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Qiang L, Zhao B, Ming M, Wang N, He TC, Hwang S, Thorburn A, He YY. Autophagy regulates tumor growth and metastasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.31.564991. [PMID: 37961427 PMCID: PMC10635024 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.31.564991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The role of autophagy in tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis remains poorly understood. Here we show that inhibition of autophagy stabilizes the transcription factor Twist1 through Sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1, also known as p62) and thus increases cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor development and metastasis. Inhibition of autophagy or p62 overexpression blocks Twist1 protein degradation in the proteasomes, while p62 inhibition enhances it. SQSTM1/p62 interacts with Twist1 via the UBA domain of p62, in a Twist1-ubiquitination-dependent manner. Lysine 175 in Twist1 is critical for Twist1 ubiquitination, degradation, and SQSTM1/p62 interaction. For squamous skin cancer and melanoma cells that express Twist1, SQSTM1/p62 increases tumor growth and metastasis in mice. Together, our results identified Twist1 as a key downstream protein for autophagy and suggest a critical role of the autophagy/p62/Twist1 axis in cancer development and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qiang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Baozhong Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mei Ming
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Seungmin Hwang
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew Thorburn
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Yu-Ying He
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Casasnovas-Nieves JJ, Rodríguez Y, Franco HL, Cadilla CL. Mechanisms of Regulation of the CHRDL1 Gene by the TWIST2 and ADD1/SREBP1c Transcription Factors. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1733. [PMID: 37761873 PMCID: PMC10530651 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Setleis syndrome (SS) is a rare focal facial dermal dysplasia caused by recessive mutations in the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, TWIST2. Expression microarray analysis showed that the chordin-like 1 (CHRDL1) gene is up-regulated in dermal fibroblasts from three SS patients with the Q119X TWIST2 mutation. METHODS Putative TWIST binding sites were found in the upstream region of the CHRDL1 gene and examined by electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) and reporter gene assays. RESULTS EMSAs showed specific binding of TWIST1 and TWIST2 homodimers, as well as heterodimers with E12, to the more distal E-boxes. An adjoining E-box was bound by ADD1/SREBP1c. EMSA analysis suggested that TWIST2 and ADD1/SREBP1c could compete for binding. Luciferase (luc) reporter assays revealed that the CHRDL1 gene upstream region drives its expression and ADD1/SREBP1c increased it 2.6 times over basal levels. TWIST2, but not the TWIST2-Q119X mutant, blocked activation by ADD1/SREBP1c, but overexpression of TWIST2-Q119X increased luc gene expression. In addition, EMSA competition assays showed that TWIST2, but not TWIST1, competes with ADD1/SREBP1c for DNA binding to the same site. CONCLUSIONS Formation of an inactive complex between the TWIST2 Q119X and Q65X mutant proteins and ADD1/SREBP1c may prevent repressor binding and allow the binding of other regulators to activate CHRDL1 gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- José J. Casasnovas-Nieves
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico; (J.J.C.-N.); (Y.R.); (H.L.F.)
| | - Yacidzohara Rodríguez
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico; (J.J.C.-N.); (Y.R.); (H.L.F.)
| | - Hector L. Franco
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico; (J.J.C.-N.); (Y.R.); (H.L.F.)
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Carmen L. Cadilla
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico; (J.J.C.-N.); (Y.R.); (H.L.F.)
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3
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Gruss MJ, O’Callaghan C, Donnellan M, Corsi AK. A Twist-Box domain of the C. elegans Twist homolog, HLH-8, plays a complex role in transcriptional regulation. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad066. [PMID: 37067863 PMCID: PMC10411555 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor in humans that functions in mesoderm differentiation. TWIST1 primarily regulates genes as a transcriptional repressor often through TWIST-Box domain-mediated protein-protein interactions. The TWIST-Box also can function as an activation domain requiring 3 conserved, equidistant amino acids (LXXXFXXXR). Autosomal dominant mutations in TWIST1, including 2 reported in these conserved amino acids (F187L and R191M), lead to craniofacial defects in Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS). Caenorhabditis elegans has a single TWIST1 homolog, HLH-8, that functions in the differentiation of the muscles responsible for egg laying and defecation. Null alleles in hlh-8 lead to severely egg-laying defective and constipated animals due to defects in the corresponding muscles. TWIST1 and HLH-8 share sequence identity in their bHLH regions; however, the domain responsible for the transcriptional activity of HLH-8 is unknown. Sequence alignment suggests that HLH-8 has a TWIST-Box LXXXFXXXR motif; however, its function also is unknown. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing was utilized to generate a domain deletion and several missense mutations, including those analogous to SCS patients, in the 3 conserved HLH-8 amino acids to investigate their functional role. The TWIST-Box alleles did not phenocopy hlh-8 null mutants. The strongest phenotype detected was a retentive (Ret) phenotype with late-stage embryos in the hermaphrodite uterus. Further, GFP reporters of HLH-8 downstream target genes (arg-1::gfp and egl-15::gfp) revealed tissue-specific, target-specific, and allele-specific defects. Overall, the TWIST-Box in HLH-8 is partially required for the protein's transcriptional activity, and the conserved amino acids contribute unequally to the domain's function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Gruss
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
| | - Colleen O’Callaghan
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
| | - Molly Donnellan
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
| | - Ann K Corsi
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
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Laursen KB, Chen Q, Khani F, Attarwala N, Gross SS, Dow L, Nanus DM, Gudas LJ. Mitochondrial Ndufa4l2 Enhances Deposition of Lipids and Expression of Ca9 in the TRACK Model of Early Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 11:783856. [PMID: 34970493 PMCID: PMC8712948 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.783856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant glycolysis are hallmarks of human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Whereas glycolysis is thoroughly studied, little is known about the mitochondrial contribution to the pathology of ccRCC. Mitochondrial Ndufa4l2 is predictive of poor survival of ccRCC patients, and in kidney cancer cell lines the protein supports proliferation and colony formation. Its role in ccRCC, however, remains enigmatic. We utilized our established ccRCC model, termed Transgenic Cancer of the Kidney (TRACK), to generate a novel genetically engineered mouse model in which dox-regulated expression of an shRNA decreases Ndufa4l2 levels specifically in the renal proximal tubules (PT). This targeted knockdown of Ndufa4l2 reduced the accumulation of neutral renal lipid and was associated with decreased levels of the ccRCC markers carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) and Enolase 1 (ENO1). These findings suggest a link between mitochondrial dysregulation (i.e. high levels of Ndufa4l2), lipid accumulation, and the expression of ccRCC markers ENO1 and CA9, and demonstrate that lipid accumulation and ccRCC development can potentially be attenuated by inhibiting Ndufa4l2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian B Laursen
- Department of Pharmacology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Qiuying Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Francesca Khani
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Urology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nabeel Attarwala
- Department of Pharmacology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Steve S Gross
- Department of Pharmacology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lukas Dow
- Department of Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - David M Nanus
- Department of Urology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lorraine J Gudas
- Department of Pharmacology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Urology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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5
