TGF-β specifies TFH versus TH17 cell fates in murine CD4+ T cells through c-Maf

T follicular helper (TFH) cells are essential for effective antibody responses, but deciphering the intrinsic wiring of mouse TFH cells has long been hampered by the lack of a reliable protocol for their generation in vitro. We report that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induces robust expression of TFH hallmark molecules CXCR5 and Bcl6 in activated mouse CD4+ T cells in vitro. TGF-β-induced mouse CXCR5+ TFH cells are phenotypically, transcriptionally, and functionally similar to in vivo-generated TFH cells and provide critical help to B cells. The study further reveals that TGF-β-induced CXCR5 expression is independent of Bcl6 but requires the transcription factor c-Maf. Classical TGF-β-containing T helper 17 (TH17)-inducing conditions also yield separate CXCR5+ and IL-17A-producing cells, highlighting shared and distinct cell fate trajectories of TFH and TH17 cells. We demonstrate that excess IL-2 in high-density T cell cultures interferes with the TGF-β-induced TFH cell program, that TFH and TH17 cells share a common developmental stage, and that c-Maf acts as a switch factor for TFH versus TH17 cell fates in TGF-β-rich environments in vitro and in vivo.

Identification of small compounds that inhibit multiple myeloma proliferation by targeting c-Maf transcriptional activity

Multiple myeloma displays the clonal B cell expansion and the overproduction of monoclonal immunoglobulins. Genetic translocations at 14q32, particularly with partners like 16q23, lead to the dysregulation of oncogene expression, including the significant enhancement of c-Maf. This aberrant expression of c-Maf has prompted research into strategies for targeting this transcription factor as a potential therapeutic avenue for multiple myeloma treatment. In this study, we introduce a screening pipeline to test small compounds for their ability to inhibit c-Maf. Using a luciferase indicator driven by the Ccl8 gene promoter, we identified two small compounds that inhibit transcriptional activity of c-Maf. These molecules impede the proliferation of c-Maf-expressing myeloma cells, and repress the expression of c-Maf target genes such as ITGB7 and CCR1. Importantly, these molecules target c-Maf-expressing multiple myeloma cells, but not c-Maf-negative myeloma cells, showing potential for tailoring therapeutic intervention. In conclusion, our screening pipeline is effective to explore leads for a novel c-Maf inhibitor for multiple myeloma therapy.

Divergent molecular networks program functionally distinct CD8+ skin-resident memory T cells

Skin-resident CD8+ T cells include distinct interferon-γ-producing [tissue-resident memory T type 1 (TRM1)] and interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing (TRM17) subsets that differentially contribute to immune responses. However, whether these populations use common mechanisms to establish tissue residence is unknown. In this work, we show that TRM1 and TRM17 cells navigate divergent trajectories to acquire tissue residency in the skin. TRM1 cells depend on a T-bet-Hobit-IL-15 axis, whereas TRM17 cells develop independently of these factors. Instead, c-Maf commands a tissue-resident program in TRM17 cells parallel to that induced by Hobit in TRM1 cells, with an ICOS-c-Maf-IL-7 axis pivotal to TRM17 cell commitment. Accordingly, by targeting this pathway, skin TRM17 cells can be ablated without compromising their TRM1 counterparts. Thus, skin-resident T cells rely on distinct molecular circuitries, which can be exploited to strategically modulate local immunity.

Large Maf transcription factor family is a major regulator of fast type IIb myofiber determination

Myofibers are broadly characterized as fatigue-resistant slow-twitch (type I) fibers and rapidly fatiguing fast-twitch (type IIa/IIx/IIb) fibers. However, the molecular regulation of myofiber type is not entirely understood; particularly, information on regulators of fast-twitch muscle is scarce. Here, we demonstrate that the large Maf transcription factor family dictates fast type IIb myofiber specification in mice. Remarkably, the ablation of three large Mafs leads to the drastic loss of type IIb myofibers, resulting in enhanced endurance capacity and the reduction of muscle force. Conversely, the overexpression of each large Maf in the type I soleus muscle induces type IIb myofibers. Mechanistically, a large Maf directly binds to the Maf recognition element on the promoter of myosin heavy chain 4, which encodes the type IIb myosin heavy chain, driving its expression. This work identifies the large Maf transcription factor family as a major regulator for fast type IIb muscle determination.

Protein kinase CK2 modulates the activity of Maf-family bZIP transcription factor NRL in rod photoreceptors of mammalian retina

Maf-family basic motif leucine zipper protein NRL specifies rod photoreceptor cell fate during retinal development and, in concert with homeodomain protein CRX and other regulatory factors, controls the expression of most rod-expressed genes including the visual pigment gene Rhodopsin (Rho). Transcriptional regulatory activity of NRL is modulated by post-translational modifications, especially phosphorylation, and mutations at specific phosphosites can lead to retinal degeneration. During our studies to elucidate NRL-mediated transcriptional regulation, we identified protein kinase CK2 in NRL-enriched complexes bound to Rho promoter-enhancer regions and in NRL-enriched high molecular mass fractions from the bovine retina. The presence of CK2 in NRL complexes was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation from developing and adult mouse retinal extracts. In vitro kinase assay and bioinformatic analysis indicated phosphorylation of NRL at Ser117 residue by CK2. Co-transfection of Csnk2a1 cDNA encoding murine CK2 with human NRL and CRX reduced the bovine Rho promoter-driven luciferase expression in HEK293 cells and mutagenesis of NRL-Ser117 residue to Ala restored the reporter gene activity. In concordance, overexpression of CK2 in the mouse retina in vivo by electroporation resulted in reduction of Rho promoter-driven DsRed reporter expression as well as the transcript level of many phototransduction genes. Thus, our studies demonstrate that CK2 can phosphorylate Ser117 of NRL. Modulation of NRL activity by CK2 suggests intricate interdependence of transcriptional and signaling pathways in maintaining rod homeostasis.

Differential metabolic requirement governed by transcription factor c-Maf dictates innate γδT17 effector functionality in mice and humans

Cellular metabolism has been proposed to govern distinct γδ T cell effector functions, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We show that interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing γδ T (γδT17) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-producing γδ T (γδT1) cells have differential metabolic requirements and that the rate-limiting enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) acts as a metabolic checkpoint for their effector functions. Intriguingly, the transcription factor c-Maf regulates γδT17 effector function through direct regulation of IDH2 promoter activity. Moreover, mTORC2 affects the expression of c-Maf and IDH2 and subsequent IL-17 production in γδ T cells. Deletion of c-Maf in γδ T cells reduces metastatic lung cancer development, suggesting c-Maf as a potential target for cancer immune therapy. We show that c-Maf also controls IL-17 production in human γδ T cells from peripheral blood and in oral cancers. These results demonstrate a critical role of the transcription factor c-Maf in regulating γδT17 effector function through IDH2-mediated metabolic reprogramming.

Comparative subcellular localization of NRF2 and KEAP1 during the hepatocellular carcinoma development in vivo

The activation of Nuclear Factor, Erythroid 2 Like 2 - Kelch Like ECH Associated Protein 1 (NRF2-KEAP1) signaling pathway plays a critical dual role by either protecting or promoting the carcinogenesis process. However, its activation or nuclear translocation during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression has not been addressed yet. This study characterizes the subcellular localization of both NRF2 and KEAP1 during diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in the rat. NRF2-KEAP1 pathway was continuously activated along with the increased expression of its target genes, namely Nqo1, Hmox1, Gclc, and Ptgr1. Similarly, the nuclear translocation of NRF2, MAF, and KEAP1 increased in HCC cells from weeks 12 to 22 during HCC progression. Likewise, colocalization of NRF2 with KEAP1 was higher in the cell nuclei of HCC neoplastic nodules than in surrounding cells. Moreover, immunofluorescence analyses revealed that the interaction of KEAP1 with filamentous Actin was disrupted in HCC cells. This disruption may be contributing to the release and nuclear translocation of NRF2 since the cortical actin cytoskeleton serves as anchoring of KEAP1. In conclusion, this evidence indicates that NRF2 is progressively activated and promotes the progression of experimental HCC.

