scholarly journals The nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio directly regulates zygotic transcription in Drosophila through multiple modalities

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (14) ◽  
pp. e2010210118
Author(s):  
Sahla Syed ◽  
Henry Wilky ◽  
João Raimundo ◽  
Bomyi Lim ◽  
Amanda A. Amodeo
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Cycle Duration ◽  
Reporter System ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Zygotic Transcription ◽  
Ratio Dependent ◽  
Haploid Embryos ◽  
Genome Activation

Early embryos must rapidly generate large numbers of cells to form an organism. Many species accomplish this through a series of rapid, reductive, and transcriptionally silent cleavage divisions. Previous work has demonstrated that the number of divisions before both cell cycle elongation and zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is regulated by the ratio of nuclear content to cytoplasm (N/C). To understand how the N/C ratio affects the timing of ZGA, we directly assayed the behavior of several previously identified N/C ratio–dependent genes using the MS2-MCP reporter system in living Drosophila embryos with altered ploidy and cell cycle durations. For every gene that we examined, we found that nascent RNA output per cycle is delayed in haploid embryos. Moreover, we found that the N/C ratio influences transcription through three overlapping modes of action. For some genes (knirps, fushi tarazu, and snail), the effect of ploidy can be primarily attributed to changes in cell cycle duration. However, additional N/C ratio–mediated mechanisms contribute significantly to transcription delays for other genes. For giant and bottleneck, the kinetics of transcription activation are significantly disrupted in haploids, while for frühstart and Krüppel, the N/C ratio controls the probability of transcription initiation. Our data demonstrate that the regulatory elements of N/C ratio–dependent genes respond directly to the N/C ratio through multiple modes of regulation.

scholarly journals The nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio directly regulates zygotic transcription in Drosophila through multiple modalities

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahla Syed ◽  
Henry Wilky ◽  
João Raimundo ◽  
Bomyi Lim ◽  
Amanda A. Amodeo
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Cycle Duration ◽  
Reporter System ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Zygotic Transcription ◽  
Ratio Dependent ◽  
Haploid Embryos ◽  
Genome Activation

AbstractEarly embryos must rapidly generate large numbers of cells to form an organism. Many species accomplish this through a series of rapid, reductive, and transcriptionally silent cleavage divisions. Previous work has demonstrated that the number of divisions before both cell cycle elongation and zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is regulated by the ratio of nuclear content to cytoplasm (N/C). To understand how the N/C ratio affects the timing of ZGA, we directly assayed the behavior of several previously identified N/C-ratio-dependent genes using the MS2-MCP reporter system in living Drosophila embryos with altered ploidy and cell cycle durations. For every gene that we examined, we found that nascent RNA output per cycle is delayed in haploid embryos. Moreover, we found that the N/C ratio influences transcription through three separate modes of action. For some genes (knirps and snail) the effect of ploidy can be entirely accounted for by changes in cell cycle duration. However, for other genes (giant, bottleneck and fruhstart) the N/C ratio directly affects ZGA. For giant and bottleneck, the N/C ratio regulates the kinetics of transcription activation, while for fruhstart it controls the probability of transcription initiation. Our data demonstrate that the regulatory elements of N/C-ratio-dependent genes respond directly to the N/C ratio, through multiple modes of regulation, independent of interphase length.

A variant octamer motif in a Xenopus H2B histone gene promoter is not required for transcription in frog oocytes

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 641-654
Author(s):  
C Hinkley ◽  
M Perry
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Regulatory Element ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Histone Gene ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Regulatory Sequences ◽  
Chromosomal Dna ◽  
Transcriptional Regulatory ◽  
Octamer Motif

