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Freund MM, Harrison MM, Torres-Zelada EF. Exploring the reciprocity between pioneer factors and development. Development 2024; 151:dev201921. [PMID: 38958075 PMCID: PMC11266817 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201921] [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] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Development is regulated by coordinated changes in gene expression. Control of these changes in expression is largely governed by the binding of transcription factors to specific regulatory elements. However, the packaging of DNA into chromatin prevents the binding of many transcription factors. Pioneer factors overcome this barrier owing to unique properties that enable them to bind closed chromatin, promote accessibility and, in so doing, mediate binding of additional factors that activate gene expression. Because of these properties, pioneer factors act at the top of gene-regulatory networks and drive developmental transitions. Despite the ability to bind target motifs in closed chromatin, pioneer factors have cell type-specific chromatin occupancy and activity. Thus, developmental context clearly shapes pioneer-factor function. Here, we discuss this reciprocal interplay between pioneer factors and development: how pioneer factors control changes in cell fate and how cellular environment influences pioneer-factor binding and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan M. Freund
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 52706, USA
| | - Melissa M. Harrison
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 52706, USA
| | - Eliana F. Torres-Zelada
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 52706, USA
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Ertl HA, Bayala EX, Siddiq MA, Wittkopp PJ. Divergence of Grainy head affects chromatin accessibility, gene expression, and embryonic viability in Drosophila melanogaster. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.07.588430. [PMID: 38645200 PMCID: PMC11030446 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.07.588430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Pioneer factors are critical for gene regulation and development because they bind chromatin and make DNA more accessible for binding by other transcription factors. The pioneer factor Grainy head (Grh) is present across metazoans and has been shown to retain a role in epithelium development in fruit flies, nematodes, and mice despite extensive divergence in both amino acid sequence and length. Here, we investigate the evolution of Grh function by comparing the effects of the fly ( Drosophila melanogaster ) and worm ( Caenorhabditis elegans ) Grh orthologs on chromatin accessibility, gene expression, embryonic development, and viability in transgenic D. melanogaster . We found that the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog rescued cuticle development but not full embryonic viability in Drosophila melanogaster grh null mutants. At the molecular level, the C. elegans ortholog only partially rescued chromatin accessibility and gene expression. Divergence in the disordered N-terminus of the Grh protein contributes to these differences in embryonic viability and molecular phenotypes. These data show how pioneer factors can diverge in sequence and function at the molecular level while retaining conserved developmental functions at the organismal level. SUMMARY STATEMENT Despite divergence in a disordered region that affects function at both molecular and organismal levels, the Caenorhabditis elegans Grainy head (Grh) protein rescued cuticle morphology in D. melanogaster embryos.
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Wang Z, Sun W, Hua R, Wang Y, Li Y, Zhang H. Promising dawn in tumor microenvironment therapy: engineering oral bacteria. Int J Oral Sci 2024; 16:24. [PMID: 38472176 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-024-00282-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research, cancer continues to be a major global health concern. The human mouth appears to be a multiplicity of local environments communicating with other organs and causing diseases via microbes. Nowadays, the role of oral microbes in the development and progression of cancer has received increasing scrutiny. At the same time, bioengineering technology and nanotechnology is growing rapidly, in which the physiological activities of natural bacteria are modified to improve the therapeutic efficiency of cancers. These engineered bacteria were transformed to achieve directed genetic reprogramming, selective functional reorganization and precise control. In contrast to endotoxins produced by typical genetically modified bacteria, oral flora exhibits favorable biosafety characteristics. To outline the current cognitions upon oral microbes, engineered microbes and human cancers, related literatures were searched and reviewed based on the PubMed database. We focused on a number of oral microbes and related mechanisms associated with the tumor microenvironment, which involve in cancer occurrence and development. Whether engineering oral bacteria can be a possible application of cancer therapy is worth consideration. A deeper understanding of the relationship between engineered oral bacteria and cancer therapy may enhance our knowledge of tumor pathogenesis thus providing new insights and strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wansu Sun
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ruixue Hua
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanyin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Hengguo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Meeuse MWM, Hauser YP, Nahar S, Smith AAT, Braun K, Azzi C, Rempfler M, Großhans H. C. elegans molting requires rhythmic accumulation of the Grainyhead/LSF transcription factor GRH-1. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111895. [PMID: 36688410 PMCID: PMC9929640 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
C. elegans develops through four larval stages that are rhythmically terminated by molts, that is, the synthesis and shedding of a cuticular exoskeleton. Each larval cycle involves rhythmic accumulation of thousands of transcripts, which we show here relies on rhythmic transcription. To uncover the responsible gene regulatory networks (GRNs), we screened for transcription factors that promote progression through the larval stages and identified GRH-1, BLMP-1, NHR-23, NHR-25, MYRF-1, and BED-3. We further characterize GRH-1, a Grainyhead/LSF transcription factor, whose orthologues in other animals are key epithelial cell-fate regulators. We find that GRH-1 depletion extends molt durations, impairs cuticle integrity and shedding, and causes larval death. GRH-1 is required for, and accumulates prior to, each molt, and preferentially binds to the promoters of genes expressed during this time window. Binding to the promoters of additional genes identified in our screen furthermore suggests that we have identified components of a core molting-clock GRN. Since the mammalian orthologues of GRH-1, BLMP-1 and NHR-23, have been implicated in rhythmic homeostatic skin regeneration in mouse, the mechanisms underlying rhythmic C. elegans molting may apply beyond nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milou W M Meeuse
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Yannick P Hauser
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Smita Nahar
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
| | | | - Kathrin Braun
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
| | - Chiara Azzi
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Markus Rempfler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
| | - Helge Großhans
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
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5
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Ertl HA, Hill MS, Wittkopp PJ. Differential Grainy head binding correlates with variation in chromatin structure and gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:854. [PMID: 36575386 PMCID: PMC9795675 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-09082-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic evolution is often caused by variation in gene expression resulting from altered gene regulatory mechanisms. Genetic variation affecting chromatin remodeling has been identified as a potential source of variable gene expression; however, the roles of specific chromatin remodeling factors remain unclear. Here, we address this knowledge gap by examining the relationship between variation in gene expression, variation in chromatin structure, and variation in binding of the pioneer factor Grainy head between imaginal wing discs of two divergent strains of Drosophila melanogaster and their F1 hybrid. We find that (1) variation in Grainy head binding is mostly due to sequence changes that act in cis but are located outside of the canonical Grainy head binding motif, (2) variation in Grainy head binding correlates with changes in chromatin accessibility, and (3) this variation in chromatin accessibility, coupled with variation in Grainy head binding, correlates with variation in gene expression in some cases but not others. Interactions among these three molecular layers is complex, but these results suggest that genetic variation affecting the binding of pioneer factors contributes to variation in chromatin remodeling and the evolution of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry A. Ertl
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Mark S. Hill
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Present address: Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute and The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Patricia J. Wittkopp
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA ,grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
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Pinto PB, Domsch K, Lohmann I. Hox function and specificity – A tissue centric view. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022:S1084-9521(22)00353-6. [PMID: 36517344 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Since their discovery, the Hox genes, with their incredible power to reprogram the identity of complete body regions, a phenomenon called homeosis, have captured the fascination of many biologists. Recent research has provided new insights into the function of Hox proteins in different germ layers and the mechanisms they employ to control tissue morphogenesis. We focus in this review on the ectoderm and mesoderm to highlight new findings and discuss them with regards to established concepts of Hox target gene regulation. Furthermore, we highlight the molecular mechanisms involved the transcriptional repression of specific groups of Hox target genes, and summarize the role of Hox mediated gene silencing in tissue development. Finally, we reflect on recent findings identifying a large number of tissue-specific Hox interactor partners, which open up new avenues and directions towards a better understanding of Hox function and specificity in different tissues.
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Structural and Functional Insights into CP2c Transcription Factor Complexes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126369. [PMID: 35742810 PMCID: PMC9223585 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CP2c, also known as TFCP2, α-CP2, LSF, and LBP-1c, is a prototypic member of the transcription factor (TF) CP2 subfamily involved in diverse ubiquitous and tissue/stage-specific cellular processes and in human malignancies including cancer. Despite its importance, many fundamental regulatory mechanisms of CP2c are still unclear. Here, we uncover unprecedented structural and functional aspects of CP2c using DSP crosslinking and Western blot in addition to conventional methods. We found that a monomeric form of a CP2c homotetramer (tCP2c; [C4]) binds to the known CP2c-binding DNA motif (CNRG-N(5~6)-CNRG), whereas a dimeric form of a CP2c, CP2b, and PIAS1 heterohexamer ([C2B2P2]2) binds to the three consecutive CP2c half-sites or two staggered CP2c binding motifs, where the [C4] exerts a pioneering function for recruiting the [C2B2P2]2 to the target. All CP2c exists as a [C4], or as a [C2B2P2]2 or [C2B2P2]4 in the nucleus. Importantly, one additional cytosolic heterotetrameric CP2c and CP2a complex, ([C2A2]), exerts some homeostatic regulation of the nuclear complexes. These data indicate that these findings are essential for the transcriptional regulation of CP2c in cells within relevant timescales, providing clues not only for the transcriptional regulation mechanism by CP2c but also for future therapeutics targeting CP2c function.
