of TGIF2LX gene. CONCLUSION Downregulation of Nir1 and upregulation of Nir2 and FHIT genes due to the overexpression of TGIF2LX suggests that the gene plays an important role as a suppressor in colorectal adenocarcinoma.
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11
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Chang-Panesso M, Kadyrov FF, Machado FG, Kumar A, Humphreys BD. Meis1 is specifically upregulated in kidney myofibroblasts during aging and injury but is not required for kidney homeostasis or fibrotic response. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2018; 315:F275-F290. [PMID: 29592525 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00030.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeobox transcription factor Meis1 is required for mammalian development, and its overexpression plays a role in tumorigenesis, especially leukemia. Meis1 is known to be expressed in kidney stroma, but its function in kidney is undefined. We hypothesized that Meis1 may regulate stromal cell proliferation in kidney development and disease and tested the hypothesis using cell lineage tracing and cell-specific Meis1 deletion in development, aging, and fibrotic disease. We observed strong expression of Meis1 in platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β-positive pericytes and perivascular fibroblasts, both in adult mouse kidney and to a lesser degree in human kidney. Either bilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury or aging itself led to strong upregulation of Meis1 protein and mRNA in kidney myofibroblasts, and genetic lineage analysis confirmed that Meis1-positive cells proliferate as they differentiate into myofibroblasts after injury. Conditional deletion of Meis1 in all kidney stroma with two separate tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase drivers had no phenotype with the exception of consistent induction of the tubular injury marker kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) only in Meis1 mutants. Further examination of Kim-1 expression revealed linkage disequilibrium of Kim-1 and Meis1, such that Meis1 mutants carried the longer BALB/c Kim-1 allele. Unexpectedly, we report that this Kim-1 allele is expressed at baseline in wild-type BALB/c mice, without any associated abnormalities, including long-term fibrosis, as predicted from the literature. We conclude that Meis1 is specifically expressed in stroma and myofibroblasts of mouse and human kidney, that it is not required for kidney development, disease, or aging, and that BALB/c mice unexpectedly express Kim-1 protein at baseline without other kidney abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Chang-Panesso
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Farid F Kadyrov
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Flavia G Machado
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Benjamin D Humphreys
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
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12
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Song F, Wang H, Wang Y. Myeloid ecotropic viral integration site 1 inhibits cell proliferation, invasion or migration in human gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:90050-90060. [PMID: 29163810 PMCID: PMC5685731 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid ecotropic viral integration site 1 (MEIS1) has been identified to be a potential tumor suppressor in some cancers. However, the mechanisms underlying MEIS1-induced cancer development and progression were not clear. Here, we investigated the expression and role of MEIS1 in gastric cancer. In vivo, we analyzed tumor growth using nude mice model. In the present study, MEIS1 expression was obviously decreased in GC cell lines compared with that in normal gastric cell lines (all p<0.001). MEIS1 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and G1/S transition accompanied by decreased Cyclin D1 and Cyclin A expression. Furthermore, MEIS1 overexpression decreased the expression of Survivin, and induced cell apoptosis (p<0.001). Transwell migration assay revealed that MEIS1 affects cell invasion and migration, and inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Finally, MEIS1 inhibits MKN28 cell growth in nude mice model. In conclusion, our study suggested that MEIS1 plays an important role in regulating cell survival, proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, cell cycle, apoptosis and metastasis. Thus, MEIS1 might be recommended as an effective target for GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Song
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
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13
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Tapial J, Ha KCH, Sterne-Weiler T, Gohr A, Braunschweig U, Hermoso-Pulido A, Quesnel-Vallières M, Permanyer J, Sodaei R, Marquez Y, Cozzuto L, Wang X, Gómez-Velázquez M, Rayon T, Manzanares M, Ponomarenko J, Blencowe BJ, Irimia M. An atlas of alternative splicing profiles and functional associations reveals new regulatory programs and genes that simultaneously express multiple major isoforms. Genome Res 2017; 27:1759-1768. [PMID: 28855263 PMCID: PMC5630039 DOI: 10.1101/gr.220962.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) generates remarkable regulatory and proteomic complexity in metazoans. However, the functions of most AS events are not known, and programs of regulated splicing remain to be identified. To address these challenges, we describe the Vertebrate Alternative Splicing and Transcription Database (VastDB), the largest resource of genome-wide, quantitative profiles of AS events assembled to date. VastDB provides readily accessible quantitative information on the inclusion levels and functional associations of AS events detected in RNA-seq data from diverse vertebrate cell and tissue types, as well as developmental stages. The VastDB profiles reveal extensive new intergenic and intragenic regulatory relationships among different classes of AS and previously unknown and conserved landscapes of tissue-regulated exons. Contrary to recent reports concluding that nearly all human genes express a single major isoform, VastDB provides evidence that at least 48% of multiexonic protein-coding genes express multiple splice variants that are highly regulated in a cell/tissue-specific manner, and that >18% of genes simultaneously express multiple major isoforms across diverse cell and tissue types. Isoforms encoded by the latter set of genes are generally coexpressed in the same cells and are often engaged by translating ribosomes. Moreover, they are encoded by genes that are significantly enriched in functions associated with transcriptional control, implying they may have an important and wide-ranging role in controlling cellular activities. VastDB thus provides an unprecedented resource for investigations of AS function and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Tapial
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kevin C H Ha
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | | | - André Gohr
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Hermoso-Pulido
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mathieu Quesnel-Vallières
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Jon Permanyer
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Reza Sodaei
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yamile Marquez
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luca Cozzuto
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xinchen Wang
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Melisa Gómez-Velázquez
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Rayon
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Manzanares
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julia Ponomarenko
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Manuel Irimia
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Abstract
Bobola previews work from the Schulte laboratory showing that the atypical homeodomain protein MEIS2 facilitates chromatin accessibility of transcriptionally inactive genes in neuronal differentiation. How transcription factors (TFs) control enhancer and promoter functions to effect changes in gene expression is an important question. In this issue, Hau et al. (2017. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201701154) show that the TALE TF MEIS recruits the histone modifier PARP1/ARTD1 at promoters to decompact chromatin and activate transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Bobola
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, England, UK
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15
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Salminen AV, Garrett L, Schormair B, Rozman J, Giesert F, Niedermeier KM, Becker L, Rathkolb B, Rácz I, Klingenspor M, Klopstock T, Wolf E, Zimmer A, Gailus-Durner V, Torres M, Fuchs H, Hrabě de Angelis M, Wurst W, Hölter SM, Winkelmann J. Meis1: effects on motor phenotypes and the sensorimotor system in mice. Dis Model Mech 2017. [PMID: 28645892 PMCID: PMC5560065 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.030080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MEIS1 encodes a developmental transcription factor and has been linked to restless legs syndrome (RLS) in genome-wide association studies. RLS is a movement disorder leading to severe sleep reduction and has a substantial impact on the quality of life of patients. In genome-wide association studies, MEIS1 has consistently been the gene with the highest effect size and functional studies suggest a disease-relevant downregulation. Therefore, haploinsufficiency of Meis1 could be the system with the most potential for modeling RLS in animals. We used heterozygous Meis1-knockout mice to study the effects of Meis1 haploinsufficiency on mouse behavioral and neurological phenotypes, and to relate the findings to human RLS. We exposed the Meis1-deficient mice to assays of motor, sensorimotor and cognitive ability, and assessed the effect of a dopaminergic receptor 2/3 agonist commonly used in the treatment of RLS. The mutant mice showed a pattern of circadian hyperactivity, which is compatible with human RLS. Moreover, we discovered a replicable prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficit in the Meis1-deficient animals. In addition, these mice were hyposensitive to the PPI-reducing effect of the dopaminergic receptor agonist, highlighting a role of Meis1 in the dopaminergic system. Other reported phenotypes include enhanced social recognition at an older age that was not related to alterations in adult olfactory bulb neurogenesis previously shown to be implicated in this behavior. In conclusion, the Meis1-deficient mice fulfill some of the hallmarks of an RLS animal model, and revealed the role of Meis1 in sensorimotor gating and in the dopaminergic systems modulating it. Summary: Loss of Meis1 results in motor restlessness in mice, a phenotype resembling human restless legs syndrome, as well as altered sensorimotor gating and improved social discrimination memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaro V Salminen
