1
|
Friedman MJ, Wagner T, Lee H, Rosenfeld MG, Oh S. Enhancer-promoter specificity in gene transcription: molecular mechanisms and disease associations. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:772-787. [PMID: 38658702 PMCID: PMC11058250 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01233-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Although often located at a distance from their target gene promoters, enhancers are the primary genomic determinants of temporal and spatial transcriptional specificity in metazoans. Since the discovery of the first enhancer element in simian virus 40, there has been substantial interest in unraveling the mechanism(s) by which enhancers communicate with their partner promoters to ensure proper gene expression. These research efforts have benefited considerably from the application of increasingly sophisticated sequencing- and imaging-based approaches in conjunction with innovative (epi)genome-editing technologies; however, despite various proposed models, the principles of enhancer-promoter interaction have still not been fully elucidated. In this review, we provide an overview of recent progress in the eukaryotic gene transcription field pertaining to enhancer-promoter specificity. A better understanding of the mechanistic basis of lineage- and context-dependent enhancer-promoter engagement, along with the continued identification of functional enhancers, will provide key insights into the spatiotemporal control of gene expression that can reveal therapeutic opportunities for a range of enhancer-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meyer J Friedman
- Department and School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tobias Wagner
- Department and School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Haram Lee
- College of Pharmacy Korea University, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Michael G Rosenfeld
- Department and School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Soohwan Oh
- College of Pharmacy Korea University, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Diaw SH, Delcambre S, Much C, Ott F, Kostic VS, Gajos A, Münchau A, Zittel S, Busch H, Grünewald A, Klein C, Lohmann K. DYT-THAP1: exploring gene expression in fibroblasts for potential biomarker discovery. Neurogenetics 2024; 25:141-147. [PMID: 38498291 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-024-00752-0] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Dystonia due to pathogenic variants in the THAP1 gene (DYT-THAP1) shows variable expressivity and reduced penetrance of ~ 50%. Since THAP1 encodes a transcription factor, modifiers influencing this variability likely operate at the gene expression level. This study aimed to assess the transferability of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in neuronal cells related to pathogenic variants in the THAP1 gene, which were previously identified by transcriptome analyses. For this, we performed quantitative (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR) in cultured fibroblasts. RNA was extracted from THAP1 manifesting (MMCs) and non-manifesting mutation carriers (NMCs) as well as from healthy controls. The expression profiles of ten of 14 known neuronal DEGs demonstrated differences in fibroblasts between these three groups. This included transcription factors and targets (ATF4, CLN3, EIF2A, RRM1, YY1), genes involved in G protein-coupled receptor signaling (BDKRB2, LPAR1), and a gene linked to apoptosis and DNA replication/repair (CRADD), which all showed higher expression levels in MMCs and NMCs than in controls. Moreover, the analysis of genes linked to neurological disorders (STXBP1, TOR1A) unveiled differences in expression patterns between MMCs and controls. Notably, the genes CUEDC2, DRD4, ECH1, and SIX2 were not statistically significantly differentially expressed in fibroblast cultures. With > 70% of the tested genes being DEGs also in fibroblasts, fibroblasts seem to be a suitable model for DYT-THAP1 research despite some restrictions. Furthermore, at least some of these DEGs may potentially also serve as biomarkers of DYT-THAP1 and influence its penetrance and expressivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylvie Delcambre
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4362, Luxembourg
| | - Christoph Much
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Fabian Ott
- Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute of Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Vladimir S Kostic
- Institute of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Agata Gajos
- Department of Extrapyramidal Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, 90-647, Poland
| | - Alexander Münchau
- Institute of Systems Motor Science, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Simone Zittel
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute of Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anne Grünewald
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4362, Luxembourg
| | - Christine Klein
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katja Lohmann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Min XL, Jia WJ, Guo L, Jing R, Zhao XH, Hu JY, Li XH, Liu W, Wang T, Dou XK. Brain microvascular endothelial cell-derived exosomes transmitting circ_0000495 promote microglial M1-polarization and endothelial cell injury under hypoxia condition. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23387. [PMID: 38193649 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301637r] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) and microglia play critical roles in regulating cerebral homeostasis during ischemic stroke. However, the role of HBMVECs-derived exosomes in microglia polarization after stroke remains unknown. We isolated exosomes (Exos) from oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-exposed HBMVECs, before added them into microglia. Microglia polarization markers were tested using RT-qPCR or flow cytometry. Inflammatory cytokines were measured with ELISA. Endothelial cell damage was assessed by cell viability, apoptosis, apoptosis-related proteins, oxidative stress, and angiogenic activity using CCK-8, flow cytometry, western blot, ELISA, and endothelial tube formation assay, respectively. We also established middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice model to examine the function of circ_0000495 on stroke in vivo. Our study found that HBMVECs-Exos reduced M2 markers (IL-10, CD163, and CD206), increased M1 markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-12), CD86-positive cells, and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), indicating the promotion of microglial M1-polarization. Microglial M1-polarization induced by HBMVECs-Exos reduced viability and promoted apoptosis and oxidative stress, revealing the aggravation of endothelial cell damage. However, circ_0000495 silencing inhibited HBMVECs-Exos-induced alterations. Mechanistically, circ_0000495 adsorbed miR-579-3p to upregulate toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in microglia; miR-579-3p suppressed HBMVECs-Exos-induced alterations via declining TLR4; furthermore, Yin Yang 1 (YY1) transcriptionally activated circ_0000495 in HBMVECs. Importantly, circ_0000495 aggravated ischemic brain injury in vivo via activating TLR4/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Collectively, OGD-treated HBMVECs-Exos transmitted circ_0000495 to regulate miR-579-3p/TLR4/NF-κB axis in microglia, thereby facilitating microglial M1-polarization and endothelial cell damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Li Min
- Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wen-Ji Jia
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Rui Jing
- Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Zhao
- Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jia-Yi Hu
- Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xu-Hui Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing-Kui Dou
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yellajoshyula D. Transcriptional regulatory network for neuron-glia interactions and its implication for DYT6 dystonia. DYSTONIA (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 2:11796. [PMID: 38737544 PMCID: PMC11087070 DOI: 10.3389/dyst.2023.11796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Advances in sequencing technologies have identified novel genes associated with inherited forms of dystonia, providing valuable insights into its genetic basis and revealing diverse genetic pathways and mechanisms involved in its pathophysiology. Since identifying genetic variation in the transcription factor coding THAP1 gene linked to isolated dystonia, numerous investigations have employed transcriptomic studies in DYT-THAP1 models to uncover pathogenic molecular mechanisms underlying dystonia. This review examines key findings from transcriptomic studies conducted on in vivo and in vitro DYT-THAP1 models, which demonstrate that the THAP1-regulated transcriptome is diverse and cell-specific, yet it is bound and co-regulated by a common set of proteins. Prominent among its functions, THAP1 and its co-regulatory network target molecular pathways critical for generating myelinating oligodendrocytes that ensheath axons and generate white matter in the central nervous system. Several lines of investigation have demonstrated the importance of myelination and oligodendrogenesis in motor function during development and in adults, emphasizing the non-cell autonomous contributions of glial cells to neural circuits involved in motor function. Further research on the role of myelin abnormalities in motor deficits in DYT6 models will enhance our understanding of axon-glia interactions in dystonia pathophysiology and provide potential therapeutic interventions targeting these pathways.
Collapse
|
5
|
Lu Y, Huang X, Liang W, Li Y, Xing M, Pan W, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Song W. Regulation of TREM2 expression by transcription factor YY1 and its protective effect against Alzheimer's Disease. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104688. [PMID: 37044212 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
TREM2 encoding the transmembrane receptor protein TREM2 is a risk gene of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the impairment of TREM2 functions in microglia due to mutations in TREM2 may significantly increase the risk of AD by promoting AD pathologies. However, how the expression of TREM2 is regulated and the transcription factors required for TREM2 expression are largely unknown. By luciferase assay, DNA pull-down and in silico predictions, we identified ying-yang-1(YY1) as a binding protein of the minimal promoter of the TREM2 gene, and the binding was further confirmed by EMSA and DNA pull-down assay. shRNA-mediated YY1 silencing significantly reduced the activity of the TREM2 minimal promoter and TREM2 protein levels in the microglial cell line BV2 and the neuroblastoma Neuro2A. Furthermore, we found that the levels of TREM2 and YY1 were both downregulated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BV2 cells and in the brain of AD model mice. These results demonstrated that YY1 plays a crucial role in regulation of TREM2 expression. Our study suggests that microglial YY1 could be targeted to maintain TREM2 expression for AD prevention and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Lu
- The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Xiaofeng Huang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Wenping Liang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yu Li
- The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Mengen Xing
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Wenhao Pan
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Weihong Song
- The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China; Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dos Santos SR, Piergiorge RM, Rocha J, Abdala BB, Gonçalves AP, Pimentel MMG, Santos-Rebouças CB. A de novo YY1 missense variant expanding the Gabriele-de Vries syndrome phenotype and affecting X-chromosome inactivation. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:2431-2440. [PMID: 35829845 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01024-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Yin and Yang 1 gene (YY1; MIM#600,013) is recognized as a dual transcriptional activating and repressing factor, RNA-binding protein, and 3D chromatin regulator, with multi roles in neurodevelopmental and maintenance pathways. YY1 haploinsufficiency caused either by heterozygous sequence variants or deletions involving the whole gene has been recently associated with Gabriele-de Vries syndrome (GADEVS), a rare congenital autosomal dominant condition, leading to intellectual disability (ID) and multiple physical/behavioural abnormalities. Herein, we describe clinical and molecular findings from a Brazilian female harbouring a de novo missense pathogenic variant in YY1 gene (NM_003403.5:c.1106A > G; p.Asn369Ser) found by whole exome sequencing with potential implications for protein structure and function. Undescribed or uncommon clinical features in this patient included non-febrile seizures, severe scoliosis, hearing impairment, and chorioretinitis. Further bioinformatics analyses using YY1-other protein interaction networks reinforced the involvement of YY1 interactors in such phenotypes, in exception of chorioretinitis. Moreover, X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) skewing was evidenced in the patient and attributed to the haploinsufficiency of YY1, which direct and indirectly interacts with numerous XCI key regulators. Besides expanding the mutational and phenotype spectrum of GADEVS, our results highlight the role of YY1 as an essential autosomal regulator of XCI epigenetic process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suely Rodrigues Dos Santos
- Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael Mina Piergiorge
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jady Rocha
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bianca Barbosa Abdala
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andressa Pereira Gonçalves
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Márcia Mattos Gonçalves Pimentel
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cíntia Barros Santos-Rebouças
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade Do Estado Do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, PHLC - sala 501F, Maracanã 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|