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Huang C, Xia M, Qiao H, Liu Z, Lin Y, Sun H, Yu B, Fang P, Wang J. Tetramerization of upstream stimulating factor USF2 requires the elongated bent leucine zipper of the bHLH-LZ domain. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105240. [PMID: 37690682 PMCID: PMC10570711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Upstream stimulating factors (USFs), including USF1 and USF2, are key components of the transcription machinery that recruit coactivators and histone-modifying enzymes. Using the classic basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) domain, USFs bind the E-box DNA and form tetramers that promote DNA looping for transcription initiation. The structural basis by which USFs tetramerize and bind DNA, however, remains unknown. Here, we report the crystal structure of the complete bHLH-LZ domain of USF2 in complex with E-box DNA. We observed that the leucine zipper (LZ) of USF2 is longer than that of other bHLH-LZ family transcription factors and that the C-terminus of USF2 forms an additional α-helix following the LZ region (denoted as LZ-Ext). We also found the elongated LZ-Ext facilitates compact tetramer formation. In addition to the classic interactions between the basic region and DNA, we show a highly conserved basic residue in the loop region, Lys271, participates in DNA interaction. Together, these findings suggest that USF2 forms a tetramer structure with a bent elongated LZ-Ext region, providing a molecular basis for its role as a key component of the transcription machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cao Huang
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyu Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zaizhou Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanyin Sun
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Biao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
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Grigorieva O, Basalova N, Vigovskiy M, Arbatskiy M, Dyachkova U, Kulebyakina M, Kulebyakin K, Tyurin-Kuzmin P, Kalinina N, Efimenko A. Novel Potential Markers of Myofibroblast Differentiation Revealed by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Profibrotic and Adipogenic Conditions. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030840. [PMID: 36979822 PMCID: PMC10045579 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are the key regulators of tissue homeostasis and repair after damage. Accumulating evidence indicates the dual contribution of MSCs into the development of fibrosis induced by chronic injury: these cells can suppress the fibrotic process due to paracrine activity, but their promoting role in fibrosis by differentiating into myofibroblasts has also been demonstrated. Many model systems reproducing fibrosis have shown the ability of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists to reverse myofibroblast differentiation. Thus, the differentiation of multipotent cells into myofibroblasts and adipocytes can be considered as processes that require the activation of opposite patterns of gene expression. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed single cell RNA-Seq transcriptome of human adipose tissue MSCs after stimulation of the myofibroblast or adipogenic differentiation and revealed several genes that changed their expression in a reciprocal manner upon these conditions. We validated the expression of selected genes by RT-PCR, and evaluated the upregulation of several relevant proteins using immunocytochemistry, refining the results obtained by RNA-Seq analysis. We have shown, for the first time, the expression of neurotrimin (NTM), previously studied mainly in the nervous tissue, in human adipose tissue MSCs, and demonstrated its increased gene expression and clustering of membrane receptors upon the stimulation of myofibroblast differentiation. We also showed an increased level of CHD3 (Chromodomain-Helicase-DNA-binding protein 3) in MSCs under profibrotic conditions, while retinol dehydrogenase-10 (RDH10) was detected only in MSCs after adipogenic induction, which contradicted the data of transcriptomic analysis and again highlights the need to validate the data obtained by omics methods. Our findings suggest the further analysis of the potential contribution of neurotrimin and CHD3 in the regulation of myofibroblast differentiation and the development of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Grigorieva
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/10, 119192 Moscow, Russia; (N.B.); (M.V.); (K.K.); (A.E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nataliya Basalova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/10, 119192 Moscow, Russia; (N.B.); (M.V.); (K.K.); (A.E.)
| | - Maksim Vigovskiy
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/10, 119192 Moscow, Russia; (N.B.); (M.V.); (K.K.); (A.E.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.); (U.D.); (M.K.); (P.T.-K.); (N.K.)
| | - Mikhail Arbatskiy
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.); (U.D.); (M.K.); (P.T.-K.); (N.K.)
| | - Uliana Dyachkova
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.); (U.D.); (M.K.); (P.T.-K.); (N.K.)
| | - Maria Kulebyakina
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.); (U.D.); (M.K.); (P.T.-K.); (N.K.)
| | - Konstantin Kulebyakin
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/10, 119192 Moscow, Russia; (N.B.); (M.V.); (K.K.); (A.E.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.); (U.D.); (M.K.); (P.T.-K.); (N.K.)
| | - Pyotr Tyurin-Kuzmin
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.); (U.D.); (M.K.); (P.T.-K.); (N.K.)
| | - Natalia Kalinina
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.); (U.D.); (M.K.); (P.T.-K.); (N.K.)
| | - Anastasia Efimenko
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/10, 119192 Moscow, Russia; (N.B.); (M.V.); (K.K.); (A.E.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Ave., 27/1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.); (U.D.); (M.K.); (P.T.-K.); (N.K.)
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3
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McCann C, Quinteros M, Adelugba I, Morgada MN, Castelblanco AR, Davis EJ, Lanzirotti A, Hainer SJ, Vila AJ, Navea JG, Padilla-Benavides T. The mitochondrial Cu+ transporter PiC2 (SLC25A3) is a target of MTF1 and contributes to the development of skeletal muscle in vitro. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1037941. [PMID: 36438658 PMCID: PMC9682256 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1037941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The loading of copper (Cu) into cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in mitochondria is essential for energy production in cells. Extensive studies have been performed to characterize mitochondrial cuproenzymes that contribute to the metallation of COX, such as Sco1, Sco2, and Cox17. However, limited information is available on the upstream mechanism of Cu transport and delivery to mitochondria, especially through Cu-impermeable membranes, in mammalian cells. The mitochondrial phosphate transporter SLC25A3, also known as PiC2, binds Cu+ and transports the ion through these membranes in eukaryotic cells, ultimately aiding in the metallation of COX. We used the well-established differentiation model of primary myoblasts derived from mouse satellite cells, wherein Cu availability is necessary for growth and maturation, and showed that PiC2 is a target of MTF1, and its expression is both induced during myogenesis and favored by Cu supplementation. PiC2 deletion using CRISPR/Cas9 showed that the transporter is required for proliferation and differentiation of primary myoblasts, as both processes are delayed upon PiC2 knock-out. The effects of PiC2 deletion were rescued by the addition of Cu to the growth medium, implying the deleterious effects of PiC2 knockout in myoblasts may be in part due to a failure to deliver sufficient Cu to the mitochondria, which can be compensated by other mitochondrial cuproproteins. Co-localization and co-immunoprecipitation of PiC2 and COX also suggest that PiC2 may participate upstream in the copper delivery chain into COX, as verified by in vitro Cu+-transfer experiments. These data indicate an important role for PiC2 in both the delivery of Cu to the mitochondria and COX, favoring the differentiation of primary myoblasts.
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Maung MT, Carlson A, Olea-Flores M, Elkhadragy L, Schachtschneider KM, Navarro-Tito N, Padilla-Benavides T. The molecular and cellular basis of copper dysregulation and its relationship with human pathologies. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21810. [PMID: 34390520 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100273rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient required for the activity of redox-active enzymes involved in critical metabolic reactions, signaling pathways, and biological functions. Transporters and chaperones control Cu ion levels and bioavailability to ensure proper subcellular and systemic Cu distribution. Intensive research has focused on understanding how mammalian cells maintain Cu homeostasis, and how molecular signals coordinate Cu acquisition and storage within organs. In humans, mutations of genes that regulate Cu homeostasis or facilitate interactions with Cu ions lead to numerous pathologic conditions. Malfunctions of the Cu+ -transporting ATPases ATP7A and ATP7B cause Menkes disease and Wilson disease, respectively. Additionally, defects in the mitochondrial and cellular distributions and homeostasis of Cu lead to severe neurodegenerative conditions, mitochondrial myopathies, and metabolic diseases. Cu has a dual nature in carcinogenesis as a promotor of tumor growth and an inducer of redox stress in cancer cells. Cu also plays role in cancer treatment as a component of drugs and a regulator of drug sensitivity and uptake. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge of Cu metabolism and transport and its relation to various human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- May T Maung
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, USA
| | - Alyssa Carlson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, USA
| | - Monserrat Olea-Flores
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Lobna Elkhadragy
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kyle M Schachtschneider
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Napoleon Navarro-Tito
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero, Mexico
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Jia R, Song Z, Lin J, Li Z, Shan G, Huang C. Gawky modulates MTF-1-mediated transcription activation and metal discrimination. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:6296-6314. [PMID: 34107019 PMCID: PMC8216474 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metal-induced genes are usually transcribed at relatively low levels under normal conditions and are rapidly activated by heavy metal stress. Many of these genes respond preferentially to specific metal-stressed conditions. However, the mechanism by which the general transcription machinery discriminates metal stress from normal conditions and the regulation of MTF-1-meditated metal discrimination are poorly characterized. Using a focused RNAi screening in Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells, we identified a novel activator, the Drosophila gawky, of metal-responsive genes. Depletion of gawky has almost no effect on the basal transcription of the metallothionein (MT) genes, but impairs the metal-induced transcription by inducing the dissociation of MTF-1 from the MT promoters and the deficient nuclear import of MTF-1 under metal-stressed conditions. This suggests that gawky serves as a 'checkpoint' for metal stress and metal-induced transcription. In fact, regular mRNAs are converted into gawky-controlled transcripts if expressed under the control of a metal-responsive promoter, suggesting that whether transcription undergoes gawky-mediated regulation is encrypted therein. Additionally, lack of gawky eliminates the DNA binding bias of MTF-1 and the transcription preference of metal-specific genes. This suggests a combinatorial control of metal discrimination by gawky, MTF-1, and MTF-1 binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Jia
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Center of Plant Functional Genomics, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zhenxing Song
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Center of Plant Functional Genomics, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Jiamei Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Center of Plant Functional Genomics, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zhengguo Li
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Center of Plant Functional Genomics, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Ge Shan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Chuan Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Center of Plant Functional Genomics, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
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6
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Álvarez-Barrios A, Álvarez L, García M, Artime E, Pereiro R, González-Iglesias H. Antioxidant Defenses in the Human Eye: A Focus on Metallothioneins. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:89. [PMID: 33440661 PMCID: PMC7826537 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human eye, the highly specialized organ of vision, is greatly influenced by oxidants of endogenous and exogenous origin. Oxidative stress affects all structures of the human eye with special emphasis on the ocular surface, the lens, the retina and its retinal pigment epithelium, which are considered natural barriers of antioxidant protection, contributing to the onset and/or progression of eye diseases. These ocular structures contain a complex antioxidant defense system slightly different along the eye depending on cell tissue. In addition to widely studied enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, peroxiredoxins and selenoproteins, inter alia, metallothioneins (MTs) are considered antioxidant proteins of growing interest with further cell-mediated functions. This family of cysteine rich and low molecular mass proteins captures and neutralizes free radicals in a redox-dependent mechanism involving zinc binding and release. The state of the art of MTs, including the isoforms classification, the main functions described to date, the Zn-MT redox cycle as antioxidant defense system, and the antioxidant activity of Zn-MTs in the ocular surface, lens, retina and its retinal pigment epithelium, dependent on the number of occupied zinc-binding sites, will be comprehensively reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Álvarez-Barrios
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega (Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo), 33012 Oviedo, Spain; (A.Á.-B.); (L.Á.); (M.G.); (E.A.); (R.P.)