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lillian Garrett
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Barbara Schormair
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jan Rozman
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Florian Giesert
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kristina M Niedermeier
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lore Becker
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Rathkolb
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ildikó Rácz
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Martin Klingenspor
- Chair of Molecular Nutritional Medicine, Technical University Munich, EKFZ - Else Kröner Fresenius Center for Nutritional Medicine, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 2, 85350 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Thomas Klopstock
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Ziemssenstr. 1a, 80336 Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), 81377 Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Valérie Gailus-Durner
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Miguel Torres
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Helmut Fuchs
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Hrabě de Angelis
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Chair of Experimental Genetics, School of Life Science Weihenstephan, Technische Universität 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), 81377 Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Chair of Developmental Genetics, Faculty of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Sabine M Hölter
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Juliane Winkelmann
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany .,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany.,Neurologic Clinic, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
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16
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Abbaszadegan MR, Moghbeli M. Role of MAML1 and MEIS1 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Depth of Invasion. Pathol Oncol Res 2017; 24:245-250. [PMID: 28462489 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-017-0243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) transcription factors and NOTCH signaling pathway are critical regulators of stem cell functions, cell fate in development and homeostasis of gastrointestinal tissues. In the present study, we analyzed cross talk between NOTCH pathway and HOX genes through assessment of probable correlation betweenMAML1 and MEIS1 as the main transcription factor of NOTCH pathway and enhancer of HOX transcriptional machinery, respectively in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Fifty one ESCC cases were enrolled to assess the levels of Meis1 and Maml1 mRNA expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Only 3 out of 51 (5.9%) cases had MEIS1/MAML1 under expression and 2/51 (3.9%) cases had MEIS1/MAML1over expression. Nine out of 51 samples (17.6%) have shown MEIS1 under expression and MAML1 over expression. There was a significant correlation between MAML1and MEIS1mRNA expressions (p ≤ 0.05). There were significant correlations between MEIS1 under/MAML1 over expressed cases and tumor location (p = 0.05), tumor depth of invasion (p = 0.011), and sex (p = 0.04). Our results showed that MEIS1 may have a negative role in regulation of MAML1expression during the ESCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan
- Division of Human Genetics, Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Medical Genetics Research Center, Medical School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
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17
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Moghbeli M, Rad A, Farshchian M, Taghehchian N, Gholamin M, Abbaszadegan MR. Correlation Between Meis1 and Msi1 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Gastrointest Cancer 2017; 47:273-7. [PMID: 27142513 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-016-9824-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Homeobox (HOX) transcription factors are critical regulators of cell fate, stem cell functions, and gastrointestinal development. They require three-amino acid loop extension (TALE) homeodomain proteins such as Meis1 to enhance their transcriptional efficiencies. There are complicated associations between different signaling pathways such as the Wnt and NOTCH and tumor progression. It has been investigated that GSK-3 as an important component of the Wnt pathway facilitates the expression of HOX target genes. Therefore, in the present study, we assessed the probable correlation between Wnt, NOTCH, and HOX genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression and metastasis through the correlational study between the Msi1 as an important activator for both of the NOTCH and Wnt pathways and Meis1. METHODS Levels of Meis1 and Msi1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in 51 ESCC patients were compared to the normal tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Only 3 out of 51 (5.9 %) cases had Meis1/Msi1 overexpression and also 3/51 (5.9 %) cases had Meis1/Msi1 underexpression. There was a significant correlation between the Msi1 and Mesi1 mRNA expression (p = 0.037). All of the Msi1/Meis1 underexpressed tumors were poorly differentiated (p = 0.003). Meis1 under/Msi1 overexpressed cases also were in T3 tumor depth of invasion (p = 0.019). And there was a significant correlation between the Msi1/Meis1 underexpression and gender (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS Our results show that Meis1 may have a positive feedback with Msi1 during the ESCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Moghbeli
- Division of Human Genetics, Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Rad
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Moein Farshchian
- Molecular Medicine Research Department, ACECR-Khorasan Razavi Branch, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Negin Taghehchian
- Division of Human Genetics, Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehran Gholamin
- Division of Human Genetics, Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan
- Division of Human Genetics, Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. .,Medical Genetics Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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18
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Marzban H, Del Bigio MR, Alizadeh J, Ghavami S, Zachariah RM, Rastegar M. Cellular commitment in the developing cerebellum. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 8:450. [PMID: 25628535 PMCID: PMC4290586 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian cerebellum is located in the posterior cranial fossa and is critical for motor coordination and non-motor functions including cognitive and emotional processes. The anatomical structure of cerebellum is distinct with a three-layered cortex. During development, neurogenesis and fate decisions of cerebellar primordium cells are orchestrated through tightly controlled molecular events involving multiple genetic pathways. In this review, we will highlight the anatomical structure of human and mouse cerebellum, the cellular composition of developing cerebellum, and the underlying gene expression programs involved in cell fate commitments in the cerebellum. A critical evaluation of the cell death literature suggests that apoptosis occurs in ~5% of cerebellar cells, most shortly after mitosis. Apoptosis and cellular autophagy likely play significant roles in cerebellar development, we provide a comprehensive discussion of their role in cerebellar development and organization. We also address the possible function of unfolded protein response in regulation of cerebellar neurogenesis. We discuss recent advancements in understanding the epigenetic signature of cerebellar compartments and possible connections between DNA methylation, microRNAs and cerebellar neurodegeneration. Finally, we discuss genetic diseases associated with cerebellar dysfunction and their role in the aging cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Marzban
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Marc R Del Bigio
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada ; Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Javad Alizadeh
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Robby M Zachariah
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada ; Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada ; Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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19