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Gasperoni JG, Fuller JN, Darido C, Wilanowski T, Dworkin S. Grainyhead-like (Grhl) Target Genes in Development and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052735. [PMID: 35269877 PMCID: PMC8911041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Grainyhead-like (GRHL) factors are essential, highly conserved transcription factors (TFs) that regulate processes common to both natural cellular behaviours during embryogenesis, and de-regulation of growth and survival pathways in cancer. Serving to drive the transcription, and therefore activation of multiple co-ordinating pathways, the three GRHL family members (GRHL1-3) are a critical conduit for modulating the molecular landscape that guides cellular decision-making processes during proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration. Animal models and in vitro approaches harbouring GRHL loss or gain-of-function are key research tools to understanding gene function, which gives confidence that resultant phenotypes and cellular behaviours may be translatable to humans. Critically, identifying and characterising the target genes to which these factors bind is also essential, as they allow us to discover and understand novel genetic pathways that could ultimately be used as targets for disease diagnosis, drug discovery and therapeutic strategies. GRHL1-3 and their transcriptional targets have been shown to drive comparable cellular processes in Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish and mice, and have recently also been implicated in the aetiology and/or progression of a number of human congenital disorders and cancers of epithelial origin. In this review, we will summarise the state of knowledge pertaining to the role of the GRHL family target genes in both development and cancer, primarily through understanding the genetic pathways transcriptionally regulated by these factors across disparate disease contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemma G. Gasperoni
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (J.G.G.); (J.N.F.)
| | - Jarrad N. Fuller
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (J.G.G.); (J.N.F.)
| | - Charbel Darido
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia;
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Tomasz Wilanowski
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Sebastian Dworkin
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (J.G.G.); (J.N.F.)
- Correspondence:
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Grigolon G, Araldi E, Erni R, Wu JY, Thomas C, La Fortezza M, Laube B, Pöhlmann D, Stoffel M, Zarse K, Carreira EM, Ristow M, Fischer F. Grainyhead 1 acts as a drug-inducible conserved transcriptional regulator linked to insulin signaling and lifespan. Nat Commun 2022; 13:107. [PMID: 35013237 PMCID: PMC8748497 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27732-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is impacted by interventions across species, often converging on metabolic pathways. Transcription factors regulate longevity yet approaches for their pharmacological modulation to exert geroprotection remain sparse. We show that increased expression of the transcription factor Grainyhead 1 (GRH-1) promotes lifespan and pathogen resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans. A compound screen identifies FDA-approved drugs able to activate human GRHL1 and promote nematodal GRH-1-dependent longevity. GRHL1 activity is regulated by post-translational lysine methylation and the phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase C2A. Consistently, nematodal longevity following impairment of the PI 3-kinase or insulin/IGF-1 receptor requires grh-1. In BXD mice, Grhl1 expression is positively correlated with lifespan and insulin sensitivity. In humans, GRHL1 expression positively correlates with insulin receptor signaling and also with lifespan. Fasting blood glucose levels, including in individuals with type 2 diabetes, are negatively correlated with GRHL1 expression. Thereby, GRH-1/GRHL1 is identified as a pharmacologically malleable transcription factor impacting insulin signaling and lifespan. Life- and healthspan of organisms can be modulated by dietary, genetic, or pharmacological interventions, which often affect metabolic pathways. Here the authors report that Grainyhead 1 is an evolutionarily conserved, drug-inducible transcription factor that promotes longevity in C. elegans, and thus a potential target for the development of geroprotective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Grigolon
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Elisa Araldi
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland.,Metabolism and Metabolic Disease Laboratory, Institute for Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, CH-8093, Switzerland
| | - Reto Erni
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, CH-8093, Switzerland
| | - Jia Yee Wu
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Carolin Thomas
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Marco La Fortezza
- Evolutionary Biology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Systems Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, CH-8092, Switzerland
| | - Beate Laube
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Doris Pöhlmann
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Markus Stoffel
- Metabolism and Metabolic Disease Laboratory, Institute for Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, CH-8093, Switzerland
| | - Kim Zarse
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Erick M Carreira
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, CH-8093, Switzerland
| | - Michael Ristow
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland.
| | - Fabian Fischer
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland
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Deng Z, Cangkrama M, Butt T, Jane SM, Carpinelli MR. Grainyhead-like transcription factors: guardians of the skin barrier. Vet Dermatol 2021; 32:553-e152. [PMID: 33843098 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
There has been selective pressure to maintain a skin barrier since terrestrial animals evolved 360 million years ago. These animals acquired an unique integumentary system with a keratinized, stratified, squamous epithelium surface barrier. The barrier protects against dehydration and entry of microbes and toxins. The skin barrier centres on the stratum corneum layer of the epidermis and consists of cornified envelopes cemented by the intercorneocyte lipid matrix. Multiple components of the barrier undergo cross-linking by transglutaminase (TGM) enzymes, while keratins provide additional mechanical strength. Cellular tight junctions also are crucial for barrier integrity. The grainyhead-like (GRHL) transcription factors regulate the formation and maintenance of the integument in diverse species. GRHL3 is essential for formation of the skin barrier during embryonic development, whereas GRHL1 maintains the skin barrier postnatally. This is achieved by transactivation of Tgm1 and Tgm5, respectively. In addition to its barrier function, GRHL3 plays key roles in wound repair and as an epidermal tumour suppressor. In its former role, GRHL3 activates the planar cell polarity signalling pathway to mediate wound healing by providing directional migration cues. In squamous epithelium, GRHL3 regulates the balance between proliferation and differentiation, and its loss induces squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In the skin, this is mediated through increased expression of MIR21, which reduces the expression levels of GRHL3 and its direct target, PTEN, leading to activation of the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway. These data position the GRHL family as master regulators of epidermal homeostasis across a vast gulf of evolutionary history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Deng
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Cangkrama
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tariq Butt
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen M Jane
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marina R Carpinelli
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Zhao Z, Li L, Cheng M, Jing AD, Liu SN, Zhu SM, Du EX, Li S, Luan YX, Ren CH. Grainy head signaling regulates epithelium development and ecdysis in Blattella germanica. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:485-494. [PMID: 32174010 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor grainy head (Grh) functions in the protection of the epithelium against the external environment by generating strongly adhesive layers, and this function is conserved in vertebrates and invertebrates. In Drosophila, the top model for holometabolous insects, Grh is necessary during embryonic development, epidermal differentiation, central nervous system specification and epithelial repair. However, the function of this gene in hemimetabolous insect epithelia remains unknown. To examine the function of Grh signaling in regulating epithelium development in Hemimetabola, we focused on the Blattella germanica epidermal layer using a gene knockdown strategy. The spatiotemporal expression pattern of BgGrh was detected, and knockdown of BgGrh and BgCad96ca, which provide positive feedback to BgGrh, caused severe defects in new epithelium development and impeded the molting process required to discard the old integument. Knockdown of the expression of BgGrh and BgCad96ca caused increased expression of chitin synthase gene (BgCHS1) and chitinase gene (BgCht5), the upregulations of which should be mediated by the higher level of hormone receptor 3 (BgHr3) gene. In conclusion, epithelium development is regulated by Grh signaling, which might represent a potential target for the control of urban pest cockroaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Liang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Min Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - An-Di Jing
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Su-Ning Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shi-Ming Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Er-Xia Du
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yun-Xia Luan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chong-Hua Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Haeussler S, Yeroslaviz A, Rolland SG, Luehr S, Lambie EJ, Conradt B. Genome-wide RNAi screen for regulators of UPRmt in Caenorhabditis elegans mutants with defects in mitochondrial fusion. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6204483. [PMID: 33784383 PMCID: PMC8495942 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dynamics plays an important role in mitochondrial quality control and the adaptation of metabolic activity in response to environmental changes. The disruption of mitochondrial dynamics has detrimental consequences for mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis and leads to the activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), a quality control mechanism that adjusts cellular metabolism and restores homeostasis. To identify genes involved in the induction of UPRmt in response to a block in mitochondrial fusion, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen in Caenorhabditis elegans mutants lacking the gene fzo-1, which encodes the ortholog of mammalian Mitofusin, and identified 299 suppressors and 86 enhancers. Approximately 90% of these 385 genes are conserved in humans, and one third of the conserved genes have been implicated in human disease. Furthermore, many have roles in developmental processes, which suggests that mitochondrial function and the response to stress are defined during development and maintained throughout life. Our dataset primarily contains mitochondrial enhancers and non-mitochondrial suppressors of UPRmt, indicating that the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis has evolved as a critical cellular function, which, when disrupted, can be compensated for by many different cellular processes. Analysis of the subsets 'non-mitochondrial enhancers' and 'mitochondrial suppressors' suggests that organellar contact sites, especially between the ER and mitochondria, are of importance for mitochondrial homeostasis. In addition, we identified several genes involved in IP3 signaling that modulate UPRmt in fzo-1 mutants and found a potential link between pre-mRNA splicing and UPRmt activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Haeussler
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Assa Yeroslaviz
- Computational Biology Group, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stéphane G Rolland
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.,Center for Genomic Integrity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan 44919, South Korea
| | - Sebastian Luehr
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Eric J Lambie
- Center for Integrated Protein Science, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Barbara Conradt
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.,Center for Integrated Protein Science, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.,Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6AP, United Kingdom
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14