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería, 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Lydia Álvarez
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega (Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo), 33012 Oviedo, Spain; (A.Á.-B.); (L.Á.); (M.G.); (E.A.); (R.P.)
| | - Montserrat García
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega (Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo), 33012 Oviedo, Spain; (A.Á.-B.); (L.Á.); (M.G.); (E.A.); (R.P.)
- Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega, Avda. Dres. Fernández-Vega, 34, 33012 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Enol Artime
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega (Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo), 33012 Oviedo, Spain; (A.Á.-B.); (L.Á.); (M.G.); (E.A.); (R.P.)
| | - Rosario Pereiro
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega (Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo), 33012 Oviedo, Spain; (A.Á.-B.); (L.Á.); (M.G.); (E.A.); (R.P.)
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería, 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Héctor González-Iglesias
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega (Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo), 33012 Oviedo, Spain; (A.Á.-B.); (L.Á.); (M.G.); (E.A.); (R.P.)
- Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega, Avda. Dres. Fernández-Vega, 34, 33012 Oviedo, Spain
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Chen GH, Lv W, Xu YH, Wei XL, Xu YC, Luo Z. Functional analysis of MTF-1 and MT promoters and their transcriptional response to zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 246:125792. [PMID: 31918101 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) and metallothionein (MT) expression are involved in metal homeostasis and detoxification. Here, we characterized the structure and functions of mtf-1 and mt promoters in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Many important binding sites of transcriptional factors, such as heat shock promoter element (HSE) and metal responsive element (MRE), were predicted on their promoter regions. Cu did not significantly influence the activity of mtf-1 promoter, but Zn increased its promoter activity. Cu and Zn induced the increase of mt promoter activity. HSE site of mtf-1 promoter was the functional binding locus responsible for Zn-induced mtf-1 transcriptional activation. Zn and Cu induced transcriptional activation of mt gene through the MTF-1- and MRE-dependent pathway. Using primary hepatocytes of yellow catfish, we found that Cu and Zn induced the mt expression; Cu did not significantly influence the mRNA and total protein levels of MTF-1, but Zn up-regulated its mRNA and total protein expression. Both Zn and Cu treatment also up-regulated MTF-1 nuclear protein expression, which in turn increased the mt expression. Taken together, these findings delineated the transcriptional regulation of MT and MTF-1 under Zn or Cu treatments, and provided some mechanisms for the regulation of Cu and Zn homeostasis in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Hui Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Wuhong Lv
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yi-Huan Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xiao-Lei Wei
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yi-Chuang Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhi Luo
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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Tavera-Montañez C, Hainer SJ, Cangussu D, Gordon SJV, Xiao Y, Reyes-Gutierrez P, Imbalzano AN, Navea JG, Fazzio TG, Padilla-Benavides T. The classic metal-sensing transcription factor MTF1 promotes myogenesis in response to copper. FASEB J 2019; 33:14556-14574. [PMID: 31690123 PMCID: PMC6894080 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901606r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Metal-regulatory transcription factor 1 (MTF1) is a conserved metal-binding transcription factor in eukaryotes that binds to conserved DNA sequence motifs, termed metal response elements. MTF1 responds to both metal excess and deprivation, protects cells from oxidative and hypoxic stresses, and is required for embryonic development in vertebrates. To examine the role for MTF1 in cell differentiation, we use multiple experimental strategies [including gene knockdown (KD) mediated by small hairpin RNA and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), immunofluorescence, chromatin immunopreciptation sequencing, subcellular fractionation, and atomic absorbance spectroscopy] and report a previously unappreciated role for MTF1 and copper (Cu) in cell differentiation. Upon initiation of myogenesis from primary myoblasts, both MTF1 expression and nuclear localization increased. Mtf1 KD impaired differentiation, whereas addition of nontoxic concentrations of Cu+-enhanced MTF1 expression and promoted myogenesis. Furthermore, we observed that Cu+ binds stoichiometrically to a C terminus tetra-cysteine of MTF1. MTF1 bound to chromatin at the promoter regions of myogenic genes, and Cu addition stimulated this binding. Of note, MTF1 formed a complex with myogenic differentiation (MYOD)1, the master transcriptional regulator of the myogenic lineage, at myogenic promoters. These findings uncover unexpected mechanisms by which Cu and MTF1 regulate gene expression during myoblast differentiation.-Tavera-Montañez, C., Hainer, S. J., Cangussu, D., Gordon, S. J. V., Xiao, Y., Reyes-Gutierrez, P., Imbalzano, A. N., Navea, J. G., Fazzio, T. G., Padilla-Benavides, T. The classic metal-sensing transcription factor MTF1 promotes myogenesis in response to copper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Tavera-Montañez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah J. Hainer
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA; and
| | - Daniella Cangussu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shellaina J. V. Gordon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA
| | - Pablo Reyes-Gutierrez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anthony N. Imbalzano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Juan G. Navea
- Department of Chemistry, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA
| | - Thomas G. Fazzio
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA; and
| | - Teresita Padilla-Benavides
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Drechsel V, Fiechtner B, Höckner M. Promoter activity of earthworm metallothionein in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:6371-6379. [PMID: 31571111 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-05082-1] [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: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of metallothionein (MT) gene expression as important part of the detoxification machinery is only scarcely known in invertebrates. In vertebrates, MT gene activation is mediated by the metal-transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) binding to metal response elements (MREs). In invertebrates, the mechanisms of MT gene activation seems to be more diverse. In some invertebrate species, MTF-1 orthologues as well as their ability to activate MT genes via MREs have been uncovered. Although earthworm MTs have been well studied, a MTF-1 orthologue has not yet been described and MT gene activation mechanisms are largely unknown. Analyses of the earthworm wMT2 promoter by reporter gene assays have been performed. We could show that the wMT2 promoter was active in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (NIH/3T3) as well as in mouse MTF-1-/-cells (DKO7). The presence of mouse MTF-1 (mMTF1) led to a significant increase in reporter gene activity. We observed that cadmium as well as zinc had an effect on promoter activity. In the presence of zinc, promoter activity doubled in NIH cells, however, we did not observe a significant effect in the DKO7 cell line. Cadmium decreased promoter activity in DKO7 cells, but this effect could be reversed by providing mMTF1 in a co-transfection experiment. We suggest that MT gene expression in the earthworm is not entirely dependent on a MRE binding protein. Interestingly, the shortest promoter fragment including MRE1 showed the highest promoter activity under control conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Drechsel
- Institute of Zoology, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Fiechtner
- Institute of Zoology, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martina Höckner
- Institute of Zoology, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Furuta Y, Liu J, Himemiya-Hakucho A, Yoshimura K, Fujimiya T. Alcohol Consumption in Combination with an Atherogenic Diet Increased Indices of Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E/Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Double-Knockout Mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 43:227-242. [PMID: 30428137 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol abuse and adherence to atherogenic diet (AD; a low-carbohydrate-high-protein diet) have been positively associated with cardiovascular disease. In addition, it has been demonstrated clinically that dietary intake is increased on days when alcohol is consumed. Here, the additive effects of ethanol (EtOH) and AD on atherosclerosis, a major underlying cause of cardiovascular disease, were investigated in apolipoprotein E/low-density lipoprotein receptor double-knockout (KO) mice. The mechanisms, especially aortic oxidative stress damage, were highlighted. METHODS Twelve-week-old male KO mice on AD with or without EtOH treatment were bred for 4 months. Age-matched male C57BL/6J mice on a standard chow diet without EtOH treatment served as controls. Analyses were conducted using ultrasound biomicroscopy, histopathological and fluorescence immunohistochemical examinations, Western blots, and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS KO mice on AD with EtOH treatment showed increases in aortic maximum intima media thickness, hypoechoic plaque formation, and mean Oil-Red-O content. These results were associated with enhanced ratio of aortic 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)-immunopositive area to the metallothionein (MT) immunopositive area and suppression of AD-induced up-regulated aortic Mt1, Mt2, and upstream stimulatory factor 1 mRNA expressions. Moreover, 8-OHdG was expressed in the nuclei of CD31- and alpha smooth muscle actin-immunopositive cells, and the up-regulated mRNA expressions of aortic nitric oxide synthase 3 and platelet-derived growth factors were only observed in the KO mice on AD with EtOH treatment. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol abuse and adherence to AD may promote the shift of aortic oxidative stress and antioxidative stress balance toward oxidative stress predominance and reduced antioxidative stress, which may be partly due to the decrease in MT at the cell biological level and down-regulation of Mt at the gene level, which in turn could play a role in the up-regulation of endothelial dysfunction-related and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation-related gene expression and the progression of atherosclerosis in mice with hyperlipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzo Furuta
- Advanced Medical Research Academic-Course , Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Jinyao Liu
- Department of Legal Medicine , Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ayako Himemiya-Hakucho
- Department of Legal Medicine , Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Koichi Yoshimura
- Department of Surgery and Clinical Science , Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Fujimiya
- Department of Legal Medicine , Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
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11
