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Torban E, Goodyer P. Wilms' tumor gene 1: lessons from the interface between kidney development and cancer. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F3-F19. [PMID: 37916284 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00248.2023] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1990, mutations of the Wilms' tumor-1 gene (WT1), encoding a transcription factor in the embryonic kidney, were found in 10-15% of Wilms' tumors; germline WT1 mutations were associated with hereditary syndromes involving glomerular and reproductive tract dysplasia. For more than three decades, these discoveries prompted investigators to explore the embryonic role of WT1 and the mechanisms by which loss of WT1 leads to malignant transformation. Here, we discuss how alternative splicing of WT1 generates isoforms that act in a context-specific manner to activate or repress target gene transcription. WT1 also regulates posttranscriptional regulation, alters the epigenetic landscape, and activates miRNA expression. WT1 functions at multiple stages of kidney development, including the transition from resting stem cells to committed nephron progenitor, which it primes to respond to WNT9b signals from the ureteric bud. WT1 then drives nephrogenesis by activating WNT4 expression and directing the development of glomerular podocytes. We review the WT1 mutations that account for Denys-Drash syndrome, Frasier syndrome, and WAGR syndrome. Although the WT1 story began with Wilms' tumors, an understanding of the pathways that link aberrant kidney development to malignant transformation still has some important gaps. Loss of WT1 in nephrogenic rests may leave these premalignant clones with inadequate DNA repair enzymes and may disturb the epigenetic landscape. Yet none of these observations provide a complete picture of Wilms' tumor pathogenesis. It appears that the WT1 odyssey is unfinished and still holds a great deal of untilled ground to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Torban
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Goodyer
- Department of Human Genetics, Montreal Children's Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Smith C, Burugula BB, Dunn I, Aradhya S, Kitzman JO, Yee JL. High-Throughput Splicing Assays Identify Known and Novel WT1 Exon 9 Variants in Nephrotic Syndrome. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:2117-2125. [PMID: 37850022 PMCID: PMC10577367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Frasier syndrome (FS) is a rare Mendelian form of nephrotic syndrome (NS) caused by variants which disrupt the proper splicing of WT1. This key transcription factor gene is alternatively spliced at exon 9 to produce 2 isoforms ("KTS+" and "KTS-"), which are normally expressed in the kidney at a ∼2:1 (KTS+:KTS-) ratio. FS results from variants that reduce this ratio by disrupting the splice donor of the KTS+ isoform. FS is extremely rare, and it is unclear whether any variants beyond the 8 already known could cause FS. Methods To prospectively identify other splicing-disruptive variants, we leveraged a massively parallel splicing assay. We tested every possible single nucleotide variant (n = 519) in and around WT1 exon 9 for effects upon exon inclusion and KTS+/- ratio. Results Splice disruptive variants (SDVs) made up 11% of the tested point variants overall and were tightly concentrated near the canonical acceptor and the KTS+/- alternate donors. Our map successfully identified all 8 known FS or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) variants and 16 additional novel variants which were comparably disruptive to these known pathogenic variants. We also identified 19 variants that, conversely, increased the KTS+/KTS- ratio, of which 2 are observed in unrelated individuals with 46,XX ovotesticular disorder of sex development (46,XX OTDSD). Conclusion This splicing effect map can serve as functional evidence to guide the clinical interpretation of newly observed variants in and around WT1 exon 9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Smith
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bala Bharathi Burugula
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ian Dunn
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Jacob O. Kitzman
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jennifer Lai Yee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Tang S, Li X, Wu X, Gong Y. WT1 suppresses follicle-stimulating hormone-induced progesterone secretion by regulating ERK1/2 pathway in chicken preovulatory granulosa cells. Gene 2021; 812:146097. [PMID: 34902510 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.146097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Multiple Wilms tumor gene 1 (WT1) splicing variants are expressed in mammals, and these variants regulate tumorigenesis and mediate the development of multiple tissues and organs, including gonads. However, WT1 splicing variants (+KTS or -KTS) are expressed in only two nonmammalian vertebrates, and unexpectedly, their functions in chicken ovaries remain elusive. Progesterone (P4) secreted by chicken granulosa cells (GCs) participates in various physiological processes and plays an important role in maintaining reproductive performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of WT1(+KTS) and WT1(-KTS) on chicken P4 secretion in preovulatory GCs. First, we detected WT1 mRNA expression in GCs from follicles of different developmental stages by Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and found that WT1 mRNA expression was considerably increased in preovulatory GCs compared with prehierarchical GCs. Primary cells collected from preovulatory follicles were treated with WT1(+KTS) or WT1(-KTS) overexpression vectors and subsequently cultured in the absence or presence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The mRNA levels of FSH-receptor (FSHR) and steroidogenesis genes were determined by RT-qPCR, and the P4 levels in the cell supernatants were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Both WT1(+KTS) and WT1(-KTS) significantly decreased P4 secretion due to a reduction in FSHR, STAR and CYP11A1 mRNA levels. Western blotting revealed that ERK1/2 and BRAF phosphorylation levels were suppressed after overexpression of WT1(+KTS) or WT1(-KTS), whereas total protein and mRNA levels were not significantly changed. In addition, CREB protein and phosphorylation levels were inhibited after overexpression of WT1(+KTS) or WT1(-KTS). In conclusion, WT1(+KTS) and WT1(-KTS) inhibited CREB protein activity and significantly reduced FSHR, STAR and CYP11A1 mRNA levels, which subsequently suppressed FSH-induced P4 secretion in preovulatory GCs by modulating ERK1/2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuixin Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xuelian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiaohui Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yanzhang Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Goel H, Rahul E, Gupta AK, Meena JP, Chopra A, Ranjan A, Hussain S, Rath GK, Tanwar P. Molecular update on biology of Wilms Tumor 1 gene and its applications in acute myeloid leukemia. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BLOOD RESEARCH 2020; 10:151-160. [PMID: 33224559 PMCID: PMC7675129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Wilms tumor gene 1 (WT1) is an important gene which is involved in growth and development of many organs. It is identified as a tumor suppressor gene in nephroblastoma. However, its role as a tumor oncogene has been highlighted by many studies in haematological as well as non haematological malignant neoplasm. The expression of WT1 on leukemic blast cells sensitised us to explore its impact on neoplastic phenomenon. WT1 is has been found both mutated as well as over expressed in different subsets of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). WT1 is a gene has been used as a biomarker for diagnosis, monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) and detection of relapse for molecular remission in AML. It also has potential of being a predictive molecular predictive biomarker for the treatment of leukemic cases after allogeneic transplantation. The WT1 specific expression on blast cells and its interaction with cytotoxic T cell has also been explored for its potential usage WT1 based immunotherapy. Here, we are reviewing molecular updates of WT1 gene and discuss its potential clinical applications as a predictive molecular biomarker for diagnosis, as MRD detection and as immunotherapy in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Goel
- Laboratory Oncology Unit, Dr. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi 110029, India
| | - Ekta Rahul
- Laboratory Oncology Unit, Dr. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi 110029, India
| | - Aditya Kumar Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi 110029, India
| | - Jagdish Prasad Meena
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi 110029, India
| | - Anita Chopra
- Laboratory Oncology Unit, Dr. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi 110029, India
| | - Amar Ranjan
- Laboratory Oncology Unit, Dr. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi 110029, India
| | - Showket Hussain
- Division of Molecular Oncology, National Institute of Cancer Prevention & Research I-7Sector-39, NOIDA-201301, India
| | - GK Rath
- All India Institute of Medical ScincesNew Delhi, India
| | - Pranay Tanwar
- Laboratory Oncology Unit, Dr. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi 110029, India
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Münch J, Kirschner KM, Schlee H, Kraus C, Schönauer R, Jin W, Le Duc D, Scholz H, Halbritter J. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in absence of renal cyst formation illustrates genetic interaction between WT1 and PKD1. J Med Genet 2020; 58:jmedgenet-2019-106633. [PMID: 32381729 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106633] [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: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), caused by pathogenic variants of either PKD1 or PKD2, is characterised by wide interfamilial and intrafamilial phenotypic variability. This study aimed to determine the molecular basis of marked clinical variability in ADPKD family members and sought to analyse whether alterations of WT1 (Wilms tumour 1), encoding a regulator of gene expression, may have an impact on renal cyst formation. METHODS ADPKD family members underwent clinical and molecular evaluation. Functionally, Pkd1 mRNA and protein expression upon Wt1 knockdown was evaluated in mouse embryonic kidneys and mesonephric M15 cells. RESULTS By renal gene panel analysis, we identified two pathogenic variants in an individual with maternal history of ADPKD, however, without cystic kidneys but polycystic liver disease: a known PKD1 missense variant (c.8311G>A, p.Glu2771Lys) and a known de novo WT1 splice site variant (c.1432+4C>T). The latter was previously associated with imbalanced +/-KTS isoform ratio of WT1. In ex vivo organ cultures from mouse embryonic kidneys, Wt1 knockdown resulted in decreased Pkd1 expression on mRNA and protein level. CONCLUSION While the role of WT1 in glomerulopathies has been well established, this report by illustrating genetic interaction with PKD1 proposes WT1 as potential modifier in ADPKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Münch
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Karin M Kirschner
- Institute of Vegetative Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hendrik Schlee
- Dialysis Weissenfels, Nephrology Burgenlandkreis, Weissenfels, Germany
| | - Cornelia Kraus
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ria Schönauer
