scholarly journals AP-2 factors act in concert with Notch to orchestrate terminal differentiation in skin epidermis

2008 ◽  
Vol 183 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Wang ◽  
H. Amalia Pasolli ◽  
Trevor Williams ◽  
Elaine Fuchs
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Terminal Differentiation ◽  
Hair Follicles ◽  
Structural Genes ◽  
Enhancer Binding Protein ◽  
Basal Proliferation ◽  
Skin Epidermis

The mechanisms by which mammalian epidermal stem cells cease to proliferate and embark upon terminal differentiation are still poorly understood. By conditionally ablating two highly expressed transcription factors, AP-2α and AP-2γ, we unmasked functional redundancies and discovered an essential role for AP-2s in the process. In vivo and in vitro, AP-2 deficiency is accompanied by surprisingly minimal changes in basal gene expression but severely perturbed terminal differentiation and suppression of additional transcription factors and structural genes involved. In dissecting the underlying molecular pathways, we uncover parallel pathways involving AP-2 and Notch signaling, which converge to govern CCAAT/enhancer binding protein genes and orchestrate the transition from basal proliferation to suprabasal differentiation. Finally, we extend the striking similarities in compromising either Notch signaling or AP-2α/AP-2γ in developing skin to that in postnatal skin, where all hair follicles and sebaceous gland differentiation are also repressed and overt signs of premalignant conversion emerge.

scholarly journals Interdependent transcription control elements regulate the expression of the SPRR2A gene during keratinocyte terminal differentiation.

1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 5365-5374 ◽  
Author(s):  
D F Fischer ◽  
S Gibbs ◽  
P van De Putte ◽  
C Backendorf
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Terminal Differentiation ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Deletion Mapping ◽  
Transcription Control ◽  
Mobility Shift ◽  
Response Element

Expression of the SPRR2A gene, a member of the small proline-rich family of cornified cell envelope precursor proteins, is strictly linked to keratinocyte terminal differentiation both in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation in transiently transfected primary keratinocytes induced to differentiate in vitro. Deletion mapping and site-directed mutagenesis of SPRR2A promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase constructs indicate that four transcription control elements are essential and sufficient for promoter activity. These elements were further characterized by electrophoretic mobility shift and identified as (i) an inverted octamer doublet, bound by the POU domain factor Oct-11 (Skn-1a/i, Epoc-1), (ii) an interferon-stimulated response element recognized by interferon regulatory factors 1 and 2, (iii) an Ets binding site partially overlapping the interferon-stimulated response element, and (iv) a TG box recognized by the Sp1 family of zinc finger transcription factors. Destruction of a single terminal differentiation element is sufficient to completely abolish transcription from the SPRR2A promoter, indicating that these transcription control elements function in concert in an interdependent manner. Apparently, integration of signals transmitted by the above-mentioned transcription factors is necessary and sufficient to promote gene expression during keratinocyte terminal differentiation.

Subnuclear compartmentalization of sequence-specific transcription factors and regulation of eukaryotic gene expression

2005 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 535-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gareth N Corry ◽  
D Alan Underhill
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Nuclear Architecture ◽  
Subnuclear Localization ◽  
Modular Structures

To date, the majority of the research regarding eukaryotic transcription factors has focused on characterizing their function primarily through in vitro methods. These studies have revealed that transcription factors are essentially modular structures, containing separate regions that participate in such activities as DNA binding, protein–protein interaction, and transcriptional activation or repression. To fully comprehend the behavior of a given transcription factor, however, these domains must be analyzed in the context of the entire protein, and in certain cases the context of a multiprotein complex. Furthermore, it must be appreciated that transcription factors function in the nucleus, where they must contend with a variety of factors, including the nuclear architecture, chromatin domains, chromosome territories, and cell-cycle-associated processes. Recent examinations of transcription factors in the nucleus have clarified the behavior of these proteins in vivo and have increased our understanding of how gene expression is regulated in eukaryotes. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding sequence-specific transcription factor compartmentalization within the nucleus and discuss its impact on the regulation of such processes as activation or repression of gene expression and interaction with coregulatory factors.Key words: transcription, subnuclear localization, chromatin, gene expression, nuclear architecture.

scholarly journals Regulation of sarcomagenesis by the empty spiracles homeobox genes EMX1 and EMX2

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Pedro Jimenez-García ◽  
Antonio Lucena-Cacace ◽  
Daniel Otero-Albiol ◽  
Amancio Carnero
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Neural Crest ◽  
Tumor Suppressors ◽  
Homeobox Genes ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Cell Gene Expression

AbstractThe EMX (Empty Spiracles Homeobox) genes EMX1 and EMX2 are two homeodomain gene members of the EMX family of transcription factors involved in the regulation of various biological processes, such as cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, during brain development and neural crest migration. They play a role in the specification of positional identity, the proliferation of neural stem cells, and the differentiation of certain neuronal cell phenotypes. In general, they act as transcription factors in early embryogenesis and neuroembryogenesis from metazoans to higher vertebrates. The EMX1 and EMX2’s potential as tumor suppressor genes has been suggested in some cancers. Our work showed that EMX1/EMX2 act as tumor suppressors in sarcomas by repressing the activity of stem cell regulatory genes (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, MYC, NANOG, NES, and PROM1). EMX protein downregulation, therefore, induced the malignance and stemness of cells both in vitro and in vivo. In murine knockout (KO) models lacking Emx genes, 3MC-induced sarcomas were more aggressive and infiltrative, had a greater capacity for tumor self-renewal, and had higher stem cell gene expression and nestin expression than those in wild-type models. These results showing that EMX genes acted as stemness regulators were reproduced in different subtypes of sarcoma. Therefore, it is possible that the EMX genes could have a generalized behavior regulating proliferation of neural crest-derived progenitors. Together, these results indicate that the EMX1 and EMX2 genes negatively regulate these tumor-altering populations or cancer stem cells, acting as tumor suppressors in sarcoma.

