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Zhou G, Lu D. Proteomics screening uncovers HMGA1 as a promising negative regulator for γ-globin expression in response to decreased β-globin levels. J Proteomics 2023; 286:104957. [PMID: 37423548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Reactivation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is a critical goal for the treatment of patients with hemoglobinopathies. β-globin disorders can trigger stress erythropoiesis in red blood cells (RBCs). Cell-intrinsic erythroid stress signals promote erythroid precursors to express high levels of fetal hemoglobin, which is also known as γ-globin. However, the molecular mechanism underlying γ-globin production during cell-intrinsic erythroid stress remains to be elucidated. Here, we utilized CRISPR-Cas9 to model a stressed state caused by reduced levels of adult β-globin in HUDEP2 human erythroid progenitor cells. We found that a decrease in β-globin expression correlates with the upregulation of γ-globin expression. We also identified transcription factor high-mobility group A1 (HMGA1; formerly HMG-I/Y) as a potential γ-globin regulator that responds to reduced β-globin levels. Upon erythroid stress, there is a downregulation of HMGA1, which normally binds -626 to -610 base pairs upstream from the STAT3 promoter, to downregulate STAT3 expression. STAT3 is a known γ-globin repressor, so the downregulation of HMGA1 ultimately upregulates γ-globin expression. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrated HMGA1 as a potential regulator in the poorly understood phenomenon of stress-induced globin compensation, and after further validation these results might inform new strategies to treat patients with sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Zhou
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Daru Lu
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Guangzhou, 511458, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning, Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, China.
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Du H, Wang Z, Guo R, Yang L, Liu G, Zhang Z, Xu Z, Tian Y, Yang Z, Li X, Chen B. Transcription factors Bcl11a and Bcl11b are required for the production and differentiation of cortical projection neurons. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:3611-3632. [PMID: 34963132 PMCID: PMC9433425 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation and differentiation of cortical projection neurons are extensively regulated by interactive programs of transcriptional factors. Here, we report the cooperative functions of transcription factors Bcl11a and Bcl11b in regulating the development of cortical projection neurons. Among the cells derived from the cortical neural stem cells, Bcl11a is expressed in the progenitors and the projection neurons, while Bcl11b expression is restricted to the projection neurons. Using conditional knockout mice, we show that deficiency of Bcl11a leads to reduced proliferation and precocious differentiation of cortical progenitor cells, which is exacerbated when Bcl11b is simultaneously deleted. Besides defective neuronal production, the differentiation of cortical projection neurons is blocked in the absence of both Bcl11a and Bcl11b: Expression of both pan-cortical and subtype-specific genes is reduced or absent; axonal projections to the thalamus, hindbrain, spinal cord, and contralateral cortical hemisphere are reduced or absent. Furthermore, neurogenesis-to-gliogenesis switch is accelerated in the Bcl11a-CKO and Bcl11a/b-DCKO mice. Bcl11a likely regulates neurogenesis through repressing the Nr2f1 expression. These results demonstrate that Bcl11a and Bcl11b jointly play critical roles in the generation and differentiation of cortical projection neurons and in controlling the timing of neurogenesis-to-gliogenesis switch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Du
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ziwu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Rongliang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guoping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhuangzhi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhejun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhengang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaosu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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High throughput screening for compounds to the orphan nuclear receptor NR2F6. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2022; 27:242-248. [PMID: 35331960 PMCID: PMC9670014 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
NR2F6 is considered an orphan nuclear receptor since its endogenous ligand has yet to be identified. Recently, NR2F6 has emerged as a novel cancer therapeutic target. NR2F6 has been demonstrated to be upregulated or overexpressed in several cancers. Importantly, Nr2f6-/- mice spontaneously reject tumors and develop host-protective immunological memory, a consequence of NR2F6 acting as an immune checkpoint in effector T cells. Collectively, these data suggest that modulation of NR2F6 activity may have important clinical applications in the fight against cancer. The nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-regulated transcription factors has proven to be an excellent source of targets for therapeutic intervention of a broad range of diseases. Approximately 15% of FDA approved drugs target NRs, demonstrating their clinical efficacy. To identify small molecule regulators of NR2F6 activity, with the overall goal of immuno-oncology, we developed and initiated a high-throughput cell-based assay that specifically measures the transcriptional activity of NR2F6. We completed automated screening of approximately 666,000 compounds and identified 5,008 initial hits. Further screening efforts, including counterscreening assays, confirmed 128 of these hits, most of which had IC50s of equal to or less than 5μM potencies. Here, we report, for the first time, the identification of several small molecule compounds to the orphan nuclear receptor, NR2F6.