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Francis M, Grider A. Bioinformatic analysis of the metal response element and zinc-dependent gene regulation via the metal response element-binding transcription factor 1 in Caco-2 cells. Biometals 2018; 31:639-646. [PMID: 29767398 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-018-0115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the position or number of metal regulatory elements (MREs) near gene transcriptional or translational start sites, and the strength of metal response element-binding transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) regulation. A secondary analysis was performed in silico on published results measuring the effects of Zn and MTF-1 on transcriptional regulation of genes (n = 120) in the Caco-2 cell line. MRE sequence variations throughout the human genome were sorted using a position weight matrix. Three null hypotheses (H0) were tested: (1) there is no correlation between the number of MREs and MTF-1 transcriptional strength, (2) there is no correlation between the distance of the MRE upstream from the transcriptional start site (TSS) and MTF-1 transcriptional strength, and (3) there is no correlation between the distance of the MRE downstream from the translational start site (TrSS) and MTF-1 transcriptional strength. Spearman correlation was used to test for significance (p < 0.05). From our results we rejected the first H0; we observed a significant correlation between the total number of MRE sequences - 7Kbp upstream from the TSS, within the 5' untranslated region, and + 1Kbp downstream from the TrSS, versus the strength of MTF-1 regulation (r = 0.202; p = 0.027). The second and third H0 were accepted. These results expand our understanding of the role of the MRE in Zn-dependent gene regulation. The data indicate that Zn influences the transcriptional control of gene expression beyond maintaining intracellular Zn homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Francis
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Arthur Grider
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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12
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Metallothionein in Brain Disorders. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017; 2017:5828056. [PMID: 29085556 PMCID: PMC5632493 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5828056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Metallothioneins are a family of proteins which are able to bind metals intracellularly, so their main function is to regulate the cellular metabolism of essential metals. There are 4 major isoforms of MTs (I-IV), three of which have been localized in the central nervous system. MT-I and MT-II have been localized in the spinal cord and brain, mainly in astrocytes, whereas MT-III has been found mainly in neurons. MT-I and MT-II have been considered polyvalent proteins whose main function is to maintain cellular homeostasis of essential metals such as zinc and copper, but other functions have also been considered: detoxification of heavy metals, regulation of gene expression, processes of inflammation, and protection against free radicals generated by oxidative stress. On the other hand, the MT-III has been related in events of pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson and Alzheimer. Likewise, the participation of MTs in other neurological disorders has also been reported. This review shows recent evidence about the role of MT in the central nervous system and its possible role in neurodegenerative diseases as well as in brain disorders.
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13
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Scudiero R, Verderame M, Motta CM, Simoniello P. Unravelling the Role of Metallothionein on Development, Reproduction and Detoxification in the Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071569. [PMID: 28753953 PMCID: PMC5536057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are an evolutionary conserved multigene family of proteins whose role was initially identified in binding essential metals. The physiological role of MT, however, has been revealed to be more complex than expected, since not only are MTs able to bind to toxic heavy metals, but many isoforms have shown specialized and alternative functions. Within this uncertainty, the information available on MTs in non-mammalian vertebrates, particularly in neglected tetrapods such as the reptiles, is even more scant. In this review, we provide a summary of the current understanding on metallothionein presence and function in the oviparous lizard Podarcis sicula, highlighting the results obtained by studying MT gene expression in most representative adult and embryonic tissues. The results demonstrate that in adults, cadmium induces MT transcription in a dose- and tissue-specific manner. Thus, the MT mRNAs appear, at least in some cases, to be an unsuitable tool for detecting environmental ion contamination. In early embryos, maternal RNAs sustain developmental needs for MT protein until organogenesis is well on its way. At this time, transcription starts, but again in a tissue- and organ-specific manner, suggesting an involvement in alternative roles. In conclusion, the spatiotemporal distribution of transcripts in adults and embryos definitively confirms that MT has deserved the title of elusive protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Mariailaria Verderame
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Chiara Maria Motta
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Palma Simoniello
- Department of Sciences and Technology, University Parthenope, Centro Direzionale, Isola C4, 80143 Napoli, Italy.
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14
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Abstract
The cellular constitution of Zn-proteins and Zn-dependent signaling depend on the capacity of Zn2+ to find specific binding sites in the face of a plethora of other high affinity ligands. The most prominent of these is metallothionein (MT). It serves as a storage site for Zn2+ under various conditions, and has chemical properties that support a dynamic role for MT in zinc trafficking. Consistent with these characteristics, changing the availability of zinc for cells and tissues causes rapid alteration of zinc bound to MT. Nevertheless, zinc trafficking occurs in metallothionein-null animals and cells, hypothetically making use of proteomic binding sites to mediate the intracellular movements of zinc. Like metallothionein, the proteome contains a large concentration of proteins that strongly coordinate zinc. In this environment, free Zn2+ may be of little significance. Instead, this review sets forth the basis for the hypothesis that components of the proteome and MT jointly provide the platform for zinc trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Petering
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53217, USA.
| | - Afsana Mahim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53217, USA.
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15
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Drechsel V, Schauer K, Šrut M, Höckner M. Regulatory Plasticity of Earthworm wMT-2 Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061113. [PMID: 28538660 PMCID: PMC5485937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are multifunctional proteins occurring throughout the animal kingdom. While the expression and transcriptional regulation of MTs is well-studied in vertebrates, the mechanism of MT activation is still unknown for most invertebrates. Therefore, we examined wMT-2 gene regulation and expression patterns in Lumbricus rubellus and L. terrestris. Transcription levels, the occupation of DNA binding sites, the expression of putative transcriptional regulators, and promotor DNA methylation were determined. We found that wMT-2 expression does not follow a circadian pattern. However, Cd-induced wMT-2 induction was observed, and was, interestingly, suppressed by physical injury. Moreover, the promotor region that is responsible for the wMT-2 gene regulation was elucidated. ATF, a putative transcriptional regulator, showed increased phosphorylation upon Cd exposure, suggesting that it plays a major role in wMT-2 gene activation. The promotor methylation of wMT-2, on the other hand, is probably not involved in transcriptional regulation. Elucidating the regulatory mechanism of the earthworm MT gene activation might provide insights into the molecular coordination of the environmental stress response in invertebrates, and might also reveal a link to wound repair and, in a broader sense, to immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Drechsel
- Institute of Zoology, Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Karl Schauer
- Institute of Zoology, Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Maja Šrut
- Division of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Martina Höckner
- Institute of Zoology, Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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16
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Manso Y, Comes G, López-Ramos JC, Belfiore M, Molinero A, Giralt M, Carrasco J, Adlard PA, Bush AI, Delgado-García JM, Hidalgo J. Overexpression of Metallothionein-1 Modulates the Phenotype of the Tg2576 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 51:81-95. [PMID: 26836194 DOI: 10.3233/jad-151025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most commonly diagnosed dementia, where signs of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are prominent. In this study we intend to further characterize the roles of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and heavy metal binding protein, metallothionein-1 (MT-1), by crossing Mt1 overexpressing mice with a well-known mouse model of AD, Tg2576 mice, which express the human amyloid-β protein precursor (hAβPP) with the Swedish K670N/M671L mutations. Mt1 overexpression increased overall perinatal survival, but did not affect significantly hAβPP-induced mortality and weight loss in adult mice. Amyloid plaque burden in ∼14-month-old mice was increased by Mt1 overexpression in the hippocampus but not the cortex. Despite full length hAβPP levels and amyloid plaques being increased by Mt1 overexpression in the hippocampus of both sexes, oligomeric and monomeric forms of Aβ, which may contribute more to toxicity, were decreased in the hippocampus of females and increased in males. Several behavioral traits such as exploration, anxiety, and learning were altered in Tg2576 mice to various degrees depending on the age and the sex. Mt1 overexpression ameliorated the effects of hAβPP on exploration in young females, and potentiated those on anxiety in old males, and seemed to improve the rate of spatial learning (Morris water maze) and the learning elicited by a classical conditioning procedure (eye-blink test). These results clearly suggest that MT-1 may be involved in AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Manso
- Animal Physiology Unit, Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Comes
- Animal Physiology Unit, Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Mónica Belfiore
- Animal Physiology Unit, Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amalia Molinero
- Animal Physiology Unit, Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Giralt
- Animal Physiology Unit, Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Carrasco
- Animal Physiology Unit, Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul A Adlard
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Juan Hidalgo
- Animal Physiology Unit, Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biosciences Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Pinter TBJ, Stillman MJ. Kinetics of Zinc and Cadmium Exchanges between Metallothionein and Carbonic Anhydrase. Biochemistry 2015; 54:6284-93. [PMID: 26401817 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b00912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The flexible coordination stoichiometry of a relatively high number of metal ions is a property unique to the metallothionein (MT) family of proteins. Mammalian MTs, for example, accommodate up to seven divalent metal ions in tetrahedral coordination geometries, using its complement of 20 cysteine ligands. The lability of the metals from these metalloclusters has been used to support the proposal of MTs acting as metal chaperones, by donating to other metal-binding proteins. The metal exchange kinetics between human MT1A and carbonic anhydrase (CA) were examined using time-dependent electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The time dependence of three different reaction conditions were studied: (i) zinc donation from partially metalated zinc-MT to apoCA; (ii) metal exchange between zinc saturated MTs and cadmium saturated CA (Cd-CA); and (iii) metal exchange between partially metalated zinc-MTs and Cd-CA. The results show that zinc donation from Zn-MTs to apo-zinc-dependent enzymes is dependent on the metal loading of the Znn-MT (where n = 1-7) and that this is a direct consequence of the increasing metal affinity for smaller values of n. Partially metalated MTs are also shown to extract cadmium from Cd-CA with significantly faster rates than metal saturated MTs and that even under zinc limiting conditions, mammalian Cd-CA would not coexist with MT. On the basis of these and previously published results, we suggest that protein-protein interactions between MT and CA facilitate metal transfers through favorable electrostatic interactions and hypothesize that the metal could be transferred between the MT and the enzyme active site using nearby metal-binding functionalities along the transfer pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B J Pinter