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Zeddies S, Jansen SBG, di Summa F, Geerts D, Zwaginga JJ, van der Schoot CE, von Lindern M, Thijssen-Timmer DC. MEIS1 regulates early erythroid and megakaryocytic cell fate. Haematologica 2014; 99:1555-64. [PMID: 25107888 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2014.106567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MEIS1 is a transcription factor expressed in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and in mature megakaryocytes. This biphasic expression of MEIS1 suggests that the function of MEIS1 in stem cells is distinct from its function in lineage committed cells. Mouse models show that Meis1 is required for renewal of stem cells, but the function of MEIS1 in human hematopoietic progenitor cells has not been investigated. We show that two MEIS1 splice variants are expressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells. Constitutive expression of both variants directed human hematopoietic progenitors towards a megakaryocyte-erythrocyte progenitor fate. Ectopic expression of either MEIS1 splice variant in common myeloid progenitor cells, and even in granulocyte-monocyte progenitors, resulted in increased erythroid differentiation at the expense of granulocyte and macrophage differentiation. Conversely, silencing MEIS1 expression in progenitor cells induced a block in erythroid expansion and decreased megakaryocytic colony formation capacity. Gene expression profiling revealed that both MEIS1 splice variants induce a transcriptional program enriched for erythroid and megakaryocytic genes. Our results indicate that MEIS1 expression induces lineage commitment towards a megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor cell fate in common myeloid progenitor cells through activation of genes that define a megakaryocyte-erythroid-specific gene expression program.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dirk Geerts
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Sanquin Blood Supply, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap J Zwaginga
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center and the Jon J van Rood Center for Clinical Transfusion Research, Sanquin Blood Supply, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C Ellen van der Schoot
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, Sanquin Blood Supply, Leiden, The Netherlands
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20
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Choe SK, Ladam F, Sagerström CG. TALE factors poise promoters for activation by Hox proteins. Dev Cell 2014; 28:203-11. [PMID: 24480644 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2013.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Hox proteins form complexes with TALE cofactors from the Pbx and Prep/Meis families to control transcription, but it remains unclear how Hox:TALE complexes function. Examining a Hoxb1b:TALE complex that regulates zebrafish hoxb1a transcription, we find maternally deposited TALE proteins at the hoxb1a promoter already during blastula stages. These TALE factors recruit histone-modifying enzymes to promote an active chromatin profile at the hoxb1a promoter and also recruit RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and P-TEFb. However, in the presence of TALE factors, RNAPII remains phosphorylated on serine 5 and hoxb1a transcription is inefficient. By gastrula stages, Hoxb1b binds together with TALE factors to the hoxb1a promoter. This triggers P-TEFb-mediated transitioning of RNAPII to the serine 2-phosphorylated form and efficient hoxb1a transcription. We conclude that TALE factors access promoters during early embryogenesis to poise them for activation but that Hox proteins are required to trigger efficient transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Kyu Choe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Franck Ladam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Charles G Sagerström
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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Abstract
The role of epigenetics in human disease has become an area of increased research interest. Collaborative efforts from scientists and clinicians have led to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which epigenetic regulation is involved in the pathogenesis of many human diseases. Several neurological and non-neurological disorders are associated with mutations in genes that encode for epigenetic factors. One of the most studied proteins that impacts human disease and is associated with deregulation of epigenetic processes is Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). MeCP2 is an epigenetic regulator that modulates gene expression by translating epigenetic DNA methylation marks into appropriate cellular responses. In order to highlight the importance of epigenetics to development and disease, we will discuss how MeCP2 emerges as a key epigenetic player in human neurodevelopmental, neurological, and non-neurological disorders. We will review our current knowledge on MeCP2-related diseases, including Rett Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Hirschsprung disease, and Cancer. Additionally, we will briefly discuss about the existing MeCP2 animal models that have been generated for a better understanding of how MeCP2 impacts certain human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +204-272-3108; Fax: +204-789-3900
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22
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Longobardi E, Penkov D, Mateos D, De Florian G, Torres M, Blasi F. Biochemistry of the tale transcription factors PREP, MEIS, and PBX in vertebrates. Dev Dyn 2014; 243:59-75. [PMID: 23873833 PMCID: PMC4232920 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
TALE (three amino acids loop extension) homeodomain transcription factors are required in various steps of embryo development, in many adult physiological functions, and are involved in important pathologies. This review focuses on the PREP, MEIS, and PBX sub-families of TALE factors and aims at giving information on their biochemical properties, i.e., structure, interactors, and interaction surfaces. Members of the three sets of protein form dimers in which the common partner is PBX but they can also directly interact with other proteins forming higher-order complexes, in particular HOX. Finally, recent advances in determining the genome-wide DNA-binding sites of PREP1, MEIS1, and PBX1, and their partial correspondence with the binding sites of some HOX proteins, are reviewed. These studies have generated a few general rules that can be applied to all members of the three gene families. PREP and MEIS recognize slightly different consensus sequences: PREP prefers to bind to promoters and to have PBX as a DNA-binding partner; MEIS prefers HOX as partner, and both PREP and MEIS drive PBX to their own binding sites. This outlines the clear individuality of the PREP and MEIS proteins, the former mostly devoted to basic cellular functions, the latter more to developmental functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Longobardi
- Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare (IFOM), Milano, Italy
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23
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Liyanage VRB, Zachariah RM, Rastegar M. Decitabine alters the expression of Mecp2 isoforms via dynamic DNA methylation at the Mecp2 regulatory elements in neural stem cells. Mol Autism 2013; 4:46. [PMID: 24238559 PMCID: PMC3900258 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-4-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant MeCP2 expression in brain is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including autism. In the brain of stressed mouse and autistic human patients, reduced MeCP2 expression is correlated with Mecp2/MECP2 promoter hypermethylation. Altered expression of MeCP2 isoforms (MeCP2E1 and MeCP2E2) is associated with neurological disorders, highlighting the importance of proper regulation of both isoforms. While known regulatory elements (REs) within the MECP2/Mecp2 promoter and intron 1 are involved in MECP2/Mecp2 regulation, Mecp2 isoform-specific regulatory mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that DNA methylation at these REs may impact the expression of Mecp2 isoforms. Methods We used a previously characterized in vitro differentiating neural stem cell (NSC) system to investigate the interplay between Mecp2 isoform-specific expression and DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs. We studied altered expression of Mecp2 isoforms, affected by global DNA demethylation and remethylation, induced by exposure and withdrawal of decitabine (5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine). Further, we performed correlation analysis between DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs and the expression of Mecp2 isoforms after decitabine exposure and withdrawal. Results At different stages of NSC differentiation, Mecp2 isoforms showed reciprocal expression patterns associated with minor, but significant changes in DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs. Decitabine treatment induced Mecp2e1/MeCP2E1 (but not Mecp2e2) expression at day (D) 2, associated with DNA demethylation at the Mecp2 REs. In contrast, decitabine withdrawal downregulated both Mecp2 isoforms to different extents at D8, without affecting DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs. NSC cell fate commitment was minimally affected by decitabine under tested conditions. Expression of both isoforms negatively correlated with methylation at specific regions of the Mecp2 promoter, both at D2 and D8. The correlation between intron 1 methylation and Mecp2e1 (but not Mecp2e2) varied depending on the stage of NSC differentiation (D2: negative; D8: positive). Conclusions Our results show the correlation between the expression of Mecp2 isoforms and DNA methylation in differentiating NSC, providing insights on the potential role of DNA methylation at the Mecp2 REs in Mecp2 isoform-specific expression. The ability of decitabine to induce Mecp2e1/MeCP2E1, but not Mecp2e2 suggests differential sensitivity of Mecp2 isoforms to decitabine and is important for future drug therapies for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Rm, 627, Basic Medical Sciences Bldg,, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada.