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Simon R, Wiegreffe C, Britsch S. Bcl11 Transcription Factors Regulate Cortical Development and Function. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:51. [PMID: 32322190 PMCID: PMC7158892 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors regulate multiple processes during brain development and in the adult brain, from brain patterning to differentiation and maturation of highly specialized neurons as well as establishing and maintaining the functional neuronal connectivity. The members of the zinc-finger transcription factor family Bcl11 are mainly expressed in the hematopoietic and central nervous systems regulating the expression of numerous genes involved in a wide range of pathways. In the brain Bcl11 proteins are required to regulate progenitor cell proliferation as well as differentiation, migration, and functional integration of neural cells. Mutations of the human Bcl11 genes lead to anomalies in multiple systems including neurodevelopmental impairments like intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Simon
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Germany
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Estruch SB, Graham SA, Quevedo M, Vino A, Dekkers DHW, Deriziotis P, Sollis E, Demmers J, Poot RA, Fisher SE. Proteomic analysis of FOXP proteins reveals interactions between cortical transcription factors associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:1212-1227. [PMID: 29365100 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP transcription factors play important roles in neurodevelopment, but little is known about how their transcriptional activity is regulated. FOXP proteins cooperatively regulate gene expression by forming homo- and hetero-dimers with each other. Physical associations with other transcription factors might also modulate the functions of FOXP proteins. However, few FOXP-interacting transcription factors have been identified so far. Therefore, we sought to discover additional transcription factors that interact with the brain-expressed FOXP proteins, FOXP1, FOXP2 and FOXP4, through affinity-purifications of protein complexes followed by mass spectrometry. We identified seven novel FOXP-interacting transcription factors (NR2F1, NR2F2, SATB1, SATB2, SOX5, YY1 and ZMYM2), five of which have well-estabslished roles in cortical development. Accordingly, we found that these transcription factors are co-expressed with FoxP2 in the deep layers of the cerebral cortex and also in the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, suggesting that they may cooperate with the FoxPs to regulate neural gene expression in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrated that etiological mutations of FOXP1 and FOXP2, known to cause neurodevelopmental disorders, severely disrupted the interactions with FOXP-interacting transcription factors. Additionally, we pinpointed specific regions within FOXP2 sequence involved in mediating these interactions. Thus, by expanding the FOXP interactome we have uncovered part of a broader neural transcription factor network involved in cortical development, providing novel molecular insights into the transcriptional architecture underlying brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Estruch
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah A Graham
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Martí Quevedo
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Arianna Vino
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Dick H W Dekkers
- Center for Proteomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Pelagia Deriziotis
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Elliot Sollis
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Demmers
- Center for Proteomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond A Poot
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen 6525 EN, The Netherlands
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Doush Y, Surani AA, Navarro-Corcuera A, McArdle S, Billett EE, Montiel-Duarte C. SP1 and RARα regulate AGAP2 expression in cancer. Sci Rep 2019; 9:390. [PMID: 30674964 PMCID: PMC6344547 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36888-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
AGAP2 (Arf GAP with GTP-binding protein-like domain, Ankyrin repeat and PH domain 2) isoform 2 is considered a proto-oncogene, but not much is known about AGAP2 gene expression regulation. To get some insight into this process, AGAP2 proximal promoter was cloned and characterised using reporter assays. We have identified SP1 as a transcription factor bound to AGAP2 promoter and required for AGAP2 expression in two different types of cancer cells (KU812, a chronic myeloid leukaemia cell line; and DU145, a prostate cancer cell line): silencing SP1 decreased AGAP2 protein levels. We have also found that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) treatment increased AGAP2 protein levels in both cell lines whilst curcumin treatment reduced ATRA-mediated AGAP2 increase. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed the presence of RARα, RXRα and the lysine acetyl transferase PCAF in AGAP2 promoter. Our results provide a novel understanding of AGAP2 expression regulation that could be beneficial to those patients with cancers where AGAP2 is overexpressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yegor Doush
- College of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Arif A Surani
- College of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Amaia Navarro-Corcuera
- College of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Stephanie McArdle
- The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - E Ellen Billett