Xenopus oocytes, arrested in G2 before the first meiotic division, accumulate histone mRNA and protein in the absence of chromosomal DNA replication and therefore represent an attractive biological system in which to examine histone gene expression uncoupled from the cell cycle. Previous studies have shown that sequences necessary for maximal levels of transcription in oocytes are present within 200 bp at the 5' end of the transcription initiation site for genes encoding each of the five major Xenopus histone classes. We have defined by site-directed mutagenesis individual regulatory sequences and characterized DNA-binding proteins required for histone H2B gene transcription in injected oocytes. The Xenopus H2B gene has a relatively simple promoter containing several transcriptional regulatory elements, including TFIID, CBP, and ATF/CREB binding sites, required for maximal transcription. A sequence (CTTTACAT) in the H2B promoter resembling the conserved octamer motif (ATTTGCAT), the target for cell-cycle regulation of a human H2B gene, is not required for transcription in oocytes. Nonetheless, substitution of a consensus octamer motif for the variant octamer element activates H2B transcription. Oocyte factors, presumably including the ubiquitous Oct-1 factor, specifically bind to the consensus octamer motif but not to the variant sequence. Our results demonstrate that a transcriptional regulatory element involved in lymphoid-specific expression of immunoglobulin genes and in S-phase-specific activation of mammalian H2B histone genes can activate transcription in nondividing amphibian oocytes.

scholarly journals The Spatio-Temporal Control of Zygotic Genome Activation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
George E. Gentsch ◽  
Nick D. L. Owens ◽  
James C. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Cycle Duration ◽  
Zygotic Genome Activation ◽  
Significant Events ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Genome Activation ◽  
Zygotic Genome

SUMMARYOne of the earliest and most significant events in embryonic development is zygotic genome activation (ZGA). In several species, bulk transcription begins at the mid-blastula transition (MBT) when, after a certain number of cleavages, the embryo attains a particular nuclear-to-cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio, maternal repressors become sufficiently diluted, and the cell cycle slows down. Here we resolve the frog ZGA in time and space by profiling RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) engagement and its transcriptional readout. We detect a gradual increase in both the quantity and the length of RNAPII elongation before the MBT, revealing that >1,000 zygotic genes disregard the N/C timer for their activation, and that the sizes of newly transcribed genes are not necessarily constrained by cell cycle duration. We also find that Wnt, Nodal and BMP signaling together generate most of the spatio-temporal dynamics of regional ZGA, directing the formation of orthogonal body axes and proportionate germ layers.

scholarly journals The cryo-electron microscopy structure of the human CDK-activating kinase

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basil J. Greber ◽  
Juan M. Perez-Bertoldi ◽  
Kif Lim ◽  
Anthony T. Iavarone ◽  
Daniel B. Toso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Control Cell ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Control Of Gene Expression ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Cdk Activating Kinase

AbstractThe human CDK-activating kinase (CAK), a complex composed of cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) 7, cyclin H, and MAT1, is a critical regulator of transcription initiation and the cell cycle. It acts by phosphorylating the C-terminal heptapeptide repeat domain of the RNA polymerase II subunit Rpb1, which is an important regulatory event in transcription initiation by Pol II, and it phosphorylates the regulatory T-loop of CDKs that control cell-cycle progression. Here, we have determined the three-dimensional structure of the catalytic module of human CAK, revealing the structural basis of its assembly and providing insight into CDK7 activation in this context. The unique third component of the complex, MAT1, substantially extends the interaction interface between CDK7 and cyclin H, explaining its role as a CAK assembly factor, and it forms interactions with the CDK7 T-loop, which may contribute to enhancing CAK activity. We have also determined the structure of the CAK in complex with the covalently bound inhibitor THZ1 in order to provide insight into the binding of inhibitors at the CDK7 active site and aid in the rational design of therapeutic compounds.SignificanceControl of gene expression and the cell cycle is critical for appropriate cell growth and timely cell division. Failure of the mechanisms regulating these processes can result in proliferative diseases. A molecular complex termed the CDK activating kinase (CAK) impinges on both of these regulatory networks in human cells and is thus a possible drug target for treatment of cancer. Here, we use cryo-electron microscopy to describe the detailed molecular structure of the human CAK, revealing its architecture and the interactions between its regulatory elements. Additionally, we have obtained the structure of the CAK in complex with a small-molecule inhibitor.

scholarly journals A variant octamer motif in a Xenopus H2B histone gene promoter is not required for transcription in frog oocytes.

