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Ding Y, Lin M, Wang J, Shang X. RBM3 enhances the stability of MEF2C mRNA and modulates blood-brain barrier permeability in AD microenvironment. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119738. [PMID: 38670534 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) changes are acknowledged as early indicators of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The permeability and integrity of the BBB rely significantly on the essential role played by the tight junction proteins (TJPs) connecting endothelial cells. This study found the reduced RNA binding motif protein 3 (RBM3) expression in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) incubated with Aβ1-42. This downregulation of RBM3 caused a decrease in the levels of ZO-1 and occludin and increased the permeability of BBB cell model in AD microenvironment. Myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) expression was also inhibited in BMECs incubated with Aβ1-42. A decrease in MEF2C expression led to increased permeability of BBB cell model in AD microenvironment and reductions in the levels of ZO-1 and occludin. Further analysis of the underlying mechanism revealed that RBM3 binds to and stabilizes MEF2C mRNA. MEF2C binds to the promoters of ZO-1 and occludin, enhancing their transcriptional activities and modulating BBB permeability. RBM3 increases the stability of MEF2C mRNA and subsequently modulates BBB permeability through the paracellular pathway of TJPs. This may provide new insights for AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Ding
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meiqing Lin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jirui Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiuli Shang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Dithmer S, Blasig IE, Fraser PA, Qin Z, Haseloff RF. The Basic Requirement of Tight Junction Proteins in Blood-Brain Barrier Function and Their Role in Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5601. [PMID: 38891789 PMCID: PMC11172262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115601] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This review addresses the role of tight junction proteins at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Their expression is described, and their role in physiological and pathological processes at the BBB is discussed. Based on this, new approaches are depicted for paracellular drug delivery and diagnostics in the treatment of cerebral diseases. Recent data provide convincing evidence that, in addition to its impairment in the course of diseases, the BBB could be involved in the aetiology of CNS disorders. Further progress will be expected based on new insights in tight junction protein structure and in their involvement in signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Dithmer
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (I.E.B.)
| | - Ingolf E. Blasig
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (I.E.B.)
| | | | - Zhihai Qin
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Reiner F. Haseloff
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (I.E.B.)
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Lv Y, Xie G, Xi Y, Zhang L, Wang J, Wu J. MicroRNA Regulatory Pattern in Diabetic Mouse Cortex at Different Stages Following Ischemic Stroke. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:36. [PMID: 38568285 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-024-02207-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
After ischemic stroke, microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in various processes, including immune responses, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Diabetes is a key factor increasing the risk of ischemic stroke; however, the regulatory pattern of miRNAs at different stages of diabetic stroke remains unclear. This study comprehensively analyzed the miRNA expression profiles in diabetic mice at 1, 3, and 7 days post-reperfusion following the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We identified differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in diabetic stroke and found significant dysregulation of some novel miRNAs (novel_mir310, novel_mir89, and novel_mir396) post-stroke. These DEmiRNAs were involved in apoptosis and the formation of tight junctions. Finally, we identified three groups of time-dependent DE miRNAs (miR-6240, miR-135b-3p, and miR-672-5p). These have the potential to serve as biomarkers of diabetic stroke. These findings provide a new perspective for future research, emphasizing the dynamic changes in miRNA expression after diabetic stroke and offering potential candidates as biomarkers for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Dong-Hu Road #169, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, P.R. China
| | - Guanghui Xie
- Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yujie Xi
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Dong-Hu Road #169, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, P.R. China
| | - Liu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Dong-Hu Road #169, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, P.R. China
| | - Jiajun Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Dong-Hu Road #169, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Dong-Hu Road #169, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, P.R. China.