Topoisomerase 2 inhibitor etoposide promotes interleukin-10 production in LPS-induced macrophages via upregulating transcription factor Maf and activating PI3K/Akt pathway

Topoisomerase (TOP) inhibitors were commonly used as chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancers. In our present study, we found that etoposide (ETO), a topoisomerase 2 (TOP2) inhibitor, upregulated the production of Interleukin 10 (IL-10) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. Besides, other TOP2 inhibitors including doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and teniposide (TEN) were also able to augment IL-10 production. Meanwhile, the expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors, for example IL-6 and TNF-α, were also decreased accordingly by the treatment of the TOP2 inhibitors. Of note, ETO facilitated IL-10 secretion, which might be regulated by transcription factor Maf via PI3K/AKT pathway, as pharmaceutic blockage of kinase PI3K or AKT attenuated ETO-induced Maf and IL-10 expression. Further, in LPS-induced mice sepsis model, the enhanced generation of IL-10 was observed in ETO-treated mice, whereas pro-inflammatory cytokines were decreased, which significantly reduced the mortality of mice from LPS-induced lethal cytokine storm. Taken together, these results indicated that ETO may exhibit an anti-inflammatory role by upregulating the alteration of transcription factor Maf and promoting subsequential IL-10 secretion via PI3K/Akt pathway in LPS-induced macrophages. Therefore, ETO may serve as a potential anti-inflammatory agent and employed to severe pro-inflammatory diseases including COVID-19.

Deletion of Cdk5 in Macrophages Ameliorates Anti-Inflammatory Response during Endotoxemia through Induction of C-Maf and Il-10

Immune response control is critical as excessive cytokine production can be detrimental and damage the host. Interleukin-10 (Il-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine produced primarily by macrophages, is a key regulator that counteracts and controls excessive inflammatory response. Il-10 expression is regulated through the transcription factor c-Maf. Another regulator of Il-10 production is p35, an activator of the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), which decreases Il-10 production in macrophages, thus increasing inflammation. However, Cdk5 regulation of c-Maf and the involvement of Il-10 production in macrophages has not yet been investigated. We used in vitro primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) lacking Cdk5, stimulated them with lipopolysaccharid (LPS) and observed increased levels of c-Maf and Il-10. In an in vivo mouse model of LPS-induced endotoxemia, mice lacking Cdk5 in macrophages showed increased levels of c-Maf and elevated levels of Il-10 in lungs as well as in plasma, resulting in ameliorated survival. Taken together, we identified Cdk5 as a potential novel regulator of Il-10 production through c-Maf in macrophages under inflammatory conditions. Our results suggest that inhibition of Cdk5 enhances the c-Maf-Il-10 axis and thus potentiates improvement of anti-inflammatory therapy.

Targeting the Otub1/c-Maf axis for the treatment of multiple myeloma

The oncogenic transcription factor c-Maf has been proposed as an ideal therapeutic target for multiple myeloma (MM), but how to achieve it is still elusive. In the present study, we found the Otub1/c-Maf axis could be a potential target. Otub1, an OTU family deubiquitinase, was found to interact with c-Maf by mass spectrometry. Otub1 abrogates c-Maf K48-linked polyubiquitination, thus preventing its degradation and enhancing its transcriptional activity. Specifically, this deubiquitinating activity depends on its Lys71 and the N terminus but is independent of UBE2O, a known E2 of c-Maf. Otub1 promotes MM cell survival and MM tumor growth. In contrast, silence of Otub1 leads to c-Maf degradation and c-Maf-expressing MM cell apoptosis. Therefore, the Otub1/c-Maf axis could be a therapeutic target of MM. In order to explore this concept, we performed a c-Maf recognition element-driven luciferase-based screen against US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs and natural products, from which the generic cardiac glycoside lanatoside C (LanC) is found to prevent c-Maf deubiquitination and induces its degradation by disrupting the interaction of Otub1 and c-Maf. Consequently, LanC inhibits c-Maf transcriptional activity, induces c-Maf-expressing MM cell apoptosis, and suppresses MM growth and prolongs overall survival of model mice, but without apparent toxicity. Therefore, the present study identifies Otub1 as a novel deubiquitinase of c-Maf and establishes that the Otub1/c-Maf axis is a potential therapeutic target for MM.

Inhibition of the Otub1/c-Maf axis by the herbal acevaltrate induces myeloma cell apoptosis

BACKGROUND

The oncogenic transcript factor c-Maf is stabilized by the deubiquitinase Otub1 and promotes myeloma cell proliferation and confers to chemoresistance. Inhibition of the Otub1/c-Maf axis is a promising therapeutic target, but there are no inhibitors reported on this specific axis.

METHODS

A luciferase assay was applied to screen potential inhibitors of Otub1/c-Maf. Annexin V staining/flow cytometry was applied to evaluate cell apoptosis. Immunoprecipitation was applied to examine protein ubiquitination and interaction. Xenograft models in nude mice were used to evaluate anti-myeloma activity of AVT.

RESULTS

Acevaltrate (AVT), isolated from Valeriana glechomifolia, was identified based on a bioactive screen against the Otub1/c-Maf/luciferase system. AVT disrupts the interaction of Otub1/c-Maf thus inhibiting Otub1 activity and leading to c-Maf polyubiquitination and subsequent degradation in proteasomes. Consistently, AVT inhibits c-Maf transcriptional activity and downregulates the expression of its target genes key for myeloma growth and survival. Moreover, AVT displays potent anti-myeloma activity by triggering myeloma cell apoptosis in vitro and impairing myeloma xenograft growth in vivo but presents no marked toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

The natural product AVT inhibits the Otub1/c-Maf axis and displays potent anti-myeloma activity. Given its great safety and efficacy, AVT could be further developed for MM treatment. Video Abstract.

Etv transcription factors functionally diverge from their upstream FGF signaling in lens development

The signal regulated transcription factors (SRTFs) control the ultimate transcriptional output of signaling pathways. Here, we examined a family of FGF-induced SRTFs - Etv1, Etv 4, and Etv 5 - in murine lens development. Contrary to FGF receptor mutants that displayed loss of ERK signaling and defective cell differentiation, Etv deficiency augmented ERK phosphorylation without disrupting the normal lens fiber gene expression. Instead, the transitional zone for lens differentiation was shifted anteriorly as a result of reduced Jag1-Notch signaling. We also showed that Etv proteins suppresses mTOR activity by promoting Tsc2 expression, which is necessary for the nuclei clearance in mature lens. These results revealed the functional divergence between Etv and FGF in lens development, demonstrating that these SRTFs can operate outside the confine of their upstream signaling.

