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Mönch TC, Smylla TK, Brändle F, Preiss A, Nagel AC. Novel Genome-Engineered H Alleles Differentially Affect Lateral Inhibition and Cell Dichotomy Processes during Bristle Organ Development. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:552. [PMID: 38790181 PMCID: PMC11121709 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050552] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hairless (H) encodes the major antagonist in the Notch signaling pathway, which governs cellular differentiation of various tissues in Drosophila. By binding to the Notch signal transducer Suppressor of Hairless (Su(H)), H assembles repressor complexes onto Notch target genes. Using genome engineering, three new H alleles, HFA, HLLAA and HWA were generated and a phenotypic series was established by several parameters, reflecting the residual H-Su(H) binding capacity. Occasionally, homozygous HWA flies develop to adulthood. They were compared with the likewise semi-viable HNN allele affecting H-Su(H) nuclear entry. The H homozygotes were short-lived, sterile and flightless, yet showed largely normal expression of several mitochondrial genes. Typical for H mutants, both HWA and HNN homozygous alleles displayed strong defects in wing venation and mechano-sensory bristle development. Strikingly, however, HWA displayed only a loss of bristles, whereas bristle organs of HNN flies showed a complete shaft-to-socket transformation. Apparently, the impact of HWA is restricted to lateral inhibition, whereas that of HNN also affects the respective cell type specification. Notably, reduction in Su(H) gene dosage only suppressed the HNN bristle phenotype, but amplified that of HWA. We interpret these differences as to the role of H regarding Su(H) stability and availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja C. Mönch
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (T.C.M.); (T.K.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Thomas K. Smylla
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (T.C.M.); (T.K.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Franziska Brändle
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (T.C.M.); (T.K.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Anette Preiss
- Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;
| | - Anja C. Nagel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (T.C.M.); (T.K.S.); (F.B.)
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Maier D, Bauer M, Boger M, Sanchez Jimenez A, Yuan Z, Fechner J, Scharpf J, Kovall RA, Preiss A, Nagel AC. Genetic and Molecular Interactions between HΔCT, a Novel Allele of the Notch Antagonist Hairless, and the Histone Chaperone Asf1 in Drosophila melanogaster. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:205. [PMID: 36672946 PMCID: PMC9858708 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular differentiation relies on the highly conserved Notch signaling pathway. Notch activity induces gene expression changes that are highly sensitive to chromatin landscape. We address Notch gene regulation using Drosophila as a model, focusing on the genetic and molecular interactions between the Notch antagonist Hairless and the histone chaperone Asf1. Earlier work implied that Asf1 promotes the silencing of Notch target genes via Hairless (H). Here, we generate a novel HΔCT allele by genome engineering. Phenotypically, HΔCT behaves as a Hairless gain of function allele in several developmental contexts, indicating that the conserved CT domain of H has an attenuator role under native biological contexts. Using several independent methods to assay protein-protein interactions, we define the sequences of the CT domain that are involved in Hairless-Asf1 binding. Based on previous models, where Asf1 promotes Notch repression via Hairless, a loss of Asf1 binding should reduce Hairless repressive activity. However, tissue-specific Asf1 overexpression phenotypes are increased, not rescued, in the HΔCT background. Counterintuitively, Hairless protein binding mitigates the repressive activity of Asf1 in the context of eye development. These findings highlight the complex connections of Notch repressors and chromatin modulators during Notch target-gene regulation and open the avenue for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Maier
- Institute of Biology, Genetics Department 190g, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Milena Bauer
- Institute of Biology, Genetics Department 190g, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mike Boger
- Institute of Biology, Genetics Department 190g, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Straße 13–17, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anna Sanchez Jimenez
- Institute of Biology, Genetics Department 190g, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Zhenyu Yuan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Medical Sciences Building 2201, Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Johannes Fechner