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24
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Ladam F, Sagerström CG. Hox regulation of transcription: more complex(es). Dev Dyn 2013; 243:4-15. [PMID: 23765878 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Revised: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox genes encode transcription factors with important roles during embryogenesis and tissue differentiation. Genetic analyses initially demonstrated that interfering with Hox genes has profound effects on the specification of cell identity, suggesting that Hox proteins regulate very specific sets of target genes. However, subsequent biochemical analyses revealed that Hox proteins bind DNA with relatively low affinity and specificity. Furthermore, it became clear that a given Hox protein could activate or repress transcription, depending on the context. A resolution to these paradoxes presented itself with the discovery that Hox proteins do not function in isolation, but interact with other factors in complexes. The first such "cofactors" were members of the Extradenticle/Pbx and Homothorax/Meis/Prep families. However, the list of Hox-interacting proteins has continued to grow, suggesting that Hox complexes contain many more components than initially thought. Additionally, the activities of the various components and the exact mechanisms whereby they modulate the activity of the complex remain puzzling. Here, we review the various proteins known to participate in Hox complexes and discuss their likely functions. We also consider that Hox complexes of different compositions may have different activities and discuss mechanisms whereby Hox complexes may be switched between active and inactive states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Ladam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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25
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Barber BA, Liyanage VRB, Zachariah RM, Olson CO, Bailey MAG, Rastegar M. Dynamic expression of MEIS1 homeoprotein in E14.5 forebrain and differentiated forebrain-derived neural stem cells. Ann Anat 2013; 195:431-40. [PMID: 23756022 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system development is controlled by highly conserved homeoprotein transcription factors including HOX and TALE (Three Amino acid Loop Extension). TALE proteins are primarily known as HOX-cofactors and play key roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and organogenesis. MEIS1 is a TALE member with established expression in the developing central nervous system. MEIS1 is essential for embryonic development and Meis1 knockout mice dies at embryonic day (E) 14.5. However, Meis1/MEIS1 expression in the devolving forebrain, at this critical time-point has not been studied. Here, for the first time we characterize the region-specific expression of MEIS1 in E14.5 mouse forebrain, filling the gap of MEIS1 expression profile between E12.5 and E16.5. Previously, we reported MEIS1 transcriptional regulatory role in neuronal differentiation and established forebrain-derived neural stem cells (NSC) for gene therapy application of neuronal genes. Here, we show the dynamic expression of Meis1/MEIS1 during the differentiation of forebrain-derived NSC toward a glial lineage. Our results show that Meis1/MEIS1 expression is induced during NSC differentiation and is expressed in both differentiated neurons and astrocytes. Confirming these results, we detected MEIS1 expression in primary cultures of in vivo differentiated cortical neurons and astrocytes. We further demonstrate Meis1/MEIS1 expression relative to other TALE family members in the forebrain-derived NSC in the absence of Hox genes. Our data provide evidence that forebrain-derived NSC can be used as an accessible in vitro model to study the expression and function of TALE proteins, supporting their potential role in modulating NSC self-renewal and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Barber
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
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Penkov D, Mateos San Martín D, Fernandez-Díaz LC, Rosselló CA, Torroja C, Sánchez-Cabo F, Warnatz HJ, Sultan M, Yaspo ML, Gabrieli A, Tkachuk V, Brendolan A, Blasi F, Torres M. Analysis of the DNA-binding profile and function of TALE homeoproteins reveals their specialization and specific interactions with Hox genes/proteins. Cell Rep 2013; 3:1321-33. [PMID: 23602564 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The interactions of Meis, Prep, and Pbx1 TALE homeoproteins with Hox proteins are essential for development and disease. Although Meis and Prep behave similarly in vitro, their in vivo activities remain largely unexplored. We show that Prep and Meis interact with largely independent sets of genomic sites and select different DNA-binding sequences, Prep associating mostly with promoters and housekeeping genes and Meis with promoter-remote regions and developmental genes. Hox target sequences associate strongly with Meis but not with Prep binding sites, while Pbx1 cooperates with both Prep and Meis. Accordingly, Meis1 shows strong genetic interaction with Pbx1 but not with Prep1. Meis1 and Prep1 nonetheless coregulate a subset of genes, predominantly through opposing effects. Notably, the TALE homeoprotein binding profile subdivides Hox clusters into two domains differentially regulated by Meis1 and Prep1. During evolution, Meis and Prep thus specialized their interactions but maintained significant regulatory coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Penkov
- Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology at the IFOM-IEO Campus, via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
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27
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Yamada T, Urano-Tashiro Y, Tanaka S, Akiyama H, Tashiro F. Involvement of crosstalk between Oct4 and Meis1a in neural cell fate decision. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56997. [PMID: 23451132 PMCID: PMC3581578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oct4 plays a critical role both in maintaining pluripotency and the cell fate decision of embryonic stem (ES) cells. Nonetheless, in the determination of the neuroectoderm (NE) from ES cells, the detailed regulation mechanism of the Oct4 gene expression is poorly understood. Here, we report that crosstalk between Oct4 and Meis1a, a Pbx-related homeobox protein, is required for neural differentiation of mouse P19 embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells induced by retinoic acid (RA). During neural differentiation, Oct4 expression was transiently enhanced during 6–12 h of RA addition and subsequently disappeared within 48 h. Coinciding with up-regulation of Oct4 expression, the induction of Meis1a expression was initiated and reached a plateau at 48 h, suggesting that transiently induced Oct4 activates Meis1a expression and the up-regulated Meis1a then suppresses Oct4 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter analysis showed that Oct4 enhanced Meis1a expression via direct binding to the Meis1 promoter accompanying histone H3 acetylation and appearance of 5-hydoxymethylcytosine (5hmC), while Meis1a suppressed Oct4 expression via direct association with the Oct4 promoter together with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). Furthermore, ectopic Meis1a expression promoted neural differentiation via formation of large neurospheres that expressed Nestin, GLAST, BLBP and Sox1 as neural stem cell (NSC)/neural progenitor markers, whereas its down-regulation generated small neurospheres and repressed neural differentiation. Thus, these results imply that crosstalk between Oct4 and Meis1a on mutual gene expressions is essential for the determination of NE from EC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeyuki Yamada
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yumiko Urano-Tashiro
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Saori Tanaka
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hirotada Akiyama
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Fumio Tashiro
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda-shi, Chiba, Japan
- * E-mail:
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28
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Olynik BM, Rastegar M. The genetic and epigenetic journey of embryonic stem cells into mature neural cells. Front Genet 2012; 3:81. [PMID: 22629283 PMCID: PMC3355330 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2012.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes occur throughout life from embryonic development into adulthood. This results in the timely expression of developmentally important genes, determining the morphology and identity of different cell types and tissues within the body. Epigenetics regulate gene expression and cellular morphology through multiple mechanisms without alteration in the underlying DNA sequences. Different epigenetic mechanisms include chromatin condensation, post-translational modification of histone proteins, DNA cytosine marks, and the activity of non-coding RNA molecules. Epigenetics play key roles in development, stem cell differentiation, and have high impact in human disease. In this review, we will discuss our current knowledge about these epigenetic mechanisms, with a focus on histone and DNA marks. We will then talk about the genetics and epigenetics of embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation into neural stem cells, and further into specific neuronal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan M Olynik
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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29
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Delval S, Taminiau A, Lamy J, Lallemand C, Gilles C, Noël A, Rezsohazy R. The Pbx interaction motif of Hoxa1 is essential for its oncogenic activity. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25247. [PMID: 21957483 PMCID: PMC3177904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hoxa1 belongs to the Hox family of homeodomain transcription factors involved in patterning embryonic territories and governing organogenetic processes. In addition to its developmental functions, Hoxa1 has been shown to be an oncogene and to be overexpressed in the mammary gland in response to a deregulation of the autocrine growth hormone. It has therefore been suggested that Hoxa1 plays a pivotal role in the process linking autocrine growth hormone misregulation and mammary carcinogenesis. Like most Hox proteins, Hoxa1 can interact with Pbx proteins. This interaction relies on a Hox hexapeptidic sequence centred on conserved Tryptophan and Methionine residues. To address the importance of the Hox-Pbx interaction for the oncogenic activity of Hoxa1, we characterized here the properties of a Hoxa1 variant with substituted residues in the hexapeptide and demonstrate that the Hoxa1 mutant lost its ability to stimulate cell proliferation, anchorage-independent cell growth, and loss of contact inhibition. Therefore, the hexapeptide motif of Hoxa1 is required to confer its oncogenic activity, supporting the view that this activity relies on the ability of Hoxa1 to interact with Pbx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Delval
- Molecular and Cellular Animal Embryology Group, Life Sciences Institute (ISV), Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Taminiau
- Molecular and Cellular Animal Embryology Group, Life Sciences Institute (ISV), Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Juliette Lamy
- Molecular and Cellular Animal Embryology Group, Life Sciences Institute (ISV), Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Cécile Lallemand
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumors and Development, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christine Gilles
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumors and Development, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Liège, Belgium
| | - Agnès Noël
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumors and Development, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Liège, Belgium
| | - René Rezsohazy
- Molecular and Cellular Animal Embryology Group, Life Sciences Institute (ISV), Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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30
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Abstract
The three-amino-acid loop extension (TALE) class homeodomain proteins MEIS1 and PKNOX1 (PREP1) share the ability to interact with PBX and HOX family members and bind similar DNA sequences but appear to play opposing roles in tumor development. Elevated levels of MEIS1 accelerate development of HOX- and MLL-induced leukemias, and this pro-tumorigenic property has been associated with transcriptional activity of MEIS1. In contrast, reduction of PKNOX1 levels has been linked with cancer development despite the absence of an identifiable transactivating domain. In this report, we show that a chimeric protein generated by fusion of the MEIS1 C-terminal region encompassing the transactivating domain with the full-length PKNOX1 (PKNOX1-MC) acquired the ability to accelerate the onset of Hoxa9-induced leukemia in the mouse bone marrow transduction/transplantation model. Gene expression profiling of primary bone marrow cells transduced with Hoxa9 plus Meis1, or Hoxa9 plus Pknox1-MC revealed perturbations in overlapping functional gene subsets implicated in DNA packaging, chromosome organization, and in cell cycle regulation. Together, results presented in this report suggest that the C-terminal domain of MEIS1 confers to PKNOX1 an ectopic transactivating function that promotes leukemogenesis by regulating expression of genes involved in chromatin accessibility and cell cycle progression.