Multiple Environmental Signaling Pathways Control the Differentiation of RORγt-Expressing Regulatory T Cells

RORγt-expressing Tregs form a specialized subset of intestinal CD4+ Foxp3+ cells which is essential to maintain gut homeostasis and tolerance to commensal microbiota. Recently, c-Maf emerged as a critical factor in the regulation of RORγt expression in Tregs. However, aside from c-Maf signaling, the signaling pathways involved in the differentiation of RORγt+ Tregs and their possible interplay with c-Maf in this process are largely unknown. We show that RORγt+ Treg development is controled by positive as well as negative signals. Along with c-Maf signaling, signals derived from a complex microbiota, as well as IL-6/STAT3- and TGF-β-derived signals act in favor of RORγt+ Treg development. Ectopic expression of c-Maf did not rescue RORγt expression in STAT3-deficient Tregs, indicating the presence of additional effectors downstream of STAT3. Moreover, we show that an inflammatory IFN-γ/STAT1 signaling pathway acts as a negative regulator of RORγt+ Treg differentiation in a c-Maf independent fashion. These data thus argue for a complex integrative signaling network that finely tunes RORγt expression in Tregs. The finding that type 1 inflammation impedes RORγt+ Treg development even in the presence of an active IL-6/STAT3 pathway further suggests a dominant negative effect of STAT1 over STAT3 in this process.

c-MAF-dependent regulatory T cells mediate immunological tolerance to a gut pathobiont

Both microbial and host genetic factors contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. There is accumulating evidence that microbial species that potentiate chronic inflammation, as in inflammatory bowel disease, often also colonize healthy individuals. These microorganisms, including the Helicobacter species, can induce pathogenic T cells and are collectively referred to as pathobionts. However, how such T cells are constrained in healthy individuals is not yet understood. Here we report that host tolerance to a potentially pathogenic bacterium, Helicobacter hepaticus, is mediated by the induction of RORγt+FOXP3+ regulatory T (iTreg) cells that selectively restrain pro-inflammatory T helper 17 (TH17) cells and whose function is dependent on the transcription factor c-MAF. Whereas colonization of wild-type mice by H. hepaticus promoted differentiation of RORγt-expressing microorganism-specific iTreg cells in the large intestine, in disease-susceptible IL-10-deficient mice, there was instead expansion of colitogenic TH17 cells. Inactivation of c-MAF in the Treg cell compartment impaired differentiation and function, including IL-10 production, of bacteria-specific iTreg cells, and resulted in the accumulation of H. hepaticus-specific inflammatory TH17 cells and spontaneous colitis. By contrast, RORγt inactivation in Treg cells had only a minor effect on the bacteria-specific Treg and TH17 cell balance, and did not result in inflammation. Our results suggest that pathobiont-dependent inflammatory bowel disease is driven by microbiota-reactive T cells that have escaped this c-MAF-dependent mechanism of iTreg-TH17 homeostasis.

Deregulated methionine adenosyltransferase α1, c-Myc, and Maf proteins together promote cholangiocarcinoma growth in mice and humans(‡)

c-Myc induction drives cholestatic liver injury and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in mice, and induction of Maf proteins (MafG and c-Maf) contributes to cholestatic liver injury, whereas S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) administration is protective. Here, we determined whether there is interplay between c-Myc, Maf proteins, and methionine adenosyltransferase α1 (MATα1), which is responsible for SAMe biosynthesis in the liver. We used bile duct ligation (BDL) and lithocholic acid (LCA) treatment in mice as chronic cholestasis models, a murine CCA model, human CCA cell lines KMCH and Huh-28, human liver cancer HepG2, and human CCA specimens to study gene and protein expression, protein-protein interactions, molecular mechanisms, and functional outcomes. We found that c-Myc, MATα1 (encoded by MAT1A), MafG, and c-Maf interact with one another directly. MAT1A expression fell in hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells during chronic cholestasis and in murine and human CCA. The opposite occurred with c-Myc, MafG, and c-Maf expression. MATα1 interacts mainly with Mnt in normal liver, but this switches to c-Maf, MafG, and c-Myc in cholestatic livers and CCA. Promoter regions of these genes have E-boxes that are bound by MATα1 and Mnt in normal liver and benign bile duct epithelial cells that switched to c-Myc, c-Maf, and MafG in cholestasis and CCA cells. E-box positively regulates c-Myc, MafG, and c-Maf, but it negatively regulates MAT1A. MATα1 represses, whereas c-Myc, MafG, and c-Maf enhance, E-box-driven promoter activity. Knocking down MAT1A or overexpressing MafG or c-Maf enhanced CCA growth and invasion in vivo.

CONCLUSION

There is a novel interplay between MATα1, c-Myc, and Maf proteins, and their deregulation during chronic cholestasis may facilitate CCA oncogenesis. (Hepatology 2016;64:439-455).

Multiple functions of Maf in the regulation of cellular development and differentiation

Cellular muscular aponeurotic fibrosarcoma (c-Maf) is a member of the large macrophage-activating factor family. C-Maf plays important roles in the morphogenetic processes and cellular differentiation of the lens, kidneys, liver, T cells and nervous system, and it is particularly important in pancreatic islet and erythroblastic island formation. However, the exact role of c-Maf remains to be elucidated. In this review, we summarize the research to clarify the functions of c-Maf in the cellular development and differentiation. The expression of c-Maf is higher in pancreatic duct cells than in pancreatic islet cells. Therefore, we suggest that pancreatic duct cells may be converted to the functional insulin-secreting cells by regulating c-Maf.

Inhibition of Small Maf Function in Pancreatic β-Cells Improves Glucose Tolerance Through the Enhancement of Insulin Gene Transcription and Insulin Secretion

The large-Maf transcription factor v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MafA) has been found to be crucial for insulin transcription and synthesis and for pancreatic β-cell function and maturation. However, insights about the effects of small Maf factors on β-cells are limited. Our goal was to elucidate the function of small-Maf factors on β-cells using an animal model of endogenous small-Maf dysfunction. Transgenic (Tg) mice with β-cell-specific expression of dominant-negative MafK (DN-MafK) experiments, which can suppress the function of all endogenous small-Mafs, were fed a high-fat diet, and their in vivo phenotypes were evaluated. Phenotypic analysis, glucose tolerance tests, morphologic examination of β-cells, and islet experiments were performed. DN-MafK-expressed MIN6 cells were also used for in vitro analysis. The results showed that DN-MafK expression inhibited endogenous small-Maf binding to insulin promoter while increasing MafA binding. DN-MafK Tg mice under high-fat diet conditions showed improved glucose metabolism compared with control mice via incremental insulin secretion, without causing changes in insulin sensitivity or MafA expression. Moreover, up-regulation of insulin and glucokinase gene expression was observed both in vivo and in vitro under DN-MafK expression. We concluded that endogenous small-Maf factors negatively regulates β-cell function by competing for MafA binding, and thus, the inhibition of small-Maf activity can improve β-cell function.

Reciprocal regulation of C-Maf tyrosine phosphorylation by Tec and Ptpn22

C-Maf plays an important role in regulating cytokine production in T_H cells. Its transactivation of IL-4 is optimized by phosphorylation at Tyr21, Tyr92, and Tyr131. However, the molecular mechanism regulating its tyrosine phosphorylation remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that Tec kinase family member Tec, but not Rlk or Itk, is a tyrosine kinase of c-Maf and that Tec enhances c-Maf-dependent IL-4 promoter activity. This effect of Tec is counteracted by Ptpn22, which physically interacts with and facilitates tyrosine dephosphorylation of c-Maf thereby attenuating its transcriptional activity. We further show that phosphorylation of Tyr21/92/131 of c-Maf is also critical for its recruitment to the IL-21 promoter and optimal production of this cytokine by T_H17 cells. Thus, manipulating tyrosine phosphorylation of c-Maf through its kinases and phosphatases can have significant impact on T_H cell-mediated immune responses.