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Wu Z, Zou X, Xu Y, Zhou F, Kuai R, Li J, Yang D, Chu Y, Peng H. Ajuba transactivates N-cadherin expression in colorectal cancer cells through interaction with Twist. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:8006-8014. [PMID: 34173718 PMCID: PMC8358848 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ajuba is a multiple LIM domain‐containing protein and functions as a transcriptional coregulator to modulate many gene expressions in various cellular processes. Here, we describe that the LIM domain of Ajuba interacts with Twist, and the Twist box is a pivotal motif for the interaction. Biologically, Ajuba enhances transcription of target gene N‐cadherin as an obligate coactivator of Twist. The enhancement is achieved by binding to the E‐box element within N‐cadherin promoter as revealed by luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Mechanistic investigation demonstrates that Ajuba recruits CBP and Twist to form a ternary complex at the Twist target promoter region and concomitantly enhances histone acetylation at these sites. These findings identify that Twist is a new interacting protein of Ajuba and Ajuba/Twist/CBP ternary complex may be a potential treatment strategy for Twist‐related tumour metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxia Wu
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Key Laboratory for Translational Research and Innovative Therapeutics of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuqun Zou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Cellular Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengli Zhou
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Kuai
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Li
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Daming Yang
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yimin Chu
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haixia Peng
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Fan X, Masamsetti VP, Sun JQ, Engholm-Keller K, Osteil P, Studdert J, Graham ME, Fossat N, Tam PP. TWIST1 and chromatin regulatory proteins interact to guide neural crest cell differentiation. eLife 2021; 10:62873. [PMID: 33554859 PMCID: PMC7968925 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein interaction is critical molecular regulatory activity underlining cellular functions and precise cell fate choices. Using TWIST1 BioID-proximity-labeling and network propagation analyses, we discovered and characterized a TWIST-chromatin regulatory module (TWIST1-CRM) in the neural crest cells (NCC). Combinatorial perturbation of core members of TWIST1-CRM: TWIST1, CHD7, CHD8, and WHSC1 in cell models and mouse embryos revealed that loss of the function of the regulatory module resulted in abnormal differentiation of NCCs and compromised craniofacial tissue patterning. Following NCC delamination, low level of TWIST1-CRM activity is instrumental to stabilize the early NCC signatures and migratory potential by repressing the neural stem cell programs. High level of TWIST1 module activity at later phases commits the cells to the ectomesenchyme. Our study further revealed the functional interdependency of TWIST1 and potential neurocristopathy factors in NCC development. Shaping the head and face during development relies on a complex ballet of molecular signals that orchestrates the movement and specialization of various groups of cells. In animals with a backbone for example, neural crest cells (NCCs for short) can march long distances from the developing spine to become some of the tissues that form the skull and cartilage but also the pigment cells and nervous system. NCCs mature into specific cell types thanks to a complex array of factors which trigger a precise sequence of binary fate decisions at the right time and place. Amongst these factors, the protein TWIST1 can set up a cascade of genetic events that control how NCCs will ultimately form tissues in the head. To do so, the TWIST1 protein interacts with many other molecular actors, many of which are still unknown. To find some of these partners, Fan et al. studied TWIST1 in the NCCs of mice and cells grown in the lab. The experiments showed that TWIST1 interacted with CHD7, CHD8 and WHSC1, three proteins that help to switch genes on and off, and which contribute to NCCs moving across the head during development. Further work by Fan et al. then revealed that together, these molecular actors are critical for NCCs to form cells that will form facial bones and cartilage, as opposed to becoming neurons. This result helps to show that there is a trade-off between NCCs forming the face or being part of the nervous system. One in three babies born with a birth defect shows anomalies of the head and face: understanding the exact mechanisms by which NCCs contribute to these structures may help to better predict risks for parents, or to develop new approaches for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Fan
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - V Pragathi Masamsetti
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jane Qj Sun
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kasper Engholm-Keller
- Synapse Proteomics Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Pierre Osteil
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joshua Studdert
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark E Graham
- Synapse Proteomics Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicolas Fossat
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Patrick Pl Tam
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
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7
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O'Connor T, Heikenwalder M. CCL2 in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1302:1-14. [PMID: 34286437 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-62658-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) is a crucial mediator of immune cell recruitment during microbial infections and tissue damage. CCL2 is also frequently overexpressed in cancer cells and other cells in the tumor microenvironment, and a large body of evidence indicates that high CCL2 levels are associated with more aggressive malignancies, a higher probability of metastasis, and poorer outcomes in a wide range of cancers. CCL2 plays a role in recruiting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which adopt a pro-tumorigenic phenotype and support cancer cell survival, facilitate tumor cell invasion, and promote angiogenesis. CCL2 also has direct, TAM-independent effects on tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment, including recruitment of other myeloid subsets and non-myeloid cells, maintaining an immunosuppressive environment, stimulating tumor cell growth and motility, and promoting angiogenesis. CCL2 also plays important roles in the metastatic cascade, such as creating a pre-metastatic niche in distant organs and promoting tumor cell extravasation across endothelia. Due to its many roles in tumorigenesis and metastatic processes, the CCL2-CCR2 signaling axis is currently being pursued as a potential therapeutic target for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy O'Connor
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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8
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An ENU-induced mutation in Twist1 transactivation domain causes hindlimb polydactyly with complete penetrance and dominant-negatively impairs E2A-dependent transcription. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2501. [PMID: 32051525 PMCID: PMC7016005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59455-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Twist1 encodes a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (TF), which forms homodimer or heterodimer with other TFs, like E2A, to regulate target genes' expression. Mutations in TWIST1 are associated with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS), a rare congenital disorder characterized with osteogenesis abnormalities. However, how dysfunction of TWIST1 leads to SCS is still largely unknown. Here, using an unbiased ENU-induced mutagenesis screening, we identified a novel Twist1 mutation and the mutant mouse phenocopies some features of SCS in a dominant manner. Physically, our mutation p.F191S lies at the edge of a predicted α-helix in Twist1 transactivation (TA) domain. Adjacent to F191, a consecutive three-residue (AFS) has been hit by 3 human and 2 mouse disease-associated mutations, including ours. Unlike previously reported mouse null and p.S192P alleles that lead to hindlimb polydactyly with incomplete penetrance but a severe craniofacial malformation, our p.F191S causes the polydactyly (84.2% bilateral and 15.8% unilateral) with complete penetrance but a mild craniofacial malformation. Consistent with the higher penetrance, p.F191S has stronger impairment on E2A-dependent transcription than p.S192P. Although human p.A186T and mouse p.S192P disease mutations are adjacent to ours, these three mutations function differently to impair the E2A-dependent transcription. Unlike p.A186T and p.S192S that disturb local protein conformation and unstabilize the mutant proteins, p.F191S keeps the mutant protein stable and its interaction with E2A entire. Therefore, we argue that p.F191S we identified acts in a dominant-negative manner to impair E2A-dependent transcription and to cause the biological consequences. In addition, the mutant mouse we provided here could be an additional and valuable model for better understanding the disease mechanisms underlying SCS caused by TWIST1 dysfunction.