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Wenjun Jin
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Diana Le Duc
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Holger Scholz
- Institute of Vegetative Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Halbritter
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
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Meng K, Wang X, He Y, Yang J, Wang H, Zhang Y, Quan F. The Wilms tumor gene (WT1) (+/−KTS) isoforms regulate steroidogenesis by modulating the PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 pathways in bovine granulosa cells†. Biol Reprod 2019; 100:1344-1355. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yuanyuan He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jiashu Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hengqin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Fusheng Quan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
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Zhang LF, Zheng QC, Zhang HX. Recognition mechanism of Wilms' tumour suppressor protein and DNA triplets: insights from molecular dynamics simulation and free energy analysis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2018; 37:562-575. [PMID: 29375007 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2018.1433066] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The Wilms' tumour suppressor protein (WT1) plays a multifaceted role in human cancer processes. Mutations on its DNA recognition domain could lead to Denys-Drash syndrome, and alternate splicing results in insertion of the tripeptide Lys-Thr-Ser (KTS) between the third and fourth zinc fingers (ZFs), leading to changes in the DNA-binding function. However, detailed recognition mechanisms of the WT1-DNA complex have not been explored. To clarify the mutational effects upon WT1 towards DNA binding at the atomic level, molecular dynamics simulations and the molecular mechanics/Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) method were employed. The simulation results indicate that mutations in ZF domains (E427Q and Q369H) may weaken the binding affinity, and the statistical analyses of the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions show that eight residues (Lys351, Arg366, Arg375, Arg376, Lys399, Arg403, Arg424 and Arg430) have a significant influence on recognition and binding to DNA. Insertion of the tripeptide KTS could form an immobilized hydrogen-bonding network with Arg403, affecting the flexibility and angle of the linker between ZF3 and ZF4, thus influencing the recognition between the protein and the DNA triplet at its 5' terminus. These results represent the first step towards a thorough characterization of the WT1 recognition mechanisms, providing a better understanding of the structure-function relationship of WT1 and its mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Fei Zhang
- a International Joint Research Laboratory of Nano-Micro Architecture Chemistry, Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry , Jilin University , Changchun 130023 , People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Chuan Zheng
- a International Joint Research Laboratory of Nano-Micro Architecture Chemistry, Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry , Jilin University , Changchun 130023 , People's Republic of China.,b Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology & Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences , Jilin University , Changchun 130023 , People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Xing Zhang
- a International Joint Research Laboratory of Nano-Micro Architecture Chemistry, Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry , Jilin University , Changchun 130023 , People's Republic of China
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Ullmark T, Montano G, Gullberg U. DNA and RNA binding by the Wilms' tumour gene 1 (WT1) protein +KTS and −KTS isoforms-From initial observations to recent global genomic analyses. Eur J Haematol 2018; 100:229-240. [DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tove Ullmark
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - Giorgia Montano
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - Urban Gullberg
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
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Dysregulation of WTI (-KTS) is Associated with the Kidney-Specific Effects of the LMX1B R246Q Mutation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:39933. [PMID: 28059119 PMCID: PMC5216339 DOI: 10.1038/srep39933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the LIM homeobox transcription factor 1-beta (LMX1B) are a cause of nail patellar syndrome, a condition characterized by skeletal changes, glaucoma and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Recently, a missense mutation (R246Q) in LMX1B was reported as a cause of glomerular pathologies without extra-renal manifestations, otherwise known as nail patella-like renal disease (NPLRD). We have identified two additional NPLRD families with the R246Q mutation, though the mechanisms by which LMX1BR246Q causes a renal-specific phenotype is unknown. In this study, using human podocyte cell lines overexpressing either myc-LMX1BWT or myc-LMX1BR246Q, we observed dominant negative and haploinsufficiency effects of the mutation on the expression of podocyte genes such as NPHS1, GLEPP1, and WT1. Specifically, we observed a novel LMX1BR246Q-mediated downregulation of WT1(−KTS) isoforms in podocytes. In conclusion, we have shown that the renal-specific phenotype associated with the LMX1BR246Q mutation may be due to a dominant negative effect on WT1(−KTS) isoforms that may cause a disruption of the WT1 (−KTS):(+KTS) isoform ratio and a decrease in the expression of podocyte genes. Full delineation of the LMX1B gene regulon is needed to define its role in maintenance of glomerular filtration barrier integrity.