- Institute of Biology, Genetics Department 190g, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Biomedical Genetics (IBMG), University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Janika Scharpf
- Institute of Biology, Genetics Department 190g, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Rhett A. Kovall
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Medical Sciences Building 2201, Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Anette Preiss
- Institute of Biology, Genetics Department 190g, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anja C. Nagel
- Institute of Biology, Genetics Department 190g, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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Fechner J, Ketelhut M, Maier D, Preiss A, Nagel AC. The Binding of CSL Proteins to Either Co-Activators or Co-Repressors Protects from Proteasomal Degradation Induced by MAPK-Dependent Phosphorylation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012336. [PMID: 36293193 PMCID: PMC9604145 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary role of Notch is to specify cellular identities, whereby the cells respond to amazingly small changes in Notch signalling activity. Hence, dosage of Notch components is crucial to regulation. Central to Notch signal transduction are CSL proteins: together with respective cofactors, they mediate the activation or the silencing of Notch target genes. CSL proteins are extremely similar amongst species regarding sequence and structure. We noticed that the fly homologue suppressor of hairless (Su(H)) is stabilised in transcription complexes. Using specific transgenic fly lines and HeLa RBPJKO cells we provide evidence that Su(H) is subjected to proteasomal degradation with a half-life of about two hours if not protected by binding to co-repressor hairless or co-activator Notch. Moreover, Su(H) stability is controlled by MAPK-dependent phosphorylation, matching earlier data for RBPJ in human cells. The homologous murine and human RBPJ proteins, however, are largely resistant to degradation in our system. Mutating presumptive protein contact sites, however, sensitised RBPJ for proteolysis. Overall, our data highlight the similarities in the regulation of CSL protein stability across species and imply that turnover of CSL proteins may be a conserved means of regulating Notch signalling output directly at the level of transcription.
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Viswanathan R, Hartmann J, Pallares Cartes C, De Renzis S. Desensitisation of Notch signalling through dynamic adaptation in the nucleus. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107245. [PMID: 34396565 PMCID: PMC8441390 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During embryonic development, signalling pathways orchestrate organogenesis by controlling tissue‐specific gene expression programmes and differentiation. Although the molecular components of many common developmental signalling systems are known, our current understanding of how signalling inputs are translated into gene expression outputs in real‐time is limited. Here we employ optogenetics to control the activation of Notch signalling during Drosophila embryogenesis with minute accuracy and follow target gene expression by quantitative live imaging. Light‐induced nuclear translocation of the Notch Intracellular Domain (NICD) causes a rapid activation of target mRNA expression. However, target gene transcription gradually decays over time despite continuous photo‐activation and nuclear NICD accumulation, indicating dynamic adaptation to the signalling input. Using mathematical modelling and molecular perturbations, we show that this adaptive transcriptional response fits to known motifs capable of generating near‐perfect adaptation and can be best explained by state‐dependent inactivation at the target cis‐regulatory region. Taken together, our results reveal dynamic nuclear adaptation as a novel mechanism controlling Notch signalling output during tissue differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjith Viswanathan
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Developmental Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Hartmann
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Developmental Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Stefano De Renzis
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Developmental Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
