1
|
Marešová A, Oravcová M, Rodríguez-López M, Hradilová M, Zemlianski V, Häsler R, Hernández P, Bähler J, Převorovský M. Critical importance of DNA binding for CSL protein functions in fission yeast. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261568. [PMID: 38482739 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261568] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
CSL proteins [named after the homologs CBF1 (RBP-Jκ in mice), Suppressor of Hairless and LAG-1] are conserved transcription factors found in animals and fungi. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, they regulate various cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, lipid metabolism and cell adhesion. CSL proteins bind to DNA through their N-terminal Rel-like domain and central β-trefoil domain. Here, we investigated the importance of DNA binding for CSL protein functions in fission yeast. We created CSL protein mutants with disrupted DNA binding and found that the vast majority of CSL protein functions depend on intact DNA binding. Specifically, DNA binding is crucial for the regulation of cell adhesion, lipid metabolism, cell cycle progression, long non-coding RNA expression and genome integrity maintenance. Interestingly, perturbed lipid metabolism leads to chromatin structure changes, potentially linking lipid metabolism to the diverse phenotypes associated with CSL protein functions. Our study highlights the critical role of DNA binding for CSL protein functions in fission yeast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Marešová
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 00 Prague 2, Czechia
| | - Martina Oravcová
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 00 Prague 2, Czechia
| | - María Rodríguez-López
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miluše Hradilová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czechia
| | - Viacheslav Zemlianski
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 00 Prague 2, Czechia
| | - Robert Häsler
- Center for Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 9, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Pablo Hernández
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jürg Bähler
- Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment , University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Martin Převorovský
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 00 Prague 2, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Duan X, Lv M, Liu A, Pang Y, Li Q, Su P, Gou M. Identification and evolution of transcription factors RHR gene family (NFAT and RBPJ) involving lamprey (Lethenteron reissneri) innate immunity. Mol Immunol 2021; 138:38-47. [PMID: 34332184 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and recombination signal binding protein (RBP) belong to the family of Rel homology region (RHR) transcription factors which regulate the expression of genes involved in different aspects of the immune response. To gain insights into the evolution and characterisation of RHR genes in lampreys, a jawless vertebrate, four RHR genes, including nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J region (RBPJ), have been identified and cloned from the lamprey (Lethenteron reissneri) database. Evolutionary relationships of NFAT and RBPJ genes among different species were determined through molecular phylogenetic analysis. Motif, genetic structure, and tertiary structure analyses showed that NFATs and RBPJ are conserved and contain RHD and IPT domains. Moreover, synteny analysis showed that the neighbourhood genes of Lr-NFATs and Lr-RBPJ have undergone significant changes compared to jawed vertebrates. Real-time quantitative results demonstrated that the RHR gene family plays a significant role in immune defence. This study provides a new understanding of the origin and evolution of the RHR gene family in different species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuyuan Duan
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China
| | - Menggang Lv
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China
| | - Aijia Liu
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China
| | - Yue Pang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China
| | - Peng Su
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China.
| | - Meng Gou
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Katz ME. Nutrient sensing-the key to fungal p53-like transcription factors? Fungal Genet Biol 2018; 124:8-16. [PMID: 30579885 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian tumour suppressor protein, p53, plays an important role in cell cycle control, DNA repair and apoptotic cell death. Transcription factors belonging to the "p53-like" superfamily are found exclusively in the Amorphea branch of eukaryotes, which includes animals, fungi and slime molds. Many members of the p53-like superfamily (proteins containing p53, Rel/Dorsal, T-box, STAT, Runt, Ndt80, and the CSL DNA-binding domains) are involved in development. Two families of p53-like proteins (Ndt80 and CSL) are widespread in fungi as well as animals. The Basidiomycetes and the Ascomycetes have undergone reciprocal loss of the Ndt80 and CSL classes of transcription factors, with the CSL class preserved in only one branch of Ascomycetes and the Ndt80 class found in only one branch of Basidiomycetes. Recent studies have greatly expanded the known functions of fungal Ndt80-like proteins and shown that they play important roles in sexual reproduction, cell death, N-acetylglucosamine sensing and catabolism, secondary metabolism, and production of extracellular hydrolases such as proteases, chitinases and cellulases. In the opportunistic pathogen, Candida albicans, Ndt80-like proteins are essential for hyphal growth and virulence and also play a role in antifungal resistance. These recent studies have confirmed that nutrient sensing is a common feature of fungal Ndt80-like proteins and is also found in fungal CSL-like transcription factors, which in animals is the mediator of Notch signalling. Thus, nutrient sensing may represent the ancestral role of the p53-like superfamily.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Katz