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Sundararajan V, Pang QY, Choolani M, Huang RYJ. Spotlight on the Granules (Grainyhead-Like Proteins) - From an Evolutionary Conserved Controller of Epithelial Trait to Pioneering the Chromatin Landscape. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:213. [PMID: 32974388 PMCID: PMC7471608 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the transcription factors that are conserved across phylogeny, the grainyhead family holds vital roles in driving the epithelial cell fate. In Drosophila, the function of grainyhead (grh) gene is essential during developmental processes such as epithelial differentiation, tracheal tube formation, maintenance of wing and hair polarity, and epidermal barrier wound repair. Three main mammalian orthologs of grh: Grainyhead-like 1-3 (GRHL1, GRHL2, and GRHL3) are highly conserved in terms of their gene structures and functions. GRHL proteins are essentially associated with the development and maintenance of the epithelial phenotype across diverse physiological conditions such as epidermal differentiation and craniofacial development as well as pathological functions including hearing impairment and neural tube defects. More importantly, through direct chromatin binding and induction of epigenetic alterations, GRHL factors function as potent suppressors of oncogenic cellular dedifferentiation program - epithelial-mesenchymal transition and its associated tumor-promoting phenotypes such as tumor cell migration and invasion. On the contrary, GRHL factors also induce pro-tumorigenic effects such as increased migration and anchorage-independent growth in certain tumor types. Furthermore, investigations focusing on the epithelial-specific activation of grh and GRHL factors have revealed that these factors potentially act as a pioneer factor in establishing a cell-type/cell-state specific accessible chromatin landscape that is exclusive for epithelial gene transcription. In this review, we highlight the essential roles of grh and GRHL factors during embryogenesis and pathogenesis, with a special focus on its emerging pioneering function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Sundararajan
- Center for Translational Medicine, Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qing You Pang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mahesh Choolani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ruby Yun-Ju Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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15
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Nevil M, Gibson TJ, Bartolutti C, Iyengar A, Harrison MM. Establishment of chromatin accessibility by the conserved transcription factor Grainy head is developmentally regulated. Development 2020; 147:dev185009. [PMID: 32098765 PMCID: PMC10624965 DOI: 10.1242/dev.185009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The dramatic changes in gene expression required for development necessitate the establishment of cis-regulatory modules defined by regions of accessible chromatin. Pioneer transcription factors have the unique property of binding closed chromatin and facilitating the establishment of these accessible regions. Nonetheless, much of how pioneer transcription factors coordinate changes in chromatin accessibility during development remains unknown. To determine whether pioneer-factor function is intrinsic to the protein or whether pioneering activity is developmentally modulated, we studied the highly conserved, essential transcription factor Grainy head (Grh). Prior work established that Grh is expressed throughout Drosophila development and is a pioneer factor in the larva. We demonstrated that Grh remains bound to mitotic chromosomes, a property shared with other pioneer factors. By assaying chromatin accessibility in embryos lacking maternal and/or zygotic Grh at three stages of development, we discovered that Grh is not required for chromatin accessibility in early embryogenesis, in contrast to its essential functions later in development. Our data reveal that the pioneering activity of Grh is temporally regulated and likely influenced by additional factors expressed at a given developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Nevil
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Tyler J Gibson
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Constantine Bartolutti
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Anusha Iyengar
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Melissa M Harrison
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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16
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He J, Feng C, Zhu H, Wu S, Jin P, Xu T. Grainyhead-like 2 as a double-edged sword in development and cancer. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:310-331. [PMID: 32194886 PMCID: PMC7061838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2), one of the three homologs of Drosophila grainyhead, contributes to epithelial morphogenesis and differentiation. Dysregulation of GRHL2 has been shown to be involved in hearing loss and neural tube defects during embryogenesis. Moreover, it is well-recognized that GRHL2 suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that is required for migration and invasion of carcinoma, implicating, GRHL2 in carcinogenesis. Diverse mechanisms, as well as the varied roles of GRHL2 in different tumor tissues, have been elucidated. However, the functions of GRHL2 appear to be more complicated than initially thought. GRHL2, acting as either a tumor enhancer or a tumor inhibitor, depends on the type of cancer. In this review, we summarize research progress about normal physiological functions of GRHL2 including epithelial morphogenesis, neural tube closure, and hearing loss. Moreover, the mechanisms of GRHL2 in tumorigenesis, containing EMT suppression, forming a negative feedback loop with ZEB1 and miR200 family, interactions with estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent signaling pathway, regulation of telomerase reverse transcriptase and relationships with TGF-beta signaling pathway are discussed in this review in an effort to better understand the roles of GRHL2 in a variety of cancers toward the goal of GRHL2-targeted treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chunyang Feng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun, Jilin, China
| | - He Zhu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shuying Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun, Jilin, China
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of MedicineAtlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Tianmin Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun, Jilin, China
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17
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Boivin FJ, Schmidt-Ott KM. Functional roles of Grainyhead-like transcription factors in renal development and disease. Pediatr Nephrol 2020; 35:181-190. [PMID: 30554362 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-018-4171-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proper renal function relies on the tightly regulated development of nephrons and collecting ducts. This process, known as tubulogenesis, involves dynamic cellular and molecular changes that instruct cells to form highly organized tubes of epithelial cells which compartmentalize the renal interstitium and tubular lumen via assembly of a selective barrier. The integrity and diversity of the various renal epithelia is achieved via formation of intercellular protein complexes along the apical-basal axis of the epithelial cells. In recent years, the evolutionarily conserved family of Grainyhead-like (GRHL) transcription factors which encompasses three mammalian family members (Grainyhead-like 1, 2, 3) has emerged as a group of critical regulators for organ development, epithelial differentiation, and barrier formation. Evidence from transgenic animal models supports the presence of Grainyhead-like-dependent transcriptional mechanisms that promote formation and maintenance of epithelial barriers in the kidney. In this review, we highlight different Grhl-dependent mechanisms that modulate epithelial differentiation in the kidney. Additionally, we discuss how disruptions in these mechanisms result in impaired renal function later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix J Boivin
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai M Schmidt-Ott
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Nephrology, Charité Medical University, Berlin, Germany.
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18
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Yang W, Xiao Y, Tian T, Jin L, Wang L, Ren A. Genetic variants in GRHL3 and risk for neural tube defects: A case-control and case-parent triad/control study. Birth Defects Res 2019; 111:1468-1478. [PMID: 31332962 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the most common severe birth defects with complex etiologies. Previous studies conducted on animals have suggested that the Grhl3 gene is essential for closure of the spinal neural tube, but little evidence from human studies on the variants of GRHL3 gene has been provided, especially the common genetic variants. METHODS To investigate the relationship between common genetic variants of GRHL3 and the risk for NTDs, we performed a case-control study and a case-parent triad/control study. Fast-target enrichment sequencing was performed to screen exon regions from 503 NTD cases, and three tag SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms, including rs12030057, rs2486668, and rs545809) were selected according to the sequencing results. Then, Sequenom MassARRAY genotyping was performed in 757 case parents and 519 controls to obtain genotype information of the target variant sites among all NTD triads and controls. RESULTS The genotype distributions of all SNPs were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) in the control population. In the case-control study, significant associations were found between C27G genetic variants on rs2486668 and risk for spina bifida and encephalocele, respectively, under different genetic models. Consistently, in the case-parent triad/control study, GG genotype on rs2486668 was associated with increased risk for spina bifida, with a RR of 2.15 (95% CI: 1.20-3.83). However, no parent-of-origin effect was found for any tag SNPs. CONCLUSION The GRHL3 C67G missense variant may increase the risk for spina bifida and encephalocele phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlei Yang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhui Xiao
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Aiguo Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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19
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Ming Q, Roske Y, Schuetz A, Walentin K, Ibraimi I, Schmidt-Ott KM, Heinemann U. Structural basis of gene regulation by the Grainyhead/CP2 transcription factor family. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:2082-2095. [PMID: 29309642 PMCID: PMC5829564 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Grainyhead (Grh)/CP2 transcription factors are highly conserved in multicellular organisms as key regulators of epithelial differentiation, organ development and skin barrier formation. In addition, they have been implicated as being tumor suppressors in a variety of human cancers. Despite their physiological importance, little is known about their structure and DNA binding mode. Here, we report the first structural study of mammalian Grh/CP2 factors. Crystal structures of the DNA-binding domains of grainyhead-like (Grhl) 1 and Grhl2 reveal a closely similar conformation with immunoglobulin-like core. Both share a common fold with the tumor suppressor p53, but differ in important structural features. The Grhl1 DNA-binding domain binds duplex DNA containing the consensus recognition element in a dimeric arrangement, supporting parsimonious target-sequence selection through two conserved arginine residues. We elucidate the molecular basis of a cancer-related mutation in Grhl1 involving one of these arginines, which completely abrogates DNA binding in biochemical assays and transcriptional activation of a reporter gene in a human cell line. Thus, our studies establish the structural basis of DNA target-site recognition by Grh transcription factors and reveal how tumor-associated mutations inactivate Grhl proteins. They may serve as points of departure for the structure-based development of Grh/CP2 inhibitors for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Ming
- Macromolecular Structure and Interaction, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany.,Chemistry and Biochemistry Institute, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Yvette Roske
- Macromolecular Structure and Interaction, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Schuetz
- Macromolecular Structure and Interaction, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany.,Helmholtz Protein Sample Production Facility, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Walentin
- Molecular and Translational Kidney Research, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ibraim Ibraimi
- Molecular and Translational Kidney Research, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai M Schmidt-Ott
- Molecular and Translational Kidney Research, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany.,Department of Nephrology, Charité Medical University, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Udo Heinemann
- Macromolecular Structure and Interaction, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany.,Chemistry and Biochemistry Institute, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany.,Helmholtz Protein Sample Production Facility, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
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20
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Cytoplasmic localization of GRHL3 upon epidermal differentiation triggers cell shape change for epithelial morphogenesis. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4059. [PMID: 30283008 PMCID: PMC6170465 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06171-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell shape change is a pivotal driving force for morphogenesis of complex three-dimensional architecture. However, molecular mechanisms triggering shape changes of epithelial cells in the course of growth and differentiation have not been entirely elucidated. Grhl3 plays a crucial role as a downstream transcription factor of Wnt/β-catenin in epidermal differentiation. Here, we show Grhl3 induced large, mature epidermal cells, enriched with actomyosin networks, from embryoid bodies in vitro. Such epidermal cells were apparently formed by the simultaneous activation of canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways. A nuclear transcription factor, GRHL3 is localized in the cytoplasm and cell membrane during epidermal differentiation. Subsequently, such extranuclear GRHL3 is essential for the membrane-associated expression of VANGL2 and CELSR1. Cytoplasmic GRHL3, thereby, allows epidermal cells to acquire mechanical properties for changes in epithelial cell shape. Thus, we propose that cytoplasmic localization of GRHL3 upon epidermal differentiation directly triggers epithelial morphogenesis.