- College of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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Predicting puberty in partial androgen insensitivity syndrome: Use of clinical and functional androgen receptor indices. EBioMedicine 2018; 36:401-409. [PMID: 30316867 PMCID: PMC6197786 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background PAIS exhibits a complex spectrum of phenotypes and pubertal outcomes. The paucity of reliable prognostic indicators can confound management decisions including sex-of-rearing. We assessed whether external masculinisation score (EMS) at birth or functional assays correlates with pubertal outcome in PAIS patients and whether the EMS is helpful in sex assignment. Methods We collected pubertal outcome data for 27 male-assigned PAIS patients, all with confirmed androgen receptor (AR) mutations, including two previously uncharacterized variants (I899F; Y916C). Patients were grouped as follows; EMS at birth <5 and ≥ 5 (EMS in normal males is 12; median EMS in PAIS is 4·7) and pubertal outcomes compared. Findings Only 6/9 patients (67%) with EMS <5 underwent spontaneous onset of puberty, versus all 18 patients with EMS ≥5 (p = .03). Only 1/6 patients (17%) with EMS <5 developed adult genitalia reaching Tanner stage 4 or 5, versus 11/13 (85%) with EMS ≥5 (p = 0·01). There was no significant difference between the two groups of patients in being prescribed androgen replacement, who reached adult testicular volume ≥ 15 ml, pubic hair Tanner stage 4 or 5, above average adult height, had gynaecomastia, and mastectomy. No correlation was observed between EMS and in vitro AR function. Interpretation In PAIS with AR mutation, birth EMS is a simple predictor of spontaneous pubertal onset and satisfactory adult genitalia. This provides useful information when discussing the likely options for management at puberty. Fund European Commission Framework 7 Programme, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, BBSRC DTP.
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8
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Functional characterization of TBR1 variants in neurodevelopmental disorder. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14279. [PMID: 30250039 PMCID: PMC6155134 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32053-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent de novo variants in the TBR1 transcription factor are implicated in the etiology of sporadic autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Disruptions include missense variants located in the T-box DNA-binding domain and previous work has demonstrated that they disrupt TBR1 protein function. Recent screens of thousands of simplex families with sporadic ASD cases uncovered additional T-box variants in TBR1 but their etiological relevance is unclear. We performed detailed functional analyses of de novo missense TBR1 variants found in the T-box of ASD cases, assessing many aspects of protein function, including subcellular localization, transcriptional activity and protein-interactions. Only two of the three tested variants severely disrupted TBR1 protein function, despite in silico predictions that all would be deleterious. Furthermore, we characterized a putative interaction with BCL11A, a transcription factor that was recently implicated in a neurodevelopmental syndrome involving developmental delay and language deficits. Our findings enhance understanding of molecular functions of TBR1, as well as highlighting the importance of functional testing of variants that emerge from next-generation sequencing, to decipher their contributions to neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD.
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Lai Y, Chen Y, Chen B, Zheng H, Yi S, Li G, Wei H, He S, Zheng C. Genetic Variants at BCL11A and HBS1L-MYB loci Influence Hb F Levels in Chinese Zhuang β-Thalassemia Intermedia Patients. Hemoglobin 2017; 40:405-410. [PMID: 28361591 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2016.1253586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Increased Hb F levels can ameliorate the symptoms of β-thalassemia (β-thal). Due to the genetic heterogenicity of β-thal, the relationship between genetic variants in modifier genes and Hb F level has been studied in different populations. The Chinese Zhuang has the second largest population in China and has 6.78% prevalence of β-thal. However, the effects of these single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants on the Hb F levels of β-thal intermedia (β-TI) patients in this population have not been reported. To explore the association between modifier loci (β-globin gene cluster, HBS1L-MYB intergenic region and BCL11A) and Hb F levels in Chinese Zhuang β-TI patients, 96 unrelated β-TI patients (50 males and 46 females) with different Hb F levels were recruited and genotyped by mass spectrometry. A total of 13 SNPs were confirmed to be in a significant relationship with Hb F levels in this population. Of these, high-risk genotypes of six Hb F-associated SNPs, rs9376090, rs7776054, rs9399137, rs9389268, rs9402685 in the HBS1L-MYB intergenic region and rs189984760 in the BCL11A locus, showed association with high Hb F levels, especially for SNPs in linkage disequilibrium. One novel Hb F-associated SNP, rs189984760, was identified in our study. Our findings will be of valuable reference for correlation between modifier genes and Hb F in Chinese Zhuang populations and may lead to better understand the modifying mechanisms for β-thal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunli Lai
- a Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory , Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Women and Children Care Hospital , Nanning , Guangxi Province , People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Chen