Serine protease inhibition attenuates rIL-12-induced GZMA activity and proinflammatory events by modulating the Th2 profile from estrogen-treated mice

Estrogen has potent immunomodulatory effects on proinflammatory responses, which can be mediated by serine proteases. We now demonstrate that estrogen increased the extracellular expression and IL-12-induced activity of a critical member of serine protease family Granzyme A, which has been shown to possess a novel inflammatory persona. The inhibition of serine protease activity with inhibitor 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride significantly diminished enhanced production of proinflammatory interferon-γ, IL-1β, IL-1α, and Granzyme A activity even in the presence of a Th1-inducing cytokine, IL-12 from splenocytes from in vivo estrogen-treated mice. Inhibition of serine protease activity selectively promoted secretion of Th2-specific IL-4, nuclear phosphorylated STAT6A, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)6A translocation, and STAT6A DNA binding in IL-12-stimulated splenocytes from estrogen-treated mice. Inhibition with 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride reversed the down-regulation of Th2 transcription factors, GATA3 and c-Maf in splenocytes from estrogen-exposed mice. Although serine protease inactivation enhanced the expression of Th2-polarizing factors, it did not reverse estrogen-modulated decrease of phosphorylated STAT5, a key factor in Th2 development. Collectively, data suggest that serine protease inactivity augments the skew toward a Th2-like profile while down-regulating IL-12-induced proinflammatory Th1 biomolecules upon in vivo estrogen exposure, which implies serine proteases as potential regulators of inflammation. Thus, these studies may provide a potential mechanism underlying the immunomodulatory effect of estrogen and insight into new therapeutic strategies for proinflammatory and female-predominant autoimmune diseases.

Aberrant TAL1 activation is mediated by an interchromosomal interaction in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Long-range chromatin interactions control metazoan gene transcription. However, the involvement of intra- and interchromosomal interactions in development and oncogenesis remains unclear. TAL1/SCL is a critical transcription factor required for the development of all hematopoietic lineages; yet, aberrant TAL1 transcription often occurs in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Here, we report that oncogenic TAL1 expression is regulated by different intra- and interchromosomal loops in normal hematopoietic and leukemic cells, respectively. These intra- and interchromosomal loops alter the cell-type-specific enhancers that interact with the TAL1 promoter. We show that human SET1 (hSET1)-mediated H3K4 methylations promote a long-range chromatin loop, which brings the +51 enhancer in close proximity to TAL1 promoter 1 in erythroid cells. The CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) facilitates this long-range enhancer/promoter interaction of the TAL1 locus in erythroid cells while blocking the same enhancer/promoter interaction of the TAL1 locus in human T-cell leukemia. In human T-ALL, a T-cell-specific transcription factor c-Maf-mediated interchromosomal interaction brings the TAL1 promoter into close proximity with a T-cell-specific regulatory element located on chromosome 16, activating aberrant TAL1 oncogene expression. Thus, our study reveals a novel molecular mechanism involving changes in three-dimensional chromatin interactions that activate the TAL1 oncogene in human T-cell leukemia.

Thyroid hormone promotes postnatal rat pancreatic β-cell development and glucose-responsive insulin secretion through MAFA

Neonatal β cells do not secrete glucose-responsive insulin and are considered immature. We previously showed the transcription factor MAFA is key for the functional maturation of β cells, but the physiological regulators of this process are unknown. Here we show that postnatal rat β cells express thyroid hormone (TH) receptor isoforms and deiodinases in an age-dependent pattern as glucose responsiveness develops. In vivo neonatal triiodothyronine supplementation and TH inhibition, respectively, accelerated and delayed metabolic development. In vitro exposure of immature islets to triiodothyronine enhanced the expression of Mafa, the secretion of glucose-responsive insulin, and the proportion of responsive cells, all of which are effects that were abolished in the presence of dominant-negative Mafa. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, we show that TH has a direct receptor-ligand interaction with the Mafa promoter and, using a luciferase reporter, that this interaction was functional. Thus, TH can be considered a physiological regulator of functional maturation of β cells via its induction of Mafa.

Microarray analysis of novel candidate genes responsible for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in mouse pancreatic β cell line MIN6

Elucidating the regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in pancreatic islet β cells is important for understanding and treating diabetes. MIN6 cells, a transformed β-cell line derived from a mouse insulinoma, retain GSIS and are a popular in vitro model for insulin secretion. However, in long-term culture, MIN6 cells' GSIS capacity is lost. We previously isolated a subclone, MIN6 clone 4, from the parental MIN6 cells, that shows well-regulated insulin secretion in response to glucose, glybenclamide, and KCl, even after prolonged culture. To investigate the molecular mechanisms responsible for preserving GSIS in this subclone, we compared four groups of MIN6 cells: Pr-LP (parental MIN6, low passage number), Pr-HP (parental MIN6, high passage number), C4-LP (MIN6 clone 4, low passage number), and C4-HP (MIN6 clone 4, high passage number). Based on their capacity for GSIS, we designated the Pr-LP, C4-LP, and C4-HP cells as “responder cells.” In a DNA microarray analysis, we identified a group of genes with high expression in responder cells (“responder genes”), but extremely low expression in the Pr-HP cells. Another group of genes (“non-responder genes”) was expressed at high levels in the Pr-HP cells, but at extremely low levels in the responder cells. Some of the responder genes were involved in secretory machinery or glucose metabolism, including Chrebp, Scgn, and Syt7. Among the non-responder genes were Car2, Maf, and Gcg, which are not normally expressed in islet β cells. Interestingly, we found a disproportionate number of known imprinted genes among the responder genes. Our findings suggest that the global expression profiling of GSIS-competent and GSIS-incompetent MIN6 cells will help delineate the gene regulatory networks for insulin secretion.

Strontium ranelate rebalances bone marrow adipogenesis and osteoblastogenesis in senescent osteopenic mice through NFATc/Maf and Wnt signaling

With aging, bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) osteoblast differentiation decreases whereas MSC differentiation into adipocytes increases, resulting in increased adipogenesis and bone loss. Here, we investigated whether activation of cell signaling by strontium ranelate (SrRan) can reverse the excessive adipogenic differentiation associated with aging. In murine MSC cultures, SrRan increased Runx2 expression and matrix mineralization and decreased PPARγ2 expression and adipogenesis. This effect was associated with increased expression of the Wnt noncanonical representative Wnt5a and adipogenic modulator Maf and was abrogated by Wnt- and nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT)c antagonists, implying a role for Wnt and NFATc/Maf signaling in the switch in osteoblastogenesis to adipogenesis induced by SrRan. To confirm this finding, we investigated the effect of SrRan in SAMP6 senescent mice, which exhibit decreased osteoblastogenesis, increased adipogenesis, and osteopenia. SrRan administration at a clinically relevant dose level increased bone mineral density, bone volume, trabecular thickness and number, as shown by densitometric, microscanning, and histomorphometric analyses in long bones and vertebrae. This attenuation of bone loss was related to increased osteoblast surface and bone formation rate and decreased bone marrow adipocyte volume and size. The restoration of osteoblast and adipocyte balance induced by SrRan was linked to increased Wnt5a and Maf expression in the bone marrow. The results indicate that SrRan acts on lineage allocation of MSCs by antagonizing the age-related switch in osteoblast to adipocyte differentiation via mechanisms involving NFATc/Maf and Wnt signaling, resulting in increased bone formation and attenuation of bone loss in senescent osteopenic mice.