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Maier D. Membrane-Anchored Hairless Protein Restrains Notch Signaling Activity. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11111315. [PMID: 33171957 PMCID: PMC7694644 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway governs cell-to-cell communication in higher eukaryotes. In Drosophila, after cleavage of the transmembrane receptor Notch, the intracellular domain of Notch (ICN) binds to the transducer Suppressor of Hairless (Su(H)) and shuttles into the nucleus to activate Notch target genes. Similarly, the Notch antagonist Hairless transfers Su(H) into the nucleus to repress Notch target genes. With the aim to prevent Su(H) nuclear translocation, Hairless was fused to a transmembrane domain to anchor the protein at membranes. Indeed, endogenous Su(H) co-localized with membrane-anchored Hairless, demonstrating their binding in the cytoplasm. Moreover, adult phenotypes uncovered a loss of Notch activity, in support of membrane-anchored Hairless sequestering Su(H) in the cytosol. A combined overexpression of membrane-anchored Hairless with Su(H) lead to tissue proliferation, which is in contrast to the observed apoptosis after ectopic co-overexpression of the wild-type genes, indicating a shift to a gain of Notch activity. A mixed response, general de-repression of Notch signaling output, plus inhibition at places of highest Notch activity, perhaps reflects Su(H)’s role as activator and repressor, supported by results obtained with the Hairless-binding deficient Su(H)LLL mutant, inducing activation only. Overall, the results strengthen the idea of Su(H) and Hairless complex formation within the cytosolic compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Maier
- Deptartment of General Genetics 190g, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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Nagel AC, Maier D, Scharpf J, Ketelhut M, Preiss A. Limited Availability of General Co-Repressors Uncovered in an Overexpression Context during Wing Venation in Drosophila melanogaster. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11101141. [PMID: 32998295 PMCID: PMC7601384 DOI: 10.3390/genes11101141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell fate is determined by the coordinated activity of different pathways, including the conserved Notch pathway. Activation of Notch results in the transcription of Notch targets that are otherwise silenced by repressor complexes. In Drosophila, the repressor complex comprises the transcription factor Suppressor of Hairless (Su(H)) bound to the Notch antagonist Hairless (H) and the general co-repressors Groucho (Gro) and C-terminal binding protein (CtBP). The latter two are shared by different repressors from numerous pathways, raising the possibility that they are rate-limiting. We noted that the overexpression during wing development of H mutants HdNT and HLD compromised in Su(H)-binding induced ectopic veins. On the basis of the role of H as Notch antagonist, overexpression of Su(H)-binding defective H isoforms should be without consequence, implying different mechanisms but repression of Notch signaling activity. Perhaps excess H protein curbs general co-repressor availability. Supporting this model, nearly normal wings developed upon overexpression of H mutant isoforms that bound neither Su(H) nor co-repressor Gro and CtBP. Excessive H protein appeared to sequester general co-repressors, resulting in specific vein defects, indicating their limited availability during wing vein development. In conclusion, interpretation of overexpression phenotypes requires careful consideration of possible dominant negative effects from interception of limiting factors.
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Gahr BM, Brändle F, Zimmermann M, Nagel AC. An RBPJ- Drosophila Model Reveals Dependence of RBPJ Protein Stability on the Formation of Transcription-Regulator Complexes. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101252. [PMID: 31615108 PMCID: PMC6829621 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling activity governs widespread cellular differentiation in higher animals, including humans, and is involved in several congenital diseases and different forms of cancer. Notch signals are mediated by the transcriptional regulator RBPJ in a complex with activated Notch (NICD). Analysis of Notch pathway regulation in humans is hampered by a partial redundancy of the four Notch receptor copies, yet RBPJ is solitary, allowing its study in model systems. In Drosophila melanogaster, the RBPJ orthologue is encoded by Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)]. Using genome engineering, we replaced Su(H) by murine RBPJ in order to study its function in the fly. In fact, RBPJ largely substitutes for Su(H)’s function, yet subtle phenotypes reflect increased Notch signaling activity. Accordingly, the binding of RBPJ to Hairless (H) protein, the general Notch antagonist in Drosophila, was considerably reduced compared to that of Su(H). An H-binding defective RBPJLLL mutant matched the respective Su(H)LLL allele: homozygotes were lethal due to extensive Notch hyperactivity. Moreover, RBPJLLL protein accumulated at lower levels than wild type RBPJ, except in the presence of NICD. Apparently, RBPJ protein stability depends on protein complex formation with either H or NICD, similar to Su(H), demonstrating that the murine homologue underlies the same regulatory mechanisms as Su(H) in Drosophila. These results underscore the importance of regulating the availability of RBPJ protein to correctly mediate Notch signaling activity in the fly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd M. Gahr
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (B.M.G.); (F.B.); (M.Z.)