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9
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Ren J, Crowley SD. Twist1: A Double-Edged Sword in Kidney Diseases. KIDNEY DISEASES 2020; 6:247-257. [PMID: 32903940 DOI: 10.1159/000505188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Twist1 is a basic helix-loop-helix domain containing transcription factor that regulates cell differentiation, migration, proliferation, survival, and inflammatory responses by transcriptionally regulating a wide range of downstream target genes. Its homologous protein, Twist2, shares many structural and functional similarities with Twist1. Summary Accumulating evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies suggests that Twist1 is a pivotal regulator of several forms of renal disease. Twist1 is persistently activated following renal insults, particularly in chronic kidney diseases, and contributes to the renal inflammatory responses, tubular cell transformation programs, and possibly fibroblast activation, all of which are involved in the initiation and progression of kidney diseases. Key Message This review will specifically focus on Twist1 and outline our understanding of its functions in kidney disorders along with the introduction of Twist2 where pertinent. The thorough knowledge of Twist1's actions in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases should facilitate the development of novel therapeutics for kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafa Ren
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steven D Crowley
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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10
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Chen X, Peng H, Xiao J, Guan A, Xie B, He B, Chen Q. Benzo(a)pyrene enhances the EMT-associated migration of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells by upregulating Twist1. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:2141-2147. [PMID: 28791412 PMCID: PMC5652958 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), an important toxic component of cigarette smoke, can cause lung cancer and lead to the progression of lung cancer. In the present study, we investigated the effect of BaP on the migration of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. BaP (1 µM) promoted the migration of A549 cells in a time-dependent manner and upregulated the expression of the Twist family BHLH transcription factor 1 (Twist1). BaP also induced upregulation of the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and vimentin and downregulation of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. When the expression of Twist1 was knocked down in A549 cells that were treated with BaP for 4 weeks (A549BaP-4w), the expression of Twist1 decreased, which inhibited the migration capacity of A549BaP-4w cells, the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin was downregulated and the expression of E-cadherin was upregulated. In addition, morphological observations of A549BaP-4w cells revealed that the epithelial characteristics of A549 cells became mesenchymal characteristics. When the expression of Twist1 was knocked down, the A549BaP-4w cells were transformed back to cells with epithelial characteristics. In conclusion, the results from the present study indicate that BaP enhances the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated migration of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells by upregulating Twist1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Hongbing Peng
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Anqi Guan
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Bin Xie
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Bixiu He
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
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11
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Jacqueroud L, Bouard C, Richard G, Payen L, Devouassoux-Shisheboran M, Spicer DB, Caramel J, Collin G, Puisieux A, Tissier A, Ansieau S. The Heterodimeric TWIST1-E12 Complex Drives the Oncogenic Potential of TWIST1 in Human Mammary Epithelial Cells. Neoplasia 2017; 18:317-327. [PMID: 27237323 PMCID: PMC4887617 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The TWIST1 embryonic transcription factor displays biphasic functions during the course of carcinogenesis. It facilitates the escape of cells from oncogene-induced fail-safe programs (senescence, apoptosis) and their consequent neoplastic transformation. Additionally, it promotes the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and the initiation of the metastatic spread of cancer cells. Interestingly, cancer cells recurrently remain dependent on TWIST1 for their survival and/or proliferation, making TWIST1 their Achilles’ heel. TWIST1 has been reported to form either homodimeric or heterodimeric complexes mainly in association with the E bHLH class I proteins. These complexes display distinct, sometimes even antagonistic, functions during development and unequal prometastatic functions in prostate cancer cells. Using a tethered dimer strategy, we successively assessed the ability of TWIST1 dimers to cooperate with an activated version of RAS in human mammary epithelial cell transformation, to provide mice with the ability to spontaneously develop breast tumors, and lastly to maintain a senescence program at a latent state in several breast cancer cell lines. We demonstrate that the TWIST1-E12 complex, unlike the homodimer, is an oncogenic form of TWIST1 in mammary epithelial cells and that efficient binding of both partners is a prerequisite for its activity. The detection of the heterodimer in human premalignant lesions by a proximity ligation assay, at a stage preceding the initiation of the metastatic cascade, is coherent with such an oncogenic function. TWIST1-E protein heterodimeric complexes may thus constitute the main active forms of TWIST1 with regard to senescence inhibition over the time course of breast tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Jacqueroud
- Inserm UMR-S1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; LabEX DEVweCAN, Lyon, France; UNIV UMR1052, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Charlotte Bouard
- Inserm UMR-S1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; LabEX DEVweCAN, Lyon, France; UNIV UMR1052, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Geoffrey Richard
- Inserm UMR-S1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; LabEX DEVweCAN, Lyon, France; UNIV UMR1052, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Léa Payen
- Inserm UMR-S1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; LabEX DEVweCAN, Lyon, France; UNIV UMR1052, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France; Université de Lyon 1, ISPB, Lyon, France; Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Mojgan Devouassoux-Shisheboran
- Inserm UMR-S1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; LabEX DEVweCAN, Lyon, France; UNIV UMR1052, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France; Université de Lyon 1, ISPB, Lyon, France; Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - Douglas B Spicer
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Main Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - Julie Caramel
- Inserm UMR-S1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; LabEX DEVweCAN, Lyon, France; UNIV UMR1052, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France; Université de Lyon 1, ISPB, Lyon, France
| | - Guillaume Collin
- Inserm UMR-S1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; LabEX DEVweCAN, Lyon, France; UNIV UMR1052, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Alain Puisieux
- Inserm UMR-S1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; LabEX DEVweCAN, Lyon, France; UNIV UMR1052, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France; Université de Lyon 1, ISPB, Lyon, France; Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Agnès Tissier
- Inserm UMR-S1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; LabEX DEVweCAN, Lyon, France; UNIV UMR1052, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Ansieau
- Inserm UMR-S1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, France; LabEX DEVweCAN, Lyon, France; UNIV UMR1052, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
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12
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Tan J, Tedrow JR, Nouraie M, Dutta JA, Miller DT, Li X, Yu S, Chu Y, Juan-Guardela B, Kaminski N, Ramani K, Biswas PS, Zhang Y, Kass DJ. Loss of Twist1 in the Mesenchymal Compartment Promotes Increased Fibrosis in Experimental Lung Injury by Enhanced Expression of CXCL12. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2017; 198:2269-2285. [PMID: 28179498 PMCID: PMC5337810 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1600610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease characterized by the accumulation of apoptosis-resistant fibroblasts in the lung. We have previously shown that high expression of the transcription factor Twist1 may explain this prosurvival phenotype in vitro. However, this observation has never been tested in vivo. We found that loss of Twist1 in COL1A2+ cells led to increased fibrosis characterized by very significant accumulation of T cells and bone marrow-derived matrix-producing cells. We found that Twist1-null cells expressed high levels of the T cell chemoattractant CXCL12. In vitro, we found that the loss of Twist1 in IPF lung fibroblasts increased expression of CXCL12 downstream of increased expression of the noncanonical NF-κB transcription factor RelB. Finally, blockade of CXCL12 with AMD3100 attenuated the exaggerated fibrosis observed in Twist1-null mice. Transcriptomic analysis of 134 IPF patients revealed that low expression of Twist1 was characterized by enrichment of T cell pathways. In conclusion, loss of Twist1 in collagen-producing cells led to increased bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, which is mediated by increased expression of CXCL12. Twist1 expression is associated with dysregulation of T cells in IPF patients. Twist1 may shape the IPF phenotype and regulate inflammation in fibrotic lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangning Tan