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21
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Cristo I, Carvalho L, Ponte S, Jacinto A. Novel role for Grainy head in the regulation of cytoskeletal and junctional dynamics during epithelial repair. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:jcs.213595. [PMID: 30131442 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.213595] [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: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue repair is critical for the maintenance of epithelial integrity and permeability. Simple epithelial repair relies on a combination of collective cell movements and the action of a contractile actomyosin cable at the wound edge that together promote the fast and efficient closure of tissue discontinuities. The Grainy head family of transcription factors (Grh in flies; GRHL1-GRHL3 in mammals) are essential proteins that have been implicated both in the development and repair of epithelia. However, the genes and the molecular mechanisms that it controls remain poorly understood. Here, we show that Grh knockdown disrupts actomyosin dynamics upon injury of the Drosophila pupa epithelial tissue. This leads to the formation of an ectopic actomyosin cable away from the wound edge and impaired wound closure. We also uncovered that E-Cadherin is downregulated in the Grh-depleted tissue around the wound, likely as a consequence of Dorsal (an NF-κB protein) misregulation, which also affects actomyosin cable formation. Our work highlights the importance of Grh as a stress response factor and its central role in the maintenance of epithelial characteristics necessary for tissue repair through regulating cytoskeleton and E-Cadherin dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Cristo
- CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lara Carvalho
- CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Susana Ponte
- CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Jacinto
- CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
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22
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Jacobs J, Atkins M, Davie K, Imrichova H, Romanelli L, Christiaens V, Hulselmans G, Potier D, Wouters J, Taskiran II, Paciello G, González-Blas CB, Koldere D, Aibar S, Halder G, Aerts S. The transcription factor Grainy head primes epithelial enhancers for spatiotemporal activation by displacing nucleosomes. Nat Genet 2018; 50:1011-1020. [PMID: 29867222 PMCID: PMC6031307 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-018-0140-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional enhancers function as docking platforms for combinations of transcription factors (TFs) to control gene expression. How enhancer sequences determine nucleosome occupancy, TF recruitment and transcriptional activation in vivo remains unclear. Using ATAC-seq across a panel of Drosophila inbred strains, we found that SNPs affecting binding sites of the TF Grainy head (Grh) causally determine the accessibility of epithelial enhancers. We show that deletion and ectopic expression of Grh cause loss and gain of DNA accessibility, respectively. However, although Grh binding is necessary for enhancer accessibility, it is insufficient to activate enhancers. Finally, we show that human Grh homologs-GRHL1, GRHL2 and GRHL3-function similarly. We conclude that Grh binding is necessary and sufficient for the opening of epithelial enhancers but not for their activation. Our data support a model positing that complex spatiotemporal expression patterns are controlled by regulatory hierarchies in which pioneer factors, such as Grh, establish tissue-specific accessible chromatin landscapes upon which other factors can act.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Jacobs
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mardelle Atkins
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Oncology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristofer Davie
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hana Imrichova
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucia Romanelli
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Oncology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valerie Christiaens
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gert Hulselmans
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Delphine Potier
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jasper Wouters
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Giulia Paciello
- Politecnico di Torino, Automatics and Informatics, Turin, Italy
| | - Carmen B González-Blas
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Duygu Koldere
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Aibar
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Georg Halder
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Oncology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stein Aerts
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium.
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium.
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23
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Abu-Amero KK, Kondkar AA, Khan AO. A microdeletion in the GRHL2 Gene in two unrelated patients with congenital fibrosis of the extra ocular muscles. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:562. [PMID: 29110737 PMCID: PMC5674732 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2888-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles type 1 (CFEOM1) is known to be caused by mutations in KIF21A or TUBB3 or other known genes (SALL4, CHN1, HOXA1). However, affected children may harbor other genetic defects. Therefore, a candidate gene analysis (KIF21A, TUBB3 SALL4, CHN1, HOXA1) and a high-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (arrayCGH) was performed in two unrelated children with sporadic CFEOM1. Results Two unrelated Saudi patients did not have any mutation(s) after sequencing the full coding regions of SALL4, CHN1, HOXA1, and TUBB3 genes; and exons 8, 20, and 21 of the KIF21A gene. However, arrayCGH revealed a 3.17 Kb deletion at chromosome 8p22 with copy number state equal to 1, indicating a heterozygous deletion. This deletion was absent in proband’s mother or father or 220 unrelated healthy individuals of similar ethnicity. The deletion encompassed only one functional gene, GRHL2, which encodes a transcription factor. In humans, defects in this gene are a cause of non-syndromic sensorineural deafness, autosomal dominant type 28 (DFNA28). We speculate that GRHL2 gene may have a role in orbital innervations and the defect in this gene (deletion) may be related to the CFEOM1 phenotype in these two children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled K Abu-Amero
- Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Altaf A Kondkar
- Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arif O Khan
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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24
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Khandelwal R, Sipani R, Govinda Rajan S, Kumar R, Joshi R. Combinatorial action of Grainyhead, Extradenticle and Notch in regulating Hox mediated apoptosis in Drosophila larval CNS. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1007043. [PMID: 29023471 PMCID: PMC5667929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hox mediated neuroblast apoptosis is a prevalent way to pattern larval central nervous system (CNS) by different Hox genes, but the mechanism of this apoptosis is not understood. Our studies with Abdominal-A (Abd-A) mediated larval neuroblast (pNB) apoptosis suggests that AbdA, its cofactor Extradenticle (Exd), a helix-loop-helix transcription factor Grainyhead (Grh), and Notch signaling transcriptionally contribute to expression of RHG family of apoptotic genes. We find that Grh, AbdA, and Exd function together at multiple motifs on the apoptotic enhancer. In vivo mutagenesis of these motifs suggest that they are important for the maintenance of the activity of the enhancer rather than its initiation. We also find that Exd function is independent of its known partner homothorax in this apoptosis. We extend some of our findings to Deformed expressing region of sub-esophageal ganglia where pNBs undergo a similar Hox dependent apoptosis. We propose a mechanism where common players like Exd-Grh-Notch work with different Hox genes through region specific enhancers to pattern respective segments of larval central nervous system. Specification of the head to tail axis of the developing central nervous system is carried out by Hox genes. Hox mediated programmed cell death of the neural progenitor cells plays an important role in specification of this axis, but the molecular mechanism of this phenomenon is not well understood. We have studied this phenomenon in abdominal and subesophageal regions of larval central nervous system of Drosophila. We find that different Hox genes use a combination of common players (Extradenticle, Grainyhead and Notch) but employ region specific enhancers to cause progenitor cell death in different segments of developing central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risha Khandelwal
- Laboratory of Drosophila Neural Development, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Tuljaguda Complex, Nampally, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate Studies, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Rashmi Sipani
- Laboratory of Drosophila Neural Development, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Tuljaguda Complex, Nampally, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate Studies, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Sriivatsan Govinda Rajan
- Laboratory of Drosophila Neural Development, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Tuljaguda Complex, Nampally, Hyderabad, India
| | - Raviranjan Kumar
- Laboratory of Drosophila Neural Development, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Tuljaguda Complex, Nampally, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate Studies, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Rohit Joshi
- Laboratory of Drosophila Neural Development, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Tuljaguda Complex, Nampally, Hyderabad, India
- * E-mail: ,
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25
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Boivin FJ, Schmidt-Ott KM. Transcriptional mechanisms coordinating tight junction assembly during epithelial differentiation. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017. [PMID: 28636799 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial tissues form a selective barrier via direct cell-cell interactions to separate and establish concentration gradients between the different compartments of the body. Proper function and formation of this barrier rely on the establishment of distinct intercellular junction complexes. These complexes include tight junctions, adherens junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions. The tight junction is by far the most diverse junctional complex in the epithelial barrier. Its composition varies greatly across different epithelial tissues to confer various barrier properties. Thus, epithelial cells rely on tightly regulated transcriptional mechanisms to ensure proper formation of the epithelial barrier and to achieve tight junction diversity. Here, we review different transcriptional mechanisms utilized during embryogenesis and disease development to promote tight junction assembly and maintenance of intercellular barrier integrity. We focus particularly on the Grainyhead-like transcription factors and ligand-activated nuclear hormone receptors, two central families of proteins in epithelialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix J Boivin
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Kai M Schmidt-Ott
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Nephrology, Charité Medical University, Berlin, Germany
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26
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Yao L, Wang S, Westholm JO, Dai Q, Matsuda R, Hosono C, Bray S, Lai EC, Samakovlis C. Genome-wide identification of Grainy head targets in Drosophila reveals regulatory interactions with the POU domain transcription factor Vvl. Development 2017; 144:3145-3155. [PMID: 28760809 DOI: 10.1242/dev.143297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Grainy head (Grh) is a conserved transcription factor (TF) controlling epithelial differentiation and regeneration. To elucidate Grh functions we identified embryonic Grh targets by ChIP-seq and gene expression analysis. We show that Grh controls hundreds of target genes. Repression or activation correlates with the distance of Grh-binding sites to the transcription start sites of its targets. Analysis of 54 Grh-responsive enhancers during development and upon wounding suggests cooperation with distinct TFs in different contexts. In the airways, Grh-repressed genes encode key TFs involved in branching and cell differentiation. Reduction of the POU domain TF Ventral veins lacking (Vvl) largely ameliorates the airway morphogenesis defects of grh mutants. Vvl and Grh proteins additionally interact with each other and regulate a set of common enhancers during epithelial morphogenesis. We conclude that Grh and Vvl participate in a regulatory network controlling epithelial maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Yao
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shenqiu Wang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S10691, Stockholm, Sweden.,Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jakub O Westholm
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 232, 171 21 Solna, Sweden
| | - Qi Dai
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S10691, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ryo Matsuda
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chie Hosono
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sarah Bray
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Eric C Lai
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Christos Samakovlis
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S10691, Stockholm, Sweden .,Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 232, 171 21 Solna, Sweden.,Molecular Pneumology, UGMLC, Aulweg 130, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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27
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Kel I, Chang Z, Galluccio N, Romeo M, Beretta S, Diomede L, Mezzelani A, Milanesi L, Dieterich C, Merelli I. SPIRE, a modular pipeline for eQTL analysis of RNA-Seq data, reveals a regulatory hotspot controlling miRNA expression in C. elegans. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2017; 12:3447-3458. [PMID: 27722582 DOI: 10.1039/c6mb00453a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The interpretation of genome-wide association study is difficult, as it is hard to understand how polymorphisms can affect gene regulation, in particular for trans-regulatory elements located far from their controlling gene. Using RNA or protein expression data as phenotypes, it is possible to correlate their variations with specific genotypes. This technique is usually referred to as expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTLs) analysis and only few packages exist for the integration of genotype patterns and expression profiles. In particular, tools are needed for the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data on a genome-wide scale, which is essential to identify eQTLs able to control a large number of genes (hotspots). Here we present SPIRE (Software for Polymorphism Identification Regulating Expression), a generic, modular and functionally highly flexible pipeline for eQTL processing. SPIRE integrates different univariate and multivariate approaches for eQTL analysis, paying particular attention to the scalability of the procedure in order to support cis- as well as trans-mapping, thus allowing the identification of hotspots in NGS data. In particular, we demonstrated how SPIRE can handle big association study datasets, reproducing published results and improving the identification of trans-eQTLs. Furthermore, we employed the pipeline to analyse novel data concerning the genotypes of two different C. elegans strains (N2 and Hawaii) and related miRNA expression data, obtained using RNA-Seq. A miRNA regulatory hotspot was identified in chromosome 1, overlapping the transcription factor grh-1, known to be involved in the early phases of embryonic development of C. elegans. In a follow-up qPCR experiment we were able to verify most of the predicted eQTLs, as well as to show, for a novel miRNA, a significant difference in the sequences of the two analysed strains of C. elegans. SPIRE is publicly available as open source software at , together with some example data, a readme file, supplementary material and a short tutorial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Kel
- Instituto di Tecnologie Biomediche - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20090, Segrate, Milano, Italy.