- Present address: Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Franziska Brändle
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (B.M.G.); (F.B.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mirjam Zimmermann
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (B.M.G.); (F.B.); (M.Z.)
| | - Anja C. Nagel
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (B.M.G.); (F.B.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-711-45922210
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Wolf D, Smylla TK, Reichmuth J, Hoffmeister P, Kober L, Zimmermann M, Turkiewicz A, Borggrefe T, Nagel AC, Oswald F, Preiss A, Maier D. Nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling of Drosophila Hairless/Su(H) heterodimer as a means of regulating Notch dependent transcription. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2019; 1866:1520-1532. [PMID: 31326540 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Activation and repression of Notch target genes is mediated by transcription factor CSL, known as Suppressor of Hairless (Su(H)) in Drosophila and CBF1 or RBPJ in human. CSL associates either with co-activator Notch or with co-repressors such as Drosophila Hairless. The nuclear translocation of transcription factor CSL relies on co-factor association, both in mammals and in Drosophila. The Drosophila CSL orthologue Su(H) requires Hairless for repressor complex formation. Based on its role in transcriptional silencing, H protein would be expected to be strictly nuclear. However, H protein is also cytosolic, which may relate to its role in the stabilization and nuclear translocation of Su(H) protein. Here, we investigate the function of the predicted nuclear localization signals (NLS 1-3) and single nuclear export signal (NES) of co-repressor Hairless using GFP-fusion proteins, reporter assays and in vivo analyses using Hairless wild type and shuttling-defective Hairless mutants. We identify NLS3 and NES to be critical for Hairless function. In fact, H⁎NLS3 mutant flies match H null mutants, whereas H⁎NLS3⁎NES double mutants display weaker phenotypes in agreement with a crucial role for NES in H export. As expected for a transcriptional repressor, Notch target genes are deregulated in H⁎NLS3 mutant cells, demonstrating nuclear requirement for its activity. Importantly, we reveal that Su(H) protein strictly follows Hairless protein localization. Together, we propose that shuttling between the nucleo-cytoplasmic compartments provides the possibility to fine tune the regulation of Notch target gene expression by balancing of Su(H) protein availability for Notch activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorina Wolf
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Genetics (240a), Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas K Smylla
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Genetics (240a), Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jan Reichmuth
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Genetics (240a), Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Philipp Hoffmeister
- University Medical Center Ulm, Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludmilla Kober
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Genetics (240a), Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Mirjam Zimmermann
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Genetics (240a), Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Aleksandra Turkiewicz
- Justus-Liebig University of Giessen Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Tilman Borggrefe
- Justus-Liebig University of Giessen Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Anja C Nagel
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Genetics (240a), Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Franz Oswald
- University Medical Center Ulm, Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Anette Preiss
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Genetics (240a), Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dieter Maier
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Genetics (240a), Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
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The Notch repressor complex in Drosophila: in vivo analysis of Hairless mutants using overexpression experiments. Dev Genes Evol 2019; 229:13-24. [PMID: 30612166 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-018-00624-2] [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: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
During development of higher animals, the Notch signalling pathway governs cell type specification by mediating appropriate gene expression responses. In the absence of signalling, Notch target genes are silenced by repressor complexes. In the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, the repressor complex includes the transcription factor Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)] and Hairless (H) plus general co-repressors. Recent crystal structure analysis of the Drosophila Notch repressor revealed details of the Su(H)-H complex. They were confirmed by mutational analyses of either protein; however, only Su(H) mutants have been further studied in vivo. Here, we analyse three H variants predicted to affect Su(H) binding. To this end, amino acid replacements Phenylalanine 237, Leucines 245 and 247, as well as Tryptophan 258 to Alanine were introduced into the H protein. A cell-based reporter assay indicates substantial loss of Su(H) binding to the respective mutant proteins HFA, HLLAA and HWA. For in vivo analysis, UAS-lines HFA, HLLAA and HWA were generated to allow spatially restricted overexpression. In these assays, all three mutants resembled the HLD control, shown before to lack Su(H) binding, indicating a strong reduction of H activity. For example, the H variants were impaired in wing margin formation, but unexpectedly induced ectopic wing venation. Concurrent overexpression with Su(H), however, suggests that all mutant H protein isoforms are still able to bind Su(H) in vivo. We conclude that a weakening of the cohesion in the H-Su(H) repressor complex is sufficient for disrupting its in vivo functionality.
