The polycomb group protein Yaf2 regulates the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells in a phosphorylation-dependent manner

Role of histone modifications in neurogenesis and neurodegenerative disease development

Progressive neuronal dysfunction and death are key features of neurodegenerative diseases; therefore, promoting neurogenesis in neurodegenerative diseases is crucial. With advancements in proteomics and high-throughput sequencing technology, it has been demonstrated that histone post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) are often altered during neurogenesis when the brain is affected by disease or external stimuli and that the degree of histone modification is closely associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. This review aimed to show the regulatory role of histone modifications in neurogenesis and neurodegenerative diseases by discussing the changing patterns and functional significance of histone modifications, including histone methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and lactylation. Finally, we explored the control of neurogenesis and the development of neurodegenerative diseases by artificially modulating histone modifications.

A transcription factor atlas of directed differentiation

Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene programs, thereby controlling diverse cellular processes and cell states. To comprehensively understand TFs and the programs they control, we created a barcoded library of all annotated human TF splice isoforms (>3,500) and applied it to build a TF Atlas charting expression profiles of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) overexpressing each TF at single-cell resolution. We mapped TF-induced expression profiles to reference cell types and validated candidate TFs for generation of diverse cell types, spanning all three germ layers and trophoblasts. Targeted screens with subsets of the library allowed us to create a tailored cellular disease model and integrate mRNA expression and chromatin accessibility data to identify downstream regulators. Finally, we characterized the effects of combinatorial TF overexpression by developing and validating a strategy for predicting combinations of TFs that produce target expression profiles matching reference cell types to accelerate cellular engineering efforts.

Salidroside alleviates severe acute pancreatitis-triggered pancreatic injury and inflammation by regulating miR-217-5p/YAF2 axis

BACKGROUND

Our previous studies have shown that salidroside (Sal) exerted a protective effect in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) via inhibiting the inflammatory response. However, the molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

Using SAP rat model and miRNA microarray, the effect of Sal on miRNA expression profiling was determined and then validated their changes by quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Then, SAP cell model, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay were used to explore the biological function of miR-217-5p in vitro. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay and miRNA pulldown assay were performed to investigate the underlying mechanism of miR-217-5p in the protection of Sal against SAP.

RESULTS

Compared with SAP group, 21 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in SAP + Sal group. The target genes of these miRNAs were strongly associated with regulation of transcription, Axon guidance, Pathways in cancer and MAPK signaling pathway. Among these miRNAs, miR-217-5p was the most downregulated miRNA. Sal treatment alleviated cell injury and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Whereas overexpression of miR-217-5p reversed the effects of Sal. We identified YY1 associated factor 2 (YAF2) as a direct target gene of miR-217-5p and Sal treatment could upregulate YAF2 expression via targeting miR-217-5p. Furthermore, knockdown of YAF2 counteracted Sal-induced alleviation of cell injury and inflammation. Moreover, Sal could suppress the activation of p38 MAPK pathway by regulating miR-217-5p/YAF2 axis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings for the first time highlighted that Sal alleviated pancreatic injury and inhibited inflammation by regulating miR-217-5p/YAF2 axis, which might provide new therapeutic strategies for SAP treatment.

MiR-139-5p Targetedly Regulates YAF2 and Mediates the AKT/P38 MAPK Signaling Pathway to Alleviate the Metastasis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells and Their Resistance Against Cisplatin

Objective

To explore relevant mechanisms of miR-139-5p in alleviating the metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) and their resistance against cisplatin.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB) assays were carried out to determine the protein levels of miR-139-5p and YAF2, and cisplatin (DDP)-resistant NSCLC cell strains were established. Subsequently, an MTT assay was employed to evaluate the viability of the cell strains, a Transwell assay to evaluate cell invasion activity, and flow cytometry to analyze cell apoptosis rate. Finally, a Western blot assay was carried out to determine the protein levels of P-PI3K and p-p38.

Results

NSCLC tissues showed lower miR-139-5p expression and higher YAF2 expression than paracancerous tissues and human normal lung epithelial cells, and miR-139-5p was related to the prognosis of NSCLC patients. Overexpression of miR-139-5p or knock-down of YAF2 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells and induced their apoptosis. Additionally, the dual-luciferase reporter assay verified a targeting relationship between miR-139-5p and YAF2. Overexpression of miR-139-5p and knockdown of YAF2 reversed the resistance of A549/DDP cells against DDP, inactivated p38 and Akt proteins, and inhibited the AKT/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, inhibiting the AKT/p38 MAPK signaling pathway with MK2206 resisted the effects of knock-down of miR-139-5p on DDP resistance in NSCLC cells.