| | - Zisong Chang
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Nadia Galluccio
- Instituto di Tecnologie Biomediche - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20090, Segrate, Milano, Italy.
| | - Margherita Romeo
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Farmacologia Molecolare, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Via Giuseppe La Masa 19, Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Beretta
- Dipartimento di Informatica Sistemistica e Comunicazione, Università degli studi di Milano-Biccoca, Viale Sarca 336, 20125 Milano, Italy.
| | - Luisa Diomede
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Farmacologia Molecolare, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Via Giuseppe La Masa 19, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Mezzelani
- Instituto di Tecnologie Biomediche - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20090, Segrate, Milano, Italy.
| | - Luciano Milanesi
- Instituto di Tecnologie Biomediche - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20090, Segrate, Milano, Italy.
| | - Christoph Dieterich
- Section of Bioinformatics and Systems Cardiology, Klaus Tschira Institute for Integrative Computational Cardiology and Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, Grabengasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ivan Merelli
- Instituto di Tecnologie Biomediche - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via F.lli Cervi 93, 20090, Segrate, Milano, Italy.
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28
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Neto M, Naval-Sánchez M, Potier D, Pereira PS, Geerts D, Aerts S, Casares F. Nuclear receptors connect progenitor transcription factors to cell cycle control. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4845. [PMID: 28687780 PMCID: PMC5501803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04936-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The specification and growth of organs is controlled simultaneously by networks of transcription factors. While the connection between these transcription factors with fate determinants is increasingly clear, how they establish the link with the cell cycle is far less understood. Here we investigate this link in the developing Drosophila eye, where two transcription factors, the MEIS1 homologue hth and the Zn-finger tsh, synergize to stimulate the proliferation of naïve eye progenitors. Experiments combining transcriptomics, open-chromatin profiling, motif analysis and functional assays indicate that these progenitor transcription factors exert a global regulation of the proliferation program. Rather than directly regulating cell cycle genes, they control proliferation through an intermediary layer of nuclear receptors of the ecdysone/estrogen-signaling pathway. This regulatory subnetwork between hth, tsh and nuclear receptors might be conserved from Drosophila to mammals, as we find a significant co-overexpression of their human homologues in specific cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Neto
- CABD, Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology, CSIC-UPO-JA, 41013, Seville, Spain.,i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Delphine Potier
- School of Medicine, University of Leuven, box 602 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulo S Pereira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Dirk Geerts
- Department of Medical Biology L2-109, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stein Aerts
- School of Medicine, University of Leuven, box 602 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Fernando Casares
- CABD, Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology, CSIC-UPO-JA, 41013, Seville, Spain.
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29
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Stable Binding of the Conserved Transcription Factor Grainy Head to its Target Genes Throughout Drosophila melanogaster Development. Genetics 2016; 205:605-620. [PMID: 28007888 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.195685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that transcription factor binding is temporally dynamic, and that changes in binding determine transcriptional output. Nonetheless, this model is based on relatively few examples in which transcription factor binding has been assayed at multiple developmental stages. The essential transcription factor Grainy head (Grh) is conserved from fungi to humans, and controls epithelial development and barrier formation in numerous tissues. Drosophila melanogaster, which possess a single grainy head (grh) gene, provide an excellent system to study this conserved factor. To determine whether temporally distinct binding events allow Grh to control cell fate specification in different tissue types, we used a combination of ChIP-seq and RNA-seq to elucidate the gene regulatory network controlled by Grh during four stages of embryonic development (spanning stages 5-17) and in larval tissue. Contrary to expectations, we discovered that Grh remains bound to at least 1146 genomic loci over days of development. In contrast to this stable DNA occupancy, the subset of genes whose expression is regulated by Grh varies. Grh transitions from functioning primarily as a transcriptional repressor early in development to functioning predominantly as an activator later. Our data reveal that Grh binds to target genes well before the Grh-dependent transcriptional program commences, suggesting it sets the stage for subsequent recruitment of additional factors that execute stage-specific Grh functions.
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30
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Georgy SR, Cangkrama M, Srivastava S, Partridge D, Auden A, Dworkin S, McLean CA, Jane SM, Darido C. Identification of a Novel Proto-oncogenic Network in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Natl Cancer Inst 2015; 107:djv152. [PMID: 26063791 PMCID: PMC4836819 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djv152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The developmental transcription factor Grainyhead-like 3 (GRHL3) plays a critical tumor suppressor role in the mammalian epidermis through direct regulation of PTEN and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. GRHL3 is highly expressed in all tissues derived from the surface ectoderm, including the oral cavity, raising a question about its potential role in suppression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS We explored the tumor suppressor role of Grhl3 in HNSCC using a conditional knockout (Grhl3 (∆/-) /K14Cre (+) ) mouse line (n = 26) exposed to an oral chemical carcinogen. We defined the proto-oncogenic pathway activated in the HNSCC derived from these mice and assessed it in primary human HNSCC samples, normal oral epithelial cell lines carrying shRNA to GRHL3, and human HNSCC cell lines. Data were analyzed with two-sided chi square and Student's t tests. RESULTS Deletion of Grhl3 in oral epithelium in mice did not perturb PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, but instead evoked loss of GSK3B expression, resulting in stabilization and accumulation of c-MYC and aggressive HNSCC. This molecular signature was also evident in a subset of primary human HNSCC and HNSCC cell lines. Loss of Gsk3b in mice, independent of Grhl3, predisposed to chemical-induced HNSCC. Restoration of GSK3B expression blocked proliferation of normal oral epithelial cell lines carrying shRNA to GRHL3 (cell no., Day 8: Scramble ctl, 616±21.8 x 10(3) vs GRHL3-kd, 1194±44 X 10(3), P < .001; GRHL3-kd vs GRHL3-kd + GSK3B, 800±98.84 X 10(3), P = .003) and human HNSCC cells. CONCLUSIONS We defined a novel molecular signature in mammalian HNSCC, suggesting new treatment strategies targeting the GRHL3/GSK3B/c-MYC proto-oncogenic network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smitha R Georgy
- Department of Medicine, Monash University Central Clinical School, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (SRG, MC, SS, DP, AA, SD, SMJ, CD); Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (CAM); Department of Hematology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia (SMJ)
| | - Michael Cangkrama
- Department of Medicine, Monash University Central Clinical School, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (SRG, MC, SS, DP, AA, SD, SMJ, CD); Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (CAM); Department of Hematology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia (SMJ)
| | - Seema Srivastava
- Department of Medicine, Monash University Central Clinical School, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (SRG, MC, SS, DP, AA, SD, SMJ, CD); Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (CAM); Department of Hematology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia (SMJ)
| | - Darren Partridge
- Department of Medicine, Monash University Central Clinical School, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (SRG, MC, SS, DP, AA, SD, SMJ, CD); Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (CAM); Department of Hematology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia (SMJ)
| | - Alana Auden
- Department of Medicine, Monash University Central Clinical School, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (SRG, MC, SS, DP, AA, SD, SMJ, CD); Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (CAM); Department of Hematology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia (SMJ)
| | - Sebastian Dworkin
- Department of Medicine, Monash University Central Clinical School, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (SRG, MC, SS, DP, AA, SD, SMJ, CD); Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (CAM); Department of Hematology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia (SMJ)
| | - Catriona A McLean
- Department of Medicine, Monash University Central Clinical School, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (SRG, MC, SS, DP, AA, SD, SMJ, CD); Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (CAM); Department of Hematology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia (SMJ)
| | - Stephen M Jane
- Department of Medicine, Monash University Central Clinical School, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (SRG, MC, SS, DP, AA, SD, SMJ, CD); Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (CAM); Department of Hematology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia (SMJ).