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Preiss A, Nagel AC, Praxenthaler H, Maier D. Complex genetic interactions of novel Suppressor of Hairless alleles deficient in co-repressor binding. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193956. [PMID: 29509808 PMCID: PMC5839567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the animal kingdom, the Notch signalling pathway allows cells to acquire diversified cell fates. Notch signals are translated into activation of Notch target genes by CSL transcription factors. In the absence of Notch signals, CSL together with co-repressors functions as a transcriptional repressor. In Drosophila, repression of Notch target genes involves the CSL homologue Suppressor of Hairless (Su(H)) and the Notch (N) antagonist Hairless (H) that together form a repressor complex. Guided by crystal structure, three mutations Su(H)LL, Su(H)LLF and Su(H)LLL were generated that specifically affect interactions with the repressor H, and were introduced into the endogenous Su(H) locus by gene engineering. In contrast to the wild type isoform, these Su(H) mutants are incapable of repressor complex formation. Accordingly, Notch signalling activity is dramatically elevated in the homozygotes, resembling complete absence of H activity. It was noted, however, that heterozygotes do not display a dominant H loss of function phenotype. In this work we addressed genetic interactions the three H-binding deficient Su(H) mutants display in combination with H and N null alleles. We included a null mutant of Delta (Dl), encoding the ligand of the Notch receptor, as well as of Su(H) itself in our genetic analyses. H, N or Dl mutations cause dominant wing phenotypes that are sensitive to gene dose of the others. Moreover, H heterozygotes lack bristle organs and develop bristle sockets instead of shafts. The latter phenotype is suppressed by Su(H) null alleles but not by H-binding deficient Su(H) alleles which we attribute to the socket cell specific activity of Su(H). Modification of the dominant wing phenotypes of either H, N or Dl, however, suggested some lack of repressor activity in the Su(H) null allele and likewise in the H-binding deficient Su(H) alleles. Overall, Su(H) mutants are recessive perhaps reflecting self-adjusting availability of Su(H) protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Preiss
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anja C. Nagel
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Heiko Praxenthaler
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dieter Maier
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- * E-mail:
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11
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Nagel AC, Auer JS, Schulz A, Pfannstiel J, Yuan Z, Collins CE, Kovall RA, Preiss A. Phosphorylation of Suppressor of Hairless impedes its DNA-binding activity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11820. [PMID: 28928428 PMCID: PMC5605572 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signalling activity governs cellular differentiation in higher metazoa, where Notch signals are transduced by the transcription factor CSL, called Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)] in Drosophila. Su(H) operates as molecular switch on Notch target genes: within activator complexes, including intracellular Notch, or within repressor complexes, including the antagonist Hairless. Mass spectrometry identified phosphorylation on Serine 269 in Su(H), potentially serving as a point of cross-regulation by other signalling pathways. To address the biological significance, we generated phospho-deficient [Su(H)S269A] and phospho-mimetic [Su(H)S269D] variants: the latter displayed reduced transcriptional activity despite unaltered protein interactions with co-activators and -repressors. Based on the Su(H) structure, Ser269 phosphorylation may interfere with DNA-binding, which we confirmed by electro-mobility shift assay and isothermal titration calorimetry. Overexpression of Su(H)S269D during fly development demonstrated reduced transcriptional regulatory activity, similar to the previously reported DNA-binding defective mutant Su(H)R266H. As both are able to bind Hairless and Notch proteins, Su(H)S269D and Su(H)R266H provoked dominant negative effects upon overexpression. Our data imply that Ser269 phosphorylation impacts Notch signalling activity by inhibiting DNA-binding of Su(H), potentially affecting both activation and repression. Ser269 is highly conserved in vertebrate CSL homologues, opening the possibility of a general and novel mechanism of modulating Notch signalling activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja C Nagel
- Institut für Genetik (240), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Jasmin S Auer
- Institut für Genetik (240), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Adriana Schulz
- Institut für Genetik (240), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jens Pfannstiel
- Core Facility Hohenheim, Mass Spectrometry Unit University of Hohenheim, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Zhenyu Yuan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Courtney E Collins
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Rhett A Kovall