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - John R Tedrow
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Mehdi Nouraie
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Justin A Dutta
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - David T Miller
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Shibing Yu
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Yanxia Chu
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Brenda Juan-Guardela
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520; and
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520; and
| | - Kritika Ramani
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Partha S Biswas
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Daniel J Kass
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213;
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13
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Wang J, Nikhil K, Viccaro K, Chang L, Jacobsen M, Sandusky G, Shah K. The Aurora-A-Twist1 axis promotes highly aggressive phenotypes in pancreatic carcinoma. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:1078-1093. [PMID: 28167680 PMCID: PMC5358340 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.196790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We uncovered a crucial role for the Aurora kinase A (AURKA)-Twist1 axis in promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Twist1 is the first EMT-specific target of AURKA that was identified using an innovative screen. AURKA phosphorylates Twist1 at three sites, which results in its multifaceted regulation - AURKA inhibits its ubiquitylation, increases its transcriptional activity and favors its homodimerization. Twist1 reciprocates and prevents AURKA degradation, thereby triggering a feedback loop. Ablation of either AURKA or Twist1 completely inhibits EMT, highlighting both proteins as central players in EMT progression. Phosphorylation-dead Twist1 serves as a dominant-negative and fully reverses the EMT phenotype induced by Twist1, underscoring the crucial role of AURKA-mediated phosphorylation in mediating Twist1-induced malignancy. Likewise, Twist1-overexpressing BxPC3 cells formed large tumors in vivo, whereas expression of phosphorylation-dead Twist1 fully abrogated this effect. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic cancer specimens revealed a 3-fold higher level of Twist1 compared to that seen in healthy normal tissues. This is the first study that links Twist1 in a feedback loop with its activating kinase, which indicates that concurrent inhibition of AURKA and Twist1 will be synergistic in inhibiting pancreatic tumorigenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Kumar Nikhil
- Department of Chemistry and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Keith Viccaro
- Department of Chemistry and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Max Jacobsen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, room A-128, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - George Sandusky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, room A-128, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Kavita Shah
- Department of Chemistry and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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14
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Quarto N, Senarath-Yapa K, Renda A, Longaker MT. TWIST1 silencing enhances in vitro and in vivo osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells by triggering activation of BMP-ERK/FGF signaling and TAZ upregulation. Stem Cells 2015; 33:833-47. [PMID: 25446627 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise for cellular therapy and regenerative medicine. Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASCs) represent an attractive source of seed cells in bone regeneration. How to effectively improve osteogenic differentiation of hASCs in the bone tissue engineering has become a very important question with profound translational implications. Numerous regulatory pathways dominate osteogenic differentiation of hASCs involving transcriptional factors and signaling molecules. However, how these factors combine with each other to regulate hASCs osteogenic differentiation still remains to be illustrated. The highly conserved developmental proteins TWIST play key roles for transcriptional regulation in mesenchymal cell lineages. This study investigates TWIST1 function in hASCs osteogenesis. Our results show that TWIST1 shRNA silencing increased the osteogenic potential of hASCs in vitro and their skeletal regenerative ability when applied in vivo. We demonstrate that the increased osteogenic capacity observed with TWIST1 knockdown in hASCs is mediated through endogenous activation of BMP and ERK/FGF signaling leading, in turn, to upregulation of TAZ, a transcriptional modulator of MSCs differentiation along the osteoblast lineage. Inhibition either of BMP or ERK/FGF signaling suppressed TAZ upregulation and the enhanced osteogenesis in shTWIST1 hASCs. Cosilencing of both TWIST1 and TAZ abrogated the effect elicited by TWIST1 knockdown thus, identifying TAZ as a downstream mediator through which TWIST1 knockdown enhanced osteogenic differentiation in hASCs. Our functional study contributes to a better knowledge of molecular mechanisms governing the osteogenic ability of hASCs, and highlights TWIST1 as a potential target to facilitate in vivo bone healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalina Quarto
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA; Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Universita' degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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15
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Gajula RP, Chettiar ST, Williams RD, Nugent K, Kato Y, Wang H, Malek R, Taparra K, Cades J, Annadanam A, Yoon AR, Fertig E, Firulli BA, Mazzacurati L, Burns TF, Firulli AB, An SS, Tran PT. Structure-function studies of the bHLH phosphorylation domain of TWIST1 in prostate cancer cells. Neoplasia 2015; 17:16-31. [PMID: 25622896 PMCID: PMC4309734 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The TWIST1 gene has diverse roles in development and pathologic diseases such as cancer. TWIST1 is a dimeric basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor existing as TWIST1-TWIST1 or TWIST1-E12/47. TWIST1 partner choice and DNA binding can be influenced during development by phosphorylation of Thr125 and Ser127 of the Thr-Gln-Ser (TQS) motif within the bHLH of TWIST1. The significance of these TWIST1 phosphorylation sites for metastasis is unknown. We created stable isogenic prostate cancer cell lines overexpressing TWIST1 wild-type, phospho-mutants, and tethered versions. We assessed these isogenic lines using assays that mimic stages of cancer metastasis. In vitro assays suggested the phospho-mimetic Twist1-DQD mutation could confer cellular properties associated with pro-metastatic behavior. The hypo-phosphorylation mimic Twist1-AQA mutation displayed reduced pro-metastatic activity compared to wild-type TWIST1 in vitro, suggesting that phosphorylation of the TWIST1 TQS motif was necessary for pro-metastatic functions. In vivo analysis demonstrates that the Twist1-AQA mutation exhibits reduced capacity to contribute to metastasis, whereas the expression of the Twist1-DQD mutation exhibits proficient metastatic potential. Tethered TWIST1-E12 heterodimers phenocopied the Twist1-DQD mutation for many in vitro assays, suggesting that TWIST1 phosphorylation may result in heterodimerization in prostate cancer cells. Lastly, the dual phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor BEZ235 strongly attenuated TWIST1-induced migration that was dependent on the TQS motif. TWIST1 TQS phosphorylation state determines the intensity of TWIST1-induced pro-metastatic ability in prostate cancer cells, which may be partly explained mechanistically by TWIST1 dimeric partner choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra P Gajula
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sivarajan T Chettiar
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Russell D Williams
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katriana Nugent
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yoshinori Kato
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hailun Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Reem Malek
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kekoa Taparra
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica Cades
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anvesh Annadanam
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A-Rum Yoon
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elana Fertig
- Department of Oncology, Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Beth A Firulli
- Department of Pediatrics, Riley Heart Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lucia Mazzacurati
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Timothy F Burns
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anthony B Firulli
- Department of Pediatrics, Riley Heart Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Steven S An
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Phuoc T Tran
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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16
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Chang AT, Liu Y, Ayyanathan K, Benner C, Jiang Y, Prokop JW, Paz H, Wang D, Li HR, Fu XD, Rauscher FJ, Yang J. An evolutionarily conserved DNA architecture determines target specificity of the TWIST family bHLH transcription factors. Genes Dev 2015; 29:603-16. [PMID: 25762439 PMCID: PMC4378193 DOI: 10.1101/gad.242842.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors recognize the canonical E-box (CANNTG) to regulate gene transcription; however, given the prevalence of E-boxes in a genome, it has been puzzling how individual bHLH proteins selectively recognize E-box sequences on their targets. TWIST is a bHLH transcription factor that promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during development and tumor metastasis. High-resolution mapping of TWIST occupancy in human and Drosophila genomes reveals that TWIST, but not other bHLH proteins, recognizes a unique double E-box motif with two E-boxes spaced preferentially by 5 nucleotides. Using molecular modeling and binding kinetic analyses, we found that the strict spatial configuration in the double E-box motif aligns two TWIST-E47 dimers on the same face of DNA, thus providing a high-affinity site for a highly stable intramolecular tetramer. Biochemical analyses showed that the WR domain of TWIST dimerizes to mediate tetramer formation, which is functionally required for TWIST-induced EMT. These results uncover a novel mechanism for a bHLH transcription factor to recognize a unique spatial configuration of E-boxes to achieve target specificity. The WR-WR domain interaction uncovered here sets an example of target gene specificity of a bHLH protein being controlled allosterically by a domain outside of the bHLH region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA; The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA