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31
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Bjerke GA, Hyman-Walsh C, Wotton D. Cooperative transcriptional activation by Klf4, Meis2, and Pbx1. Mol Cell Biol 2011; 31:3723-33. [PMID: 21746878 PMCID: PMC3165729 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01456-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kruppel-like factor Klf4 is implicated in tumorigenesis and maintaining stem cell pluripotency, and Klf4 can both activate and repress gene expression. We show that the Pbx1 and Meis2 homeodomain proteins interact with Klf4 and can be recruited to DNA elements comprising a Klf4 site or GC box, with adjacent Meis and Pbx sites. Meis2d and Pbx1a activate expression of p15(Ink4a) and E-cadherin, dependent on the Meis2d transcriptional activation domain. In HepG2 cells, reducing expression of endogenous Meis2 or Pbx1 decreases p15 gene expression and increases the number of cells entering S phase. Although DNA binding by all three proteins contributes to full cooperative activation, the sequence requirements for binding by Meis2 and Pbx1 are variable. In the E-cadherin promoter, a Pbx-like site is required for full activation, whereas in the p15 promoter, the Klf4 site appears to play the major role. Through a bioinformatics search we identified additional genes with conserved binding sites for Klf4, Meis2, and Pbx1 and show that at least some of these genes can be activated cooperatively by Klf4 and Meis2/Pbx1. We suggest a model in which genes with Klf4 sites can be cooperatively activated by Meis2/Pbx1 and Klf4, dependent primarily on recruitment by Klf4. This provides a mechanism to modulate transcriptional regulation by the multifunctional Klf4 transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen A. Bjerke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Center for Cell Signaling, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Cathy Hyman-Walsh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Center for Cell Signaling, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - David Wotton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Center for Cell Signaling, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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32
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Crist RC, Roth JJ, Waldman SA, Buchberg AM. A conserved tissue-specific homeodomain-less isoform of MEIS1 is downregulated in colorectal cancer. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23665. [PMID: 21858198 PMCID: PMC3157405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in developed nations and is the result of both environmental and genetic factors. Many of the genetic lesions observed in colorectal cancer alter expression of homeobox genes, which encode homeodomain transcription factors. The MEIS1 homeobox gene is known to be involved in several hematological malignancies and solid tumors and recent evidence suggests that expression of the MEIS1 transcript is altered in colorectal cancer. Despite this potential connection, little is known about the role of the gene in the intestines. We probed murine gastrointestinal tissue samples with an N-terminal Meis1 antibody, revealing expression of two previously described isoforms, as well as two novel Meis1 products. A 32 kD Meis1 product was expressed in the nuclei of non-epithelial cells in the stomach and colon, while a 27 kD product was expressed in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells in the proximal colon. Our data suggest that the 27 kD and 32 kD Meis1 proteins are both forms of the Meis1d protein, a homeodomain-less isoform whose transcript was previously identified in cDNA screens. Both the MEIS1D transcript and protein were expressed in human colon mucosa. Expression of the MEIS1D protein was downregulated in 83% (10/12) of primary colorectal cancer samples compared to matched normal mucosa, indicating that MEIS1D is a biomarker of colorectal tumorigenesis. The decreased expression of MEIS1D in colon tumors also suggests that this conserved homeodomain-less isoform may act as a tumor suppressor in human colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C. Crist
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jacquelyn J. Roth
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Scott A. Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Arthur M. Buchberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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33
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Irimia M, Maeso I, Burguera D, Hidalgo-Sánchez M, Puelles L, Roy SW, Garcia-Fernàndez J, Ferran JL. Contrasting 5' and 3' evolutionary histories and frequent evolutionary convergence in Meis/hth gene structures. Genome Biol Evol 2011; 3:551-64. [PMID: 21680890 PMCID: PMC3140891 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evr056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Organisms show striking differences in genome structure; however, the functional implications and fundamental forces that govern these differences remain obscure. The intron–exon organization of nuclear genes is involved in a particularly large variety of structures and functional roles. We performed a 22-species study of Meis/hth genes, intron-rich homeodomain-containing transcription factors involved in a wide range of developmental processes. Our study revealed three surprising results that suggest important and very different functions for Meis intron–exon structures. First, we find unexpected conservation across species of intron positions and lengths along most of the Meis locus. This contrasts with the high degree of structural divergence found in genome-wide studies and may attest to conserved regulatory elements residing within these conserved introns. Second, we find very different evolutionary histories for the 5′ and 3′ regions of the gene. The 5′-most 10 exons, which encode the highly conserved Meis domain and homeodomain, show striking conservation. By contrast, the 3′ of the gene, which encodes several domains implicated in transcriptional activation and response to cell signaling, shows a remarkably active evolutionary history, with diverse isoforms and frequent creation and loss of new exons and splice sites. This region-specific diversity suggests evolutionary “tinkering,” with alternative splicing allowing for more subtle regulation of protein function. Third, we find a large number of cases of convergent evolution in the 3′ region, including 1) parallel losses of ancestral coding sequence, 2) parallel gains of external and internal splice sites, and 3) recurrent truncation of C-terminal coding regions. These results attest to the importance of locus-specific splicing functions in differences in structural evolution across genes, as well as to commonalities of forces shaping the evolution of individual genes along different lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Irimia
- Department of Genetics, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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34
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Sánchez-Guardado LÓ, Irimia M, Sánchez-Arrones L, Burguera D, Rodríguez-Gallardo L, Garcia-Fernández J, Puelles L, Ferran JL, Hidalgo-Sánchez M. Distinct and redundant expression and transcriptional diversity of MEIS gene paralogs during chicken development. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:1475-92. [PMID: 21465619 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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35
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Erickson T, French CR, Waskiewicz AJ. Meis1 specifies positional information in the retina and tectum to organize the zebrafish visual system. Neural Dev 2010; 5:22. [PMID: 20809932 PMCID: PMC2939508 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8104-5-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During visual system development, multiple signalling pathways cooperate to specify axial polarity within the retina and optic tectum. This information is required for the topographic mapping of retinal ganglion cell axons on the tectum. Meis1 is a TALE-class homeodomain transcription factor known to specify anterior-posterior identity in the hindbrain, but its role in visual system patterning has not been investigated. Results meis1 is expressed in both the presumptive retina and tectum. An analysis of retinal patterning reveals that Meis1 is required to correctly specify both dorsal-ventral and nasal-temporal identity in the zebrafish retina. Meis1-knockdown results in a loss of smad1 expression and an upregulation in follistatin expression, thereby causing lower levels of Bmp signalling and a partial ventralization of the retina. Additionally, Meis1-deficient embryos exhibit ectopic Fgf signalling in the developing retina and a corresponding loss of temporal identity. Meis1 also positively regulates ephrin gene expression in the tectum. Consistent with these patterning phenotypes, a knockdown of Meis1 ultimately results in retinotectal mapping defects. Conclusions In this work we describe a novel role for Meis1 in regulating Bmp signalling and in specifying temporal identity in the retina. By patterning both the retina and tectum, Meis1 plays an important role in establishing the retinotectal map and organizing the visual system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Erickson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW405, Biological Sciences Bldg, Edmonton T6G 2E9, Canada