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Anette Preiss
- Institut für Genetik (240), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
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Conservation of the Notch antagonist Hairless in arthropods: functional analysis of the crustacean Daphnia pulex Hairless gene. Dev Genes Evol 2017; 227:339-353. [DOI: 10.1007/s00427-017-0593-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Praxenthaler H, Nagel AC, Schulz A, Zimmermann M, Meier M, Schmid H, Preiss A, Maier D. Hairless-binding deficient Suppressor of Hairless alleles reveal Su(H) protein levels are dependent on complex formation with Hairless. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006774. [PMID: 28475577 PMCID: PMC5438185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell fate choices during metazoan development are driven by the highly conserved Notch signalling pathway. Notch receptor activation results in release of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) that acts as transcriptional co-activator of the DNA-binding protein CSL. In the absence of signal, a repressor complex consisting of CSL bound to co-repressors silences Notch target genes. The Drosophila repressor complex contains the fly CSL orthologue Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)] and Hairless (H). The Su(H)-H crystal structure revealed a large conformational change within Su(H) upon H binding, precluding interactions with NICD. Based on the structure, several sites in Su(H) and H were determined to specifically engage in complex formation. In particular, three mutations in Su(H) were identified that affect interactions with the repressor H but not the activator NICD. To analyse the effects these mutants have on normal fly development, we introduced these mutations into the native Su(H) locus by genome engineering. We show that the three H-binding deficient Su(H) alleles behave similarly. As these mutants lack the ability to form the repressor complex, Notch signalling activity is strongly increased in homozygotes, comparable to a complete loss of H activity. Unexpectedly, we find that the abundance of the three mutant Su(H) protein variants is altered, as is that of wild type Su(H) protein in the absence of H protein. In the presence of NICD, however, Su(H) mutant protein persists. Apparently, Su(H) protein levels depend on the interactions with H as well as with NICD. Based on these results, we propose that in vivo levels of Su(H) protein are stabilised by interactions with transcription-regulator complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Praxenthaler
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anja C. Nagel
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Adriana Schulz
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Mirjam Zimmermann
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Markus Meier
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Hannes Schmid
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anette Preiss
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dieter Maier
- Institute of Genetics (240), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Smylla TK, Preiss A, Maier D. In vivo analysis of internal ribosome entry at the Hairless locus by genome engineering in Drosophila. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34881. [PMID: 27713501 PMCID: PMC5054391 DOI: 10.1038/srep34881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell communication in metazoans requires the highly conserved Notch signaling pathway, which is subjected to strict regulation of both activation and silencing. In Drosophila melanogaster, silencing involves the assembly of a repressor complex by Hairless (H) on Notch target gene promoters. We previously found an in-frame internal ribosome entry site in the full length H transcript resulting in two H protein isoforms (Hp120 and Hp150). Hence, H may repress Notch signalling activity in situations where cap-dependent translation is inhibited. Here we demonstrate the in vivo importance of both H isoforms for proper fly development. To this end, we replaced the endogenous H locus by constructs specifically affecting translation of either Hp150 or Hp120 isoforms using genome engineering. Our findings indicate the functional relevance of both H proteins. Based on bristle phenotypes, the predominant isoform Hp150 appears to be of particular importance. In contrast, growth regulation and venation of the wing require the concomitant activity of both isoforms. Finally, the IRES dependent production of Hp120 during mitosis was verified in vivo. Together our data confirm IRES mediated translation of H protein in vivo, supporting strict regulation of Notch in different cellular settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K Smylla
- Universität Hohenheim, Institut für Genetik (240), Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anette Preiss
- Universität Hohenheim, Institut für Genetik (240), Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dieter Maier
- Universität Hohenheim, Institut für Genetik (240), Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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