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario , London, Ontario Canada , N6A 5B7
| | - Martin J Stillman
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario , London, Ontario Canada , N6A 5B7
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18
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Takahashi S. Positive and negative regulators of the metallothionein gene (review). Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:795-9. [PMID: 25760317 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are metal-binding proteins involved in diverse processes, including metal homeostasis and detoxification, the oxidative stress response and cell proliferation. Aberrant expression and silencing of these genes are important in a number of diseases. Several positive regulators of MT genes, including metal-responsive element-binding transcription factor (MTF)-1 and upstream stimulatory factor (USF)-1, have been identified and mechanisms of induction have been well described. However, the negative regulators of MT genes remain to be elucidated. Previous studies from the group of the present review have revealed that the hematopoietic master transcription factor, PU.1, directly represses the expression levels of MT genes through its epigenetic activities, and upregulation of MT results in the potent inhibition of myeloid differentiation. The present review focuses on PU.1 and several other negative regulators of this gene, including PZ120, DNA methyltransferase 3a with Mbd3 and Brg1 complex, CCAAT enhancer binding protein α and Ku protein, and describes the suppression of the MT genes through these transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Takahashi
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences and Division of Hematology, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252‑0373, Japan
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19
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Mano H, Nakatani S, Kimira Y, Mano M, Sekiguchi Y, Im RH, Shimizu J, Wada M. Age-related decrease of IF5/BTG4 in oral and respiratory cavities in mice. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2015; 79:960-8. [PMID: 25660503 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2015.1008976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
An IF5 cDNA was isolated by expression cloning from a mouse oocyte cDNA library. It encoded a protein of 250 amino acids, and the region of it encoding amino acids 1-137 showed 86.8% alignment with the anti-proliferative domain of BTG/TOB family genes. This gene is also termed BTG4 or PC3B. Transiently expressed IF5/BTG4 induced alkaline phosphatase activity in human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) and 2T3 cells. IF5/BTG4 mRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in pharynx, larynx, trachea, oviduct, ovary, caput epididymis, and testis, but not in lung, intestine, or liver. Immunohistochemistry showed the IF5/BTG4 protein to be present in epithelial cells of the tongue, palate, pharynx, internal nose, and trachea. Both protein and mRNA levels of IF5/BTG4 were reduced by aging when comparing 4-week-old mice with 48-week-old mice. Our findings suggest that IF5/BTG4 may be an aging-related gene in epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Mano
- a Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Josai University , Sakado , Japan
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20
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Tang ZG, Chen GY, Li LF, Wen C, Wang T, Zhou YM. Effect of zinc-bearing zeolite clinoptilolite on growth performance, zinc accumulation, and gene expression of zinc transporters in broilers. J Anim Sci 2015; 93:620-6. [PMID: 25548200 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2014-8165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated Zn-bearing zeolite clinoptilolite (Zn-ZCP) as a Zn supplement on performance, organ or tissue development, Zn accumulation in tissues, and gene expression of Zn transporters in the duodenum of broilers. A total of 300 1-d-old Arbor Acres chickens were randomly allocated to 5 dietary treatments with 6 replicate cages of 10 birds per treatment for a 21-d feeding period. The treatments comprised a basal corn–soybean meal diet without supplemental Zn (the control) or similar diets supplemented with 80 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO4 or 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg Zn from Zn- ZCP, respectively. Supplementation of Zn-ZCP had a positive effect on G:F (linear, P < 0.05) and had tendency difference on ADG (linear, P < 0.1) of broilers during 1 to 21 d. Incremental Zn-ZCP inclusion in the diet increased the fresh weight of the pancreas (linear, P < 0.05) and tibia (linear, P < 0.05) in broilers on d 14. The same trend to the fresh weight of the tibia (linear, P < 0.05) and pancreas (linear, P < 0.05) was observed on d 21. Increasing Zn-ZCP level showed a linear response on Zn concentration in the liver (linear, P < 0.001), pancreas (linear, P < 0.05), and tibia (linear, P < 0.05) on d 14. The same trend of Zn concentrations in pancreas (linear, P < 0.05) and tibia (linear, P < 0.001) was observed on d 21. The mRNA levels of Zn transporter 2 (ZnT-2) and Zn transporter 5 (ZnT-5) in the duodenum of chicks fed the diet with 80 mg/kg Zn from Zn-ZCP did not differ from those of chicks fed the control diet, but both were lower (P < 0.05) than those of chicks fed ZnSO4 diet. Metallothionein (MT) mRNA levels of broilers fed the diet supplemented with 80 mg/kg Zn from Zn-ZCP or ZnSO4 was higher (P < 0.05) than that in the control group. Dietary treatments did not affect the mRNA expression of Zn transporter 1 (ZnT-1) or metal response element-binding transcription factor-1 (MTF-1). In conclusion, as a Zn supplement, Zn-ZCP was comparable to ZnSO4 for enhancing Zn accumulation and growth performance of broilers during 1 to 21 d. Broilers fed the diet with 80 mg/kg Zn from Zn-ZCP had different expressions of ZnT-2 and ZnT-5 in the duodenum compared with those fed the ZnSO4 diet.
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21
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Zhang J, Wang J, Gui T, Sun Z, Xiang J. A copper-induced metallothionein gene from Exopalaemon carinicauda and its response to heavy metal ions. Int J Biol Macromol 2014; 70:246-50. [PMID: 24971556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2014.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A full-length copper-induced metallothionein (EcMT-Cu) cDNA was obtained from Exopalaemon carinicauda (Holthuis) and it contained a 198 bp open reading frame that encoded a peptide with 65 amino acid residues. Twenty-one cysteines were found in deduced amino acid sequence and the cysteine (Cys)-rich characteristic was also reported in different types of metallothioneins from other species. EcMT-Cu mRNA expression profile showed that it is the hepatopancreas specific gene. The expression of EcMT-Cu was extremely different when shrimp were exposed to seawater containing 50 μM CuSO4 or 2.5 μM CdCl2. The expression of EcMT-Cu in shrimp was significantly up-regulated at 12 and 24 h after exposure to CuSO4, however, its expression was not induced compared to that of pretreatment (p>0.05) when shrimp were exposed to CdCl2. The transcript of EcMT-Cu was found to be extremely low at gastrula and nauplius stage and expression of EcMT-Cu could be detected from egg protozoa stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiquan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Tianshu Gui
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Jianhai Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
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Günther V, Lindert U, Schaffner W. The taste of heavy metals: gene regulation by MTF-1. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2012; 1823:1416-25. [PMID: 22289350 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Revised: 01/08/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1, also termed MRE-binding transcription factor-1 or metal regulatory transcription factor-1) is a pluripotent transcriptional regulator involved in cellular adaptation to various stress conditions, primarily exposure to heavy metals but also to hypoxia or oxidative stress. MTF-1 is evolutionarily conserved from insects to humans and is the main activator of metallothionein genes, which encode small cysteine-rich proteins that can scavenge toxic heavy metals and free radicals. MTF-1 has been suggested to act as an intracellular metal sensor but evidence for direct metal sensing was scarce. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of MTF-1 regulation with a focus on the mechanism underlying heavy metal responsiveness and transcriptional activation mediated by mammalian or Drosophila MTF-1. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cell Biology of Metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Günther
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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Zhang Y, Andrews GK, Wang L. Zinc-induced Dnmt1 expression involves antagonism between MTF-1 and nuclear receptor SHP. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:4850-60. [PMID: 22362755 PMCID: PMC3367194 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Revised: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dnmt1 is frequently overexpressed in cancers, which contributes significantly to cancer-associated epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes. However, the mechanism of Dnmt1 overexpression remains elusive. Herein, we elucidate a pathway through which nuclear receptor SHP inhibits zinc-dependent induction of Dnmt1 by antagonizing metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1). Zinc treatment induces Dnmt1 transcription by increasing the occupancy of MTF-1 on the Dnmt1 promoter while decreasing SHP expression. SHP in turn represses MTF-1 expression and abolishes zinc-mediated changes in the chromatin configuration of the Dnmt1 promoter. Dnmt1 expression is increased in SHP-knockout (sko) mice but decreased in SHP-transgenic (stg) mice. In human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), increased DNMT1 expression is negatively correlated with SHP levels. Our study provides a molecular explanation for increased Dnmt1 expression in HCC and highlights SHP as a potential therapeutic target.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/enzymology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Cell Line
- Cell Line, Tumor
- DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1
- DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/biosynthesis
- DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/genetics
- DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Hepatocytes/enzymology
- Humans
- Liver/enzymology
- Liver Neoplasms/enzymology
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism
- Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- Transcription Factors/antagonists & inhibitors
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic/drug effects
- Zinc/pharmacology
- Transcription Factor MTF-1
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxia Zhang
- Department of Medicine and Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Glen K. Andrews
- Department of Medicine and Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Medicine and Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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24