Transcription factor c-Maf mediates the TGF-β-dependent suppression of IL-22 production in T(H)17 cells

Interleukin 22 (IL-22), which is produced by cells of the T(H)17 subset of helper T cells and other leukocytes, not only enhances proinflammatory innate defense mechanisms in epithelial cells but also provides crucial protection to tissues from damage caused by inflammation and infection. In T(H)17 cells, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) regulates IL-22 and IL-17 differently. IL-6 alone induces T cells to produce only IL-22, whereas the combination of IL-6 and high concentrations of TGF-β results in the production of IL-17 but not IL-22 by T cells. Here we identify the transcription factor c-Maf, which is induced by TGF-β, as a downstream repressor of Il22. We found that c-Maf bound to the Il22 promoter and was both necessary and sufficient for the TGF-β-dependent suppression of IL-22 production in T(H)17 cells.

Tryptanthrin inhibits Th2 development, and IgE-mediated degranulation and IL-4 production by rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tryptanthrin is a compound isolated from Polygonum tinctorium, which is a known folk medicine with various biological activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Allergic diseases are initiated by the development of allergen-specific T helper type 2 (Th2) cells and amplified by the degranulation of and cytokine release from basophils and mast cells during an effector phase. We found that Tryptanthrin could down-regulate IL-4 production by Th2 cells, while IFN-γ production by Th1 cells was not affected. Since IL-4 produced by basophils and effector Th2 cells has been shown to play important roles in the development and amplification of Th2-dominated allergic responses, we examined the effects of Tryptanthrin on the initiation and effector phase responses of Type I allergy in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To determine the mechanisms of Tryptanthrin-induced down-regulation of IL-4 production, the expression of Th2-specific transcription factors, c-Maf and GATA-3, was analyzed by RT-PCR. The effects of Tryptanthrin on Th cell differentiation were evaluated using CD4(+) T cells purified from spleen cells of Sugi basic protein (SBP)-immunized BALB/c mice. In primary cultures, cells were stimulated with SBP and antigen-presenting cells under neutral or Th2-skewing conditions in the presence or absence of Tryptanthrin. Cytokines produced by differentiated Th cells in secondary cultures were analyzed by ELISA. The effects of Tryptanthrin on IgE-mediated degranulation and IL-4 production were determined using rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt in Tryptanthrin-treated RBL-2H3 cells was analyzed to determine the mechanism of Tryptanthrin actions.

RESULTS

Tryptanthrin suppressed c-Maf mRNA expression in Th2 clone cells, and even under Th2-skewing conditions, Tryptanthrin inhibited differentiation toward the Th2 phenotype, which is an essential event for the initiation phase of allergic diseases. Tryptanthrin also inhibited the IgE-mediated degranulation of and IL-4 production by RBL-2H3 cells, probably due to inhibiting IgE-mediated signaling pathways, including the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that Tryptanthrin effectively inhibits the effector and exacerbation responses, as well as the initiator responses, of Type I allergy. Thus, Tryptanthrin may have beneficial effects for immediate-type allergic responses.

The role of proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha in the fatty-acid-dependent transcriptional control of interleukin-10 in hepatic cells of rodents

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an endogenous factor that restrains hepatic insulin resistance in diet-induced steatosis. Reducing IL-10 expression increases proinflammatory activity in the steatotic liver and worsens insulin resistance. As the transcriptional coactivator proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) plays a central role in dysfunctional hepatocytic activity in diet-induced steatosis, we hypothesized that at least part of the action of PGC-1alpha could be mediated by reducing the transcription of the IL-10 gene. Here, we used immunoblotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay to investigate the role of PGC-1alpha in the control of IL-10 expression in hepatic cells. First, we show that, in the intact steatotic liver, the expressions of IL-10 and PGC-1alpha are increased. Inhibiting PGC-1alpha expression by antisense oligonucleotide increases IL-10 expression and reduces the steatotic phenotype. In cultured hepatocytes, the treatment with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids increased IL-10 expression. This was accompanied by increased association of PGC-1alpha with c-Maf and p50-nuclear factor (NF) kappaB, 2 transcription factors known to modulate IL-10 expression. In addition, after fatty acid treatment, PGC-1alpha, c-Maf, and p50-NFkappaB migrate from the cytosol to the nuclei of hepatocytes and bind to the IL-10 promoter region. Inhibiting NFkappaB activation with salicylate reduces IL-10 expression and the association of PGC-1alpha with p50-NFkappaB. Thus, PGC-1alpha emerges as a potential transcriptional regulator of the inflammatory phenomenon taking place in the steatotic liver.

The adenylate cyclase toxins of Bacillus anthracis and Bordetella pertussis promote Th2 cell development by shaping T cell antigen receptor signaling

The adjuvanticity of bacterial adenylate cyclase toxins has been ascribed to their capacity, largely mediated by cAMP, to modulate APC activation, resulting in the expression of Th2–driving cytokines. On the other hand, cAMP has been demonstrated to induce a Th2 bias when present during T cell priming, suggesting that bacterial cAMP elevating toxins may directly affect the Th1/Th2 balance. Here we have investigated the effects on human CD4⁺ T cell differentiation of two adenylate cyclase toxins, Bacillus anthracis edema toxin (ET) and Bordetella pertussis CyaA, which differ in structure, mode of cell entry, and subcellular localization. We show that low concentrations of ET and CyaA, but not of their genetically detoxified adenylate cyclase defective counterparts, potently promote Th2 cell differentiation by inducing expression of the master Th2 transcription factors, c-maf and GATA-3. We also present evidence that the Th2–polarizing concentrations of ET and CyaA selectively inhibit TCR–dependent activation of Akt1, which is required for Th1 cell differentiation, while enhancing the activation of two TCR–signaling mediators, Vav1 and p38, implicated in Th2 cell differentiation. This is at variance from the immunosuppressive toxin concentrations, which interfere with the earliest step in TCR signaling, activation of the tyrosine kinase Lck, resulting in impaired CD3ζ phosphorylation and inhibition of TCR coupling to ZAP-70 and Erk activation. These results demonstrate that, notwithstanding their differences in their intracellular localization, which result in focalized cAMP production, both toxins directly affect the Th1/Th2 balance by interfering with the same steps in TCR signaling, and suggest that their adjuvanticity is likely to result from their combined effects on APC and CD4⁺ T cells. Furthermore, our results strongly support the key role of cAMP in the adjuvanticity of these toxins.