| | - Yuanjie Liu
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | | | - Chris Benner
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Yike Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA; The Biological Science Graduate Program, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA
| | - Jeremy W Prokop
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA
| | - Helicia Paz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA
| | - Hai-Ri Li
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA
| | | | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA
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17
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Mudry JM, Massart J, Szekeres FLM, Krook A. TWIST1 and TWIST2 regulate glycogen storage and inflammatory genes in skeletal muscle. J Endocrinol 2015; 224:303-13. [PMID: 25663706 DOI: 10.1530/joe-14-0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
TWIST proteins are important for development of embryonic skeletal muscle and play a role in the metabolism of tumor and white adipose tissue. The impact of TWIST on metabolism in skeletal muscle is incompletely studied. Our aim was to assess the impact of TWIST1 and TWIST2 overexpression on glucose and lipid metabolism. In intact mouse muscle, overexpression of Twist reduced total glycogen content without altering glucose uptake. Expression of TWIST1 or TWIST2 reduced Pdk4 mRNA, while increasing mRNA levels of Il6, Tnfα, and Il1β. Phosphorylation of AKT was increased and protein abundance of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) was decreased in skeletal muscle overexpressing TWIST1 or TWIST2. Glycogen synthesis and fatty acid oxidation remained stable in C2C12 cells overexpressing TWIST1 or TWIST2. Finally, skeletal muscle mRNA levels remain unaltered in ob/ob mice, type 2 diabetic patients, or in healthy subjects before and after 3 months of exercise training. Collectively, our results indicate that TWIST1 and TWIST2 are expressed in skeletal muscle. Overexpression of these proteins impacts proteins in metabolic pathways and mRNA level of cytokines. However, skeletal muscle levels of TWIST transcripts are unaltered in metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Mudry
- Section for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Molecular Medicine and SurgerySection for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julie Massart
- Section for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Molecular Medicine and SurgerySection for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ferenc L M Szekeres
- Section for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Molecular Medicine and SurgerySection for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Krook
- Section for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Molecular Medicine and SurgerySection for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden Section for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Molecular Medicine and SurgerySection for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Qiang L, Zhao B, Ming M, Wang N, He TC, Hwang S, Thorburn A, He YY. Regulation of cell proliferation and migration by p62 through stabilization of Twist1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:9241-6. [PMID: 24927592 PMCID: PMC4078859 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1322913111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The selective autophagy substrate p62 serves as a molecular link between autophagy and cancer. Suppression of autophagy causes p62 accumulation and thereby contributes to tumorigenesis. Here we demonstrate that autophagy deficiency promotes cell proliferation and migration through p62-dependent stabilization of the oncogenic transcription factor Twist1. p62 binds to Twist1 and inhibits degradation of Twist1. In mice, p62 up-regulation promotes tumor cell growth and metastasis in a Twist1-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate that Twist1 is a key downstream effector of p62 in regulation of cell proliferation and migration and suggest that targeting p62-mediated Twist1 stabilization is a promising therapeutic strategy for prevention and treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qiang
- Departments of Medicine, Section of Dermatology
| | | | - Mei Ming
- Departments of Medicine, Section of Dermatology
| | - Ning Wang
- Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, and
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, and
| | - Seungmin Hwang
- Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637; and
| | - Andrew Thorburn
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Yu-Ying He
- Departments of Medicine, Section of Dermatology,
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19
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Maciejewska I, Sakowicz-Burkiewicz M, Pawelczyk T. Id1 Expression Level Determines the Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells. J Dent Res 2014; 93:576-81. [PMID: 24695670 DOI: 10.1177/0022034514530164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 plays a crucial role in dentinogenesis, and its activity depends on both a dimerization partner selection and phosphorylation. Other factors, like Id proteins, can affect the availability of dimerization partners for TWIST1, subsequently leading to diverse biological outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an impact of Id1 expression on differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). The altered expression of Id1 was achieved by transfection of human DPSCs with lentiviral vectors either driving an entire sequence of Id1, hence leading to Id1 overexpression, or carrying the Id1 silencing sequence. We observed that both overexpression and silencing of Id1 modulated human DPSC differentiation. Id1 overexpression resulted in a prevailing formation of TWIST1 homodimer and increased expression of genes encoding dentin sialophosphoprotein and dentin matrix protein 1, which confirm an enhanced odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Concurrently, Id1 silencing produced an opposite effect, slowing DPSC differentiation. These results highlight Id1 as an important modulator of molecular events during DPSC commitment and differentiation, which should be considered in dental research on tissue engineering. Moreover, we assume that the balance between TWIST1 dimerization forms in DPSCs might function in a cell-type-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Maciejewska
- Department of Dental Prosthodontics, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - M Sakowicz-Burkiewicz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - T Pawelczyk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
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20
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Gajula RP, Chettiar ST, Williams RD, Thiyagarajan S, Kato Y, Aziz K, Wang R, Gandhi N, Wild AT, Vesuna F, Ma J, Salih T, Cades J, Fertig E, Biswal S, Burns TF, Chung CH, Rudin CM, Herman JM, Hales RK, Raman V, An SS, Tran PT. The twist box domain is required for Twist1-induced prostate cancer metastasis. Mol Cancer Res 2013; 11:1387-400. [PMID: 23982216 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-13-0218-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Twist1, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, plays a key role during development and is a master regulator of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that promotes cancer metastasis. Structure-function relationships of Twist1 to cancer-related phenotypes are underappreciated, so we studied the requirement of the conserved Twist box domain for metastatic phenotypes in prostate cancer. Evidence suggests that Twist1 is overexpressed in clinical specimens and correlated with aggressive/metastatic disease. Therefore, we examined a transactivation mutant, Twist1-F191G, in prostate cancer cells using in vitro assays, which mimic various stages of metastasis. Twist1 overexpression led to elevated cytoskeletal stiffness and cell traction forces at the migratory edge of cells based on biophysical single-cell measurements. Twist1 conferred additional cellular properties associated with cancer cell metastasis including increased migration, invasion, anoikis resistance, and anchorage-independent growth. The Twist box mutant was defective for these Twist1 phenotypes in vitro. Importantly, we observed a high frequency of Twist1-induced metastatic lung tumors and extrathoracic metastases in vivo using the experimental lung metastasis assay. The Twist box was required for prostate cancer cells to colonize metastatic lung lesions and extrathoracic metastases. Comparative genomic profiling revealed transcriptional programs directed by the Twist box that were associated with cancer progression, such as Hoxa9. Mechanistically, Twist1 bound to the Hoxa9 promoter and positively regulated Hoxa9 expression in prostate cancer cells. Finally, Hoxa9 was important for Twist1-induced cellular phenotypes associated with metastasis. These data suggest that the Twist box domain is required for Twist1 transcriptional programs and prostate cancer metastasis. IMPLICATIONS Targeting the Twist box domain of Twist1 may effectively limit prostate cancer metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra P Gajula
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB2 Rm 406, Baltimore, MD 21231.