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Liu YC, Lin MC, Chen HC, Tam MF, Lin LY. The role of small ubiquitin-like modifier-interacting motif in the assembly and regulation of metal-responsive transcription factor 1. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:42818-29. [PMID: 22021037 PMCID: PMC3234853 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.253203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Revised: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal-responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) is an essential protein required for mouse embryonic development. We report here the occurrence of sumoylation on MTF-1. Mutational studies demonstrated that sumoylation occurs on the lysine residue at position 627 (Lys(627)) of mouse MTF-1. Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-1 was fused to the C terminus of MTF-1 to mimic the sumoylated form of the protein and it suppressed the transcriptional activity of MTF-1. The nuclear translocation activity, DNA-binding activity, and protein stability of SUMO-fused MTF-1 are similar to that of wild type MTF-1. The level of sumoylation was reduced by metal in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The fact that zinc reduces MTF-1 sumoylation makes the suppressive role of sumoylated MTF-1 in transcription physiologically less significant because the SUMO moiety of MTF-1 is removed when MTF-1 translocates into nucleus. We further identified a SUMO-interacting motif (SIM) on MTF-1. Remarkably, MTF-1 binds sumoylated MTF-1 and/or other cellular factors in a SIM-dependent manner. This interaction was disrupted by treating cells with zinc. Gel permeation chromatography demonstrated that MTF-1 forms SIM-dependent complexes. This cross-interaction transpires in the cytoplasm and markedly reduces upon nuclear translocation. It can therefore be concluded that SUMO conjugation and the SIM on MTF-1 do not play a critical role in suppressing transcriptional activity. Instead, MTF-1 forms complexes with cellular factors through SIM and SUMO moiety in the cytoplasm. The result explores a new understanding for the mode of MTF-1 assembly and regulation in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Chuan Liu
- From the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan and
| | - Meng-Chieh Lin
- From the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan and
| | - Hsiang-Chi Chen
- From the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan and
| | - Ming F. Tam
- the Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Lih-Yuan Lin
- From the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan and
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25
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Gupta RS, Ahnn J. Cadmium‐induced gene expression is regulated by MTF‐1, a key metal‐responsive transcription factor. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/12265071.2003.9647702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ronojoy Sen Gupta
- a Department of Life Science and Biotechnology , Jadavpur University , Calcutta , 700032 , India Phone: E-mail:
| | - Joohong Ahnn
- b Department of Life Science , Kwangju Institute of Science and Technology , Gwangju , 500–712 , Korea
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26
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Simoniello P, Motta CM, Scudiero R, Trinchella F, Filosa S. Spatiotemporal changes in metallothionein gene expression during embryogenesis in the wall lizard Podarcis sicula. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 313:410-20. [PMID: 20623798 DOI: 10.1002/jez.611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Lizard embryos are nutritionally independent from their environment. During the early phases of oogenesis, the egg prepares for development by storing reserve organelles, proteins, and RNAs sufficient to allow the zygote to transform into a juvenile. This preparation also includes the storage of metallothionein (MT) transcripts. This study investigated the localization of these transcripts by in situ hybridization throughout Podarcis sicula developmental stages. Our data show that MT expression undergoes shifts in both regional and cellular localization. MT transcripts were detected early in the central nervous system, later in tissues implicated in metabolic processes. Results are discussed highlighting differences in lizard embryonic spatial and temporal MT expression compared with piscine, amphibian, and mammalian embryos. We hypothesize that, under natural conditions, the nutritionally closed system represented by the lizard egg protects the developing embryo from an unwanted excess of metals. This mechanism would make MT expression and accumulation in detoxifying organs in developing animals unnecessary until hatching and food intake begins. Conversely, the presence of MT transcripts during brain development may ensure the correct final architecture of this organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palma Simoniello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Evolutionary and Comparative Section, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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27
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Weaver BP, Zhang Y, Hiscox S, Guo GL, Apte U, Taylor KM, Sheline CT, Wang L, Andrews GK. Zip4 (Slc39a4) expression is activated in hepatocellular carcinomas and functions to repress apoptosis, enhance cell cycle and increase migration. PLoS One 2010; 5. [PMID: 20957146 PMCID: PMC2950147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The zinc transporter ZIP4 (Slc39a4) is important for proper mammalian development and is an essential gene in mice. Recent studies suggest that this gene may also play a role in pancreatic cancer. Methods/Principal Findings Herein, we present evidence that this essential zinc transporter is expressed in hepatocellular carcinomas. Zip4 mRNA and protein were dramatically elevated in hepatocytes in the majority of human hepatocellular carcinomas relative to noncancerous surrounding tissues, as well as in hepatocytes in hepatocellular carcinomas occurring in farnesoid X receptor-knockout mice. Interestingly, meta-analysis of microarray data in the Geo and Oncomine databases suggests that Zip4 mRNA may also be elevated in many types of cancer. Potential mechanisms of action of ZIP4 were examined in cultured cell lines. RNAi knockdown of Zip4 in mouse Hepa cells significantly increased apoptosis and modestly slowed progression from G0/G1 to S phase when cells were released from hydroxyurea block into zinc-deficient medium. Cell migration assays revealed that RNAi knockdown of Zip4 in Hepa cells depressed in vitro migration whereas forced over-expression in Hepa cells and MCF-7 cells enhanced in vitro migration. Conclusions ZIP4 may play a role in the acquisition of zinc by hepatocellular carcinomas, and potentially many different cancerous cell-types, leading to repressed apoptosis, enhanced growth rate and enhanced invasive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P. Weaver
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Yuxia Zhang
- Departments of Medicine and Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Stephen Hiscox
- Tenovus Centre for Cancer Research, Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Grace L. Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Kathryn M. Taylor
- Tenovus Centre for Cancer Research, Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Christian T. Sheline
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Li Wang
- Departments of Medicine and Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Glen K. Andrews
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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28
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Zinc and reproduction: effects of zinc deficiency on prenatal and early postnatal development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 89:313-25. [DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Balesaria S, Ramesh B, McArdle H, Bayele HK, Srai SKS. Divalent metal-dependent regulation of hepcidin expression by MTF-1. FEBS Lett 2010; 584:719-25. [PMID: 20026331 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2009] [Revised: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 12/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepcidin is a small acute phase peptide that regulates iron absorption. It is induced by inflammation and infection, but is repressed by anaemia and hypoxia. Here we further reveal that hepcidin transcription also involves interactions between functional metal response elements (MREs) in its promoter, and the MRE-binding transcription factor-1. Analysis of hepcidin mRNA and protein levels in hepatoma cells suggests that its expression may be regulated by divalent metal ions, with zinc inducing maximal effects on hepcidin levels. These data suggest that this peptide may be a pleiotropic sensor of divalent metals, some of which are xenobiotic environmental toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Balesaria
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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30
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Kimura T, Itoh N, Andrews GK. Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Sensing by Metal Response Element-binding Transcription Factor-1. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1248/jhs.55.484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Kimura
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Norio Itoh
- Department of Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Glen K. Andrews
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center
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31
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Li Y, Kimura T, Huyck RW, Laity JH, Andrews GK. Zinc-induced formation of a coactivator complex containing the zinc-sensing transcription factor MTF-1, p300/CBP, and Sp1. Mol Cell Biol 2008; 28:4275-84. [PMID: 18458062 PMCID: PMC2447150 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00369-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2008] [Revised: 04/01/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, the mechanisms of transactivation of gene expression by mouse metal response element-binding transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) were investigated. Evidence obtained from coimmunoprecipitation assays revealed that exposure of the cells to zinc resulted in the rapid formation of a multiprotein complex containing MTF-1, the histone acetyltransferase p300/CBP, and the transcription factor Sp1. Down-regulation of endogenous p300 expression by small interfering RNA transfection significantly decreased zinc-dependent metallothionein I (MT-I) gene transcription without altering induction of zinc transporter 1 (ZnT1). MTF-1 independently facilitated the recruitment of Sp1 and p300 to the protein complex in response to zinc. Mutagenesis demonstrated that the acidic domain, one of three transactivation domains of MTF-1, is required for recruitment of p300 but not Sp1 as well as for zinc-dependent activation of MT-I gene transcription. Furthermore, mutation of leucine residues (L-->A) within a nuclear exclusion signal in the MTF-1 acidic domain impaired recruitment of p300 and zinc-dependent activation of the MT-I gene. Nuclear magnetic resonance characterization of an isolated protein fragment corresponding to the MTF-1 acidic region demonstrated that this region is largely unstructured in the presence and absence of excess stoichiometric amounts of zinc. This suggests that the mechanism by which MTF-1 recruits p300 to this complex involves extrinsic-zinc-dependent steps. These studies reveal a novel zinc-responsive mechanism requiring an acidic region of MTF-1 that functions as a nuclear exclusion signal as well as participating in formation of a coactivator complex essential for transactivation of MT-I gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mail Stop 3030, University of Kansas Medical Center, 39th and Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160-7421, USA
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32