Colonization by pathogens requires keeping at bay the host immune defenses, at least at the onset of infection. The adenylate cyclase (AC) toxins produced by many pathogenic bacteria assist in this crucial function by catalyzing the production of cAMP, which acts as a potent immunosuppressant. Nevertheless, at low concentrations, these toxins act as adjuvants, enhancing antibody responses to vaccination. We have investigated the molecular basis of the immunomodulatory activities of two AC toxins, Bacillus anthracis edema toxin and Bordetella pertussis CyaA. We show that high toxin concentrations inhibit activation of T lymphocytes, which orchestrate the adaptive immune response against pathogens, whereas low toxin concentrations promote differentiation of helper T lymphocytes to Th2 effectors, which are required for development of antibody-producing cells. Both the immunosuppressant and Th2–driving activities of the toxins are dependent on cAMP. The results demonstrate that, dependent on their concentration, the AC toxins of B. anthracis and B. pertussis evoke distinct responses on target T lymphocytes by differentially modulating antigen receptor signaling, resulting either in suppression of T cell activation or Th2 cell differentiation. These results are of relevance to the evolution of disease in infected individuals and provide novel mechanistic insight into the adjuvanticity of these toxins.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling is essential for lens fiber cell differentiation

The vertebrate lens provides an excellent model to study the mechanisms that regulate terminal differentiation. Although fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are thought to be important for lens cell differentiation, it is unclear which FGF receptors mediate these processes during different stages of lens development. Deletion of three FGF receptors (Fgfr1-3) early in lens development demonstrated that expression of only a single allele of Fgfr2 or Fgfr3 was sufficient for grossly normal lens development, while mice possessing only a single Fgfr1 allele developed cataracts and microphthalmia. Profound defects were observed in lenses lacking all three Fgfrs. These included lack of fiber cell elongation, abnormal proliferation in prospective lens fiber cells, reduced expression of the cell cycle inhibitors p27(kip1) and p57(kip2), increased apoptosis and aberrant or reduced expression of Prox1, Pax6, c-Maf, E-cadherin and alpha-, beta- and gamma-crystallins. Therefore, while signaling by FGF receptors is essential for lens fiber differentiation, different FGF receptors function redundantly.

The Th2 transcription factor c-Maf inhibits IL-12p35 gene expression in activated macrophages by targeting NF-kappaB nuclear translocation

The inflammatory response of macrophages to infectious agents is a highly dynamic and orchestrated process involving the release of a variety of inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-12 (IL-12), as a consequence of the recognition of the pathogens. Regulation of IL-12 gene expression by the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 represents a major homeostatic process underlying host-pathogen and host-self interactions. Our group first reported that the Th2-specific transcription factor c-Maf is expressed also in macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and IL-10. When overexpressed, c-Maf can potently suppress IL-12 production. However, c-Maf does not appear to be a physiologic regulator of IL-12p40 gene transcription because p40 production is not dysregulated in c-Maf-deficient macrophages. In this study, we investigated the role of c-Maf in regulation of the transcription of the p35 gene, which encodes the chain that is rate limiting in the synthesis of the heterodimeric IL-12. We report that c-Maf is a physiologic modulator of IL-12p35 gene expression and IL-12p70 production. We identify a novel NF-kappaB element within the proximal p35 promoter and show that c-Maf inhibits p35 transcription by antagonizing the effects of NF-kappaB, especially c-Rel, on p35 activation. It does so not by directly interacting with the target DNA but by interfering with the nuclear localization of NF-kappaB c-Rel. This study contributes to our understanding of the molecular basis of the homeostatic regulation of IL-12 production by c-Maf, which plays a dual role both in the function of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and in T helper cell differentiation.

A chemical biology screen identifies glucocorticoids that regulate c-maf expression by increasing its proteasomal degradation through up-regulation of ubiquitin

The oncogene c-maf is frequently overexpressed in multiple myeloma cell lines and patient samples and contributes to increased cellular proliferation in part by inducing cyclin D2 expression. To identify regulators of c-maf, we developed a chemical screen in NIH3T3 cells stably overexpressing c-maf and the cyclin D2 promoter driving luciferase. From a screen of 2400 off-patent drugs and chemicals, we identified glucocorticoids as c-maf–dependent inhibitors of cyclin D2 transactivation. In multiple myeloma cell lines, glucocorticoids reduced levels of c-maf protein without influencing corresponding mRNA levels. Subsequent studies demonstrated that glucocorticoids increased ubiquitination-dependent degradation of c-maf and up-regulated ubiquitin C mRNA. Moreover, ectopic expression of ubiquitin C recapitulated the effects of glucocorticoids, demonstrating regulation of c-maf protein through the abundance of the ubiquitin substrate. Thus, using a chemical biology approach, we identified a novel mechanism of action of glucocorticoids and a novel mechanism by which levels of c-maf protein are regulated by the abundance of the ubiquitin substrate.

c-Maf interacts with c-Myb to down-regulate Bcl-2 expression and increase apoptosis in peripheral CD4 cells

The transcription factor c-Maf is critical for IL-4 production and the development of Th2 cells, which promote humoral immunity and protect against extracellular parasites. Yet, little else is known of c-Maf function in CD4 cells. Here, we identify a novel role for c-Maf in regulating susceptibility to apoptosis. Overexpression of c-Maf results in increased susceptibility of CD4 cells to apoptosis induced by multiple stimuli, including growth factor withdrawal, dexamethasone, irradiation, and TCR engagement. This effect is independent of Fas or p53; however, Bcl-2 expression is reduced in c-Maf Tg CD4 cells. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses demonstrate that c-Maf-c-Myb complex formation is enhanced among T cells from c-Maf Tg mice compared to non-Tg littermates following TCR engagement. Unlike non-Tg T cells, c-Myb binding to the Bcl-2 promoter is not detectable in c-Maf Tg T cells by chromatin immunoprecipitation. In reporter assays, Bcl-2 promoter activity is reduced by c-Maf in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, transgene-mediated Bcl-2 expression corrects the apoptosis defect observed among c-Maf Tg CD4 cells. These data suggest that c-Maf can interact with c-Myb to reduce Bcl-2 expression, thereby limiting CD4 cell survival following TCR engagement.

Molecular basis distinguishing the DNA binding profile of Nrf2-Maf heterodimer from that of Maf homodimer

Nrf2-small Maf heterodimer activates the transcription of many cytoprotective genes through the antioxidant response element and serves as a key factor in xenobiotic and oxidative stress responses. Our surface plasmon resonance-microarray binding analysis revealed that both Nrf2-MafG heterodimer and MafG homodimer bind to the consensus Maf recognition element with high affinity but bind differentially to the suboptimal binding sequences degenerated from the consensus. We examined the molecular basis distinguishing the binding profile of Nrf2-MafG heterodimer from that of MafG homodimer and found that the Ala-502 residue in the basic region of Nrf2 is a critical determinant of its binding specificity. In Maf proteins, a tyrosine resides in the position corresponding to Ala-502 in Nrf2. We prepared a mutant Nrf2 molecule in which Ala-502 was replaced with tyrosine. In surface plasmon resonance-microarray analysis, heterodimer of Nrf2(A502Y) and MafG displayed a binding specificity similar to that of MafG homodimer. The target genes activated by mutant Nrf2(A502Y)-small Maf heterodimer were largely different, albeit with some overlap, from those activated by wild-type Nrf2-small Maf, indicating that the array of target genes regulated by Nrf2-small Maf heterodimer differs substantially from that regulated by Maf homodimer in vivo. These results suggest that the distinct DNA binding profile of Nrf2-Maf heterodimer is biologically significant for Nrf2 to function as a key regulator of cytoprotective genes. Our contention is supported that the differential DNA binding specificity between Maf homodimers and Nrf2-Maf heterodimers establishes the differential gene regulation by these dimer-forming transcription factors.

CD13/APN transcription is regulated by the proto-oncogene c-Maf via an atypical response element

Angiogenic growth factors induce the transcription of the cell surface peptidase CD13/APN in activated endothelial cells of the tumor vasculature. Inhibition of CD13/APN abrogates endothelial invasion and morphogenesis in vitro and tumor growth in vivo suggesting a critical functional role for CD13 in angiogenesis. Experiments to identify the transcription factors responsible for this regulation demonstrated that exogenous expression of the proto-oncogene c-Maf, but not other bZip family members tested, potently activates transcription from a critical regulatory region of the CD13 proximal promoter between -115 and -70 bp which is highly conserved among mammalian species. Using promoter mutation, EMSA and ChIP analyses we established that both endogenous and recombinant c-Maf directly interact with an atypical Maf response element contained within this active promoter region via its basic DNA/leucine zipper domain. However full activity of c-Maf requires the amino-terminal transactivation domain, and site-directed mutation of putative phosphorylation sites within the transactivation domain (serines 15 and 70) shows that these sites behave in a dramatic cell type-specific manner. Therefore, this atypical response element predicts a broader range of c-Maf target genes than previously appreciated and thus impacts its regulation of multiple myeloma as well as endothelial cell function and angiogenesis.