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21
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Lander R, Nasr T, Ochoa SD, Nordin K, Prasad MS, Labonne C. Interactions between Twist and other core epithelial-mesenchymal transition factors are controlled by GSK3-mediated phosphorylation. Nat Commun 2013; 4:1542. [PMID: 23443570 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A subset of transcription factors classified as neural crest 'specifiers' are also core epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulatory factors, both in the neural crest and in tumour progression. The bHLH factor Twist is among the least well studied of these factors. Here we demonstrate that Twist is required for cranial neural crest formation and fate determination in Xenopus. We further show that Twist function in the neural crest is dependent upon its carboxy-terminal WR domain. The WR domain mediates physical interactions between Twist and other core epithelial-mesenchymal transition factors, including Snail1 and Snail2, which are essential for proper function. Interaction with Snail1/2, and Twist function more generally, is regulated by GSK-3-β-mediated phosphorylation of conserved sites in the WR domain. Together, these findings elucidate a mechanism for coordinated control of a group of structurally diverse factors that function as a regulatory unit in both developmental and pathological epithelial-mesenchymal transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Lander
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
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22
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Nairismägi ML, Füchtbauer A, Labouriau R, Bramsen JB, Füchtbauer EM. The proto-oncogene TWIST1 is regulated by microRNAs. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66070. [PMID: 23741524 PMCID: PMC3669147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of the proto-oncogene Twist1 is highly correlated with acquired drug resistance and poor prognosis in human cancers. Altered expression of this multifunctional transcription factor is also associated with inherited skeletal malformations. The mammalian Twist1 3′UTRs are highly conserved and contain a number of potential regulatory elements including miRNA target sites. We analyzed the translational regulation of TWIST1 using luciferase reporter assays in a variety of cell lines. Among several miRNAs tested, miR-145a-5p, miR-151-5p and a combination of miR-145a-5p + miR-151-5p and miR-151-5p + miR-337-3p were able to significantly repress Twist1 translation. This phenomena was confirmed with both exogenous and endogenous miRNAs and was dependent on the presence of the predicted target sites in the 3′UTR. Furthermore, the repression was sensitive to LNA-modified miRNA antagonists and resulted in decreased migratory potential of murine embryonic fibroblast cells. Understanding the in vivo mechanisms of this oncogene's regulation might open up a possibility for therapeutic interference by gene specific cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annette Füchtbauer
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Labouriau
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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23
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Laursen KB, Mongan NP, Zhuang Y, Ng MM, Benoit YD, Gudas LJ. Polycomb recruitment attenuates retinoic acid-induced transcription of the bivalent NR2F1 gene. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:6430-43. [PMID: 23666625 PMCID: PMC3905905 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb proteins play key roles in mediating epigenetic modifications that occur during cell differentiation. The Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) mediates the tri-methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3). In this study, we identify a distinguishing feature of two classes of PRC2 target genes, represented by the Nr2F1 (Coup-TF1) and the Hoxa5 gene, respectively. Both genes are transcriptionally activated by all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and display increased levels of the permissive H3K9/K14ac and tri-methylated histone H3 lysine 4 epigenetic marks in response to RA. However, while in response to RA the PRC2 and H3K27me3 marks are greatly decreased at the Hoxa5 promoter, these marks are initially increased at the Nr2F1 promoter. Functional depletion of the essential PRC2 protein Suz12 by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) technology enhanced the RA-associated transcription of Nr2F1, Nr2F2, Meis1, Sox9 and BMP2, but had no effect on the Hoxa5, Hoxa1, Cyp26a1, Cyp26b1 and RARβ2 transcript levels in wild-type embryonic stem cells. We propose that PRC2 recruitment attenuates the RA-associated transcriptional activation of a subset of genes. Such a mechanism would permit the fine-tuning of transcriptional networks during differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian B Laursen
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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24
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Differential configurations involving binding of USF transcription factors and Twist1 regulate Alx3 promoter activity in mesenchymal and pancreatic cells. Biochem J 2013. [PMID: 23181698 DOI: 10.1042/bj20120962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During embryonic development, the aristaless-type homeodomain protein Alx3 is expressed in the forehead mesenchyme and contributes to the regulation of craniofacial development. In the adult, Alx3 is expressed in pancreatic islets where it participates in the control of glucose homoeostasis. In the present study, we investigated the transcriptional regulation of Alx3 gene expression in these two cell types. We found that the Alx3 promoter contains two E-box regulatory elements, named EB1 and EB2, that provide binding sites for the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors Twist1, E47, USF (upstream stimulatory factor) 1 and USF2. In primary mouse embryonic mesenchymal cells isolated from the forehead, EB2 is bound by Twist1, whereas EB1 is bound by USF1 and USF2. Integrity of both EB1 and EB2 is required for Twist1-mediated transactivation of the Alx3 promoter, even though Twist1 does not bind to EB1, indicating that binding of USF1 and USF2 to this element is required for Twist1-dependent Alx3 promoter activity. In contrast, in pancreatic islet insulin-producing cells, the integrity of EB2 is not required for proximal promoter activity. The results of the present study indicate that USF1 and USF2 are important regulatory factors for Alx3 gene expression in different cell types, whereas Twist1 contributes to transcriptional transactivation in mesenchymal, but not in pancreatic, cells.
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25
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Sharma VP, Fenwick AL, Brockop MS, McGowan SJ, Goos JAC, Hoogeboom AJM, Brady AF, Jeelani NO, Lynch SA, Mulliken JB, Murray DJ, Phipps JM, Sweeney E, Tomkins SE, Wilson LC, Bennett S, Cornall RJ, Broxholme J, Kanapin A, Johnson D, Wall SA, van der Spek PJ, Mathijssen IMJ, Maxson RE, Twigg SRF, Wilkie AOM. Mutations in TCF12, encoding a basic helix-loop-helix partner of TWIST1, are a frequent cause of coronal craniosynostosis. Nat Genet 2013; 45:304-7. [PMID: 23354436 PMCID: PMC3647333 DOI: 10.1038/ng.2531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of the cranial sutures, is a heterogeneous disorder with a prevalence of ∼1 in 2,200 (refs. 1,2). A specific genetic etiology can be identified in ∼21% of cases, including mutations of TWIST1, which encodes a class II basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, and causes Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, typically associated with coronal synostosis. Using exome sequencing, we identified 38 heterozygous TCF12 mutations in 347 samples from unrelated individuals with craniosynostosis. The mutations predominantly occurred in individuals with coronal synostosis and accounted for 32% and 10% of subjects with bilateral and unilateral pathology, respectively. TCF12 encodes one of three class I E proteins that heterodimerize with class II bHLH proteins such as TWIST1. We show that TCF12 and TWIST1 act synergistically in a transactivation assay and that mice doubly heterozygous for loss-of-function mutations in Tcf12 and Twist1 have severe coronal synostosis. Hence, the dosage of TCF12-TWIST1 heterodimers is critical for normal coronal suture development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram P Sharma
- Clinical Genetics Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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26
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Twist1 transcriptional targets in the developing atrio-ventricular canal of the mouse. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40815. [PMID: 22815831 PMCID: PMC3397961 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Malformations of the cardiovascular system are the most common type of birth defect in humans, frequently affecting the formation of valves and septa. During heart valve and septa formation, cells from the atrio-ventricular canal (AVC) and outflow tract (OFT) regions of the heart undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and invade the underlying extracellular matrix to give rise to endocardial cushions. Subsequent maturation of newly formed mesenchyme cells leads to thin stress-resistant leaflets. TWIST1 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor expressed in newly formed mesenchyme cells of the AVC and OFT that has been shown to play roles in cell survival, cell proliferation and differentiation. However, the downstream targets of TWIST1 during heart valve formation remain unclear. To identify genes important for heart valve development downstream of TWIST1, we performed global gene expression profiling of AVC, OFT, atria and ventricles of the embryonic day 10.5 mouse heart by tag-sequencing (Tag-seq). Using this resource we identified a novel set of 939 genes, including 123 regulators of transcription, enriched in the valve forming regions of the heart. We compared these genes to a Tag-seq library from the Twist1 null developing valves revealing significant gene expression changes. These changes were consistent with a role of TWIST1 in controlling differentiation of mesenchymal cells following their transformation from endothelium in the mouse. To study the role of TWIST1 at the DNA level we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation and identified novel direct targets of TWIST1 in the developing heart valves. Our findings support a role for TWIST1 in the differentiation of AVC mesenchyme post-EMT in the mouse, and suggest that TWIST1 can exert its function by direct DNA binding to activate valve specific gene expression.