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Vardanyan A, Atanesyan L, Egli D, Raja SJ, Steinmann-Zwicky M, Renkawitz-Pohl R, Georgiev O, Schaffner W. Dumpy-30 family members as determinants of male fertility and interaction partners of metal-responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) in Drosophila. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2008; 8:68. [PMID: 18588663 PMCID: PMC2478662 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-8-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2008] [Accepted: 06/27/2008] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metal-responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF-1), which binds to metal response elements (MREs), plays a central role in transition metal detoxification and homeostasis. A Drosophila interactome analysis revealed two candidate dMTF-1 interactors, both of which are related to the small regulatory protein Dumpy-30 (Dpy-30) of the worm C. elegans. Dpy-30 is the founding member of a protein family involved in chromatin modifications, notably histone methylation. Mutants affect mating type in yeast and male mating in C. elegans. RESULTS Constitutive expression of the stronger interactor, Dpy-30L1 (CG6444), in transgenic flies inhibits MTF-1 activity and results in elevated sensitivity to Cd(II) and Zn(II), an effect that could be rescued by co-overexpression of dMTF-1. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) suggest that Dpy-30L1 interferes with the binding of MTF-1 to its cognate MRE binding site. Dpy-30L1 is expressed in the larval brain, gonads, imaginal discs, salivary glands and in the brain, testes, ovaries and salivary glands of adult flies. Expression of the second interactor, Dpy-30L2 (CG11591), is restricted to larval male gonads, and to the testes of adult males. Consistent with these findings, dpy-30-like transcripts are also prominently expressed in mouse testes. Targeted gene disruption by homologous recombination revealed that dpy-30L1 knockout flies are viable and show no overt disruption of metal homeostasis. In contrast, the knockout of the male-specific dpy-30L2 gene results in male sterility, as does the double knockout of dpy-30L1 and dpy-30L2. A closer inspection showed that Dpy-30L2 is expressed in elongated spermatids but not in early or mature sperm. Mutant sperm had impaired motility and failed to accumulate in sperm storage organs of females. CONCLUSION Our studies help to elucidate the physiological roles of the Dumpy-30 proteins, which are conserved from yeast to humans and typically act in concert with other nuclear proteins to modify chromatin structure and gene expression. The results from these studies reveal an inhibitory effect of Dpy-30L1 on MTF-1 and an essential role for Dpy-30L2 in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Vardanyan
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Zurich, Winterthurer St. 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lilit Atanesyan
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Zurich, Winterthurer St. 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dieter Egli
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Zurich, Winterthurer St. 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sunil Jayaramaiah Raja
- Philipps-University, Dept. Developmental Biology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Monica Steinmann-Zwicky
- Zoological Institute, University of Zurich, Winterthurer St. 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Renate Renkawitz-Pohl
- Philipps-University, Dept. Developmental Biology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Oleg Georgiev
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Zurich, Winterthurer St. 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Walter Schaffner
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Zurich, Winterthurer St. 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Kambe T, Weaver BP, Andrews GK. The genetics of essential metal homeostasis during development. Genesis 2008; 46:214-28. [PMID: 18395838 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.20382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The essential metals copper, zinc, and iron play key roles in embryonic, fetal, and postnatal development in higher eukaryotes. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecules involved in the intricate control of the homeostasis of these metals and the availability of natural mutations and targeted mutations in many of the genes involved have allowed for elucidation of the diverse roles of these metals during development. Evidence suggests that the ability of the embryo to control the homeostasis of these metals becomes essential at the blastocyst stage and during early morphogenesis. However, these metals play unique roles throughout development and exert pleiotropic, metal-specific, and often cell-specific effects on morphogenesis, growth, and differentiation. Herein, we briefly review the major players known to be involved in the homeostasis of each of these essential metals and their known roles in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiho Kambe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160-7421, USA
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34
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LaRochelle O, Labbé S, Harrisson JF, Simard C, Tremblay V, St-Gelais G, Govindan MV, Séguin C. Nuclear factor-1 and metal transcription factor-1 synergistically activate the mouse metallothionein-1 gene in response to metal ions. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:8190-201. [PMID: 18230604 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m800640200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal activation of metallothionein (MT) gene transcription is dependent on the presence of metal regulatory elements (MREs), which are present in five non-identical copies (MREa through MREe) in the promoter of the mouse MT-1 gene and on the capacity of metal transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) to bind to the MREs in the presence of zinc. We detected a protein, distinct from MTF-1, specifically binding to the MREc region. DNA binding competition experiments using synthetic oligonucleotides and specific anti-NF1 antibodies showed that this protein binds to an NF1 site overlapping the MREc element as well as to a second site upstream of the Sp1a site and corresponds to NF1 or a related protein. Transfection experiments showed that loss of the two NF1 sites decreased metal-induced MT promoter activity by 55-70% in transiently transfected cells and almost completely abrogated metal and tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) induction in stably transfected cells. Similarly, expression of an inactive NF1 protein strongly inhibited MT-1 promoter activity. Using synthetic promoters containing NF1 and MRE sites fused to a minimal MT promoter, we showed that these NF1 sites did not confer metal induction but enhanced metal-induced promoter activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that NF1 binds to the mouse MT-1 promoter in vivo and showed that NF1 binding is zinc-inducible. In addition, zinc-induced NF1 DNA binding was MTF-1-dependent. Taken together, these studies show that NF1 acts synergistically with MTF-1 to activate the mouse MT-1 promoter in response to metal ions and tert-butylhydroquinone and contributes to maximal activation of the gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier LaRochelle
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de l'Université Laval, CHUQ, Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec, Canada
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Murphy BJ, Kimura T, Sato BG, Shi Y, Andrews GK. Metallothionein induction by hypoxia involves cooperative interactions between metal-responsive transcription factor-1 and hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1alpha. Mol Cancer Res 2008; 6:483-90. [PMID: 18337454 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-07-0341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian metallothionein (MT) genes are transcriptionally activated by the essential metal zinc as well as by environmental stresses, including toxic metal overload and redox fluctuations. In addition to playing a key role in zinc homeostasis, MT proteins can protect against metal- and oxidant-induced cellular damage, and may participate in other fundamental physiologic and pathologic processes such as cell survival, proliferation, and neoplasia. Previously, our group reported a requirement for metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) in hypoxia-induced transcription of mouse MT-I and human MT-IIA genes. Here, we provide evidence that the protumorigenic hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) is essential for induction of MT-1 by hypoxia, but not zinc. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that MTF-1 and HIF-1alpha are both recruited to the mouse MT-I promoter in response to hypoxia, but not zinc. In the absence of HIF-1alpha, MTF-1 is recruited to the MT-I promoter but fails to activate MT-I gene expression in response to hypoxia. Thus, HIF-1alpha seems to function as a coactivator of MT-I gene transcription by interacting with MTF-1 during hypoxia. Coimmunoprecipitation studies suggest interaction between MTF-1 and HIF-1alpha, either directly or as mediated by other factors. It is proposed that association of these important transcription factors in a multiprotein complex represents a common strategy to control unique sets of hypoxia-inducible genes in both normal and diseased tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Murphy
- Biosciences Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.
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Thiersch M, Raffelsberger W, Frigg R, Samardzija M, Wenzel A, Poch O, Grimm C. Analysis of the retinal gene expression profile after hypoxic preconditioning identifies candidate genes for neuroprotection. BMC Genomics 2008; 9:73. [PMID: 18261226 PMCID: PMC2270833 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-9-73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2007] [Accepted: 02/08/2008] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Retinal degeneration is a main cause of blindness in humans. Neuroprotective therapies may be used to rescue retinal cells and preserve vision. Hypoxic preconditioning stabilizes the transcription factor HIF-1α in the retina and strongly protects photoreceptors in an animal model of light-induced retinal degeneration. To address the molecular mechanisms of the protection, we analyzed the transcriptome of the hypoxic retina using microarrays and real-time PCR. Results Hypoxic exposure induced a marked alteration in the retinal transcriptome with significantly different expression levels of 431 genes immediately after hypoxic exposure. The normal expression profile was restored within 16 hours of reoxygenation. Among the differentially regulated genes, several candidates for neuroprotection were identified like metallothionein-1 and -2, the HIF-1 target gene adrenomedullin and the gene encoding the antioxidative and cytoprotective enzyme paraoxonase 1 which was previously not known to be a hypoxia responsive gene in the retina. The strongly upregulated cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p21 was excluded from being essential for neuroprotection. Conclusion Our data suggest that neuroprotection after hypoxic preconditioning is the result of the differential expression of a multitude of genes which may act in concert to protect visual cells against a toxic insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Thiersch
- Lab of Retinal Cell Biology, Dept Ophthalmology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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37
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Weaver BP, Dufner-Beattie J, Kambe T, Andrews GK. Novel zinc-responsive post-transcriptional mechanisms reciprocally regulate expression of the mouse Slc39a4 and Slc39a5 zinc transporters (Zip4 and Zip5). Biol Chem 2008; 388:1301-12. [PMID: 18020946 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2007.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Dietary zinc deficiency in mice is accompanied by enhanced expression of the zinc uptake transporter Slc39a4 (Zip4) and repressed expression of Slc39a5 (Zip5) in tissues which regulate zinc homeostasis (intestine, pancreas and visceral yolk sac). Herein, mechanisms controlling this differential expression were investigated. The induction of Zip4 mRNA during zinc deficiency, and its repression in response to zinc repletion were found to reflect changes in Zip4 mRNA stability and not changes in the relative rate of transcription of this gene. During zinc deficiency, ZIP4 protein levels are increased and this protein is localized on the apical membranes. Administration of an oral gavage of zinc caused ZIP4 internalization and degradation in enterocytes and visceral endoderm cells. Similarly, ZIP4 is induced by zinc deficiency in cultured mouse Hepa cells and is rapidly degraded in response to added zinc. Zip5 mRNA abundance does not change in response to zinc, but the translation of this mRNA was found to be zinc-responsive. During zinc deficiency, Zip5 mRNA remains associated with polysomes, while the protein is internalized and degraded in enterocytes, acinar cells and endoderm cells. After zinc-gavage, ZIP5 is rapidly resynthesized and targeted to the basolateral membranes of these cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P Weaver
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160-7421, USA.