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Repression of CMIP transcription by WT1 is relevant to podocyte health. Kidney Int 2016; 90:1298-1311. [PMID: 27650733 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2016.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The WT1 (Wilm's tumor suppressor) gene is expressed throughout life in podocytes and is essential for the functional integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. We have previously shown that CMIP (C-Maf inducing protein) is overproduced in podocyte diseases and alters intracellular signaling. Here we isolated the proximal region of the human CMIP promoter and showed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and electrophoretic-mobility shift that Wilm's tumor protein (WT1) bound to 2 WT1 response elements, located at positions -290/-274 and -57/-41 relative to transcription start site. Unlike the human CMIP gene, only one Wt1 response element was identified in the mouse Cmip proximal promoter located at position -217/-206. Luciferase reporter assays indicated that WT1 dose-dependently inhibited the transcriptional induction of the CMIP promoter. Transfection of decoy oligonucleotides mimicking the WT1 response elements prevented the inhibition of WT1 on CMIP promoter activity. Furthermore, WT1 silencing promoted Cmip expression. In line with these findings, the abundance of Cmip was early and significantly increased at the transcript and protein level in podocytes displaying a primary defect in Wt1, including Denys-Drash syndrome and Frasier syndrome. Thus, WT1 is a major repressor of the CMIP gene in physiological situations, while conditional deletion of CMIP in the developing kidney did not affect the development of mature glomeruli.
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Bagchi D, Andrade J, Shupnik MA. A new role for wilms tumor protein 1: differential activities of + KTS and -KTS variants to regulate LHβ transcription. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116825. [PMID: 25617744 PMCID: PMC4305298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is synthesized and secreted throughout the reproductive cycle from gonadotrope cells in the anterior pituitary, and is required for steroidogenesis and ovulation. LH contains an α-subunit common with FSH, and a unique LHβ subunit that defines biological activity. Basal LHβ transcription is low and stimulated by hypothalamic GnRH, which induces synthesis of early growth response protein-1 (Egr1), and stimulates binding of transcription factors Egr1 and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) on the promoter. WT1 (Wilms tumor protein1) is a zinc finger transcription factor with an essential role in urogenital system development, and which regulates several reproductive genes via interactions with SF1 or binding to GC-rich elements such as Egr1 binding sites. We investigated a potential role for WT1 in LHβ transcription in clonal mouse gonadotrope LβT2 cells. WT1 was present in LβT2 and mouse pituitary cells, and protein bound to the endogenous LHβ promoter. Interestingly, mRNAs for WT1(+KTS), which contains a three amino-acid insertion between the 3rd and 4th zinc fingers, and the WT1 (-KTS) variant were both expressed at significant levels. WT1 mRNAs and protein were decreased approximately 50% by GnRH treatment, under conditions where Egr1 mRNA and protein, and LHβ transcription, were stimulated. Decreasing expression of mRNA for WT1 (-KTS) decreased stimulation of LHβ and Egr1 by GnRH, whereas decreasing both WT1 (-KTS) and (+KTS) increased endogenous LHβ transcription, and prevented LHβ but not Egr1 stimulation by GnRH, suggesting differing biological activities for the WT1 isoforms. Overexpression of WT1 showed that WT1(-KTS) enhanced LHβ promoter GnRH stimulation 2-to-3-fold and required the 3'Egr1 site, but WT1(+KTS) repressed both basal and GnRH-stimulated LHβ promoter activity by approximately 70%. Our data suggest that WT1 can modulate LHβ transcription, with differential roles for the two WT1 variants; WT1 (-KTS) enhances and WT1 (+KTS) suppresses transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debalina Bagchi
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Josefa Andrade
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Margaret A. Shupnik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Oji Y, Tatsumi N, Kobayashi J, Fukuda M, Ueda T, Nakano E, Saito C, Shibata S, Sumikawa M, Fukushima H, Saito A, Hojo N, Suzuki M, Hoshikawa T, Shimura T, Morii E, Oka Y, Hosen N, Komatsu K, Sugiyama H. Wilms' tumor gene WT1 promotes homologous recombination-mediated DNA damage repair. Mol Carcinog 2014; 54:1758-71. [PMID: 25418835 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The Wilms' tumor gene WT1 is overexpressed in leukemia and various types of solid tumors and plays an oncogenic role in these malignancies. Alternative splicing at two sites yields four major isoforms, 17AA(+)KTS(+), 17AA(+)KTS(-), 17AA(-)KTS(+), and 17AA(-)KTS(-), and all the isoforms are expressed in the