IL-25 augments type 2 immune responses by enhancing the expansion and functions of TSLP-DC-activated Th2 memory cells

Interleukin (IL) 25 (IL-17E), a distinct member of the IL-17 cytokine family, plays important roles in evoking T helper type 2 (Th2) cell–mediated inflammation that features the infiltrations of eosinophils and Th2 memory cells. However, the cellular sources, target cells, and underlying mechanisms remain elusive in humans. We demonstrate that human Th2 memory cells expressing distinctive levels of IL-25 receptor (R) are one of the responding cell types. IL-25 promotes cell expansion and Th2 cytokine production when Th2 central memory cells are stimulated with thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)–activated dendritic cells (DCs), homeostatic cytokines, or T cell receptor for antigen triggering. The enhanced functions of Th2 memory cells induced by IL-25 are associated with sustained expression of GATA-3, c-MAF, and JunB in an IL-4–independent manner. Although keratinocytes, mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils express IL-25 transcripts, activated eosinophils and basophils from normal and atopic subjects were found to secrete bioactive IL-25 protein, which augments the functions of Th2 memory cells. Elevated expression of IL-25 and IL-25R transcripts was observed in asthmatic lung tissues and atopic dermatitis skin lesions, linking their possible roles with exacerbated allergic disorders. Our results provide a plausible explanation that IL-25 produced by innate effector eosinophils and basophils may augment the allergic inflammation by enhancing the maintenance and functions of adaptive Th2 memory cells.

AhR- and c-maf-dependent induction of beta7-integrin expression in human macrophages in response to environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

In order to identify molecular targets of environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), we have analysed regulation of integrin (ITG) expression in PAH-exposed human macrophages. Among ITG subunits, beta7 ITG was found to be markedly up-regulated at both mRNA and protein levels in response to the prototypical PAH benzo(a)pyrene (BP). Knock-down of the transcription factor c-maf, known to control beta7 ITG expression, markedly impaired BP-mediated beta7 ITG induction. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed BP-triggered binding of c-maf to a specific maf-responsive element found in beta7 ITG promoter. Such a binding, and also beta7 ITG induction, were however abolished in response to chemical inhibition of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), to which PAHs bind. Taken together, these data establish beta7 ITG as a new molecular target of PAHs, whose up-regulation by these environmental contaminants most likely requires activation of co-operative pathways involving both AhR and c-maf.

A heterozygous c-Maf transactivation domain mutation causes congenital cataract and enhances target gene activation

MAF, one of a family of large Maf bZIP transcription factors, is mutated in human developmental ocular disorders that include congenital cataract, microcornea, coloboma and anterior segment dysgenesis. Expressed early in the developing lens vesicle, it is central to regulation of lens crystallin gene expression. We report a semi-dominant mouse c-Maf mutation recovered after ENU mutatgenesis which results in the substitution, D90V, at a highly conserved residue within the N-terminal 35 amino-acid minimal transactivation domain (MTD). Unlike null and loss-of-function c-Maf mutations, which cause severe runting and renal abnormalities, the phenotype caused by the D90V mutation is isolated cataract. In reporter assays, D90V results in increased promoter activation, a situation similar to MTD mutations of NRL that also cause human disease. In contrast to wild-type protein, the c-Maf D90V mutant protein is not inhibited by protein kinase A-dependent pathways. The MTD of large Maf proteins has been shown to interact with the transcriptional co-activator p300 and we demonstrate that c-Maf D90V enhances p300 recruitment in a cell-type dependent manner. We observed the same for the pathogenic human NRL MTD mutation S50T, which suggests a common mechanism of action.

Molecular characterization of human multiple myeloma cell lines by integrative genomics: Insights into the biology of the disease

To investigate the patterns of genetic lesions in a panel of 23 human multiple myeloma cell lines (HMCLs), we made a genomic integrative analysis involving FISH, and both gene expression and genome-wide profiling approaches. The expression profiles of the genes targeted by the main IGH translocations showed that the WHSC1/MMSET gene involved in t(4;14)(p16;q32) was expressed at different levels in all of the HMCLs, and that the expression of the MAF gene was not restricted to the HMCLs carrying t(14;16)(q32;q23). Supervised analyses identified a limited number of genes specifically associated with t(4;14) and involved in different biological processes. The signature related to MAF/MAFB expression included the known MAF target genes CCND2 and ITGB7, as well as genes controlling cell shape and cell adhesion. Genome-wide DNA profiling allowed the identification of a gain on chromosome arm 1q in 88% of the analyzed cell lines, together with recurrent gains on 8q, 18q, 7q, and 20q; the most frequent deletions affected 1p, 13q, 17p, and 14q; and almost all of the cell lines presented LOH on chromosome 13. Two hundred and twenty-two genes were found to be simultaneously overexpressed and amplified in our panel, including the BCL2 locus at 18q21.33. Our data further support the evidence of the genomic complexity of multiple myeloma and reinforce the role of an integrated genomic approach in improving our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the disease. This article contains Supplementary Material available at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/1045-2257/suppmat.

Hodgkin's lymphoma associated T-cells exhibit a transcription factor profile consistent with distinct lymphoid compartments

BACKGROUND

Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is characterised by an ineffective immune response that is predominantly mediated by CD4+ T-cells.

AIMS

To analyse the expression of the key regulatory T-cell transcription factors (TFs) in the T-cells of HL involved tissues in order to assess the nature of the T(H) immune response in HL.

METHODS AND RESULTS

By immunohistochemistry, GATA3 was strongly and T-bet exclusively expressed in a subset of interfollicular lymphocytes in the reactive lymphoid tissues. In classical HL (CHL), which is generally located in the interfollicular zones, a predominance of T-bet+ T-cells and lesser amounts of GATA3+ and c-Maf+ T-cells was found, concordant with the pattern of the normal interfollicular compartment. In reactive lymphoid tissues, c-Maf was observed mostly in T-lymphocytes within the germinal centres (GCs). Nodular lymphocyte predominance type of Hodgkin's lymphoma (NLPHL) and progressively transformed germinal centres cases, showed a majority of c-Maf+ T-cells, consistent with the pattern in normal GCs. NLPHL cases uniformly showed c-Maf+/CD57+ T-cell rosettes around the neoplastic cells; these rosettes were absent in "paragranuloma-type" T-cell/histiocyte rich B-cell lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

T-cell TF expression profiles of the reactive T-cells in both subtypes of HL are in accordance with the expression profile observed in the distinct lymphoid compartments.