| | - Charbel Darido
- Department of Medicine, Monash University Central Clinical School, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (SRG, MC, SS, DP, AA, SD, SMJ, CD); Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia (CAM); Department of Hematology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia (SMJ)
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31
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Ho VWS, Wong MK, An X, Guan D, Shao J, Ng HCK, Ren X, He K, Liao J, Ang Y, Chen L, Huang X, Yan B, Xia Y, Chan LLH, Chow KL, Yan H, Zhao Z. Systems-level quantification of division timing reveals a common genetic architecture controlling asynchrony and fate asymmetry. Mol Syst Biol 2015; 11:814. [PMID: 26063786 PMCID: PMC4501849 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20145857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Coordination of cell division timing is crucial for proper cell fate specification and tissue growth. However, the differential regulation of cell division timing across or within cell types during metazoan development remains poorly understood. To elucidate the systems-level genetic architecture coordinating division timing, we performed a high-content screening for genes whose depletion produced a significant reduction in the asynchrony of division between sister cells (ADS) compared to that of wild-type during Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis. We quantified division timing using 3D time-lapse imaging followed by computer-aided lineage analysis. A total of 822 genes were selected for perturbation based on their conservation and known roles in development. Surprisingly, we find that cell fate determinants are not only essential for establishing fate asymmetry, but also are imperative for setting the ADS regardless of cellular context, indicating a common genetic architecture used by both cellular processes. The fate determinants demonstrate either coupled or separate regulation between the two processes. The temporal coordination appears to facilitate cell migration during fate specification or tissue growth. Our quantitative dataset with cellular resolution provides a resource for future analyses of the genetic control of spatial and temporal coordination during metazoan development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincy Wing Sze Ho
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming-Kin Wong
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaomeng An
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daogang Guan
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiaofang Shao
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hon Chun Kaoru Ng
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoliang Ren
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kan He
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - Jinyue Liao
- Division of Life Science and Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yingjin Ang
- Division of Life Science and Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaotai Huang
- Department of Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bin Yan
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yiji Xia
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Leanne Lai Hang Chan
- Department of Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - King Lau Chow
- Division of Life Science and Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhongying Zhao
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
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32
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Farrokh S, Brillen AL, Haendeler J, Altschmied J, Schaal H. Critical regulators of endothelial cell functions: for a change being alternative. Antioxid Redox Signal 2015; 22:1212-29. [PMID: 25203279 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2014.6023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE The endothelium regulates vessel dilation and constriction, balances hemostasis, and inhibits thrombosis. In addition, pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules orchestrate proliferation, survival, and migration of endothelial cells. Regulation of all these processes requires fine-tuning of signaling pathways, which can easily be tricked into running the opposite direction when exogenous or endogenous signals get out of hand. Surprisingly, some critical regulators of physiological endothelial functions can turn malicious by mere alternative splicing, leading to the expression of protein isoforms with opposite functions. RECENT ADVANCES While reviewing the evidence of alternative splicing on cellular physiology, it became evident that expression of splice factors and their activities are regulated by externally triggered signaling cascades. Furthermore, genome-wide identification of RNA-binding sites of splicing regulatory proteins now offer a glimpse into the splicing code responsible for alternative splicing of molecules regulating endothelial functions. CRITICAL ISSUES Due to the constantly growing number of transcript and protein isoforms, it will become more and more important to identify and characterize all transcripts and proteins regulating endothelial cell functions. One critical issue will be a non-ambiguous nomenclature to keep consistency throughout different laboratories. FUTURE DIRECTIONS RNA-deep sequencing focusing on exon-exon junction needs to more reliably identify alternative splicing events combined with functional analyses that will uncover more splice variants contributing to or inhibiting proper endothelial functions. In addition, understanding the signals mediating alternative splicing and its regulation might allow us to derive new strategies to preserve endothelial function by suppressing or upregulating specific protein isoforms. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 22, 1212-1229.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Farrokh
- 1 Heisenberg-Group-Environmentally-Induced Cardiovascular Degeneration, IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine , Düsseldorf, Germany
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33
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Petrof G, Nanda A, Howden J, Takeichi T, McMillan J, Aristodemou S, Ozoemena L, Liu L, South A, Pourreyron C, Dafou D, Proudfoot L, Al-Ajmi H, Akiyama M, McLean W, Simpson M, Parsons M, McGrath J. Mutations in GRHL2 result in an autosomal-recessive ectodermal Dysplasia syndrome. Am J Hum Genet 2014; 95:308-14. [PMID: 25152456 PMCID: PMC4157147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Grainyhead-like 2, encoded by GRHL2, is a member of a highly conserved family of transcription factors that play essential roles during epithelial development. Haploinsufficiency for GRHL2 has been implicated in autosomal-dominant deafness, but mutations have not yet been associated with any skin pathology. We investigated two unrelated Kuwaiti families in which a total of six individuals have had lifelong ectodermal defects. The clinical features comprised nail dystrophy or nail loss, marginal palmoplantar keratoderma, hypodontia, enamel hypoplasia, oral hyperpigmentation, and dysphagia. In addition, three individuals had sensorineural deafness, and three had bronchial asthma. Taken together, the features were consistent with an unusual autosomal-recessive ectodermal dysplasia syndrome. Because of consanguinity in both families, we used whole-exome sequencing to search for novel homozygous DNA variants and found GRHL2 mutations common to both families: affected subjects in one family were homozygous for c.1192T>C (p.Tyr398His) in exon 9, and subjects in the other family were homozygous for c.1445T>A (p.Ile482Lys) in exon 11. Immortalized keratinocytes (p.Ile482Lys) showed altered cell morphology, impaired tight junctions, adhesion defects, and cytoplasmic translocation of GRHL2. Whole-skin transcriptomic analysis (p.Ile482Lys) disclosed changes in genes implicated in networks of cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. Our clinical findings of an autosomal-recessive ectodermal dysplasia syndrome provide insight into the role of GRHL2 in skin development, homeostasis, and human disease.
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Broniarczyk JK, Warowicka A, Kwaśniewska A, Wohuń-Cholewa M, Kwaśniewski W, Goździcka-Józefiak A. Expression of TSG101 protein and LSF transcription factor in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2014; 7:1409-1413. [PMID: 24765146 PMCID: PMC3997686 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.1967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated a decreased expression of tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) in cervical cancer cells. To identify the mechanism responsible for TSG101 downregulation during cervical cancer development, we analyzed the TSG101 promoter using cis-element cluster finder software. One of the transcription factors whose binding site was detected in the TSG101 promoter was late SV40 factor (LSF). The aim of this study was to analyze the TSG101 protein and LSF expression levels during cervical cancer development. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed a previously observed decreased expression of TSG101, whereas quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed high expression of LSF in cervical, precancer and cancer cells compared with human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative non-cancer samples. High expression of LSF in cervical cancer HPV-positive cells suggests that this protein may be important in the regulation of TSG101 expression, as well as in cervical carcinogenesis. The role of LSF as a mediator in cervical cancer development must be confirmed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alicja Warowicka
- NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań 61-614, Poland
| | - Anna Kwaśniewska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-081, Poland
| | - Maria Wohuń-Cholewa
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Medical Science, Poznan 60-806, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kwaśniewski
- First Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-081, Poland
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Shao J, He K, Wang H, Ho WS, Ren X, An X, Wong MK, Yan B, Xie D, Stamatoyannopoulos J, Zhao Z. Collaborative regulation of development but independent control of metabolism by two epidermis-specific transcription factors in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:33411-26. [PMID: 24097988 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.487975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell fate specification is typically initiated by a master regulator, which is relayed by tissue-specific regulatory proteins (usually transcription factors) for further enforcement of cell identities, but how the factors are coordinated among each other to "finish up" the specification remains poorly understood. Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis specification is initiated by a master regulator, ELT-1, that activates its targets, NHR-25 and ELT-3, two epidermis-specific transcription factors that are important for development but not for initial specification of epidermis, thus providing a unique paradigm for illustrating how the tissue-specific regulatory proteins work together to enforce cell fate specification. Here we addressed the question through contrasting genome-wide in vivo binding targets between NHR-25 and ELT-3. We demonstrate that the two factors bind discrete but conserved DNA motifs, most of which remain in proximity, suggesting formation of a complex between the two. In agreement with this, gene ontology analysis of putative target genes suggested differential regulation of metabolism but coordinated control of epidermal development between the two factors, which is supported by quantitative analysis of expression of their specific or common targets in the presence or absence of either protein. Functional validation of a subset of the target genes showed both activating and inhibitory roles of NHR-25 and ELT-3 in regulating their targets. We further demonstrated differential control of specification of AB and C lineage-derived epidermis. The results allow us to assemble a comprehensive gene network underlying C. elegans epidermis development that is likely to be widely used across species and provides insights into how tissue-specific transcription factors coordinate with one another to enforce cell fate specification initiated by its master regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaofang Shao
- From the Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China and
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36
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Xu S, Hsiao TI, Chisholm AD. The wounded worm: Using C. elegans to understand the molecular basis of skin wound healing. WORM 2013; 1:134-8. [PMID: 24058838 PMCID: PMC3670230 DOI: 10.4161/worm.19501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The ability to heal wounds is an ancient and conserved function of epidermal epithelial layers. The importance of skin wound healing to human life and biology has long been evident, however many of the molecular mechanisms underlying wound repair remain little understood. In the past several years, analysis of the C. elegans innate immune response to fungal infection of the epidermis has led to investigations of the ability of the C. elegans skin to respond to damage. In a recent paper we used live imaging to investigate the cell biological basis of wound repair in the adult C. elegans epidermis. We found that needle or laser injury of the skin triggers a large and sustained increase in epidermal calcium. Epidermal calcium signals appear to specifically promote actin-dependent processes of wound closure. The innate immune and wound closure responses act in parallel to promote survival after injury. Our findings indicate that wounding triggers multiple signals in the C. elegans skin. C. elegans offers a tractable model to dissect how epidermal epithelia activate coordinated responses to repair damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhong Xu
- Division of Biological Sciences; Section of Cell and Developmental Biology; University of California San Diego; La Jolla, CA USA
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37
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Abstract
Polycomb group response elements (PREs) play an essential role in gene regulation by the Polycomb group (PcG) repressor proteins in Drosophila. PREs are required for the recruitment and maintenance of repression by the PcG proteins. PREs are made up of binding sites for multiple DNA-binding proteins, but it is still unclear what combination(s) of binding sites is required for PRE activity. Here we compare the binding sites and activities of two closely linked yet separable PREs of the Drosophila engrailed (en) gene, PRE1 and PRE2. Both PRE1 and PRE2 contain binding sites for multiple PRE-DNA-binding proteins, but the number, arrangement, and spacing of the sites differs between the two PREs. These differences have functional consequences. Both PRE1 and PRE2 mediate pairing-sensitive silencing of mini-white, a functional assay for PcG repression; however, PRE1 requires two binding sites for Pleiohomeotic (Pho), whereas PRE2 requires only one Pho-binding site for this activity. Furthermore, for full pairing-sensitive silencing activity, PRE1 requires an AT-rich region not found in PRE2. These two PREs behave differently in a PRE embryonic and larval reporter construct inserted at an identical location in the genome. Our data illustrate the diversity of architecture and function of PREs.