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Erdogdu B, Varabyou A, Hicks SC, Salzberg SL, Pertea M. Detecting differential transcript usage in complex diseases with SPIT. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100736. [PMID: 38508189 PMCID: PMC10985272 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Differential transcript usage (DTU) plays a crucial role in determining how gene expression differs among cells, tissues, and developmental stages, contributing to the complexity and diversity of biological systems. In abnormal cells, it can also lead to deficiencies in protein function and underpin disease pathogenesis. Analyzing DTU via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data is vital, but the genetic heterogeneity in populations with complex diseases presents an intricate challenge due to diverse causal events and undetermined subtypes. Although the majority of common diseases in humans are categorized as complex, state-of-the-art DTU analysis methods often overlook this heterogeneity in their models. We therefore developed SPIT, a statistical tool that identifies predominant subgroups in transcript usage within a population along with their distinctive sets of DTU events. This study provides comprehensive assessments of SPIT's methodology and applies it to analyze brain samples from individuals with schizophrenia, revealing previously unreported DTU events in six candidate genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beril Erdogdu
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Ales Varabyou
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie C Hicks
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Malone Center for Engineering in Healthcare, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Steven L Salzberg
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mihaela Pertea
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Zhang L, Zhu B, Zhou X, Ning H, Zhang F, Yan B, Chen J, Ma T. ZNF787 and HDAC1 Mediate Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability in an In Vitro Model of Alzheimer's Disease Microenvironment. Neurotox Res 2024; 42:12. [PMID: 38329647 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-024-00693-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is increased in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This plays a key role in the instigation and maintenance of chronic inflammation during AD. Experiments using AD models showed that the increased permeability of the BBB was mainly caused by the decreased expression of tight junction-related proteins occludin and claudin-5. In this study, we found that ZNF787 and HDAC1 were upregulated in β-amyloid (Aβ)1-42-incubated endothelial cells, resulting in increased BBB permeability. Conversely, the silencing of ZNF787 and HDAC1 by RNAi led to reduced BBB permeability. The silencing of ZNF787 and HDAC1 enhanced the expression of occludin and claudin-5. Mechanistically, ZNF787 binds to promoter regions for occludin and claudin-5 and functions as a transcriptional regulator. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ZNF787 interacts with HDAC1, and this resulted in the downregulation of the expression of genes encoding tight junction-related proteins to increase in BBB permeability. Taken together, our study identifies critical roles for the interaction between ZNF787 and HDAC1 in regulating BBB permeability and the pathogenesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Baicheng Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Xinxin Zhou
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, 110034, China
| | - Hao Ning
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Fengying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Bingju Yan
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Teng Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
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Erdogdu B, Varabyou A, Hicks SC, Salzberg SL, Pertea M. Detecting differential transcript usage in complex diseases with SPIT. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.10.548289. [PMID: 37503064 PMCID: PMC10369883 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.10.548289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Differential transcript usage (DTU) plays a crucial role in determining how gene expression differs among cells, tissues, and different developmental stages, thereby contributing to the complexity and diversity of biological systems. In abnormal cells, it can also lead to deficiencies in protein function, potentially leading to pathogenesis of diseases. Detecting such events for single-gene genetic traits is relatively uncomplicated; however, the heterogeneity of populations with complex diseases presents an intricate challenge due to the presence of diverse causal events and undetermined subtypes. SPIT is the first statistical tool that quantifies the heterogeneity in transcript usage within a population and identifies predominant subgroups along with their distinctive sets of DTU events. We provide comprehensive assessments of SPIT's methodology in both single-gene and complex traits and report the results of applying SPIT to analyze brain samples from individuals with schizophrenia. Our analysis reveals previously unreported DTU events in six candidate genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beril Erdogdu
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Whiting School of Engineering; Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ales Varabyou
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Stephanie C Hicks
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD, USA
- Malone Center for Engineering in Healthcare, Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA
| | - Steven L Salzberg
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Whiting School of Engineering; Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mihaela Pertea
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Whiting School of Engineering; Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD, United States
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The tissue-specificity associated region and motif of an emx2 downstream enhancer CNE2.04 in zebrafish. Gene Expr Patterns 2022; 45:119269. [PMID: 35970322 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2022.119269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expression level of EMX2 plays an important role in the development of nervous system and cancers. CNE2.04, a conserved enhancer downstream of emx2, drives fluorescent protein expression in the similar pattern of emx2. METHODS CNE2.04 truncated or motif-mutated transgenic reporter plasmids were constructed and injected into the zebrafish fertilized egg with Tol2 mRNA at the unicellular stage of zebrafish eggs. The green fluorescence expression patterns were observed at 24, 48, and 72 hpf, and the fluorescence rates of different tissues were counted at 48 hpf. RESULTS Compared to CNE2.04, CNE2.04-R400 had comparable enhancer activity, while the tissue specificity of CNE2.04-L400 was obviously changed. Motif CCCCTC mutation obviously changed the enhancer activity, while motif CCGCTC mutations also changed it. CONCLUSION Due to their correlation with tissue specificity, CNE2.04-R400 is associated with the tissue-specificity of CNE2.04, and motif CCCCTC plays an important role in the enhancer activity of CNE2.04.