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27
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Yin G, Alvero AB, Craveiro V, Holmberg JC, Fu HH, Montagna MK, Yang Y, Chefetz-Menaker I, Nuti S, Rossi M, Silasi DA, Rutherford T, Mor G. Constitutive proteasomal degradation of TWIST-1 in epithelial-ovarian cancer stem cells impacts differentiation and metastatic potential. Oncogene 2012; 32:39-49. [PMID: 22349827 PMCID: PMC3703656 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process for embryogenesis but is abnormally activated during cancer metastasis and recurrence. This process enables epithelial cancer cells to acquire mobility and traits associated with stemness. It is unknown whether epithelial stem cells or epithelial cancer stem cells are able to undergo EMT, and what molecular mechanism regulates this process in these specific cell types. We found that Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Stem cells (EOC stem cells) are the source of metastatic progenitor cells through a differentiation process involving EMT and Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition (MET). We demonstrate both in vivo and in vitro the differentiation of EOC stem cells into mesenchymal spheroid-forming cells (MSFCs) and their capacity to initiate an active carcinomatosis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that human EOC stem cells injected i.p in mice are able to form ovarian tumors, suggesting that the EOC stem cells have the ability to “home” to the ovaries and establish tumors. Most interestingly, we found that TWIST1 is constitutively degraded in EOC stem cells, and that the acquisition of TWIST1 requires additional signals that will trigger the differentiation process. These findings are relevant for understanding the differentiation and metastasis process in EOC stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Yin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Reproductive Immunology Unit, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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28
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Jin FJ, Nishida M, Hara S, Koyama Y. Identification and characterization of a putative basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor involved in the early stage of conidiophore development in Aspergillus oryzae. Fungal Genet Biol 2011; 48:1108-15. [PMID: 22008745 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 09/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The helix-loop-helix (HLH) family of transcriptional factors is a key player in a wide range of developmental processes. HLH proteins form homo- and/or heterodimers with other HLH proteins and bind to E-box motifs. The regulation and functions of these proteins can be complex due to their bifunctional roles as activators and repressors of gene transcription. In this study, we isolated and characterized a novel predicted bHLH protein-encoding gene, AO090023000902, designated ecdR (early conidiophore development regulator), in Aspergillus oryzae. The ecdR gene disruptant produced very few conidia. Conversely, the overexpression of ecdR resulted in the formation of a large number of conidia at an early stage, suggesting that the EcdR protein is required for early asexual development. Additionally, when serially diluted conidia were spread-cultivated onto malt agar medium, we found that conidial number of the control strain depended on the cultivated conidium density, while the ecdR-overexpressing strain showed no significant change in conidiation. These phenotypes of ecdR-disruptant and ecdR-overexpressing strains are partially similar to those of the sclR-overexpressing strain and sclR-disruptant, respectively. Yeast two-hybrid assays and sclR, ecdR-double deletion experiment indicated that EcdR plays a major role in conidiation, and SclR represses this function by competitively interacting with EcdR in A. oryzae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Jie Jin
- Noda Institute for Scientific Research, 399 Noda, Noda City 278-0037, Japan.
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29
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Franco HL, Casasnovas JJ, Leon RG, Friesel R, Ge Y, Desnick RJ, Cadilla CL. Nonsense mutations of the bHLH transcription factor TWIST2 found in Setleis Syndrome patients cause dysregulation of periostin. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2011; 43:1523-31. [PMID: 21801849 PMCID: PMC3163740 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2011.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Revised: 05/17/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Setleis Syndrome (OMIM ID: 227260) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by abnormal facial development. Recently, we have reported that two nonsense mutations (c.486C>T [Q119X] and c.324C>T [Q65X]) of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor TWIST2 cause Setleis Syndrome. Here we show that periostin, a cell adhesion protein involved in connective tissue development and maintenance, is down-regulated in Setleis Syndrome patient fibroblast cells and that periostin positively responds to manipulations in TWIST2 levels, suggesting that TWIST2 is a transactivator of periostin. Functional analysis of the TWIST2 mutant form (Q119X) revealed that it maintains the ability to localize to the nucleus, forms homo and heterodimers with the ubiquitous bHLH protein E12, and binds to dsDNA. Reporter gene assays using deletion constructs of the human periostin promoter also reveal that TWIST2 can activate this gene more specifically than Twist1, while the Q119X mutant results in no significant transactivation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays show that both wild-type TWIST2 and the Q119X mutant bind the periostin promoter, however only wild-type TWIST2 is associated with higher levels of histone acetylation across the 5'-regulatory region of periostin. Taken together, these data suggest that the C-terminal domain of TWIST2, which is missing in the Q119X mutant form of TWIST2, is responsible for proper transactivation of the periostin gene. Improper regulation of periostin by the mutant form of TWIST2 could help explain some of the soft tissue abnormalities seen in these patients therefore providing a genotype-phenotype relationship for Setleis Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector L. Franco
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, UPR School of Medicine, San Juan PR, USA
| | - Jose J. Casasnovas
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, UPR School of Medicine, San Juan PR, USA
| | - Ruth G. Leon
- Center For Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough ME
| | - Robert Friesel
- Center For Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough ME
| | - Yongchao Ge
- Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Robert J. Desnick
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Carmen L. Cadilla
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, UPR School of Medicine, San Juan PR, USA
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30
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Laursen KB, Wong PM, Gudas LJ. Epigenetic regulation by RARα maintains ligand-independent transcriptional activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 40:102-15. [PMID: 21911359 PMCID: PMC3245912 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid receptors (RARs) α, β and γ are key regulators of embryonic development. Hematopoietic differentiation is regulated by RARα, and several types of leukemia show aberrant RARα activity. Through microarray expression analysis, we identified transcripts differentially expressed between F9 wild-type (Wt) and RARα knockout cells cultured in the absence or presence of the RAR-specific ligand all trans retinoic acid (RA). We validated the decreased Mest, Tex13, Gab1, Bcl11a, Tcfap2a and HMGcs1 transcript levels, and increased Slc38a4, Stmn2, RpL39l, Ref2L, Mobp and Rlf1 transcript levels in the RARa knockout cells. The decreased Mest and Tex13 transcript levels were associated with increased promoter CpG-island methylation and increased repressive histone modifications (H3K9me3) in RARα knockout cells. Increased Slc38a4 and Stmn2 transcript levels were associated with decreased promoter CpG-island methylation and increased permissive histone modifications (H3K9/K14ac, H3K4me3) in RARα knockout cells. We demonstrated specific association of RARα and RXRα with the Mest promoter. Importantly, stable expression of a dominant negative, oncogenic PML–RARα fusion protein in F9 Wt cells recapitulated the decreased Mest transcript levels observed in RARα knockout cells. We propose that RARα plays an important role in cellular memory and imprinting by regulating the CpG methylation status of specific promoter regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian B Laursen
- Pharmacology Department of Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, NY 10065, USA
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31
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Qin Q, Xu Y, He T, Qin C, Xu J. Normal and disease-related biological functions of Twist1 and underlying molecular mechanisms. Cell Res 2011; 22:90-106. [PMID: 21876555 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2011.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the molecular structure, expression pattern, physiological function, pathological roles and molecular mechanisms of Twist1 in development, genetic disease and cancer. Twist1 is a basic helix-loop-helix domain-containing transcription factor. It forms homo- or hetero-dimers in order to bind the Nde1 E-box element and activate or repress its target genes. During development, Twist1 is essential for mesoderm specification and differentiation. Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of the human Twist1 gene cause several diseases including the Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. The Twist1-null mouse embryos die with unclosed cranial neural tubes and defective head mesenchyme, somites and limb buds. Twist1 is expressed in breast, liver, prostate, gastric and other types of cancers, and its expression is usually associated with invasive and metastatic cancer phenotypes. In cancer cells, Twist1 is upregulated by multiple factors including SRC-1, STAT3, MSX2, HIF-1α, integrin-linked kinase and NF-κB. Twist1 significantly enhances epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer cell migration and invasion, hence promoting cancer metastasis. Twist1 promotes EMT in part by directly repressing E-cadherin expression by recruiting the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase complex for gene repression and by upregulating Bmi1, AKT2, YB-1, etc. Emerging evidence also suggests that Twist1 plays a role in expansion and chemotherapeutic resistance of cancer stem cells. Further understanding of the mechanisms by which Twist1 promotes metastasis and identification of Twist1 functional modulators may hold promise for developing new strategies to inhibit EMT and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Qin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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32
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A newly described bovine type 2 scurs syndrome segregates with a frame-shift mutation in TWIST1. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22242. [PMID: 21814570 PMCID: PMC3141036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The developmental pathways involved in horn development are complex and still poorly understood. Here we report the description of a new dominant inherited syndrome in the bovine Charolais breed that we have named type 2 scurs. Clinical examination revealed that, despite a strong phenotypic variability, all affected individuals show both horn abnormalities similar to classical scurs phenotype and skull interfrontal suture synostosis. Based on a genome-wide linkage analysis using Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip genotyping data from 57 half-sib and full-sib progeny, this locus was mapped to a 1.7 Mb interval on bovine chromosome 4. Within this region, the TWIST1 gene encoding a transcription factor was considered as a strong candidate gene since its haploinsufficiency is responsible for the human Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, characterized by skull coronal suture synostosis. Sequencing of the TWIST1 gene identified a c.148_157dup (p.A56RfsX87) frame-shift mutation predicted to completely inactivate this gene. Genotyping 17 scurred and 20 horned founders of our pedigree as well as 48 unrelated horned controls revealed a perfect association between this mutation and the type 2 scurs phenotype. Subsequent genotyping of 32 individuals born from heterozygous parents showed that homozygous mutated progeny are completely absent, which is consistent with the embryonic lethality reported in Drosophila and mouse suffering from TWIST1 complete insufficiency. Finally, data from previous studies on model species and a fine description of type 2 scurs symptoms allowed us to propose different mechanisms to explain the features of this syndrome. In conclusion, this first report on the identification of a potential causal mutation affecting horn development in cattle offers a unique opportunity to better understand horn ontogenesis.