malignancies. However, among the four isoforms, function of WT1[17AA(-)KTS(+)] isoform still remains undetermined. In the present study, we showed that forced expression of WT1[17AA(-)KTS(+)] isoform significantly inhibited apoptosis by DNA-damaging agents such as Doxorubicin, Mitomycin, Camptothesisn, and Bleomycin in immortalized fibroblast MRC5SV and cervical cancer HeLa cells. Knockdown of Rad51, an essential factor for homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA repair canceled the resistance to Doxorubicin induced by WT1[17AA(-)KTS(+)] isoform. GFP recombination assay showed that WT1[17AA(-)KTS(+)] isoform alone promoted HR, but that three other WT1 isoforms did not. WT1[17AA(-)KTS(+)] isoform significantly upregulated the expression of HR genes, XRCC2, Rad51D, and Rad54. Knockdown of XRCC2, Rad51D, and Rad54 inhibited the HR activity and canceled resistance to Doxorubicin in MRC5SV cells with forced expression of WT1[17AA(-)KTS(+)] isoform. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed the binding of WT1[17AA(-)KTS(+)] isoform protein to promoters of XRCC2 and Rad51D. Immunohistochemical study showed that Rad54 and XRCC2 proteins were highly expressed in the majority of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and gastric cancer, and that expression of these two proteins was significantly correlated with that of WT1 protein in NSCLCs. Our results presented here showed that WT1[17AA(-)KTS(+)] isoform had a function to promote HR-mediated DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Oji
- Department of Cancer Stem Cell Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoya Tatsumi
- Department of Cancer Stem Cell Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Mari Fukuda
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tazu Ueda
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Eri Nakano
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chisae Saito
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Syohei Shibata
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mihoko Sumikawa
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hisashi Fukushima
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akari Saito
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nozomi Hojo
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Miyu Suzuki
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoko Hoshikawa
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Shimura
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health, Saitama, Japan
| | - Eiichi Morii
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Oka
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoki Hosen
- Department of Cancer Stem Cell Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenshi Komatsu
- Radiation Biology Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Haruo Sugiyama
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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13
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Ozdemir DD, Hohenstein P. Wt1 in the kidney--a tale in mouse models. Pediatr Nephrol 2014; 29:687-93. [PMID: 24240471 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-013-2673-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The WT1 gene was originally identified through its involvement in the development of Wilms tumours. The gene is characterized by a plethora of different isoforms with, in some cases, clearly different functions in transcriptional control and RNA metabolism. Many different mouse models for Wt1 have already been generated, and these are increasingly providing new information on the molecular roles of Wt1 in normal development and disease. In this review we discuss the different models that have been generated and what they have taught us about the role of Wt1 in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derya Deniz Ozdemir
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
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14
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ZITZMANN FERDINAND, MAYR DORIS, BERGER MICHAEL, STEHR MAXIMILIAN, VON SCHWEINITZ DIETRICH, KAPPLER ROLAND, HUBERTUS JOCHEN. Frequent hypermethylation of a CTCF binding site influences Wilms tumor 1 expression in Wilms tumors. Oncol Rep 2014; 31:1871-6. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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15