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EGF-Dependent Activation of ELK1 Contributes to the Induction of CLDND1 Expression Involved in Tight Junction Formation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081792. [PMID: 35892692 PMCID: PMC9329870 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudin proteins are intercellular adhesion molecules. Increased claudin domain-containing 1 (CLDND1) expression is associated with the malignant transformation of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cells with low sensitivity to hormone therapy. Abnormal CLDND1 expression is also implicated in vascular diseases. Previously, we investigated the regulatory mechanism underlying CLDND1 expression and identified a strong enhancer region near the promoter. In silico analysis of the sequence showed high homology to the ETS domain-containing protein-1 (ELK1)-binding sequence which is involved in cell growth, differentiation, angiogenesis, and cancer. Transcriptional ELK1 activation is associated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade originating from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Here, we evaluated the effect of gefitinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on the suppression of CLDND1 expression using ELK1 overexpression in luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. ELK1 was found to be an activator of the enhancer region, and its transient expression increased that of CLDND1 at the mRNA and protein levels. CLDND1 expression was increased following EGF-induced ELK1 phosphorylation. Furthermore, this increase in CLDND1 was significantly suppressed by gefitinib. Therefore, EGF-dependent activation of ELK1 contributes to the induction of CLDND1 expression. These findings open avenues for the development of new anticancer agents targeting CLDND1.
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TARBP2-stablized SNHG7 regulates blood-brain barrier permeability by acting as a competing endogenous RNA to miR-17-5p/NFATC3 in Aβ-microenvironment. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:457. [PMID: 35562351 PMCID: PMC9106673 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04920-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Breakdown of blood-brain barrier (BBB) is recognized as serious pathological marker of Alzheimer's disease development. Studies confirmed that β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition induced high BBB permeability by disrupting tight junction (TJ) proteins formed from endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we found TARBP2, SNHG7 and NFATC3 in expressions were increased and miR-17-5p expression was decreased in Aβ(1-42)-incubated ECs. Overexpression of TARBP2, SNHG7 and NFATC3 elevated BBB permeability and knockdown of them had converse results. Agomir-17-5p decreased BBB permeability and antagomir-17-5p increased BBB permeability. TARBP2 as a RNA-binding protein (RBP) bound to SNHG7 and resulted in longer half-life of SNHG7. The decreased expression of miR-17-5p had a negative post-transcriptional regulation to NFATC3, leading to the increased expression of NFATC3. In addition, SNHG7 regulated NFATC3 expression by acting as a molecule sponge targeting to miR-17-5p. NFATC3 inhibited TJ proteins expression by functioning as a transcription factor. TARBP2/SNHG7/miR-17-5p/NFATC3 pathway implied a potential mechanism in studies of BBB changes in AD pathological progression.