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Huang S, Li X, Yusufzai TM, Qiu Y, Felsenfeld G. USF1 recruits histone modification complexes and is critical for maintenance of a chromatin barrier. Mol Cell Biol 2007; 27:7991-8002. [PMID: 17846119 PMCID: PMC2169148 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01326-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The insulator element at the 5' end of the chicken beta-globin locus acts as a barrier, protecting transgenes against silencing effects of adjacent heterochromatin. We showed earlier that the transcription factor USF1 binds within the insulator and that this site is important for generating in adjacent nucleosomes histone modifications associated with active chromatin and, by inference, with barrier function. To understand the mechanism of USF1 action, we have characterized USF1-containing complexes. USF1 interacts directly with the histone H4R3-specific methyltransferase PRMT1. USF1, PRMT1, and the histone acetyltransferases (HATs) PCAF and SRC-1 form a complex with both H4R3 histone methyltransferase and HAT activities. Small interfering RNA downregulation of USF1 results in localized loss of H4R3 methylation, and other histone modifications associated with euchromatin, at the insulator. A dominant negative peptide that interferes with USF1 binding to DNA causes silencing of an insulated reporter construct, indicating abolition of barrier function. These results show that USF1 plays a direct role in maintaining the barrier, supporting a model in which the insulator works as a barrier by maintaining a local environment of active chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suming Huang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0540, USA.
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Laity JH, Andrews GK. Understanding the mechanisms of zinc-sensing by metal-response element binding transcription factor-1 (MTF-1). Arch Biochem Biophys 2007; 463:201-10. [PMID: 17462582 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2007.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2007] [Revised: 03/16/2007] [Accepted: 03/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of divalent zinc has been observed in a wide range of organisms. Since this metal is an essential nutrient, but also toxic in excess, zinc homeostasis is crucial for normal cellular functioning. The metal-responsive-element-binding transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) is a key regulator of zinc in higher eukaryotes ranging from insects to mammals. MTF-1 controls the expression of metallothioneins (MTs) and a number of other genes directly involved in the intracellular sequestration and transport of zinc. Although the diverse functions of MTF-1 extend well beyond zinc homeostasis to include stress-responses to heavy metal toxicity, oxidative stress, and selected chemical agents, in this review we focus on the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms whereby MTF-1 regulates MT gene expression to protect the cell from fluctuations in environmental zinc. Particular emphasis is devoted to recent studies involving the Cys2His2 zinc finger DNA-binding domain of MTF-1, which is an important contributor to the zinc-sensing and metal-dependent transcriptional activation functions of this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Laity
- Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics, School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110-2499, USA.
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Li Y, Kimura T, Laity JH, Andrews GK. The zinc-sensing mechanism of mouse MTF-1 involves linker peptides between the zinc fingers. Mol Cell Biol 2006; 26:5580-7. [PMID: 16847313 PMCID: PMC1592782 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00471-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2006] [Revised: 05/06/2006] [Accepted: 05/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse metal response element-binding transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) regulates the transcription of genes in response to a variety of stimuli, including exposure to zinc or cadmium, hypoxia, and oxidative stress. Each of these stresses may increase labile cellular zinc, leading to nuclear translocation, DNA binding, and transcriptional activation of metallothionein genes (MT genes) by MTF-1. Several lines of evidence suggest that the highly conserved six-zinc finger DNA-binding domain of MTF-1 also functions as a zinc-sensing domain. In this study, we investigated the potential role of the peptide linkers connecting the four N-terminal zinc fingers of MTF-1 in their zinc-sensing function. Each of these three linkers is unique, completely conserved among all known vertebrate MTF-1 orthologs, and different from the canonical Cys2His2 zinc finger TGEKP linker sequence. Replacing the RGEYT linker between zinc fingers 1 and 2 with TGEKP abolished the zinc-sensing function of MTF-1, resulting in constitutive DNA binding, nuclear translocation, and transcriptional activation of the MT-I gene. In contrast, swapping the TKEKP linker between fingers 2 and 3 with TGEKP had little effect on the metal-sensing functions of MTF-1, whereas swapping the canonical linker for the shorter TGKT linker between fingers 3 and 4 rendered MTF-1 less sensitive to zinc-dependent activation both in vivo and in vitro. These observations suggest a mechanism by which physiological concentrations of accessible cellular zinc affect MTF-1 activity. Zinc may modulate highly specific, linker-mediated zinc finger interactions in MTF-1, thus affecting its zinc- and DNA-binding activities, resulting in translocation to the nucleus and binding to the MT-I gene promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mail Stop 3030, University of Kansas Medical Center, 39th and Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160-7421, USA
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Rubenstrunk A, Trollet C, Orsini C, Scherman D. Positive in vivo heterologous gene regulation by electric pulses delivery with metallothionein I gene promoter. J Gene Med 2006; 7:1565-72. [PMID: 16142828 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vivo electrotransfer is a physical method of gene delivery in various tissues and organs. It is a promising strategy for the systemic secretion of therapeutic proteins and for DNA vaccination. Nevertheless, for the success of gene therapy in clinics, it is essential to develop gene regulation systems. The existing systems described in the literature all rely on the creation of an artificial transcription factor and/or an inducer drug. New strategies based on endogenous regulatable elements are being developed. We have previously identified the murine metallothionein promoter as an endogenous promoter inducible by controlled electric stimuli applied for electrotransfer experiments. We report here a regulation strategy based on this murine metallothionein promoter in a plasmid context using electric pulses delivery as an inducer. METHODS Plasmids containing different constructions of the murine metallothionein I (mMT-I) promoter were transfected in mice tibialis-cranalis muscles using the simple skeletal muscle electrotransfer method. The regulation system was studied with the murine secreted alkaline phosphatase (MUSEAP) reporter gene. RESULTS The mMT-I promoter can be transiently induced in vivo by application of electric fields. Its inducibility was analyzed in a plasmid context. We demonstrated that the mechanism of this transcriptional induction is not mediated by the cellular entry of metal ions. The ARE (antioxidant-responsive element) sequence was identified as the element responsive to the electric field stimulation. CONCLUSIONS This time-control of the expression of a therapeutic gene by physical stimuli could be of value in the context of gene regulation for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Rubenstrunk
- UMR 7001 CNRS/ENSCP/Gencell S.A., Centre de Recherche de Vitry-Alfortville, 94403 Vitry Sur Seine, France
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Abstract
Emerging evidence demonstrates that heart disease may originate during fetal development. This review will focus on the role of maternal nutrition in the development of the fetal cardiovascular system. Emphasis will be placed upon the concept that nutritional inadequacies during gestation may be major programming stimuli that alter fetal cardiac, as well as vascular, physiology and predispose an individual to cardiovascular abnormalities in postnatal life. It is hypothesized that this research area will yield new information, resulting in improved fetal nutrition, growth and development through efficient maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy and will form the basis for nutritional strategies for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramjit S Tappia
- Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Research Centre (R3020), Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2H 2A6, Canada.