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zach R, Tvarůžková J, Schätz M, Ťupa O, Grallert B, Převorovský M. Mitotic defects in fission yeast lipid metabolism 'cut' mutants are suppressed by ammonium chloride. FEMS Yeast Res 2018; 18:5040229. [PMID: 29931271 PMCID: PMC6037054 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fission yeast 'cut' mutants show defects in temporal coordination of nuclear division with cytokinesis, resulting in aberrant mitosis and lethality. Among other causes, the 'cut' phenotype can be triggered by genetic or chemical perturbation of lipid metabolism, supposedly resulting in shortage of membrane phospholipids and insufficient nuclear envelope expansion during anaphase. Interestingly, penetrance of the 'cut' phenotype in mutants of the transcription factor cbf11 and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase cut6, both related to lipid metabolism, is highly dependent on growth media, although the specific nutrient(s) affecting 'cut' occurrence is not known. In this study, we set out to identify the growth media component(s) responsible for 'cut' phenotype suppression in Δcbf11 and cut6-621 cells. We show that mitotic defects occur rapidly in Δcbf11 cells upon shift from the minimal EMM medium ('cut' suppressing) to the complex YES medium ('cut' promoting). By growing cells in YES medium supplemented with individual EMM components, we identified ammonium chloride, an efficiently utilized nitrogen source, as a specific and potent suppressor of the 'cut' phenotype in both Δcbf11 and cut6-621. Furthermore, we found that ammonium chloride boosts lipid droplet formation in wild-type cells. Our findings suggest a possible involvement of nutrient-responsive signaling in 'cut' suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Róbert Zach
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jarmila Tvarůžková
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Schätz
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Computing and Control Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Ťupa
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Computing and Control Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Beáta Grallert
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martin Převorovský
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Převorovský M, Oravcová M, Zach R, Jordáková A, Bähler J, Půta F, Folk P. CSL protein regulates transcription of genes required to prevent catastrophic mitosis in fission yeast. Cell Cycle 2016; 15:3082-3093. [PMID: 27687771 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2016.1235100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
For every eukaryotic cell to grow and divide, intricately coordinated action of numerous proteins is required to ensure proper cell-cycle progression. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has been instrumental in elucidating the fundamental principles of cell-cycle control. Mutations in S. pombe 'cut' (cell untimely torn) genes cause failed coordination between cell and nuclear division, resulting in catastrophic mitosis. Deletion of cbf11, a fission yeast CSL transcription factor gene, triggers a 'cut' phenotype, but the precise role of Cbf11 in promoting mitotic fidelity is not known. We report that Cbf11 directly activates the transcription of the acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase gene cut6, and the biotin uptake/biosynthesis genes vht1 and bio2, with the former 2 implicated in mitotic fidelity. Cbf11 binds to a canonical, metazoan-like CSL response element (GTGGGAA) in the cut6 promoter. Expression of Cbf11 target genes shows apparent oscillations during the cell cycle using temperature-sensitive cdc25-22 and cdc10-M17 block-release experiments, but not with other synchronization methods. The penetrance of catastrophic mitosis in cbf11 and cut6 mutants is nutrient-dependent. We also show that drastic decrease in biotin availability arrests cell proliferation but does not cause mitotic defects. Taken together, our results raise the possibility that CSL proteins play conserved roles in regulating cell-cycle progression, and they could guide experiments into mitotic CSL functions in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Převorovský
- a Department of Cell Biology , Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Martina Oravcová
- a Department of Cell Biology , Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Róbert Zach
- a Department of Cell Biology , Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Anna Jordáková
- a Department of Cell Biology , Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Jürg Bähler
- b Research Department of Genetics , Evolution & Environment and UCL Cancer Institute, University College London , Gower Street, London , UK
| | - František Půta
- a Department of Cell Biology , Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Petr Folk
- a Department of Cell Biology , Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague , Prague , Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Převorovský M, Oravcová M, Tvarůžková J, Zach R, Folk P, Půta F, Bähler J. Fission Yeast CSL Transcription Factors: Mapping Their Target Genes and Biological Roles. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137820. [PMID: 26366556 PMCID: PMC4569565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cbf11 and Cbf12, the fission yeast CSL transcription factors, have been implicated in the regulation of cell-cycle progression, but no specific roles have been described and their target genes have been only partially mapped. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Using a combination of transcriptome profiling under various conditions and genome-wide analysis of CSL-DNA interactions, we identify genes regulated directly and indirectly by CSL proteins in fission yeast. We show that the expression of stress-response genes and genes that are expressed periodically during the cell cycle is deregulated upon genetic manipulation of cbf11 and/or cbf12. Accordingly, the coordination of mitosis and cytokinesis is perturbed in cells with genetically manipulated CSL protein levels, together with other specific defects in cell-cycle progression. Cbf11 activity is nutrient-dependent and Δcbf11-associated defects are mitigated by inactivation of the protein kinase A (Pka1) and stress-activated MAP kinase (Sty1p38) pathways. Furthermore, Cbf11 directly regulates a set of lipid metabolism genes and Δcbf11 cells feature a stark decrease in the number of storage lipid droplets. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our results provide a framework for a more detailed understanding of the role of CSL proteins in the regulation of cell-cycle progression in fission yeast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Převorovský