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Conversion of a Non-Cancer-Selective Promoter into a Cancer-Selective Promoter. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061497. [PMID: 35326649 PMCID: PMC8946048 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The rat progression elevated gene-3 (PEG-3) promoter displays cancer-selective expression, whereas the rat growth arrest and DNA damage inducible gene-34 (GADD34) promoter lacks cancer specificity. PEG-3 and GADD34 minimal promoters display strong sequence homology except for two single point mutations. Since mutations are prevalent in many gene promoters resulting in significant alterations in promoter specificity and activity, we have explored the relevance of these two nucleotide alterations in determining cancer-selective gene expression. We demonstrate that these two point mutations are required to transform a non-cancer-specific promoter (pGADD) into a cancer-selective promoter (pGAPE). Additionally, we found GATA2 transcription factor binding sites in the GAPE-Prom, which regulates pGAPE activity selectively in cancer cells. This newly created pGAPE has all the necessary elements making it an appropriate genetic tool to noninvasively deliver imaging agents to follow tumor growth and progression to metastasis and for generating conditionally replicating adenoviruses that can express and deliver their payload exclusively in cancer. Abstract Progression-elevated gene-3 (PEG-3) and rat growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene-34 (GADD34) display significant sequence homology with regulation predominantly transcriptional. The rat full-length (FL) and minimal (min) PEG-3 promoter display cancer-selective expression in rodent and human tumors, allowing for cancer-directed regulation of transgenes, viral replication and in vivo imaging of tumors and metastases in animals, whereas the FL- and min-GADD34-Prom lack cancer specificity. Min-PEG-Prom and min-GADD34-Prom have identical sequences except for two single-point mutation differences (at −260 bp and +159 bp). Engineering double mutations in the min-GADD34-Prom produce the GAPE-Prom. Changing one base pair (+159) or both point mutations in the min-GADD34-Prom, but not the FL-GADD34-Prom, results in cancer-selective transgene expression in diverse cancer cells (including prostate, breast, pancreatic and neuroblastoma) vs. normal counterparts. Additionally, we identified a GATA2 transcription factor binding site, promoting cancer specificity when both min-PEG-Prom mutations are present in the GAPE-Prom. Taken together, introducing specific point mutations in a rat min-GADD34-Prom converts this non-cancer-specific promoter into a cancer-selective promoter, and the addition of GATA2 with existing AP1 and PEA3 transcription factors enhances further cancer-selective activity of the GAPE-Prom. The GAPE-Prom provides a genetic tool to specifically regulate transgene expression in cancer cells.
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Bu S, Lv Y, Liu Y, Qiao S, Wang H. Zinc Finger Proteins in Neuro-Related Diseases Progression. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:760567. [PMID: 34867169 PMCID: PMC8637543 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.760567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger proteins (ZNF) are among the most abundant proteins in eukaryotic genomes. It contains several zinc finger domains that can selectively bind to certain DNA or RNA and associate with proteins, therefore, ZNF can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. In terms of neurological diseases, numerous studies have shown that many ZNF are associated with neurological diseases. The purpose of this review is to summarize the types and roles of ZNF in neuropsychiatric disorders. We will describe the structure and classification of ZNF, then focus on the pathophysiological role of ZNF in neuro-related diseases and summarize the mechanism of action of ZNF in neuro-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Bu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yihan Lv
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yusheng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sen Qiao
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Matsuoka H, Michihara A. Identification of the RORα Transcriptional Network Contributes to the Search for Therapeutic Targets in Atherosclerosis. Biol Pharm Bull 2021; 44:1607-1616. [PMID: 34719639 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α (RORα) is involved in the regulation of several physiological processes, including development, metabolism, and circadian rhythm. RORα-deficient mice display profound atherosclerosis, in which hypoalphalipoproteinemia is reportedly associated with decreased plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein, increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, and ischemia/reperfusion-induced damage. The recent characterization of endogenous ligands (including cholesterol, oxysterols, provitamin D3, and their derivatives), mediators, and initiation complexes associated with the transcriptional regulation of these orphan nuclear receptors has facilitated the development of synthetic ligands. These findings have also highlighted the potential of application of RORα as a therapeutic target for several diseases, including diabetes, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis. In this review, the current literature related to the structure and function of RORα, its genetic inter-individual differences, and its potential as a therapeutic target in atherosclerosis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Matsuoka
- Laboratory of Genomic Function and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuyama University
| | - Akihiro Michihara
- Laboratory of Genomic Function and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuyama University
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