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36
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Barber BA, Rastegar M. Epigenetic control of Hox genes during neurogenesis, development, and disease. Ann Anat 2010; 192:261-74. [PMID: 20739155 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2010.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The process of mammalian development is established through multiple complex molecular pathways acting in harmony at the genomic, proteomic, and epigenomic levels. The outcome is profoundly influenced by the role of epigenetics through transcriptional regulation of key developmental genes. Epigenetics refer to changes in gene expression that are inherited through mechanisms other than the underlying DNA sequence, which control cellular morphology and identity. It is currently well accepted that epigenetics play central roles in regulating mammalian development and cellular differentiation by dictating cell fate decisions via regulation of specific genes. Among these genes are the Hox family members, which are master regulators of embryonic development and stem cell differentiation and their mis-regulation leads to human disease and cancer. The Hox gene discovery led to the establishment of a fundamental role for basic genetics in development. Hox genes encode for highly conserved transcription factors from flies to humans that organize the anterior-posterior body axis during embryogenesis. Hox gene expression during development is tightly regulated in a spatiotemporal manner, partly by chromatin structure and epigenetic modifications. Here, we review the impact of different epigenetic mechanisms in development and stem cell differentiation with a clear focus on the regulation of Hox genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Barber
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3E 0J9, Canada
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37
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Wang Z, Iwasaki M, Ficara F, Lin C, Matheny C, Wong SHK, Smith KS, Cleary ML. GSK-3 promotes conditional association of CREB and its coactivators with MEIS1 to facilitate HOX-mediated transcription and oncogenesis. Cancer Cell 2010; 17:597-608. [PMID: 20541704 PMCID: PMC2919232 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2010.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2009] [Revised: 02/23/2010] [Accepted: 04/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Acute leukemias induced by MLL chimeric oncoproteins are among the subset of cancers distinguished by a paradoxical dependence on GSK-3 kinase activity for sustained proliferation. We demonstrate here that GSK-3 maintains the MLL leukemia stem cell transcriptional program by promoting the conditional association of CREB and its coactivators TORC and CBP with homedomain protein MEIS1, a critical component of the MLL-subordinate program, which in turn facilitates HOX-mediated transcription and transformation. This mechanism also applies to hematopoietic cells transformed by other HOX genes, including CDX2, which is highly expressed in a majority of acute myeloid leukemias, thus providing a molecular approach based on GSK-3 inhibitory strategies to target HOX-associated transcription in a broad spectrum of leukemias.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CREB-Binding Protein/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein/genetics
- Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Down-Regulation/genetics
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/physiology
- Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3/antagonists & inhibitors
- Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3/genetics
- Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3/metabolism
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Indoles/therapeutic use
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/prevention & control
- Maleimides/pharmacology
- Maleimides/therapeutic use
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Models, Biological
- Myeloid Ecotropic Viral Integration Site 1 Protein
- Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/cytology
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Phosphorylation/physiology
- Pre-B-Cell Leukemia Transcription Factor 1
- Protein Binding/drug effects
- Protein Binding/physiology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic/drug effects
- Transcription, Genetic/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, Ph: 650-723-5471, Fax: 650-498-6222
| | - Masayuki Iwasaki
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, Ph: 650-723-5471, Fax: 650-498-6222
| | - Francesca Ficara
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, Ph: 650-723-5471, Fax: 650-498-6222
| | - Chenwei Lin
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, Ph: 650-723-5471, Fax: 650-498-6222
| | - Christina Matheny
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, Ph: 650-723-5471, Fax: 650-498-6222
| | - Stephen H. K. Wong
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, Ph: 650-723-5471, Fax: 650-498-6222
| | - Kevin S. Smith
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, Ph: 650-723-5471, Fax: 650-498-6222
| | - Michael L. Cleary
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, Ph: 650-723-5471, Fax: 650-498-6222
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38
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Abstract
Myeloid ecotropic insertion site (Meis)2 is a homeodomain protein containing a conserved homothorax (Hth) domain that is present in all Meis and Prep family proteins and in the Drosophila Hth protein. The Hth domain mediates interaction with Pbx homeodomain proteins, allowing for efficient DNA binding. Here we show that, like Meis1, Meis2 has a strong C-terminal transcriptional activation domain, which is required for full activation of transcription by homeodomain protein complexes composed of Meis2 and Pbx1. We also show that the activity of the activation domain is inhibited by the Hth domain, and that this autoinhibition can be partially relieved by the interaction of Pbx1 with the Hth domain of Meis2. Targeting of the Hth domain to DNA suggests that it is not a portable trans-acting repression domain. However, the Hth domain can inhibit a linked activation domain, and this inhibition is not limited to the Meis2 activation domain. Database searching reveals that the Meis3.2 splice variant, which is found in several vertebrate species, disrupts the Hth domain by removing 17 codons from the 5'-end of exon 6. We show that the equivalent deletion in Meis2 derepresses the C-terminal activation domain and weakens interaction with Pbx1. This work suggests that the transcriptional activity of all members of the Meis/Prep Hth protein family is subject to autoinhibition by their Hth domains, and that the Meis3.2 splice variant encodes a protein that bypasses this autoinhibitory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Hyman-Walsh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, and Center for Cell Signaling, University of Virginia
| | - Glen A. Bjerke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, and Center for Cell Signaling, University of Virginia
| | - David Wotton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, and Center for Cell Signaling, University of Virginia
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39
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40
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Linkage of the potent leukemogenic activity of Meis1 to cell-cycle entry and transcriptional regulation of cyclin D3. Blood 2010; 115:4071-82. [PMID: 20237320 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-06-225573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MEIS1 is a three-amino acid loop extension class homeodomain-containing homeobox (HOX) cofactor that plays key roles in normal hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. Expression of Meis1 is rate-limiting in MLL-associated leukemias and potently interacts with Hox and NUP98-HOX genes in leukemic transformation to promote self-renewal and proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors. The oncogenicity of MEIS1 has been linked to its transcriptional activation properties. To further reveal the pathways triggered by Meis1, we assessed the function of a novel engineered fusion form of Meis1, M33-MEIS1, designed to confer transcriptional repression to Meis1 target genes that are otherwise up-regulated in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Retroviral overexpression of M33-Meis1 resulted in the rapid and complete eradication of M33-Meis1-transduced normal and leukemic cells in vivo. Cell-cycle analysis showed that M33-Meis1 impeded the progression of cells from G(1)-to-S phase, which correlated with significant reduction of cyclin D3 levels and the inhibition of retinoblastoma (pRb) hyperphosphorylation. We identified cyclin D3 as a direct downstream target of MEIS1 and M33-MEIS1 and showed that the G(1)-phase accumulation and growth suppression induced by M33-Meis1 was partially relieved by overexpression of cyclin D3. This study provides strong evidence linking the growth-promoting activities of Meis1 to the cyclin D-pRb cell-cycle control pathway.