- Research Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment and UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Oravcová
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jarmila Tvarůžková
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Róbert Zach
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Folk
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - František Půta
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jürg Bähler
- Research Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment and UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Systematic genetic analysis of transcription factors to map the fission yeast transcription-regulatory network. Biochem Soc Trans 2013; 41:1696-700. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20130224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mapping transcriptional-regulatory networks requires the identification of target genes, binding specificities and signalling pathways of transcription factors. However, the characterization of each transcription factor sufficiently for deciphering such networks remains laborious. The recent availability of overexpression and deletion strains for almost all of the transcription factor genes in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe provides a valuable resource to better investigate transcription factors using systematic genetics. In the present paper, I review and discuss the utility of these strain collections combined with transcriptome profiling and genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation to identify the target genes of transcription factors.
Collapse
|
8
|
Oravcová M, Teska M, Půta F, Folk P, Převorovský M. Fission yeast CSL proteins function as transcription factors. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59435. [PMID: 23555033 PMCID: PMC3598750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcription factors of the CSL (CBF1/RBP-Jk/Suppressor of Hairless/LAG-1) family are key regulators of metazoan development and function as the effector components of the Notch receptor signalling pathway implicated in various cell fate decisions. CSL proteins recognize specifically the GTG[G/A]AA sequence motif and several mutants compromised in their ability to bind DNA have been reported. In our previous studies we have identified a number of novel putative CSL family members in fungi, organisms lacking the Notch pathway. It is not clear whether these represent genuine CSL family members. Methodology/Principal Findings Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches we characterized the DNA binding properties of Cbf11 and Cbf12, the antagonistic CSL paralogs from the fission yeast, important for the proper coordination of cell cycle events and the regulation of cell adhesion. We have shown that a mutation of a conserved arginine residue abolishes DNA binding in both CSL paralogs, similar to the situation in mouse. We have also demonstrated the ability of Cbf11 and Cbf12 to activate gene expression in an autologous fission yeast reporter system. Conclusions/Significance Our results indicate that the fission yeast CSL proteins are indeed genuine family members capable of functioning as transcription factors, and provide support for the ancient evolutionary origin of this important protein family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Oravcová
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mikoláš Teska
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - František Půta
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Folk
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Převorovský
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Deciphering the transcriptional-regulatory network of flocculation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1003104. [PMID: 23236291 PMCID: PMC3516552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the transcriptional-regulatory network that governs flocculation remains poorly understood. Here, we systematically screened an array of transcription factor deletion and overexpression strains for flocculation and performed microarray expression profiling and ChIP-chip analysis to identify the flocculin target genes. We identified five transcription factors that displayed novel roles in the activation or inhibition of flocculation (Rfl1, Adn2, Adn3, Sre2, and Yox1), in addition to the previously-known Mbx2, Cbf11, and Cbf12 regulators. Overexpression of mbx2(+) and deletion of rfl1(+) resulted in strong flocculation and transcriptional upregulation of gsf2(+)/pfl1(+) and several other putative flocculin genes (pfl2(+)-pfl9(+)). Overexpression of the pfl(+) genes singly was sufficient to trigger flocculation, and enhanced flocculation was observed in several combinations of double pfl(+) overexpression. Among the pfl1(+) genes, only loss of gsf2(+) abrogated the flocculent phenotype of all the transcription factor mutants and prevented flocculation when cells were grown in inducing medium containing glycerol and ethanol as the carbon source, thereby indicating that Gsf2 is the dominant flocculin. In contrast, the mild flocculation of adn2(+) or adn3(+) overexpression was likely mediated by the transcriptional activation of cell wall-remodeling genes including gas2(+), psu1(+), and SPAC4H3.03c. We also discovered that Mbx2 and Cbf12 displayed transcriptional autoregulation, and Rfl1 repressed gsf2(+) expression in an inhibitory feed-forward loop involving mbx2(+). These results reveal that flocculation in S. pombe is regulated by a complex network of multiple transcription factors and target genes encoding flocculins and cell wall-remodeling enzymes. Moreover, comparisons between the flocculation transcriptional-regulatory networks of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. pombe indicate substantial rewiring of transcription factors and cis-regulatory sequences.