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 641-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Hinkley ◽  
M Perry
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Regulatory Element ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Histone Gene ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Regulatory Sequences ◽  
Chromosomal Dna ◽  
Transcriptional Regulatory ◽  
Octamer Motif

Xenopus oocytes, arrested in G2 before the first meiotic division, accumulate histone mRNA and protein in the absence of chromosomal DNA replication and therefore represent an attractive biological system in which to examine histone gene expression uncoupled from the cell cycle. Previous studies have shown that sequences necessary for maximal levels of transcription in oocytes are present within 200 bp at the 5' end of the transcription initiation site for genes encoding each of the five major Xenopus histone classes. We have defined by site-directed mutagenesis individual regulatory sequences and characterized DNA-binding proteins required for histone H2B gene transcription in injected oocytes. The Xenopus H2B gene has a relatively simple promoter containing several transcriptional regulatory elements, including TFIID, CBP, and ATF/CREB binding sites, required for maximal transcription. A sequence (CTTTACAT) in the H2B promoter resembling the conserved octamer motif (ATTTGCAT), the target for cell-cycle regulation of a human H2B gene, is not required for transcription in oocytes. Nonetheless, substitution of a consensus octamer motif for the variant octamer element activates H2B transcription. Oocyte factors, presumably including the ubiquitous Oct-1 factor, specifically bind to the consensus octamer motif but not to the variant sequence. Our results demonstrate that a transcriptional regulatory element involved in lymphoid-specific expression of immunoglobulin genes and in S-phase-specific activation of mammalian H2B histone genes can activate transcription in nondividing amphibian oocytes.

scholarly journals Genomic structure of murine methylmalonyl-CoA mutase: evidence for genetic and epigenetic mechanisms determining enzyme activity

1993 ◽  
Vol 296 (3) ◽  
pp. 663-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
M F Wilkemeyer ◽  
E R Andrews ◽  
F D Ledley
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Activity ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Genomic Structure ◽  
Genetic Regulation ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Transcription Unit ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Sequence Motifs

Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MCM) is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial matrix enzyme. We have reported characterization of murine MCM and cloning of a murine MCM cDNA and now describe the murine Mut locus, its promoter and evidence for tissue-specific variation in MCM mRNA, enzyme and holo-enzyme levels. The Mut locus spans 30 kb and contains 13 exons constituting a unique transcription unit. A B1 repeat element was found in the 3′ untranslated region (exon 13). The transcription initiation site was identified and upstream sequences were shown to direct expression of a reporter gene in cultured cells. The promoter contains sequence motifs characteristic of: (1) TATA-less housekeeping promoters; (2) enhancer elements purportedly involved in co-ordinating expression of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins; and (3) regulatory elements including CCAAT boxes, cyclic AMP-response elements and potential AP-2-binding sites. Northern blots demonstrate a greater than 10-fold variation in steady-state mRNA levels, which correlate with tissue levels of enzyme activity. However, the ratio of holoenzyme to total enzyme varies among different tissues, and there is no correlation between steady-state mRNA levels and holoenzyme activity. These results suggest that, although there may be regulation of MCM activity at the level of mRNA, the significance of genetic regulation is unclear owning to the presence of epigenetic regulation of holoenzyme formation.

scholarly journals Positive Feedback Between PU.1 and the Cell Cycle Controls Myeloid Differentiation

Science ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 341 (6146) ◽  
pp. 670-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Yuan Kueh ◽  
Ameya Champhekar ◽  
Stephen L. Nutt ◽  
Michael B. Elowitz ◽  
Ellen V. Rothenberg
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Positive Feedback ◽  
Regulatory Gene ◽  
Control Cell ◽  
Stem Cell Differentiation ◽  
Myeloid Differentiation ◽  
Cycle Duration ◽  
Gene Circuits ◽  
Cell Cycles

Regulatory gene circuits with positive-feedback loops control stem cell differentiation, but several mechanisms can contribute to positive feedback. Here, we dissect feedback mechanisms through which the transcription factor PU.1 controls lymphoid and myeloid differentiation. Quantitative live-cell imaging revealed that developing B cells decrease PU.1 levels by reducing PU.1 transcription, whereas developing macrophages increase PU.1 levels by lengthening their cell cycles, which causes stable PU.1 accumulation. Exogenous PU.1 expression in progenitors increases endogenous PU.1 levels by inducing cell cycle lengthening, implying positive feedback between a regulatory factor and the cell cycle. Mathematical modeling showed that this cell cycle–coupled feedback architecture effectively stabilizes a slow-dividing differentiated state. These results show that cell cycle duration functions as an integral part of a positive autoregulatory circuit to control cell fate.

scholarly journals A protein synthesis-dependent increase in E2F1 mRNA correlates with growth regulation of the dihydrofolate reductase promoter.

