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Identification of activity-induced Egr3-dependent genes reveals genes associated with DNA damage response and schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:320. [PMID: 35941129 PMCID: PMC9360026 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02069-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioinformatics and network studies have identified the immediate early gene transcription factor early growth response 3 (EGR3) as a master regulator of genes differentially expressed in the brains of patients with neuropsychiatric illnesses ranging from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to Alzheimer's disease. However, few studies have identified and validated Egr3-dependent genes in the mammalian brain. We have previously shown that Egr3 is required for stress-responsive behavior, memory, and hippocampal long-term depression in mice. To identify Egr3-dependent genes that may regulate these processes, we conducted an expression microarray on hippocampi from wildtype (WT) and Egr3-/- mice following electroconvulsive seizure (ECS), a stimulus that induces maximal expression of immediate early genes including Egr3. We identified 69 genes that were differentially expressed between WT and Egr3-/- mice one hour following ECS. Bioinformatic analyses showed that many of these are altered in, or associated with, schizophrenia, including Mef2c and Calb2. Enrichr pathway analysis revealed the GADD45 (growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible) family (Gadd45b, Gadd45g) as a leading group of differentially expressed genes. Together with differentially expressed genes in the AP-1 transcription factor family genes (Fos, Fosb), and the centromere organization protein Cenpa, these results revealed that Egr3 is required for activity-dependent expression of genes involved in the DNA damage response. Our findings show that EGR3 is critical for the expression of genes that are mis-expressed in schizophrenia and reveal a novel requirement for EGR3 in the expression of genes involved in activity-induced DNA damage response.
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Shared genetic and epigenetic changes link aging and cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 32:338-350. [PMID: 35144882 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a universal biological process that increases the risk of multiple diseases including cancer. Growing evidence shows that alterations in the genome and epigenome, driven by similar mechanisms, are found in both aged cells and cancer cells. In this review, we detail the genetic and epigenetic changes associated with normal aging and the mechanisms responsible for these changes. By highlighting genetic and epigenetic alterations in the context of tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and the aging tumor microenvironment, we examine the possible impacts of the normal aging process on malignant transformation. Finally, we examine the implications of age-related genetic and epigenetic alterations in both tumors and patients for the treatment of cancer.
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NR4A2 expression is not altered in placentas from cases of growth restriction or preeclampsia, but is reduced in hypoxic cytotrophoblast. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20670. [PMID: 34667209 PMCID: PMC8526588 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00192-y] [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: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4 Group A Member 2 (NR4A2) transcripts are elevated in the circulation of individuals whose pregnancies are complicated by preterm fetal growth restriction (FGR). In this paper, we show that the cases with preeclampsia (PE) have increased circulating NR4A2 transcripts compared to those with normotensive FGR. We aimed to establish whether the dysfunctional placenta mirrors the increase in NR4A2 transcripts and further, to uncover the function of placental NR4A2. NR4A2 expression was detected in preterm and term placental tissue; expressed higher at term. NR4A2 mRNA expression and protein were not altered in placentas from preterm FGR or PE pregnancies. Hypoxia (1% O2 compared to 8% O2) significantly reduced cytotrophoblast NR4A2 mRNA expression, but not placental explant NR4A2 expression. Silencing cytotrophoblast NR4A2 expression under hypoxia (via short interfering (si)RNAs) did not alter angiogenic Placental Growth Factor, nor anti-angiogenic sFlt-1 mRNA expression or protein secretion, but increased expression of cellular antioxidant, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and growth genes. NR4A2 expression was also not altered in a model of tumour necrosis factor-α-induced endothelial dysfunction, or with pravastatin treatment. Further studies are required to identify the origin of the circulating transcripts in pathological pregnancies, and investigate the function of placental NR4A2.