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Menendez-Castro C, Hilgers KF, Amann K, Daniel C, Cordasic N, Wachtveitl R, Fahlbusch F, Plank C, Dötsch J, Rascher W, Hartner A. Intrauterine growth restriction leads to a dysregulation of Wilms' tumour supressor gene 1 (WT1) and to early podocyte alterations. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2012; 28:1407-17. [PMID: 23229934 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfs517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) leads to low nephron number and higher incidence of renal disease. We hypothesized that IUGR induces early podocyte alterations based on a dysregulation of Wilms' tumour suppressor gene 1 (WT1), a key player of nephrogenesis and mediator of podocyte integrity. METHODS IUGR was induced in rats by maternal protein restriction during pregnancy. Kidneys were harvested from male offspring at Days 1 and 70 of life. qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy were performed in renal tissue. Albuminuria was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS At Day 70 of life, higher albuminuria and overt alterations of podocyte ultrastructure were detected in IUGR animals in spite of normal blood pressure. Moreover, we found increased glomerular immunoreactivity and expression of desmin, while synaptopodin and nephrin were decreased. Glomerular immunoreactivity and expression of WT1 were increased in IUGR animals at this time point with an altered expressional ratio of WT1 +KTS and -KTS isoforms. These changes of WT1 expression were already present at the time of birth. CONCLUSIONS IUGR results in early podocyte damage possibly due to a dysregulation of WT1. We suggest that an imbalance of WT1 isoforms to the disadvantage of -KTS affects nephrogenesis in IUGR rats and that persistent dysregulation of WT1 results in a reduced ability to maintain podocyte integrity, rendering IUGR rats more susceptible for renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Menendez-Castro
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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16
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Cardoso LCA, De Souza KRL, De O Reis AH, Andrade RC, Britto AC, De Lima MAFD, Dos Santos ACE, De Faria PS, Ferman S, Seuánez HN, Vargas FR. WT1, WTX and CTNNB1 mutation analysis in 43 patients with sporadic Wilms' tumor. Oncol Rep 2012; 29:315-20. [PMID: 23117548 DOI: 10.3892/or.2012.2096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Wilms' tumor (WT) is a heterogeneous neoplasia characterized by a number of genetic abnormalities, involving tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes and genes related to the Wnt signaling pathway. Somatic biallelic inactivation of WT1 is observed in 5-10% of sporadic WT. Somatic mutations in exon 3 of CTNNB1, which encodes β-catenin, were initially observed in 15% of WT. WTX encodes a protein that negatively regulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and mediates the binding of WT1. In this study, we screened germline and somatic mutations in selected regions of WT1, WTX and CTNNB1 in 43 WT patients. Mutation analysis of WT1 identified two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, one recurrent nonsense mutation (p.R458X) in a patient with proteinuria but without genitourinary findings of Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) and one novel missense mutation, p.C428Y, in a patient with Denys-Drash syndrome phenotype. WT1 SNP rs16754A>G (R369R) was observed in 17/43 patients, and was not associated with significant difference in age at diagnosis distribution, or with 60-month overall survival rate. WTX mutation analysis identified five sequence variations, two synonymous substitutions (p.Q1019Q and p.D379D), a non-synonymous mutation (p.F159L), one frameshift mutation (p.157X) and a novel missense mutation, p.R560W. Two sequence variations in CTNNB1 were identified, p.T41A and p.S45C. Overall survival of bilateral cases was significantly lower (p=0.005). No difference was observed when survival was analyzed among patients with WT1 or with WTX mutations. On the other hand, the survival of two patients with the CTNNB1 p.T41A mutation was significantly lower (p=0.000517) than the average.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila C A Cardoso
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21944‑970, Brazil
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17
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Little MH, McMahon AP. Mammalian kidney development: principles, progress, and projections. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2012; 4:a008300. [PMID: 22550230 PMCID: PMC3331696 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a008300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian kidney is a vital organ with considerable cellular complexity and functional diversity. Kidney development is notable for requiring distinct but coincident tubulogenic processes involving reciprocal inductive signals between mesenchymal and epithelial progenitor compartments. Key molecular pathways mediating these interactions have been identified. Further, advances in the analysis of gene expression and gene activity, coupled with a detailed knowledge of cell origins, are enhancing our understanding of kidney morphogenesis and unraveling the normal processes of postnatal repair and identifying disease-causing mechanisms. This article focuses on recent insights into central regulatory processes governing organ assembly and renal disease, and predicts future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa H Little
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia.