Collapse
|
10
|
Převorovský M, Atkinson SR, Ptáčková M, McLean JR, Gould K, Folk P, Půta F, Bähler J. N-termini of fungal CSL transcription factors are disordered, enriched in regulatory motifs and inhibit DNA binding in fission yeast. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23650. [PMID: 21858190 PMCID: PMC3155561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CSL (CBF1/RBP-Jκ/Suppressor of Hairless/LAG-1) transcription factors are the effector components of the Notch receptor signalling pathway, which is critical for metazoan development. The metazoan CSL proteins (class M) can also function in a Notch-independent manner. Recently, two novel classes of CSL proteins, designated F1 and F2, have been identified in fungi. The role of the fungal CSL proteins is unclear, because the Notch pathway is not present in fungi. In fission yeast, the Cbf11 and Cbf12 CSL paralogs play antagonistic roles in cell adhesion and the coordination of cell and nuclear division. Unusually long N-terminal extensions are typical for fungal and invertebrate CSL family members. In this study, we investigate the functional significance of these extended N-termini of CSL proteins. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We identify 15 novel CSL family members from 7 fungal species and conduct bioinformatic analyses of a combined dataset containing 34 fungal and 11 metazoan CSL protein sequences. We show that the long, non-conserved N-terminal tails of fungal CSL proteins are likely disordered and enriched in phosphorylation sites and PEST motifs. In a case study of Cbf12 (class F2), we provide experimental evidence that the protein is proteolytically processed and that the N-terminus inhibits the Cbf12-dependent DNA binding activity in an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study provides insight into the characteristics of the long N-terminal tails of fungal CSL proteins that may be crucial for controlling DNA-binding and CSL function. We propose that the regulation of DNA binding by Cbf12 via its N-terminal region represents an important means by which fission yeast strikes a balance between the class F1 and class F2 paralog activities. This mode of regulation might be shared with other CSL-positive fungi, some of which are relevant to human disease and biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Převorovský
- Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment and UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kovall RA, Blacklow SC. Mechanistic insights into Notch receptor signaling from structural and biochemical studies. Curr Top Dev Biol 2010; 92:31-71. [PMID: 20816392 DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(10)92002-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Notch proteins are the receptors in a highly conserved signal transduction system used to communicate signals between cells that contact each other. Studies investigating structure-function relationships in Notch signaling have gained substantial momentum in recent years. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular logic of Notch signal transduction, emphasizing structural and biochemical studies of Notch receptors, their ligands, and complexes of intracellular Notch proteins with their target transcription factors. Recent advances in the structure-based modulation of Notch-signaling activity are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhett A Kovall
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gazave E, Lapébie P, Richards GS, Brunet F, Ereskovsky AV, Degnan BM, Borchiellini C, Vervoort M, Renard E. Origin and evolution of the Notch signalling pathway: an overview from eukaryotic genomes. BMC Evol Biol 2009; 9:249. [PMID: 19825158 PMCID: PMC2770060 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-9-249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Of the 20 or so signal transduction pathways that orchestrate cell-cell interactions in metazoans, seven are involved during development. One of these is the Notch signalling pathway which regulates cellular identity, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis via the developmental processes of lateral inhibition and boundary induction. In light of this essential role played in metazoan development, we surveyed a wide range of eukaryotic genomes to determine the origin and evolution of the components and auxiliary factors that compose and modulate this pathway. Results We searched for 22 components of the Notch pathway in 35 different species that represent 8 major clades of eukaryotes, performed phylogenetic analyses and compared the domain compositions of the two fundamental molecules: the receptor Notch and its ligands Delta/Jagged. We confirm that a Notch pathway, with true receptors and ligands is specific to the Metazoa. This study also sheds light on the deep ancestry of a number of genes involved in this pathway, while other members are revealed to have a more recent origin. The origin of several components can be accounted for by the shuffling of pre-existing protein domains, or via lateral gene transfer. In addition, certain domains have appeared de novo more recently, and can be considered metazoan synapomorphies. Conclusion The Notch signalling pathway emerged in Metazoa via a diversity of molecular mechanisms, incorporating both novel and ancient protein domains during eukaryote evolution. Thus, a functional Notch signalling pathway was probably present in Urmetazoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eve Gazave