SATB1 packages densely looped, transcriptionally active chromatin for coordinated expression of cytokine genes

SATB1 (special AT-rich sequence binding protein 1) organizes cell type-specific nuclear architecture by anchoring specialized DNA sequences and recruiting chromatin remodeling factors to control gene transcription. We studied the role of SATB1 in regulating the coordinated expression of Il5, Il4 and Il13, located in the 200-kb T-helper 2 (T(H)2) cytokine locus on mouse chromosome 11. We show that on T(H)2 cell activation, SATB1 expression is rapidly induced to form a unique transcriptionally active chromatin structure at the cytokine locus. In this structure, chromatin is folded into numerous small loops, all anchored to SATB1 at their base. In addition, histone H3 is acetylated at Lys9 and Lys14, and the T(H)2-specific factors GATA3, STAT6 and c-Maf, the chromatin-remodeling enzyme Brg1 and RNA polymerase II are all bound across the 200-kb region. Before activation, the T(H)2 cytokine locus is already associated with GATA3 and STAT6, showing some looping, but these are insufficient to induce cytokine gene expression. Using RNA interference, we show that on cell activation, SATB1 is required not only for compacting chromatin into dense loops at the 200-kb cytokine locus but also for inducing Il4, Il5, Il13 and c-Maf expression. Thus, SATB1 is a necessary determinant for the hitherto unidentified higher-order, transcriptionally active chromatin structure that forms on T(H)2 cell activation.

Arsenic induces NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase I by disrupting the Nrf2 x Keap1 x Cul3 complex and recruiting Nrf2 x Maf to the antioxidant response element enhancer

The ubiquitous toxic metalloid arsenic elicits pleiotropic adverse and adaptive responses in mammalian species. The biological targets of arsenic are largely unknown at present. We analyzed the signaling pathway for induction of detoxification gene NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase (Nqo1) by arsenic. Genetic and biochemical evidence revealed that induction required cap 'n' collar basic leucine zipper transcription factor Nrf2 and the antioxidant response element (ARE) of Nqo1. Arsenic stabilized Nrf2 protein, extending the t(1/2) of Nrf2 from 21 to 200 min by inhibiting the Keap1 x Cul3-dependent ubiquitination and proteasomal turnover of Nrf2. Arsenic markedly inhibited the ubiquitination of Nrf2 but did not disrupt the Nrf2 x Keap1 x Cul3 association in the cytoplasm. In the nucleus, arsenic, but not phenolic antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone, dissociated Nrf2 from Keap1 and Cul3 followed by dimerization of Nrf2 with a Maf protein (Maf G/Maf K). Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that Nrf2 and Maf associated with the endogenous Nqo1 ARE enhancer constitutively. Arsenic substantially increased the ARE occupancy by Nrf2 and Maf. In addition, Keap1 was shown to be ubiquitinated in the cytoplasm and deubiquitinated in the nucleus in the presence of arsenic without changing the protein level, implicating nuclear-cytoplasmic recycling of Keap1. Our data reveal that arsenic activates the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway through a distinct mechanism from that by antioxidants and suggest an "on-switch" model of Nqo1 transcription in which the binding of Nrf2 x Maf to ARE controls both the basal and inducible expression of Nqo1.

Regulation of alphaA-crystallin via Pax6, c-Maf, CREB and a broad domain of lens-specific chromatin

Pax6 and c-Maf regulate multiple stages of mammalian lens development. Here, we identified novel distal control regions (DCRs) of the alphaA-crystallin gene, a marker of lens fiber cell differentiation induced by FGF-signaling. DCR1 stimulated reporter gene expression in primary lens explants treated with FGF2 linking FGF-signaling with alphaA-crystallin synthesis. A DCR1/alphaA-crystallin promoter (including DCR2) coupled with EGFP virtually recapitulated the expression pattern of alphaA-crystallin in lens epithelium and fibers. In contrast, the DCR3/alphaA/EGFP reporter was expressed only in 'late' lens fibers. Chromatin immunoprecipitations showed binding of Pax6 to DCR1 and the alphaA-crystallin promoter in lens chromatin and demonstrated that high levels of alphaA-crystallin expression correlate with increased binding of c-Maf and CREB to the promoter and of CREB to DCR3, a broad domain of histone H3K9-hyperacetylation extending from DCR1 to DCR3, and increased abundance of chromatin remodeling enzymes Brg1 and Snf2h at the alphaA-crystallin locus. Our data demonstrate a novel mechanism of Pax6, c-Maf and CREB function, through regulation of chromatin-remodeling enzymes, and suggest a multistage model for the activation of alphaA-crystallin during lens differentiation.

TSLP-activated dendritic cells induce an inflammatory T helper type 2 cell response through OX40 ligand

We recently showed that dendritic cells (DCs) activated by thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) prime naive CD4⁺ T cells to differentiate into T helper type 2 (Th2) cells that produced high amounts of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), but no interleukin (IL)-10. Here we report that TSLP induced human DCs to express OX40 ligand (OX40L) but not IL-12. TSLP-induced OX40L on DCs was required for triggering naive CD4⁺ T cells to produce IL-4, -5, and -13. We further revealed the following three novel functional properties of OX40L: (a) OX40L selectively promoted TNF-α, but inhibited IL-10 production in developing Th2 cells; (b) OX40L lost the ability to polarize Th2 cells in the presence of IL-12; and (c) OX40L exacerbated IL-12–induced Th1 cell inflammation by promoting TNF-α, while inhibiting IL-10. We conclude that OX40L on TSLP-activated DCs triggers Th2 cell polarization in the absence of IL-12, and propose that OX40L can switch IL-10–producing regulatory Th cell responses into TNF-α–producing inflammatory Th cell responses.

Induction of endogenous Nrf2/small maf heterodimers by arsenic-mediated stress in placental choriocarcinoma cells

Exposure to inorganic arsenic has been associated with various forms of cancer, nervous system pathogenesis, and vascular diseases, as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity. Here, the effect of inorganic arsenic on placental JAR choriocarcinoma cells was assessed. The nuclear protein levels of the CNC transcription factor Nrf2 were strongly induced in the presence of arsenic. Dosage response experiments showed that 0.5 microM of arsenic is sufficient to augment Nrf2 levels. The expression of the Nrf2 dimerization partners MafG and MafK appeared not to be modulated by arsenic, whereas MafF protein levels were slightly increased. Arsenic also induced the binding of endogenous Nrf2/small Maf DNA-binding complexes to a stress response element (StRE) recognition site. In addition, arsenic caused oxidative stress in the choriocarcinoma cell model as evidenced by an increase in intracellular H2O2 levels. Expression of the enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a known Nrf2 target gene, was upregulated by exposure of JAR cells to arsenic. These results suggest that Nrf2/small Maf heterodimers may play an important role in the response to arsenic-mediated stress in placental cells.

Activation of connective tissue growth factor gene by the c-Maf and Lc-Maf transcription factors

The Maf family of transcription factors is expressed during development of various organs and tissues, and is involved in a variety of developmental and cellular differentiation processes. We previously found that c-maf and mafB are strongly expressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes during cartilage development. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is also expressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes. Adenovirus mediated introduction of c-maf gene into the mouse fibroblast cell line C3H10T1/2 strongly induced CTGF expression. CTGF can be induced by TGF-beta via the SMAD pathway; however, the c-Maf could not induce TGF-beta, nor could TGF-beta induce the c-Maf, suggesting that activation of CTGF by Maf is TGF-beta independent. Reporter transfection analysis using C3H10T1/2 cells shows that c-Maf stimulates a CTGF reporter gene. Lc-Maf, a splice variant of c-Maf containing an extra 10 amino acids in the carboxyl terminus, was a stronger inducer of the CTGF reporter gene than c-Maf. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that c-Maf binds to the promoter region of the CTGF gene, indicating that Maf directly activates the CTGF gene. Taken together, these data indicate that the CTGF gene is a target of c-Maf and Lc-Maf in cartilage development.