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33
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Eckert MA, Lwin TM, Chang AT, Kim J, Danis E, Ohno-Machado L, Yang J. Twist1-induced invadopodia formation promotes tumor metastasis. Cancer Cell 2011; 19:372-86. [PMID: 21397860 PMCID: PMC3072410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2011.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 383] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Twist1 transcription factor is known to promote tumor metastasis and induce Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Here, we report that Twist1 is capable of promoting the formation of invadopodia, specialized membrane protrusions for extracellular matrix degradation. Twist1 induces PDGFRα expression, which in turn activates Src, to promote invadopodia formation. We show that Twist1 and PDGFRα are central mediators of invadopodia formation in response to various EMT-inducing signals. Induction of PDGFRα and invadopodia is essential for Twist1 to promote tumor metastasis. Consistent with PDGFRα being a direct transcriptional target of Twist1, coexpression of Twist1 and PDGFRα predicts poor survival in breast tumor patients. Therefore, invadopodia-mediated matrix degradation is a key function of Twist1 in promoting tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Eckert
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
- The Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
| | - Thinzar M. Lwin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
| | - Andrew T. Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
- The Biomedical Science Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
| | - Jihoon Kim
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
| | - Etienne Danis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
| | - Lucila Ohno-Machado
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
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Miraoui H, Marie PJ. Pivotal role of Twist in skeletal biology and pathology. Gene 2010; 468:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2010.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2010] [Revised: 07/28/2010] [Accepted: 07/31/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Franco HL, Casasnovas J, Rodríguez-Medina JR, Cadilla CL. Redundant or separate entities?--roles of Twist1 and Twist2 as molecular switches during gene transcription. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 39:1177-86. [PMID: 20935057 PMCID: PMC3045590 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Twist1 and Twist2 are highly conserved members of the Twist subfamily of bHLH proteins responsible for the transcriptional regulation of the developmental programs in mesenchymal cell lineages. The regulation of such processes requires that Twist1 and Twist2 function as molecular switches to activate and repress target genes by employing several direct and indirect mechanisms. Modes of action by these proteins include direct DNA binding to conserved E-box sequences and recruitment of coactivators or repressors, sequestration of E-protein modulators, and interruption of proper activator/repressor function through protein–protein interactions. Regulatory outcomes of Twist1 and Twist2 are themselves controlled by spatial-temporal expression, phosphoregulation, dimer choice and cellular localization. Although these two proteins are highly conserved and exhibit similar functions in vitro, emerging literature have demonstrated different roles in vivo. The involvement of Twist1 and Twist2 in a broad spectrum of regulatory pathways highlights the importance of understanding their roles in normal development, homeostasis and disease. Here we focus on the mechanistic models of transcriptional regulation and summarize the similarities and differences between Twist1 and Twist2 in the context of myogenesis, osteogenesis, immune system development and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector L Franco
- Human Molecular Genetics Lab, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, PO Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
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Hwang JY, Kim SY, Lee SH, Kim GS, Go MJ, Kim SE, Kim HC, Shin HD, Park BL, Kim TH, Hong JM, Park EK, Kim HL, Lee JY, Koh JM. Association of TWIST1 gene polymorphisms with bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Osteoporos Int 2010; 21:757-64. [PMID: 19597909 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-009-1009-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED A novel polymorphism (+1871A>G) in the 3' flanking region and haplotypes were significantly associated with reduced osteoporosis risk and enhanced bone mineral density (BMD). These results suggest that TWIST1 may be a useful genetic marker for osteoporosis. Our results provide preliminary evidence supporting an association of TWIST1 with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. INTRODUCTION TWIST1, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, has been implicated in cell lineage determination and differentiation. METHODS To address the genetic variations in the TWIST1 gene associated with osteoporosis, we investigated the potential involvement of three TWIST1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in osteoporosis in 729 postmenopausal women. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS A novel polymorphism in the 3' flanking region (+1871A>G) was significantly associated with osteoporosis risk (p = 0.007-0.008) and also in multiple comparison (p = 0.02). Consistent with these results, haplotype analysis showed that Block1_ht2 had protective effects in the dominant and additive model (p = 0.006-0.007). Specifically, the +1871A>G polymorphism was overdominantly associated with higher BMD values of the femoral neck (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION These results suggest that TWIST1 may be a useful genetic marker for osteoporosis and may have a role on bone metabolism in humans. Our results provide preliminary evidence supporting an association of TWIST1 with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-Y Hwang
- The Center for Genome Science, National Institute of Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Bildsoe H, Loebel DAF, Jones VJ, Chen YT, Behringer RR, Tam PPL. Requirement for Twist1 in frontonasal and skull vault development in the mouse embryo. Dev Biol 2009; 331:176-88. [PMID: 19414008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2008] [Revised: 04/27/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Using a Cre-mediated conditional deletion approach, we have dissected the function of Twist1 in the morphogenesis of the craniofacial skeleton. Loss of Twist1 in neural crest cells and their derivatives impairs skeletogenic differentiation and leads to the loss of bones of the snout, upper face and skull vault. While no anatomically recognizable maxilla is formed, a malformed mandible is present. Since Twist1 is expressed in the tissues of the maxillary eminence and the mandibular arch, this finding suggests that the requirement for Twist1 is not the same in all neural crest derivatives. The effect of the loss of Twist1 function is not restricted to neural crest-derived bones, since the predominantly mesoderm-derived parietal and interparietal bones are also affected, presumably as a consequence of lost interactions with neural crest-derived tissues. In contrast, the formation of other mesodermal skeletal derivatives such as the occipital bones and most of the chondrocranium are not affected by the loss of Twist1 in the neural crest cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Bildsoe
- Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Wentworthville, NSW, Australia
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BARNES RALSTONM, FIRULLI ANTHONYB. A twist of insight - the role of Twist-family bHLH factors in development. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2009; 53:909-24. [PMID: 19378251 PMCID: PMC2737731 DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.082747rb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Members of the Twist-family of bHLH proteins play a pivotal role in a number of essential developmental programs. Twist-family bHLH proteins function by dimerizing with other bHLH members and binding to cis- regulatory elements, called E-boxes. While Twist-family members may simply exhibit a preference in terms of high-affinity binding partners, a complex, multilevel cascade of regulation creates a dynamic role for these bHLH proteins. We summarize in this review information on each Twist-family member concerning expression pattern, function, regulation, downstream targets, and interactions with other bHLH proteins. Additionally, we focus on the phospho-regulatory mechanisms that tightly control posttranslational modification of Twist-family member bHLH proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- RALSTON M. BARNES
- Riley Heart Research Center, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Departments of Anatomy and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - ANTHONY B. FIRULLI
- Riley Heart Research Center, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Departments of Anatomy and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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