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Reinke V, Krause M, Okkema P. Transcriptional regulation of gene expression in C. elegans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013:1-34. [PMID: 23801596 DOI: 10.1895/wormbook.1.45.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Protein coding gene sequences are converted to mRNA by the highly regulated process of transcription. The precise temporal and spatial control of transcription for many genes is an essential part of development in metazoans. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional control is essential to understanding cell fate determination during embryogenesis, post-embryonic development, many environmental interactions, and disease-related processes. Studies of transcriptional regulation in C. elegans exploit its genomic simplicity and physical characteristics to define regulatory events with single-cell and minute-time-scale resolution. When combined with the genetics of the system, C. elegans offers a unique and powerful vantage point from which to study how chromatin-associated proteins and their modifications interact with transcription factors and their binding sites to yield precise control of gene expression through transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Reinke
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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WINGENDER EDGAR. CRITERIA FOR AN UPDATED CLASSIFICATION OF HUMAN TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR DNA-BINDING DOMAINS. J Bioinform Comput Biol 2013; 11:1340007. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219720013400076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
By binding to cis-regulatory elements in a sequence-specific manner, transcription factors regulate the activity of nearby genes. Here, we discuss the criteria for a comprehensive classification of human TFs based on their DNA-binding domains. In particular, classification of basic leucine zipper (bZIP) and zinc finger factors is exemplarily discussed. The resulting classification can be used as a template for TFs of other biological species.
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Affiliation(s)
- EDGAR WINGENDER
- Department of Bioinformatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Goldschmidtstr. 1, Göttingen, D-37077, Germany
- geneXplain GmbH, Am Exer 10B, Wolfenbüttel, D-38302, Germany
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40
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Kassis JA, Brown JL. Polycomb group response elements in Drosophila and vertebrates. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2013; 81:83-118. [PMID: 23419717 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407677-8.00003-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Polycomb group genes (PcG) encode a group of about 16 proteins that were first identified in Drosophila as repressors of homeotic genes. PcG proteins are present in all metazoans and are best characterized as transcriptional repressors. In Drosophila, these proteins are known as epigenetic regulators because they remember, but do not establish, the patterned expression state of homeotic genes throughout development. PcG proteins, in general, are not DNA binding proteins, but act in protein complexes to repress transcription at specific target genes. How are PcG proteins recruited to the DNA? In Drosophila, there are specific regulatory DNA elements called Polycomb group response elements (PREs) that bring PcG protein complexes to the DNA. Drosophila PREs are made up of binding sites for a complex array of DNA binding proteins. Functional PRE assays in transgenes have shown that PREs act in the context of other regulatory DNA and PRE activity is highly dependent on genomic context. Drosophila PREs tend to regulate genes with a complex array of regulatory DNA in a cell or tissue-specific fashion and it is the interplay between regulatory DNA that dictates PRE function. In mammals, PcG proteins are more diverse and there are multiple ways to recruit PcG complexes, including RNA-mediated recruitment. In this review, we discuss evidence for PREs in vertebrates and explore similarities and differences between Drosophila and vertebrate PREs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Kassis
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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41
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Kuntz SG, Williams BA, Sternberg PW, Wold BJ. Transcription factor redundancy and tissue-specific regulation: evidence from functional and physical network connectivity. Genome Res 2012; 22:1907-19. [PMID: 22730465 PMCID: PMC3460186 DOI: 10.1101/gr.133306.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Two major transcriptional regulators of Caenorhabditis elegans bodywall muscle (BWM) differentiation, hlh-1 and unc-120, are expressed in muscle where they are known to bind and regulate several well-studied muscle-specific genes. Simultaneously mutating both factors profoundly inhibits formation of contractile BWM. These observations were consistent with a simple network model in which the muscle regulatory factors drive tissue-specific transcription by binding selectively near muscle-specific targets to activate them. We tested this model by measuring the number, identity, and tissue-specificity of functional regulatory targets for each factor. Some joint regulatory targets (218) are BWM-specific and enriched for nearby HLH-1 binding. However, contrary to the simple model, the majority of genes regulated by one or both muscle factors are also expressed significantly in non-BWM tissues. We also mapped global factor occupancy by HLH-1, and created a genetic interaction map that identifies hlh-1 collaborating transcription factors. HLH-1 binding did not predict proximate regulatory action overall, despite enrichment for binding among BWM-specific positive regulatory targets of hlh-1. We conclude that these tissue-specific factors contribute much more broadly to the transcriptional output of muscle tissue than previously thought, offering a partial explanation for widespread HLH-1 occupancy. We also identify a novel regulatory connection between the BWM-specific hlh-1 network and the hlh-8/twist nonstriated muscle network. Finally, our results suggest a molecular basis for synthetic lethality in which hlh-1 and unc-120 mutant phenotypes are mutually buffered by joint additive regulation of essential target genes, with additional buffering suggested via newly identified hlh-1 interacting factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven G Kuntz
- Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA
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42
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Chisholm AD, Hsiao TI. The Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis as a model skin. I: development, patterning, and growth. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 1:861-78. [PMID: 23539299 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The skin of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is composed of a simple epidermal epithelium and overlying cuticle. The skin encloses the animal and plays central roles in body morphology and physiology; its simplicity and accessibility make it a tractable genetic model for several aspects of skin biology. Epidermal precursors are specified by a hierarchy of transcriptional regulators. Epidermal cells form on the dorsal surface of the embryo and differentiate to form the epidermal primordium, which then spreads out in a process of epiboly to enclose internal tissues. Subsequent elongation of the embryo into a vermiform larva is driven by cell shape changes and cell fusions in the epidermis. Most epidermal cells fuse in mid-embryogenesis to form a small number of multinucleate syncytia. During mid-embryogenesis the epidermis also becomes intimately associated with underlying muscles, performing a tendon-like role in transmitting muscle force. Post-embryonic development of the epidermis involves growth by addition of new cells to the syncytia from stem cell-like epidermal seam cells and by an increase in cell size driven by endoreplication of the chromosomes in epidermal nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Chisholm
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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43
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The functions of grainy head-like proteins in animals and fungi and the evolution of apical extracellular barriers. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36254. [PMID: 22590528 PMCID: PMC3348937 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Grainy head (GRH) family of transcription factors are crucial for the development and repair of epidermal barriers in all animals in which they have been studied. This is a high-level functional conservation, as the known structural and enzymatic genes regulated by GRH proteins differ between species depending on the type of epidermal barrier being formed. Interestingly, members of the CP2 superfamily of transcription factors, which encompasses the GRH and LSF families in animals, are also found in fungi--organisms that lack epidermal tissues. To shed light on CP2 protein function in fungi, we characterized a Neurospora crassa mutant lacking the CP2 member we refer to as grainy head-like (grhl). We show that Neurospora GRHL has a DNA-binding specificity similar to that of animal GRH proteins and dissimilar to that of animal LSF proteins. Neurospora grhl mutants are defective in conidial-spore dispersal due to an inability to remodel the cell wall, and we show that grhl mutants and the long-known conidial separation-2 (csp-2) mutants are allelic. We then characterized the transcriptomes of both Neurospora grhl mutants and Drosophila grh mutant embryos to look for similarities in the affected genes. Neurospora grhl appears to play a role in the development and remodeling of the cell wall, as well as in the activation of genes involved in defense and virulence. Drosophila GRH is required to activate the expression of many genes involved in cuticular/epidermal-barrier formation. We also present evidence that GRH plays a role in adult antimicrobial defense. These results, along with previous studies of animal GRH proteins, suggest the fascinating possibility that the apical extracellular barriers of some animals and fungi might share an evolutionary connection, and that the formation of physical barriers in the last common ancestor was under the control of a transcriptional code that included GRH-like proteins.
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44
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Santhekadur PK, Rajasekaran D, Siddiq A, Gredler R, Chen D, Schaus SE, Hansen U, Fisher PB, Sarkar D. The transcription factor LSF: a novel oncogene for hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2012; 2:269-285. [PMID: 22679558 PMCID: PMC3365805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor LSF (Late SV40 Factor), also known as TFCP2, belongs to the LSF/CP2 family related to Grainyhead family of proteins and is involved in many biological events, including regulation of cellular and viral promoters, cell cycle, DNA synthesis, cell survival and Alzheimer's disease. Our recent studies establish an oncogenic role of LSF in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). LSF overexpression is detected in human HCC cell lines and in more than 90% cases of human HCC patients, compared to normal hepatocytes and liver, and its expression level showed significant correlation with the stages and grades of the disease. Forced overexpression of LSF in less aggressive HCC cells resulted in highly aggressive, angiogenic and multi-organ metastatic tumors in nude mice. Conversely, inhibition of LSF significantly abrogated growth and metastasis of highly aggressive HCC cells in nude mice. Microarray studies revealed that as a transcription factor LSF modulated specific genes regulating invasion, angiogenesis, chemoresistance and senescence. LSF transcriptionally regulates thymidylate synthase (TS) gene, thus contributing to cell cycle regulation and chemoresistance. Our studies identify a network of proteins, including osteopontin (OPN), Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), c-Met and complement factor H (CFH), that are directly regulated by LSF and play important role in LSF-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. A high throughput screening identified small molecule inhibitors of LSF DNA binding and the prototype of these molecules, Factor Quinolinone inhibitor 1 (FQI1), profoundly inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in human HCC cells without exerting harmful effects to normal immortal human hepatocytes and primary mouse hepatocytes. In nude mice xenograft studies, FQI1 markedly inhibited growth of human HCC xenografts as well as angiogenesis without exerting any toxicity. These studies establish a key role of LSF in hepatocarcinogenesis and usher in a novel therapeutic avenue for HCC, an invariably fatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna K Santhekadur
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics,Virginia Commonwealth University, School of MedicineRichmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Devaraja Rajasekaran
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics,Virginia Commonwealth University, School of MedicineRichmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Ayesha Siddiq
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics,Virginia Commonwealth University, School of MedicineRichmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Rachel Gredler
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics,Virginia Commonwealth University, School of MedicineRichmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Pathology,Virginia Commonwealth University, School of MedicineRichmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Scott E Schaus
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Chemical Methodology and Library Development at Boston University (CMLDBU)Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ulla Hansen
- Department of Biology, Boston UniversityBoston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics,Virginia Commonwealth University, School of MedicineRichmond, VA 23298, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of MedicineRichmond, VA 23298, USA
- VCU Massey Cancer Center,Virginia Commonwealth University, School of MedicineRichmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics,Virginia Commonwealth University, School of MedicineRichmond, VA 23298, USA
- Department of Pathology,Virginia Commonwealth University, School of MedicineRichmond, VA 23298, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of MedicineRichmond, VA 23298, USA
- VCU Massey Cancer Center,Virginia Commonwealth University, School of MedicineRichmond, VA 23298, USA
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45
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Antiproliferative small-molecule inhibitors of transcription factor LSF reveal oncogene addiction to LSF in hepatocellular carcinoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:4503-8. [PMID: 22396589 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1121601109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Despite the prevalence of HCC, there is no effective, systemic treatment. The transcription factor LSF is a promising protein target for chemotherapy; it is highly expressed in HCC patient samples and cell lines, and promotes oncogenesis in rodent xenograft models of HCC. Here, we identify small molecules that effectively inhibit LSF cellular activity. The lead compound, factor quinolinone inhibitor 1 (FQI1), inhibits LSF DNA-binding activity both in vitro, as determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and in cells, as determined by ChIP. Consistent with such inhibition, FQI1 eliminates transcriptional stimulation of LSF-dependent reporter constructs. FQI1 also exhibits antiproliferative activity in multiple cell lines. In LSF-overexpressing cells, including HCC cells, cell death is rapidly induced; however, primary or immortalized hepatocytes are unaffected by treatment with FQI1. The highly concordant structure-activity relationship of a panel of 23 quinolinones strongly suggests that the growth inhibitory activity is due to a single biological target or family. Coupled with the striking agreement between the concentrations required for antiproliferative activity (GI(50)s) and for inhibition of LSF transactivation (IC(50)s), we conclude that LSF is the specific biological target of FQIs. Based on these in vitro results, we tested the efficacy of FQI1 in inhibiting HCC tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. As a single agent, tumor growth was dramatically inhibited with no observable general tissue cytotoxicity. These findings support the further development of LSF inhibitors for cancer chemotherapy.