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1610-1618 ◽  
Author(s):  
J E Slansky ◽  
Y Li ◽  
W G Kaelin ◽  
P J Farnham
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Phase Boundary ◽  
Dihydrofolate Reductase ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Growth Regulation ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Protein S ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Dependent Manner

Enhanced expression of genes involved in nucleotide biosynthesis, such as dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), is a hallmark of entrance into the DNA synthesis (S) phase of the mammalian cell cycle. To investigate the regulated expression of the DHFR gene, we stimulated serum-starved NIH 3T3 cells to synchronously reenter the cell cycle. Our previous results show that a cis-acting element at the site of DHFR transcription initiation is necessary for serum regulation. Recently, this element has been demonstrated to bind the cloned transcription factor E2F. In this study, we focused on the role of E2F in the growth regulation of DHFR. We demonstrated that a single E2F site, in the absence or presence of other promoter elements, was sufficient for growth-regulated promoter activity. Next, we showed that the increase in DHFR mRNA at the G1/S-phase boundary required protein synthesis, raising the possibility that a protein(s) lacking in serum-starved cells is required for DHFR transcription. We found that, similar to DHFR mRNA expression, levels of murine E2F1 mRNA were low in serum-starved cells and increased at the G1/S-phase boundary in a protein synthesis-dependent manner. Furthermore, in a cotransfection experiment, expression of human E2F1 stimulated the DHFR promoter 22-fold in serum-starved cells. We suggest that E2F1 may be the key protein required for DHFR transcription that is absent in serum-starved cells. Expression of E2F also abolished the serum-stimulated regulation of the DHFR promoter and resulted in transcription patterns similar to those seen with expression of the adenoviral oncoprotein E1A. In summary, we provide evidence for the importance of E2F in the growth regulation of DHFR and suggest that alterations in the levels of E2F may have severe consequences in the control of cellular proliferation.

Genome in toto

Genome ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 361-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander E Vinogradov
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Genome Evolution ◽  
Genome Size ◽  
Cycle Duration ◽  
Noncoding Dna ◽  
Cell Cycle Duration ◽  
The Relationship

At a certain temperature, which is a compromise for temperatures at which the species are adapted, the relationship between genome size and cell cycle duration during synchronous cleavage divisions can be very strong (r = 1.00, P < 0.01) in four closely related frogs, suggesting a functional dependence.Key words: genome size, genome evolution, genome cytoecology, noncoding DNA, cell cycle duration.

Histone H3 transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is controlled by multiple cell cycle activation sites and a constitutive negative regulatory element

1992 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 5455-5463 ◽  
Author(s):  
K B Freeman ◽  
L R Karns ◽  
K A Lutz ◽  
M M Smith
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Division ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Regulatory Element ◽  
Histone H3 ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Cell Division Cycle ◽  
Cell Cycle Activation ◽  
Multiple Cell

The promoters of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae histone H3 and H4 genes were examined for cis-acting DNA sequence elements regulating transcription and cell division cycle control. Deletion and linker disruption mutations identified two classes of regulatory elements: multiple cell cycle activation (CCA) sites and a negative regulatory site (NRS). Duplicate 19-bp CCA sites are present in both the copy I and copy II histone H3-H4 promoters arranged as inverted repeats separated by 45 and 68 bp. The CCA sites are both necessary and sufficient to activate transcription under cell division cycle control. A single CCA site provides cell cycle control but is a weak transcriptional activator, while an inverted repeat comprising two CCA sites provides both strong transcriptional activation and cell division cycle control. The NRS was identified in the copy I histone H3-H4 promoter. Deletion or disruption of the NRS increased the level of the histone H3 promoter activity but did not alter the cell division cycle periodicity of transcription. When the CCA sites were deleted from the histone promoter, the NRS element was unable to confer cell division cycle control on the remaining basal level of transcription. When the NRS element was inserted into the promoter of a foreign reporter gene, transcription was constitutively repressed and did not acquire cell cycle regulation.

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