- Aix-Marseille Universités, Centre d'Océanologie de Marseille, Station marine d'Endoume - CNRS UMR 6540-DIMAR, rue de Batterie des Lions, 13007 Marseille, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Prevorovský M, Grousl T, Stanurová J, Rynes J, Nellen W, Půta F, Folk P. Cbf11 and Cbf12, the fission yeast CSL proteins, play opposing roles in cell adhesion and coordination of cell and nuclear division. Exp Cell Res 2008; 315:1533-47. [PMID: 19101542 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2008.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2008] [Revised: 12/02/2008] [Accepted: 12/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The CSL (CBF1/RBP-Jkappa/Suppressor of Hairless/LAG-1) family is comprised of transcription factors essential for metazoan development, mostly due to their involvement in the Notch receptor signaling pathway. Recently, we identified two novel classes of CSL genes in the genomes of several fungal species, organisms lacking the Notch pathway. In this study, we characterized experimentally cbf11+ and cbf12+, the two CSL genes of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, in order to elucidate the CSL function in fungi. We provide evidence supporting their identity as genuine CSL genes. Both cbf11+ and cbf12+ are non-essential; they have distinct expression profiles and code for nuclear proteins with transcription activation potential. Significantly, we demonstrated that Cbf11 recognizes specifically the canonical CSL response element GTGA/GGAA in vitro. The deletion of cbf11+ is associated with growth phenotypes and altered colony morphology. Furthermore, we found that Cbf11 and Cbf12 play opposite roles in cell adhesion, nuclear and cell division and their coordination. Disturbed balance of the two CSL proteins leads to cell separation defects (sep phenotype), cut phenotype, and high-frequency diploidization in heterothallic strains. Our data show that CSL proteins operate in an organism predating the Notch pathway, which should be of relevance to the understanding of (Notch-independent) CSL functions in metazoans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Prevorovský
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chilton IJ, Delaney CE, Barham-Morris J, Fincham DA, Hooley P, Whitehead MP. The Aspergillus nidulans stress response transcription factor StzA is ascomycete-specific and shows species-specific polymorphisms in the C-terminal region. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 112:1435-46. [PMID: 18678248 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycres.2008.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2007] [Revised: 06/18/2008] [Accepted: 06/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Orthologues of the Aspergillus nidulans gene stzA were identified and characterised in an additional 19 fungi. These orthologues were restricted to, and found within all the Pezizomycotina subphyla of the Ascomycota, for which data are available, but not the Saccharomycotina or Taphrinomycotina subphyla. Intron analysis indicated that both intron loss and gain have occurred in this gene. The orthologous proteins demonstrate considerable size variation (between 663 and 897 amino acids); with almost all this variability accounted for by a hyper-variable region that is carboxy terminal to the zinc finger region. The Hypocrea jecorina orthologue (ACE1) has the binding site 5'AGGCA. There is evidence of competition, or interaction, between the ACE1/StzA and AreA binding sites in promoters of stzA and its orthologues, as well as genes involved in the metabolism of amino acids. The A. nidulans and A. fumigatus cpcA promoters have seven potential ACE1/StzA binding sites, six of which are highly conserved in position. Two very closely positioned sites are conserved across 14 of the 19 fungi analysed. Potential CpcA binding sites (5'TGAC/GTCA) have been identified between -50 and -170bp of the ATG start in the promoters of 16 of the stzA orthologues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I J Chilton
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV1 1SB, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Laky K, Fowlkes BJ. Notch signaling in CD4 and CD8 T cell development. Curr Opin Immunol 2008; 20:197-202. [PMID: 18434124 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2008.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2008] [Accepted: 03/11/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Because Notch often acts in concert with other signaling pathways, it is able to regulate a diverse set of biological processes in a cell-context dependent manner. In lymphocytes, Notch is essential for specifying the T cell fate and for promoting early stages of T cell differentiation. At later stages of development, Notch signaling is proposed to direct CD4 versus CD8 T lineage commitment. This hypothesis has been challenged by recent studies of conditional Presenilin-deficient mice showing that Notch promotes the selection and maturation of CD4 and CD8 T cells by potentiating TCR signal transduction in immature thymocytes. While similar conclusions have not been reported with conditional mutation of other downstream mediators of Notch activation, it appears that functional inhibition may not have been achieved at a comparable stage of development and/or analogous issues have not been addressed. The differences also question whether in thymocytes Notch signals only through the canonical pathway. Further study of conditional mutants, signaling intermediates, and transcriptional regulators are needed to elucidate how Notch facilitates TCR signaling in generating mature T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Laky
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-0420, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|