- a Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory , Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Women and Children Care Hospital , Nanning , Guangxi Province , People's Republic of China
| | - Biyan Chen
- a Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory , Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Women and Children Care Hospital , Nanning , Guangxi Province , People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyang Zheng
- a Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory , Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Women and Children Care Hospital , Nanning , Guangxi Province , People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Yi
- a Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory , Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Women and Children Care Hospital , Nanning , Guangxi Province , People's Republic of China
| | - Guojian Li
- b Guangxi Health and Family Planning Commission , Nanning , Guangxi Province , People's Republic of China
| | - Hongwei Wei
- a Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory , Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Women and Children Care Hospital , Nanning , Guangxi Province , People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng He
- a Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory , Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Women and Children Care Hospital , Nanning , Guangxi Province , People's Republic of China
| | - Chenguang Zheng
- a Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory , Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Women and Children Care Hospital , Nanning , Guangxi Province , People's Republic of China
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Fulton J, Mazumder B, Whitchurch JB, Monteiro CJ, Collins HM, Chan CM, Clemente MP, Hernandez-Quiles M, Stewart EA, Amoaku WM, Moran PM, Mongan NP, Persson JL, Ali S, Heery DM. Heterodimers of photoreceptor-specific nuclear receptor (PNR/NR2E3) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) are disrupted by retinal disease-associated mutations. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2677. [PMID: 28300834 PMCID: PMC5386588 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Photoreceptor-specific nuclear receptor (PNR/NR2E3) and Tailless homolog (TLX/NR2E1) are human orthologs of the NR2E group, a subgroup of phylogenetically related members of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of transcription factors. We assessed the ability of these NRs to form heterodimers with other members of the human NRs representing all major subgroups. The TLX ligand-binding domain (LBD) did not appear to form homodimers or interact directly with any other NR tested. The PNR LBD was able to form homodimers, but also exhibited robust interactions with the LBDs of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ)/NR1C3 and thyroid hormone receptor b (TRb) TRβ/NR1A2. The binding of PNR to PPARγ was specific for this paralog, as no interaction was observed with the LBDs of PPARα/NR1C1 or PPARδ/NR1C2. In support of these findings, PPARγ and PNR were found to be co-expressed in human retinal tissue extracts and could be co-immunoprecipitated as a native complex. Selected sequence variants in the PNR LBD associated with human retinopathies, or a mutation in the dimerization region of PPARγ LBD associated with familial partial lipodystrophy type 3, were found to disrupt PNR/PPARγ complex formation. Wild-type PNR, but not a PNR309G mutant, was able to repress PPARγ-mediated transcription in reporter assays. In summary, our results reveal novel heterodimer interactions in the NR superfamily, suggesting previously unknown functional interactions of PNR with PPARγ and TRβ that have potential importance in retinal development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Fulton
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Bismoy Mazumder
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | | | - Chun M Chan
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | - Elizabeth A Stewart
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Winfried M Amoaku
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paula M Moran
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nigel P Mongan
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jenny L Persson
- Division of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Simak Ali
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David M Heery
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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12
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Benod C, Villagomez R, Webb P. TLX: An elusive receptor. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 157:41-7. [PMID: 26554934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
TLX (tailless receptor) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and belongs to a class of nuclear receptors for which no endogenous or synthetic ligands have yet been identified. TLX is a promising therapeutic target in neurological disorders and brain tumors. Thus, regulatory ligands for TLX need to be identified to complete the validation of TLX as a useful target and would serve as chemical probes to pursue the study of this receptor in disease models. It has recently been proved that TLX is druggable. However, to identify potent and specific TLX ligands with desirable biological activity, a deeper understanding of where ligands bind, how they alter TLX conformation and of the mechanism by which TLX mediates the transcription of its target genes is needed. While TLX is in the process of escaping from orphanhood, future ligand design needs to progress in parallel with improved understanding of (i) the binding cavity or surfaces to target with small molecules on the TLX ligand binding domain and (ii) the nature of the TLX coregulators in particular cell and disease contexts. Both of these topics are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Benod