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Munnur D, Somers J, Skalka G, Weston R, Jukes-Jones R, Bhogadia M, Dominguez C, Cain K, Ahel I, Malewicz M. NR4A Nuclear Receptors Target Poly-ADP-Ribosylated DNA-PKcs Protein to Promote DNA Repair. Cell Rep 2020; 26:2028-2036.e6. [PMID: 30784586 PMCID: PMC6381605 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.01.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although poly-ADP-ribosylation (PARylation) of DNA repair factors had been well documented, its role in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is poorly understood. NR4A nuclear orphan receptors were previously linked to DSB repair; however, their function in the process remains elusive. Classically, NR4As function as transcription factors using a specialized tandem zinc-finger DNA-binding domain (DBD) for target gene induction. Here, we show that NR4A DBD is bi-functional and can bind poly-ADP-ribose (PAR) through a pocket localized in the second zinc finger. Separation-of-function mutants demonstrate that NR4A PAR binding, while dispensable for transcriptional activity, facilitates repair of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks in G1. Moreover, we define DNA-PKcs protein as a prominent target of ionizing radiation-induced PARylation. Mechanistically, NR4As function by directly targeting poly-ADP-ribosylated DNA-PKcs to facilitate its autophosphorylation-promoting DNA-PK kinase assembly at DNA lesions. Selective targeting of the PAR-binding pocket of NR4A presents an opportunity for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ria Weston
- Centre for Biomedicine, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BH, UK
| | | | - Mohammed Bhogadia
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Cyril Dominguez
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | | | - Ivan Ahel
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
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Jiang L, Dai S, Li J, Liang X, Qu L, Chen X, Guo M, Chen Z, Chen L, Wei H, Chen Y. Structural basis of binding of homodimers of the nuclear receptor NR4A2 to selective Nur-responsive DNA elements. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:19795-19803. [PMID: 31723028 PMCID: PMC6926456 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins of nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A (NR4A), including NR4A1/NGFI-B, NR4A2/Nurr1, and NR4A3/NOR-1, are nuclear transcription factors that play important roles in metabolism, apoptosis, and proliferation. NR4A proteins recognize DNA response elements as monomers or dimers to regulate the transcription of a variety of genes involved in multiple biological processes. In this study, we determined two crystal structures of the NR4A2 DNA-binding domain (NR4A2-DBD) bound to two Nur-responsive elements: an inverted repeat and an everted repeat at 2.6-2.8 Å resolution. The structures revealed that two NR4A2-DBD molecules bind independently to the everted repeat, whereas two other NR4A2-DBD molecules form a novel dimer interface on the inverted repeat. Moreover, substitution of the interfacial residue valine 298 to lysine as well as mutation of DNA bases involved in the interactions abolished the dimerization. Overall, our structural, biochemical, and bioinformatics analyses provide a molecular basis for the binding of the NR4A2 protein dimers to NurREs and advance our understanding of the dimerization specificity of nuclear receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longying Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Structural Biology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Shuyan Dai
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Structural Biology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Structural Biology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xujun Liang
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Structural Biology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Lingzhi Qu
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Structural Biology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xiaojuan Chen
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Structural Biology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Structural Biology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhuchu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Structural Biology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Structural Biology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China,Molecular and Computational Biology Program, Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089
| | - Hudie Wei
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Structural Biology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China, To whom correspondence may be addressed. Tel.:
86-731-84327542; Fax:
86-731-84327542; E-mail:
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Structural Biology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China, To whom correspondence may be addressed. Tel.:
86-731-84327542; Fax:
86-731-84327542; E-mail:
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6
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Chhabra Y, Yong HXL, Fane ME, Soogrim A, Lim W, Mahiuddin DN, Kim RSQ, Ashcroft M, Beatson SA, Ainger SA, Smit DJ, Jagirdar K, Walker GJ, Sturm RA, Smith AG. Genetic variation in IRF4 expression modulates growth characteristics, tyrosinase expression and interferon-gamma response in melanocytic cells. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2017; 31:51-63. [PMID: 28755520 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A SNP within intron4 of the interferon regulatory factor4 (IRF4) gene, rs12203592*C/T, has been independently associated with pigmentation and age-specific effects on naevus count in European-derived populations. We have characterized the cis-regulatory activity of this intronic region and using human foreskin-derived melanoblast strains, we have explored the correlation between IRF4 rs12203592 homozygous C/C and T/T genotypes with TYR enzyme activity, supporting its association with pigmentation traits. Further, higher IRF4 protein levels directed by the rs12203592*C allele were associated with increased basal proliferation but decreased cell viability following UVR, an etiological factor in melanoma development. Since UVR, and accompanying IFNγ-mediated inflammatory response, is associated with melanomagenesis, we evaluated its effects in the context of IRF4 status. Manipulation of IRF4 levels followed by IFNγ treatment revealed a subset of chemokines and immuno-evasive molecules that are sensitive to IRF4 expression level and genotype including CTLA4 and PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Chhabra
- Dermatology Research Centre, UQ Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, TRI, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, at the Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hilary X L Yong
- Dermatology Research Centre, UQ Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, TRI, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mitchell E Fane
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, at the Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Arish Soogrim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Wen Lim
- Dermatology Research Centre, UQ Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, TRI, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Dayana Nur Mahiuddin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Reuben S Q Kim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Melinda Ashcroft
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott A Beatson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen A Ainger
- Dermatology Research Centre, UQ Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, TRI, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Darren J Smit
- Dermatology Research Centre, UQ Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, TRI, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kasturee Jagirdar
- Dermatology Research Centre, UQ Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, TRI, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Graeme J Walker
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard A Sturm
- Dermatology Research Centre, UQ Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, TRI, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Aaron G Smith
- Dermatology Research Centre, UQ Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, TRI, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, at the Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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