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Balesaria S, Hogstrand C. Identification, cloning and characterization of a plasma membrane zinc efflux transporter, TrZnT-1, from fugu pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes). Biochem J 2006; 394:485-93. [PMID: 16212555 PMCID: PMC1408679 DOI: 10.1042/bj20050627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
An orthologue of the mammalian ZnT-1 (zinc transporter-1) gene was cloned from the intestine of the torafugu pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes), demonstrating that this gene predates the evolution of land-living vertebrates. TrZnT-1 (T. rubripes ZnT-1) shares overall topology with other members of the ZnT-1 family of zinc transporters, with six TMs (transmembrane domains) including a large histidine-rich intracellular loop between TM IV and V and intracellular C- and N-termini. Expression of TrZnT-1 in a metallothionein acquiescent cell line suggested that this protein reduces intracellular Zn2+ levels. Manipulation of the transporting media showed that several externally applied hydrominerals had no effect on TrZnT-1 activity. However, addition of N-ethylmaleimide increased TrZnT-1-mediated transport, possibly by increasing intracellular free Zn2+ levels by Zn2+ release from carrier proteins. Generation of a specific antibody and subsequent immunocytochemistry on fixed cells overexpressing TrZnT-1 indicated that the protein is localized to the plasma membrane in these cells. The genomic organization of TrZnT-1 is the same as that in mammals with two exons. The upstream regulatory region of the TrZnT-1 gene contains several putative cis-acting elements, including metal-response elements and an Sp1 site. Analysis of the DNA contigs surrounding the TrZnT-1 gene reveal limited synteny between corresponding regions in the rat, mouse and human; however, this was very low, with only two syntenic genes, ZnT-1 and NEK2 (never in mitosis gene A-related kinase).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Balesaria
- King's College London, Nutritional Sciences Research Division, Department of Biochemistry, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Christer Hogstrand
- King's College London, Nutritional Sciences Research Division, Department of Biochemistry, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
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Huang ZL, Dufner-Beattie J, Andrews GK. Expression and regulation of SLC39A family zinc transporters in the developing mouse intestine. Dev Biol 2006; 295:571-9. [PMID: 16682017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2006] [Revised: 03/13/2006] [Accepted: 03/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Several ZIP genes (SLC39A family of metal transporters) play roles in zinc homeostasis. Herein, the temporal and spatial patterns of expression of the mouse ZIP1, 3, 4, and 5 genes in the developing intestine and the effects of maternal dietary zinc deficiency on these patterns of expression were examined. ZIP1 and ZIP3 genes, conserved members of the ZIP subfamily II, were found to be coexpressed during development. Expression of these genes was detected on day 14 of gestation in smooth muscle and the pseudostratified endoderm. By 5 days post-partum, prominent expression became restricted to muscle and connective stroma. In contrast, expression of ZIP4 and ZIP5 genes, members of the ZIP subfamily called LIV-1, coincided with epithelial morphogenesis. ZIP5 expression was detected on d16 of gestation and localized to the basolateral membranes of the single-layered epithelium. ZIP4 expression was detected on d18 of gestation and localized to the apical membrane of villus epithelial cells. When dams were fed a zinc-deficient diet beginning at parturition, ZIP4 expression in the nursing neonate was greatly induced. In contrast, neonatal ZIP5 expression remained unchanged, but this protein was removed from the basolateral membrane of the enterocyte. These responses to dietary zinc deficiency mimic those found in the adult intestine. These studies reveal cell-type-specific expression of ZIP genes during development of the intestine, and suggest that the mouse intestine can elicit an adaptive response to dietary zinc availability at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin L Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mail Stop 3030, University of Kansas Medical Center, 39th and Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160-7421, USA
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Abstract
Upstream stimulating factors, USF-1 and -2, are members of the evolutionary conserved basic-Helix-Loop-Helix-Leucine Zipper transcription factor family. The ubiquitously expressed USF-1 and -2 proteins of respectively 43 kDa and 44 kDa interact with high affinity to cognate E-box regulatory elements (CANNTG) which are particularly represented over the genome. The USF transcription factors are key regulatory elements of the transcriptional machinery mediating recruitment of chromatin remodelling enzymes, interacting with co-activators and members of the pre-initiation complex (PIC). Furthermore, transcriptionnal activity and DNA-binding of the USF proteins can be modulated by multiple ways including phosphorylation by distinct kinases (p38, protein kinase A and C, cdk1 and PI3Kinase), homo or heterodimerization formation and DNA modification of the E-box binding motif (methylation, SNP). Taken together, these parameters render very complex the understanding of the USF-dependent gene expression regulation. USF transcription factors have thus been involved as key regulators of a wide number of gene regulation network including stress and immune response, cell cycle and proliferation. This review will thus focus on general aspect of the USF transcription factors and their implications in some regulatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Corre
- CNRS UMR 6061, Laboratoire de génétique et développement, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Rennes 1, France
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Thomas AD, Murray JD, Oberbauer AM. Transgene transmission to progeny by oMt1a-oGH transgenic mice. Transgenic Res 2005; 14:441-8. [PMID: 16201410 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-005-4349-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Most studies utilizing transgenic technology focus on the impact to traits of interest, rather than propagation of the transgene to offspring. In animals containing growth hormone constructs, transgene transmission to progeny follows a Mendelian pattern of inheritance in the first few generations following generation of a founder animal, but decreases in subsequent generations. In the present study, the ovine metallothionein 1a-ovine growth hormone (oMt1a-oGH) transgenic mouse was used to determine whether transgene transmission rate to progeny was affected by overexpression of ovine growth hormone in the transgenic parent. The oMt1a-oGH mouse is a useful model for assessing transgene transmission, as the construct is easily regulatable and transgene inactivation results in a return of plasma GH to basal levels. Male and female hemizygous oMt1a-oGH mice were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: (1) mice never actively expressing the transgene, (2) mice actively expressing the transgene from 3 weeks of age, and (3) mice actively expressing the transgene from 3 to 11 (males) or 3 to 8 (females) weeks of age. Transgenic mice were mated to wild type animals and the resulting progeny were genotyped. Males never actively expressing the transgene passed on the transgene to progeny in a Mendelian fashion, while males actively expressing the transgene transmitted the transgene to a smaller than expected number of progeny. However, following inactivation of the oMt1a-oGH construct in transgenic males, subsequent offspring demonstrated Mendelian inheritance of the transgene. In contrast, females expressing the transgene from 3 to 8 weeks of age were able to pass on the oMt1a-oGH construct in a Mendelian fashion, but females from other treatment groups were not. In oMt1a-oGH males, reduced transgene transmission appears to be due to selection against transgenic gametes. In females, however, selection against the transgenic genotype likely occurs at the embryonic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Thomas
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Corre S, Galibert MD. Upstream stimulating factors: highly versatile stress-responsive transcription factors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 18:337-48. [PMID: 16162174 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0749.2005.00262.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Upstream stimulating factors (USF), USF-1 and USF-2, are members of the eucaryotic evolutionary conserved basic-Helix-Loop-Helix-Leucine Zipper transcription factor family. They interact with high affinity to cognate E-box regulatory elements (CANNTG), which are largely represented across the whole genome in eucaryotes. The ubiquitously expressed USF-transcription factors participate in distinct transcriptional processes, mediating recruitment of chromatin remodelling enzymes and interacting with co-activators and members of the transcription pre-initiation complex. Results obtained from both cell lines and knock-out mice indicates that USF factors are key regulators of a wide number of gene regulation networks, including the stress and immune responses, cell cycle and proliferation, lipid and glucid metabolism, and in melanocytes USF-1 has been implicated as a key UV-activated regulator of genes associated with pigmentation. This review will focus on general characteristics of the USF-transcription factors and their place in some regulatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Corre
- CNRS UMR 6061 Laboratoire de Génétique et Développement, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Rennes-1, Rennes Cedex, France
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Yin H, Smith M, Glass J. Stable expression of C/EBPalpha in prostate cancer cells down-regulates metallothionein and increases zinc-induced toxicity. Prostate 2005; 62:209-16. [PMID: 15389791 DOI: 10.1002/pros.20136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transcription factor C/EBPalpha regulates terminal differentiation of various cell types. C/EBPalpha is expressed in prostate epithelium but its role in prostate development and malignant transformation is unknown. In examining the effect of forced expression of C/EBPalpha on the global gene expression profile in prostate cancer cells, we found that C/EBPalpha significantly decreased the RNA level of metallothioneins (MTs). METHODS The prostate cancer cell lines DU145, LNCaP, and PC3 with stable overexpression of C/EBPalpha were established with a retroviral expression system. MT expression was assayed by Western blot analysis and with the MT promoter in a plasmid using luciferase as a reporter. RESULTS Under basal conditions and in response to zinc, forced overexpression of C/EBPalpha decreased expression of MT isoforms 1A, B, F, and H, IIA and III. Following zinc exposure C/EBPalpha inhibited MT promoter activity by 1.5-2.5-fold. Overexpression of C/EBPalpha led to increased cytotoxicity of zinc at concentration of 150 microM in DU145 and LNCaP cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrated that expression of MTs in prostate cancer cells is inhibited by C/EBPalpha and the effect may have functional significance in regulating the growth of prostate cancer cells and the response of these cells to environment stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yin
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130, USA
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Tamura Y, Maruyama M, Mishima Y, Fujisawa H, Obata M, Kodama Y, Yoshikai Y, Aoyagi Y, Niwa O, Schaffner W, Kominami R. Predisposition to mouse thymic lymphomas in response to ionizing radiation depends on variant alleles encoding metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (Mtf-1). Oncogene 2005; 24:399-406. [PMID: 15516976 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1208197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2004] [Revised: 09/07/2004] [Accepted: 09/16/2004] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Genetic predisposition to cancers is significant to public health because a high proportion of cancers probably arise in a susceptible human subpopulation. Using a mouse model of gamma-ray-induced thymic lymphomas, we performed linkage analysis and haplotype mapping that suggested Mtf-1, metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (Mtf-1), as a candidate lymphoma susceptibility gene. Sequence analysis revealed a polymorphism of Mtf-1 that alters the corresponding amino acid at position 424 in the proline-rich domain from a serine in susceptibility strains to proline in resistant strains. The transcriptional activity of Mtf-1 encoding serine and proline was compared by transfecting the DNA to Mtf-1-null cells, and the change to proline conferred a higher metal responsiveness in transfections. Furthermore, the resistant congenic strains possessing the Mtf-1 allele of proline type exhibited higher radiation inducibility of target genes than susceptible background strains having the Mtf-1 allele of serine type. Since products of the targets such as metallothionein are able to suppress cellular stresses generated by irradiation, these results suggest that highly inducible strains having Mtf-1 of proline type are refractory to radiation effects and hence are resistant to lymphoma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Tamura
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Asahimachi 1-757, Niigata 951-8122, Japan
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Duffy JY, Overmann GJ, Keen CL, Clegg MS, Daston GP. Cardiac abnormalities induced by zinc deficiency are associated with alterations in the expression of genes regulated by the zinc-finger transcription factor GATA-4. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 71:102-9. [PMID: 15098203 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) deficiency during pregnancy results in a wide variety of developmental abnormalities. The objective of this study was to determine if expression of cardiac developmental genes regulated by Zn-finger transcription factors could be modulated during dietary Zn deficiency. Rats were fed 0.5 (low Zn) or 90 (controls) microg Zn/g diet throughout pregnancy. Fetal development was examined and RNA isolated at gestation day (GD) 13 and 20. Cardiac abnormalities were detected at GD 20 in 82% of fetuses from dams fed low Zn diets compared with only 2% in controls. Cardiac developmental gene expression regulated by the Zn-finger transcription factor, GATA-4, was measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In GD 13 and 20 hearts, two genes critical for heart development, alpha-myosin heavy chain (alpha-MHC) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI), were down-regulated in Zn-deficient fetuses. Expression of alpha-MHC was 66 and 40% lower at GD 13 and 20, respectively, in fetuses from dams fed low Zn diets compared with fetuses from control dams (p<0.05). Fetal cardiac TnI RNA levels were reduced 40 and 45% at GD 13 and 20 in the Zn-deficient group compared with controls (p<0.05). Fetal cardiac transcript levels of GATA-4 and MHox, a gene regulated by a helix-loop-helix transcription factor, whose expressions are not Zn-dependent, were unaffected by diet. These data indicated that alterations in gene regulation might be an underlying mechanism of cardiac abnormalities. Dysfunction of other Zn-dependent transcription factors may be an integral part of the extensive teratogenesis associated with Zn deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Y Duffy
- Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.
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