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Choe SK, Lu P, Nakamura M, Lee J, Sagerström CG. Meis cofactors control HDAC and CBP accessibility at Hox-regulated promoters during zebrafish embryogenesis. Dev Cell 2009; 17:561-7. [PMID: 19853569 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2009.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2009] [Revised: 05/27/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hox proteins form complexes with Pbx and Meis cofactors to control gene expression, but the role of Meis is unclear. We demonstrate that Hoxb1-regulated promoters are highly acetylated on histone H4 (AcH4) and occupied by Hoxb1, Pbx, and Meis in zebrafish tissues where these promoters are active. Inhibition of Meis blocks gene expression and reduces AcH4 levels at these promoters, suggesting a role for Meis in maintaining AcH4. Within Hox transcription complexes, Meis binds directly to Pbx and we find that this binding displaces histone deacetylases (HDACs) from Hoxb1-regulated promoters in zebrafish embryos. Accordingly, Pbx mutants that cannot bind Meis act as repressors by recruiting HDACs and reducing AcH4 levels, while Pbx mutants that bind neither HDAC nor Meis are constitutively active and recruit CBP to increase AcH4 levels. We conclude that Meis acts, at least in part, by controlling access of HDAC and CBP to Hox-regulated promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Kyu Choe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, LRB822, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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Agoston Z, Schulte D. Meis2 competes with the Groucho co-repressor Tle4 for binding to Otx2 and specifies tectal fate without induction of a secondary midbrain-hindbrain boundary organizer. Development 2009; 136:3311-22. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.037770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor Otx2 is expressed throughout the anterior neuroectoderm and is required for the formation of all forebrain- and midbrain-derived structures. The molecular determinants that cooperate with Otx2 to subdivide its expression domain into distinct functional units are, however, poorly understood at present. We show here that the TALE-homeodomain protein Meis2 is expressed in the chick tectal anlage and is both necessary and sufficient for tectal development. Unlike known tectum-inducing genes, the ability of Meis2 to initiate tectal development does not involve the formation of a secondary midbrain-hindbrain boundary organizer, but instead requires direct interaction with Otx2. Using an Otx2-dependent reporter assay we demonstrate that Meis2 competes with the Groucho co-repressor Tle4 (Grg4) for binding to Otx2 and thereby restores Otx2 transcriptional activator function. Together, our data suggest a model in which the balance between a co-repressor and a co-activator, which compete for binding to Otx2 in the mesencephalic vesicle, provides spatial and temporal control over tectal development. Controlled formation of Meis2-containing higher order protein complexes might thus serve as a general mechanism to achieve subdivision of the anterior neuroectoderm into distinct functional units during embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsa Agoston
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Max-Planck Institute for Brain Research,Deutschordenstr. 46, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dorothea Schulte
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Max-Planck Institute for Brain Research,Deutschordenstr. 46, Frankfurt, Germany
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Goh SL, Looi Y, Shen H, Fang J, Bodner C, Houle M, Ng ACH, Screaton RA, Featherstone M. Transcriptional activation by MEIS1A in response to protein kinase A signaling requires the transducers of regulated CREB family of CREB co-activators. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:18904-12. [PMID: 19473990 PMCID: PMC2707216 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.005090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2009] [Revised: 05/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor encoded by the murine ecotropic integration site 1 gene (MEIS1) is a partner of HOX and PBX proteins. It has been implicated in embryonic patterning and leukemia, and causally linked to restless legs syndrome. The MEIS1A C terminus harbors a transcriptional activation domain that is stimulated by protein kinase A (PKA) in a manner dependent on the co-activator of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), CREB-binding protein (CBP). We explored the involvement of another mediator of PKA-inducible transcription, namely the CREB co-activators transducers of regulated CREB activity (TORCs). Overexpression of TORC1 or TORC2 bypassed PKA for activation by MEIS1A. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated a physical interaction between MEIS1 and TORC2 that is dependent on the MEIS1A C terminus, whereas chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed PKA-inducible recruitment of MEIS1, PBX1, and TORC2 on the MEIS1 target genes Hoxb2 and Meis1. The MEIS1 interaction domain on TORC1 was mapped to the N-terminal coiled-coil region, and TORC1 mutants lacking this domain attenuated the response to PKA on a natural MEIS1A target enhancer. Thus, TORCs physically cooperate with MEIS1 to achieve PKA-inducible transactivation through the MEIS1A C terminus, suggesting a concerted action in developmental and oncogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew-Lee Goh
- From the McGill Cancer Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
- the School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, and
| | - Yvonne Looi
- the School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, and
| | - Hui Shen
- the School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, and
| | - Jun Fang
- From the McGill Cancer Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Caroline Bodner
- From the McGill Cancer Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Martin Houle
- From the McGill Cancer Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Andy Cheuk-Him Ng
- the Apoptosis Research Centre, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Robert A. Screaton
- the Apoptosis Research Centre, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Mark Featherstone
- the School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, and
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Fernandez CC, Gudas LJ. The truncated Hoxa1 protein interacts with Hoxa1 and Pbx1 in stem cells. J Cell Biochem 2009; 106:427-43. [PMID: 19115252 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hox genes contain a homeobox encoding a 60-amino acid DNA binding sequence. The Hoxa1 gene (Hox1.6, ERA1) encodes two alternatively spliced mRNAs that encode distinct proteins, one with the homeodomain (Hoxa1-993), and another protein lacking this domain (Hoxa1-399). The functions of Hoxa1-399 are unknown. We detected Hoxa1-993 and Hoxa1-399 by immunoprecipitation using Hoxa1 antibodies. To assess whether Hoxa1-399 functions in cellular differentiation, we analyzed Hoxb1, a Hoxa1 target gene. Hoxa1-993 and its cofactor, Pbx1, bind to the Hoxb1 SOct-R3 promoter to transcriptionally activate a luciferase reporter. Results from F9 stem cells that stably express ectopic Hoxa1-399 (the F9-399 line) show that Hoxa1-399 reduces this transcriptional activation. Gel shift assays demonstrate that Hoxa1-399 reduces Hoxa1-993/Pbx1 binding to the Hoxb1 SOct-R3 region. GST pull-down experiments suggest that Hoxa1-399, Hoxa1-993, and Pbx1 form a trimer. However, the F9-399 line exhibits no differences in RA-induced proliferation arrest or endogenous Hoxb1, Pbx1, Hoxa5, Cyp26a1, GATA4, or Meis mRNA levels when compared to F9 wild-type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina C Fernandez
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA
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Argiropoulos B, Palmqvist L, Yung E, Kuchenbauer F, Heuser M, Sly LM, Wan A, Krystal G, Humphries RK. Linkage of Meis1 leukemogenic activity to multiple downstream effectors including Trib2 and Ccl3. Exp Hematol 2008; 36:845-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2008.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2008] [Revised: 02/19/2008] [Accepted: 02/26/2008] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Abstract
Members of the Zic family of zinc finger transcription factors play critical roles in a variety of developmental processes. They are involved in development of neural tissues and the neural crest, in left-right axis patterning, in somite development, and in formation of the cerebellum. In addition to their roles in cell-fate specification, zic genes also promote cell proliferation. Further, they are expressed in postmitotic cells of the cerebellum and in retinal ganglion cells. Efforts to determine the role of individual zic genes within an array of developmental and cellular processes are complicated by overlapping patterns of zic gene expression and strong sequence conservation within this gene family. Nevertheless, substantial progress has been made. This review summarizes our knowledge of the molecular events that govern the activities of zic family members, including emerging relationships between upstream signaling pathways and zic genes. In addition, advancements in our understanding of the molecular events downstream of Zic transcription factors are reviewed. Despite significant progress, however, much remains to be learned regarding the mechanisms through which zic genes exert their function in a variety of different contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa S Merzdorf
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana.