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46
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Wang S, Samakovlis C. Grainy head and its target genes in epithelial morphogenesis and wound healing. Curr Top Dev Biol 2012; 98:35-63. [PMID: 22305158 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386499-4.00002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Grainy head (Grh) family of transcription factors is characterized by a unique DNA-binding domain that binds to a conserved consensus sequence. Nematodes and flies have a single grh gene, whereas mice and humans have evolved three genes encoding Grainy head-like (Grhl) factors. We review the biological function of Grh in different animals and the mechanisms modulating its activity. grh and grhl genes play a remarkably conserved role in epithelial organ development and extracellular barrier repair after tissue damage. Recent studies in flies and vertebrates suggest that Grh factors may be primary determinants of cell adhesion and epithelial tissue formation. Grh proteins can dimerize and act as activators or repressors in different developmental contexts. In flies, tissue-specific, alternative splicing generates different Grh isoforms with different DNA-binding specificities and functions. Grh activity is also modulated by receptor tyrosine kinases: it is phosphorylated by extracellular signal regulated kinase, and this phosphorylation is selectively required for epidermal barrier repair. Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain the repressive function of Grh on target gene transcription. First, Grh can target the Polycomb silencing complex to specific response elements. Second, it can directly compete for DNA binding with transcriptional activators. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of gene regulation by Grh factors is likely to elucidate phylogenetically conserved mechanisms of epithelial cell morphogenesis and regeneration upon tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenqiu Wang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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47
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Darido C, Georgy SR, Wilanowski T, Dworkin S, Auden A, Zhao Q, Rank G, Srivastava S, Finlay MJ, Papenfuss AT, Pandolfi PP, Pearson RB, Jane SM. Targeting of the tumor suppressor GRHL3 by a miR-21-dependent proto-oncogenic network results in PTEN loss and tumorigenesis. Cancer Cell 2011; 20:635-48. [PMID: 22094257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2011.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 09/02/2011] [Accepted: 10/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite its prevalence, the molecular basis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains poorly understood. Here, we identify the developmental transcription factor Grhl3 as a potent tumor suppressor of SCC in mice, and demonstrate that targeting of Grhl3 by a miR-21-dependent proto-oncogenic network underpins SCC in humans. Deletion of Grhl3 in adult epidermis evokes loss of expression of PTEN, a direct GRHL3 target, resulting in aggressive SCC induced by activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Restoration of Pten expression completely abrogates SCC formation. Reduced levels of GRHL3 and PTEN are evident in human skin, and head and neck SCC, associated with increased expression of miR-21, which targets both tumor suppressors. Our data define the GRHL3-PTEN axis as a critical tumor suppressor pathway in SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charbel Darido
- Department of Medicine, Monash University Central Clinical School, Prahran, Victoria 3181, Australia
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48
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Phosphorylation of Grainy head by ERK is essential for wound-dependent regeneration but not for development of an epidermal barrier. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 108:650-5. [PMID: 21187384 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1016386108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Grainy head (GRH) is a key transcription factor responsible for epidermal barrier formation and repair, whose function is highly conserved across diverse animal species. However, it is not known how GRH function is reactivated to repair differentiated epidermal barriers after wounding. Here, we show that GRH is directly regulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, which is required for wound-dependent expression of GRH target genes in epidermal cells. Serine 91 is the principal residue in GRH that is phosphorylated by ERK. Although mutations of the ERK phosphorylation sites in GRH do not impair its DNA binding function, the ERK sites in GRH are required to activate Dopa decarboxylase (Ddc) and misshapen (msn) epidermal wound enhancers as well as functional regeneration of an epidermal barrier upon wounding. This result indicates that the phosphorylation sites are essential for damaged epidermal barrier repair. However, GRH with mutant ERK phosphorylation sites can still promote barrier formation during embryonic epidermal development, suggesting that ERK sites are dispensable for the GRH function in establishing epidermal barrier integrity. These results provide mechanistic insight into how tissue repair can be initiated by posttranslational modification of a key transcription factor that normally mediates the developmental generation of that tissue.
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Boglev Y, Wilanowski T, Caddy J, Parekh V, Auden A, Darido C, Hislop NR, Cangkrama M, Ting SB, Jane SM. The unique and cooperative roles of the Grainy head-like transcription factors in epidermal development reflect unexpected target gene specificity. Dev Biol 2010; 349:512-22. [PMID: 21081122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2010] [Revised: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The Grainy head-like 3 (Grhl3) gene encodes a transcription factor that plays essential roles in epidermal morphogenesis during embryonic development, with deficient mice exhibiting failed skin barrier formation, defective wound repair, and loss of eyelid fusion. Despite sharing significant sequence homology, overlapping expression patterns, and an identical core consensus DNA binding site, the other members of the Grhl family (Grhl1 and -2) fail to compensate for the loss of Grhl3 in these processes. Here, we have employed diverse genetic models, coupled with biochemical studies, to define the inter-relationships of the Grhl factors in epidermal development. We show that Grhl1 and Grhl3 have evolved complete functional independence, as evidenced by a lack of genetic interactions in embryos carrying combinations of targeted alleles of these genes. In contrast, compound heterozygous Grhl2/Grhl3 embryos displayed failed wound repair, and loss of a single Grhl2 allele in Grhl3-null embryos results in fully penetrant eyes open at birth. Expression of Grhl2 from the Grhl3 locus in homozygous knock-in mice corrects the wound repair defect, but these embryos still display a complete failure of skin barrier formation. This functional dissociation is due to unexpected differences in target gene specificity, as both GRHL2 and GRHL3 bind to and regulate expression of the wound repair gene Rho GEF 19, but regulation of the barrier forming gene, Transglutaminase 1 (TGase1), is unique to GRHL3. Our findings define the mechanisms underpinning the unique and cooperative roles of the Grhl genes in epidermal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeliz Boglev
- Bone Marrow Research Laboratories, Melbourne Health Research Directorate, c/o Royal Melbourne Hospital Post Office, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
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Werth M, Walentin K, Aue A, Schönheit J, Wuebken A, Pode-Shakked N, Vilianovitch L, Erdmann B, Dekel B, Bader M, Barasch J, Rosenbauer F, Luft FC, Schmidt-Ott KM. The transcription factor grainyhead-like 2 regulates the molecular composition of the epithelial apical junctional complex. Development 2010; 137:3835-45. [PMID: 20978075 DOI: 10.1242/dev.055483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Differentiation of epithelial cells and morphogenesis of epithelial tubes or layers is closely linked with the establishment and remodeling of the apical junctional complex, which includes adherens junctions and tight junctions. Little is known about the transcriptional control of apical junctional complex components. Here, we show that the transcription factor grainyhead-like 2 (Grhl2), an epithelium-specific mammalian homolog of Drosophila Grainyhead, is essential for adequate expression of the adherens junction gene E-cadherin and the tight junction gene claudin 4 (Cldn4) in several types of epithelia, including gut endoderm, surface ectoderm and otic epithelium. We have generated Grhl2 mutant mice to demonstrate defective molecular composition of the apical junctional complex in these compartments that coincides with the occurrence of anterior and posterior neural tube defects. Mechanistically, we show that Grhl2 specifically associates with cis-regulatory elements localized at the Cldn4 core promoter and within intron 2 of the E-cadherin gene. Cldn4 promoter activity in epithelial cells is crucially dependent on the availability of Grhl2 and on the integrity of the Grhl2-associated cis-regulatory element. At the E-cadherin locus, the intronic Grhl2-associated cis-regulatory region contacts the promoter via chromatin looping, while loss of Grhl2 leads to a specific decrease of activating histone marks at the E-cadherin promoter. Together, our data provide evidence that Grhl2 acts as a target gene-associated transcriptional activator of apical junctional complex components and, thereby, crucially participates in epithelial differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Werth
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
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