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18
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Turnbull C, Perdeaux E, Pernet D, Naranjo A, Renwick A, Seal S, Xicola RMM, Hanks S, Slade I, Zachariou A, Warren-Perry M, Ruark E, Gerrard M, Hale J, Hewitt M, Kohler J, Lane S, Levitt G, Madi M, Morland B, Neefjes V, Nicholdson J, Picton S, Pizer B, Ronghe M, Stevens M, Traunecker H, Stiller CA, Pritchard-Jones K, Dome J, Grundy P, Rahman N. A genome-wide association study identifies susceptibility loci for Wilms tumor. Nat Genet 2012; 44:681-4. [PMID: 22544364 PMCID: PMC3400150 DOI: 10.1038/ng.2251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 03/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Wilms tumor is the most common renal malignancy of childhood. To identify common variants that confer susceptibility to Wilms tumor, we conducted a genome-wide association study in 757 individuals with Wilms tumor (cases) and 1,879 controls. We evaluated ten SNPs in regions significantly associated at P < 5 × 10(-5) in two independent replication series from the UK (769 cases and 2,814 controls) and the United States (719 cases and 1,037 controls). We identified clear significant associations at 2p24 (rs3755132, P = 1.03 × 10(-14); rs807624, P = 1.32 × 10(-14)) and 11q14 (rs790356, P = 4.25 × 10(-15)). Both regions contain genes that are plausibly related to Wilms tumorigenesis. We also identified candidate association signals at 5q14, 22q12 and Xp22.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Turnbull
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Elizabeth Perdeaux
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - David Pernet
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Arlene Naranjo
- Children's Oncology Group Statistics and Data Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Anthony Renwick
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Sheila Seal
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | | | - Sandra Hanks
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Ingrid Slade
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Anna Zachariou
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | | | - Elise Ruark
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | | | - Juliet Hale
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, UK
| | - Martin Hewitt
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, University Hospital Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Janice Kohler
- Regional Paediatric Oncology Centre. Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Sheila Lane
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Oxford Children's Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Gill Levitt
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Mabrook Madi
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
| | - Bruce Morland
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Veronica Neefjes
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, Aberdeen, UK
| | - James Nicholdson
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan Picton
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK
| | - Barry Pizer
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Milind Ronghe
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michael Stevens
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK
| | - Heidi Traunecker
- Paediatric Oncology Unit, Children's Hospital for Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Kathy Pritchard-Jones
- Molecular Haematology and Cancer Biology Unit, University College London, Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Jeffrey Dome
- Division of Oncology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Paul Grundy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Nazneen Rahman
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
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19
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Sciesielski LK, Kirschner KM, Scholz H, Persson AB. Wilms' tumor protein Wt1 regulates the Interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene. FEBS Lett 2010; 584:4665-71. [PMID: 20974136 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2010.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2010] [Revised: 10/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We identified the Wilms' tumor protein, Wt1, as a novel transcriptional activator of the immunosuppressant cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). Silencing of Wt1 by RNA interference reduced IL-10 mRNA levels by approximately 90%. IL-10 transcripts were increased more than 15-fold upon forced expression of Wt1. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed a cis-element that was responsible for activation of the IL-10 promoter by Wt1 in murine macrophages. Mutation of the Wt1 binding motif abrogated stimulation of the IL-10 promoter by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). These results suggest a novel immune regulatory function of Wt1 in controlling IL-10 gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina K Sciesielski
- Charité-Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Institut fuer Vegetative Physiologie, Hessische Straße 3-4, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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