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Mukherjee K, Bürglin TR. Comprehensive analysis of animal TALE homeobox genes: new conserved motifs and cases of accelerated evolution. J Mol Evol 2007; 65:137-53. [PMID: 17665086 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-006-0023-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2006] [Accepted: 11/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
TALE homeodomain proteins are an ancient subgroup within the group of homeodomain transcription factors that play important roles in animal, plant, and fungal development. We have extracted the full complement of TALE superclass homeobox genes from the genome projects of seven protostomes, seven deuterostomes, and Nematostella. This was supplemented with TALE homeobox genes from additional species and phylogenetic analyses were carried out with 276 sequences. We found 20 homeobox genes and 4 pseudogenes in humans, 21 genes in mouse, 8 genes in Drosophila, and 5 genes plus one truncated gene in Caenorhabditis elegans. Apart from the previously identified TALE classes MEIS, PBC, IRO, and TGIF, a novel class is identified, termed MOHAWK (MKX). Further, we show that the MEIS class can be divided into two families, PREP and MEIS. Prep genes have previously only been described in vertebrates but are lacking in Drosophila. Here we identify orthologues in other insect taxa as well as in the cnidarian Nematostella. In C. elegans, a divergent Prep protein has lost the homeodomain. Full-length multiple sequence alignment of the protostome and deuterostome sequences allowed us to identify several novel conserved motifs within the MKX, TGIF, and MEIS classes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed fast-evolving PBC class genes; in particular, some X-linked PBC genes in nematodes are subject to rapid evolution. In addition, several instances of gene loss were identified. In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis provides a defining framework for the classification of animal TALE homeobox genes and the understanding of their evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishanu Mukherjee
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, and School of Life Sciences, Södertörns Högskola, Huddinge, Sweden
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Knosp WM, Saneyoshi C, Shou S, Bächinger HP, Stadler HS. Elucidation, Quantitative Refinement, and in Vivo Utilization of the HOXA13 DNA Binding Site. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:6843-53. [PMID: 17200107 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m610775200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in Hoxa13 cause malformations of the appendicular skeleton and genitourinary tract, including digit loss, syndactyly, and hypospadias. To determine the molecular basis for these defects, the DNA sequences bound by HOXA13 were empirically determined, revealing a novel high affinity binding site. Correlating the utilization of this high affinity binding site with genes exhibiting perturbed expression in Hoxa13 mutant limbs, we identified that HOXA13 suppresses the expression of the BMP antagonist, Sostdc1. In the absence of HOXA13 function, Sostdc1 is ectopically expressed in the distal limb, causing reduced expression of BMP-activated genes and decreased SMAD phosphorylation. Limb chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed HOXA13 binding at its high affinity site in two conserved Sostdc1 regulatory sites in vivo. In vitro, HOXA13 represses gene expression through the Sostdc1 high affinity binding sites in a dosage-dependent manner. Together, these findings confirm that the high affinity HOXA13 binding site deduced by quantitative analyses is used in vivo to facilitate HOXA13 target gene regulation, providing a critical advance toward understanding the molecular basis for defects associated with the loss of HOXA13 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy M Knosp
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
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Paraguison RC, Higaki K, Yamamoto K, Matsumoto H, Sasaki T, Kato N, Nanba E. Enhanced autophagic cell death in expanded polyhistidine variants of HOXA1 reduces PBX1-coupled transcriptional activity and inhibits neuronal differentiation. J Neurosci Res 2007; 85:479-87. [PMID: 17131398 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
HOXA1 is a member of the homeobox gene family and is involved in early brain development. In our previous study, we identified novel variants of polyhistidine repeat tract in HOXA1 gene and showed that ectopic expression of expanded variants led to enhanced intranuclear aggregation and accelerated cell death in a time-dependent manner. Here, we further investigate the implications of polyhistidine variants on HOXA1 function. Aside from intranuclear aggregation, we observed cytosolic aggregates during the early stages of expression. Rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, resulted in decreased protein aggregation and cell death. Here, we also show an interaction between variants of HOXA1 and one of the HOX protein known cofactors, PBX1. Expanded HOXA1 variants exhibited reduced PBX1-coupled transcriptional activity through a regulatory enhancer of HOXB1. Moreover, we demonstrate that both deleted and expanded variants inhibited neurite outgrowth in retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation in neuroblastoma cells. These results provide further evidence that expanded polyhistidine repeats in HOXA1 enhance aggregation and cell death, resulting in impaired neuronal differentiation and cooperative binding with PBX1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubigilda C Paraguison
- Division of Functional Genomics, Research Center for Bioscience and Technology, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
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Brahmachary M, Schönbach C, Yang L, Huang E, Tan SL, Chowdhary R, Krishnan SPT, Lin CY, Hume DA, Kai C, Kawai J, Carninci P, Hayashizaki Y, Bajic VB. Computational promoter analysis of mouse, rat and human antimicrobial peptide-coding genes. BMC Bioinformatics 2006; 7 Suppl 5:S8. [PMID: 17254313 PMCID: PMC1764486 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-7-s5-s8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effectors of the innate immune response. A multitude of signals coming from pathways of mammalian pathogen/pattern recognition receptors and other proteins affect the expression of AMP-coding genes (AMPcgs). For many AMPcgs the promoter elements and transcription factors that control their tissue cell-specific expression have yet to be fully identified and characterized. RESULTS Based upon the RIKEN full-length cDNA and public sequence data derived from human, mouse and rat, we identified 178 candidate AMP transcripts derived from 61 genes belonging to 29 AMP families. However, only for 31 mouse genes belonging to 22 AMP families we were able to determine true orthologous relationships with 30 human and 15 rat sequences. We screened the promoter regions of AMPcgs in the three species for motifs by an ab initio motif finding method and analyzed the derived promoter characteristics. Promoter models were developed for alpha-defensins, penk and zap AMP families. The results suggest a core set of transcription factors (TFs) that regulate the transcription of AMPcg families in mouse, rat and human. The three most frequent core TFs groups include liver-, nervous system-specific and nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs). Out of 440 motifs analyzed, we found that three represent potentially novel TF-binding motifs enriched in promoters of AMPcgs, while the other four motifs appear to be species-specific. CONCLUSION Our large-scale computational analysis of promoters of 22 families of AMPcgs across three mammalian species suggests that their key transcriptional regulators are likely to be TFs of the liver-, nervous system-specific and NHR groups. The computationally inferred promoter elements and potential TF binding motifs provide a rich resource for targeted experimental validation of TF binding and signaling studies that aim at the regulation of mouse, rat or human AMPcgs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Brahmachary
- Knowledge Extraction Laboratory, Institute for Infocomm Research, 21 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Singapore 119613, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Christian Schönbach
- Immunoinformatics Research Team, Advanced Genome Information Technology Group, RIKEN Genomic Sciences Center (GSC), RIKEN Yokohama Institute, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
- Division of Genomics and Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National University Hospital, National University of Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Enli Huang
- Knowledge Extraction Laboratory, Institute for Infocomm Research, 21 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Singapore 119613, Singapore
| | - Sin Lam Tan
- Knowledge Extraction Laboratory, Institute for Infocomm Research, 21 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Singapore 119613, Singapore
- University of the Western Cape, South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Rajesh Chowdhary
- Knowledge Extraction Laboratory, Institute for Infocomm Research, 21 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Singapore 119613, Singapore
| | - SPT Krishnan
- Knowledge Extraction Laboratory, Institute for Infocomm Research, 21 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Singapore 119613, Singapore
| | - Chin-Yo Lin
- Brigham Young University, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, 753 WIDB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - David A Hume
- ARC Special Research Centre for Functional and Applied Genomics, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Chikatoshi Kai
- Genome Exploration Research Group (Genome Network Project Core Group), RIKEN Genomic Sciences Center (GSC), RIKEN Yokohama Institute, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Jun Kawai
- Genome Exploration Research Group (Genome Network Project Core Group), RIKEN Genomic Sciences Center (GSC), RIKEN Yokohama Institute, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
- Genome Science Laboratory, Discovery Research Institute, RIKEN Wako Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Piero Carninci
- Genome Exploration Research Group (Genome Network Project Core Group), RIKEN Genomic Sciences Center (GSC), RIKEN Yokohama Institute, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
- Genome Science Laboratory, Discovery Research Institute, RIKEN Wako Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Hayashizaki
- Genome Exploration Research Group (Genome Network Project Core Group), RIKEN Genomic Sciences Center (GSC), RIKEN Yokohama Institute, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
- Genome Science Laboratory, Discovery Research Institute, RIKEN Wako Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Vladimir B Bajic
- University of the Western Cape, South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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