Conclusion

MiR-139-5p targetedly regulates YAF2 and mediates the AKT/p38 MAPK signaling pathway to alleviate the metastasis of NSCLC cells and their resistance against cisplatin, which may be a novel target for improving the therapeutic effect on NSCLC.

YAF2 exerts anti-apoptotic effect in human tumor cells in a FANK1- and phosphorylation-dependent manner

YY1-associated factor 2 (YAF2) was frequently reported to modulate target gene transcription through both epigenetic and non-epigenetic means. However, other mechanisms were also utilized by YAF2 to carry out its biological functions. Here, we demonstrated that YAF2 from human tumor and non-tumor cells were mainly expressed as Serine 167 phosphorylated form. Further studies showed that the phosphorylated YAF2 up-regulated while its knockdown by specific siRNAs reduced fibronectin type III and ankyrin repeat domains 1 (FANK1) protein level. Mechanistic exploration disclosed that phosphorylated YAF2 inhibit proteasomal degradation of polyubiquitinated FANK1, leading to its increased stability. We then validated their interaction, and displayed that the FN3 domain of FANK1 binds to amino-terminal of YAF2. Functional studies showed that phosphorylated YAF2 inhibits tumor cell apoptosis in a FANK1-dependent manner. Taken together, our current findings demonstrated that phosphorylated YAF2 exhibits anti-apoptotic activity through targeting FANK1 expression in human tumor cells.

Mga safeguards embryonic stem cells from acquiring extraembryonic endoderm fates

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins form multiprotein complexes that affect stem cell identity and fate decisions by still largely unexplored mechanisms. Here, by performing a CRISPR-based loss-of-function screen in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), we identify PcG gene Mga involved in the repression of endodermal transcription factor Gata6 We report that deletion of Mga results in peri-implantation embryonic lethality in mice. We further demonstrate that Mga-null ESCs exhibit impaired self-renewal and spontaneous differentiation to primitive endoderm (PE). Our data support a model in which Mga might serve as a scaffold for PRC1.6 assembly and guide this multimeric complex to specific genomic targets including genes that encode endodermal factors Gata4, Gata6, and Sox17. Our findings uncover an unexpected function of Mga in ESCs, where it functions as a gatekeeper to prevent ESCs from entering into the PE lineage by directly repressing expression of a set of endoderm differentiation master genes.

Evolving Role of RING1 and YY1 Binding Protein in the Regulation of Germ-Cell-Specific Transcription

Separation of germline cells from somatic lineages is one of the earliest decisions of embryogenesis. Genes expressed in germline cells include apoptotic and meiotic factors, which are not transcribed in the soma normally, but a number of testis-specific genes are active in numerous cancer types. During germ cell development, germ-cell-specific genes can be regulated by specific transcription factors, retinoic acid signaling and multimeric protein complexes. Non-canonical polycomb repressive complexes, like ncPRC1.6, play a critical role in the regulation of the activity of germ-cell-specific genes. RING1 and YY1 binding protein (RYBP) is one of the core members of the ncPRC1.6. Surprisingly, the role of Rybp in germ cell differentiation has not been defined yet. This review is focusing on the possible role of Rybp in this process. By analyzing whole-genome transcriptome alterations of the Rybp^-/- embryonic stem (ES) cells and correlating this data with experimentally identified binding sites of ncPRC1.6 subunits and retinoic acid receptors in ES cells, we propose a model how germ-cell-specific transcription can be governed by an RYBP centered regulatory network, underlining the possible role of RYBP in germ cell differentiation and tumorigenesis.

Epigenetic Regulation of Skin Cells in Natural Aging and Premature Aging Diseases

Skin undergoes continuous renewal throughout an individual’s lifetime relying on stem cell functionality. However, a decline of the skin regenerative potential occurs with age. The accumulation of senescent cells over time probably reduces tissue regeneration and contributes to skin aging. Keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts undergo senescence in response to several intrinsic or extrinsic stresses, including telomere shortening, overproduction of reactive oxygen species, diet, and sunlight exposure. Epigenetic mechanisms directly regulate skin homeostasis and regeneration, but they also mark cell senescence and the natural and pathological aging processes. Progeroid syndromes represent a group of clinical and genetically heterogeneous pathologies characterized by the accelerated aging of various tissues and organs, including skin. Skin cells from progeroid patients display molecular hallmarks that mimic those associated with naturally occurring aging. Thus, investigations on progeroid syndromes strongly contribute to disclose the causal mechanisms that underlie the aging process. In the present review, we discuss the role of epigenetic pathways in skin cell regulation during physiologic and premature aging.