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Rosa Villagomez
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paul Webb
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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13
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de Souza Carrocini GC, Venancio LPR, Bonini-Domingos CR. Screening of Transcription Factors Involved in Fetal Hemoglobin Regulation Using Phylogenetic Footprinting. Evol Bioinform Online 2015; 11:239-44. [PMID: 26543346 PMCID: PMC4624090 DOI: 10.4137/ebo.s15364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) is an important genetic modulator of the beta-hemoglobinopathies. The regulation of Hb F levels is influenced by transcription factors. We used phylogenetic footprinting to screen transcription factors that have binding sites in HBG1 and HBG2 genes’ noncoding regions in order to know the genetic determinants of the Hb F expression. Our analysis showed 354 conserved motifs in the noncoding regions of HBG1 gene and 231 motifs in the HBG2 gene between the analyzed species. Of these motifs, 13 showed relation to Hb F regulation: cell division cycle-5 (CDC5), myelo-blastosis viral oncogene homolog (c-MYB), transcription factor CP2 (TFCP2), GATA binding protein 1 (GATA-1), GATA binding protein 2 (GATA-2), nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2), nuclear transcription factor Y (NF-Y), runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX-1), T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia 1 (TAL-1), YY1 transcription factor (YY1), beta protein 1 (BP1), chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII), and paired box 1 (PAX-1). The last three motifs were conserved only in the noncoding regions of the HBG1 gene. The understanding of genetic elements involved in the maintenance of high Hb F levels may provide new efficient therapeutic strategies in the beta-hemoglobinopathies treatment, promoting reduction in clinical complications of these genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Cristine de Souza Carrocini
- Laboratory of Hemoglobin and Genetics of Hematologic Diseases, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University - UNESP/IBILCE, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa Paola Rodrigues Venancio
- Laboratory of Hemoglobin and Genetics of Hematologic Diseases, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University - UNESP/IBILCE, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudia Regina Bonini-Domingos
- Laboratory of Hemoglobin and Genetics of Hematologic Diseases, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University - UNESP/IBILCE, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Islam MM, Zhang CL. TLX: A master regulator for neural stem cell maintenance and neurogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1849:210-6. [PMID: 24930777 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor TLX, also known as NR2E1, is an essential regulator of neural stem cell (NSC) self-renewal, maintenance, and neurogenesis. In vertebrates, TLX is specifically localized to the neurogenic regions of the forebrain and retina throughout development and adulthood. TLX regulates the expression of genes involved in multiple pathways, such as the cell cycle, DNA replication, and cell adhesion. These roles are primarily performed through the transcriptional repression or activation of downstream target genes. Emerging evidence suggests that the misregulation of TLX might play a role in the onset and progression of human neurological disorders making this factor an ideal therapeutic target. Here, we review the current understanding of TLX function, expression, regulation, and activity significant to NSC maintenance, adult neurogenesis, and brain plasticity. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear receptors in animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M Islam
- Department of Molecular Biology, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Fowler PA, Childs AJ, Courant F, MacKenzie A, Rhind SM, Antignac JP, Le Bizec B, Filis P, Evans F, Flannigan S, Maheshwari A, Bhattacharya S, Monteiro A, Anderson RA, O'Shaughnessy PJ. In utero exposure to cigarette smoke dysregulates human fetal ovarian developmental signalling. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:1471-89. [PMID: 24847019 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does maternal cigarette smoking disturb development of the human fetal ovary? SUMMARY ANSWER Maternal smoking increases fetal estrogen titres and dysregulates several developmental processes in the fetal ovary. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Exposure to maternal cigarette smoking during gestation reduces human fetal ovarian cell numbers, germ cell proliferation and subsequent adult fecundity. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The effects of maternal cigarette smoking on the second trimester human fetal ovary, fetal endocrine signalling and fetal chemical burden were studied. A total of 105 fetuses were studied, 56 from mothers who smoked during pregnancy and 49 from those who did not. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING METHODS Ovary, liver and plasma samples were collected from electively terminated, normally progressing, second trimester human fetuses. Circulating fetal hormones, levels of 73 fetal ovarian transcripts, protein localization, density of oocytes/primordial follicles and levels of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the fetal liver were determined. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Circulating fetal estrogen levels were very high and were increased by maternal smoking (ANOVA, P = 0.055-0.004 versus control). Smoke exposure also dysregulated (two-way ANOVA, smoking versus gestation weeks interaction, P = 0.046-0.023) four fetal ovarian genes (cytochrome P450 scc [CYP11A1], NOBOX oogenesis homeobox [NOBOX], activator of apoptosis harakiri [HRK], nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group E, member 1 [NR2E1]), shifted the ovarian Inhibin βA/inhibin α ratio (NHBA/INHA) transcript ratio in favour of activin (ANOVA, P = 0.049 versus control) and reduced the proportion of dominant-negative estrogen receptor 2 (ERβ: ESR2) isoforms in half the exposed fetuses. PAHs, ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), were increased nearly 6-fold by maternal smoking (ANOVA, P = 0.011 versus control). A fifth transcript, COUP transcription factor 1 (nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group F, member 1: NR2F1, which contains multiple AHR-binding sites), was both significantly increased (ANOVA, P = 0.026 versus control) and dysregulated by (two-way ANOVA, smoking versus gestation weeks interaction, P = 0.021) maternal smoking. NR2F1 is associated with repression of FSHR expression and smoke-exposed ovaries failed to show the normal increase in FSHR expression during the second trimester. There was a significantly higher number of DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 4 (DDX4) VASA-positive (ANOVA, P = 0.016 versus control), but not POU domain, class 1, transcription factor 1 (POU5F1) OCT3/4-positive, oocytes in smoke-exposed fetuses and this matched with a significantly higher number of primordial follicles (ANOVA, P = 0.024 versus control). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The effects of maternal smoking on establishment of the maximum fetal primordial follicle pool cannot be reliably studied in our population since the process is not completed until 28 weeks of gestation and normal fetuses older than 21 weeks of gestation are not available for study. Our data suggest that some fetal ovaries are affected by smoke exposure while others are not, indicating that additional studies, with larger numbers, may show more significant effects. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Fetal exposure to chemicals in cigarette smoke is known to lead to reduced fecundity in women. Our study suggests, for the first time, that this occurs via mechanisms involving activation of AHR, disruption of inhibin/activin and estrogen signalling, increased exposure to estrogen and dysregulation of multiple molecular pathways in the exposed human fetal ovary. Our data also suggest that alterations in the ESR2 positive and dominant negative isoforms may be associated with reduced sensitivity of some fetuses to increased estrogens and maternal smoking. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was supported by grants from the Chief Scientist Office (Scottish Executive, CZG/1/109, and CZG/4/742), NHS Grampian Endowments (08/02), the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement no. 212885, a Society for Reproduction & Fertility summer studentship, Medical Research Scotland (research grant 354 FRG) and the Medical Research Council (WBS: U.1276.00.002.00001 and G1100357). The authors declare they have no competing interests, be it financial, personal or professional.
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Guo G, Kang Q, Zhu X, Chen Q, Wang X, Chen Y, Ouyang J, Zhang L, Tan H, Chen R, Huang S, Chen JL. A long noncoding RNA critically regulates Bcr-Abl-mediated cellular transformation by acting as a competitive endogenous RNA. Oncogene 2014; 34:1768-79. [DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Chiang DY, Cuthbertson DW, Ruiz FR, Li N, Pereira FA. A coregulatory network of NR2F1 and microRNA-140. PLoS One 2013; 8:e83358. [PMID: 24349493 PMCID: PMC3857795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 1 (NR2F1) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play critical roles in the developing and functional inner ear. Based on previous studies suggesting interplay between NR2F1 and miRNAs, we investigated the coregulation between NR2F1 and miRNAs to better understand the regulatory mechanisms of inner ear development and functional maturation. RESULTS Using a bioinformatic approach, we identified 11 potential miRNAs that might coregulate target genes with NR2F1 and analyzed their targets and potential roles in physiology and disease. We selected 6 miRNAs to analyze using quantitative real-time (qRT) -PCR and found that miR-140 is significantly down-regulated by 4.5-fold (P=0.004) in the inner ear of NR2F1 knockout (Nr2f1(-/-)) mice compared to wild-type littermates but is unchanged in the brain. Based on this, we performed chromatin-immunoprecipitation followed by qRT-PCR and confirmed that NR2F1 directly binds and regulates both miR-140 and Klf9 in vivo. Furthermore, we performed luciferase reporter assay and showed that miR-140 mimic directly regulates KLF9-3'UTR, thereby establishing and validating an example coregulatory network involving NR2F1, miR-140, and Klf9. CONCLUSIONS We have described and experimentally validated a novel tissue-dependent coregulatory network for NR2F1, miR-140, and Klf9 in the inner ear and we propose the existence of many such coregulatory networks important for both inner ear development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Y. Chiang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - David W. Cuthbertson
- Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Fernanda R. Ruiz
- Huffington Center on Aging and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Na Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Fred A. Pereira
- Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Huffington Center on Aging and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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