scholarly journals Using the Microwell-mesh to culture microtissues in vitro and as a carrier to implant microtissues in vivo into mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa E. Monterosso ◽  
Kathryn Futrega ◽  
William B. Lott ◽  
Ian Vela ◽  
Elizabeth D. Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hair Follicles ◽  
Live Animal ◽  
Nsg Mice ◽  
Animal Imaging ◽  
Organ Specific ◽  
Bioluminescence Signal ◽  
Serial Transplantation ◽  
Live Animal Imaging

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) are commonly propagated by serial transplantation of “pieces” of tumour in mice, but the cellular composition of pieces is not standardised. Herein, we optimised a microwell platform, the Microwell-mesh, to aggregate precise numbers of cells into arrays of microtissues, and then implanted the Microwell-mesh into NOD-scid IL2γ−/− (NSG) mice to study microtissue growth. First, mesh pore size was optimised using microtissues assembled from bone marrow-derived stromal cells, with mesh opening dimensions of 100×100 μm achieving superior microtissue vascularisation relative to mesh with 36×36 μm mesh openings. The optimised Microwell-mesh was used to assemble and implant PCa cell microtissue arrays (hereafter microtissues formed from cancer cells are referred to as microtumours) into mice. PCa cells were enriched from three different PDX lines, LuCaP35, LuCaP141, and BM18. 3D microtumours showed greater in vitro viability than 2D cultures, but neither proliferated. Microtumours were successfully established in mice 81% (57 of 70), 67% (4 of 6), 76% (19 of 25) for LuCaP35, LuCaP141, and BM18 PCa cells, respectively. Microtumour growth was tracked using live animal imaging for size or bioluminescence signal. If augmented with further imaging advances and cell bar coding, this microtumour model could enable greater resolution of PCa PDX drug response, and lead to the more efficient use of animals. The concept of microtissue assembly in the Microwell-mesh, and implantation in vivo may also have utility in implantation of islets, hair follicles or other organ-specific cells that self-assemble into 3D structures, providing an important bridge between in vitro assembly of mini-organs and in vivo implantation.

scholarly journals Targeting a Lipid Desaturation Enzyme, SCD1, Selectively Eliminates Colon Cancer Stem Cells through the Suppression of Wnt and NOTCH Signaling

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Yeongji Yu ◽  
Hyejin Kim ◽  
SeokGyeong Choi ◽  
JinSuh Yu ◽  
Joo Yeon Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colon Cancer ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Marker Genes ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Lipid Desaturation ◽  
Novel Target

The elimination of the cancer stem cell (CSC) population may be required to achieve better outcomes of cancer therapy. We evaluated stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) as a novel target for CSC-selective elimination in colon cancer. CSCs expressed more SCD1 than bulk cultured cells (BCCs), and blocking SCD1 expression or function revealed an essential role for SCD1 in the survival of CSCs, but not BCCs. The CSC potential selectively decreased after treatment with the SCD1 inhibitor in vitro and in vivo. The CSC-selective suppression was mediated through the induction of apoptosis. The mechanism leading to selective CSC death was investigated by performing a quantitative RT-PCR analysis of 14 CSC-specific signaling and marker genes after 24 and 48 h of treatment with two concentrations of an inhibitor. The decrease in the expression of Notch1 and AXIN2 preceded changes in the expression of all other genes, at 24 h of treatment in a dose-dependent manner, followed by the downregulation of most Wnt- and NOTCH-signaling genes. Collectively, we showed that not only Wnt but also NOTCH signaling is a primary target of suppression by SCD1 inhibition in CSCs, suggesting the possibility of targeting SCD1 against colon cancer in clinical settings.

Anti-glioma Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Tripolinolate A from Tripolium pannonicum

Planta Medica ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (11) ◽  
pp. 786-794
Author(s):  
Weiyun Chai ◽  
Lu Chen ◽  
Xiao-Yuan Lian ◽  
Zhizhen Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Glioma Cells ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Cell Cycle Regulators ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Multiple Tumor ◽  
Glioma Growth

AbstractTripolinolate A as a new bioactive phenolic ester was previously isolated from a halophyte of Tripolium pannonicum. However, the in vitro and in vivo anti-glioma effects and mechanism of tripolinolate A have not been investigated. This study has demonstrated that (1) tripolinolate A inhibited the proliferation of different glioma cells with IC50 values of 7.97 to 14.02 µM and had a significant inhibitory effect on the glioma growth in U87MG xenograft nude mice, (2) tripolinolate A induced apoptosis in glioma cells by downregulating the expressions of antiapoptotic proteins and arrested glioma cell cycle at the G2/M phase by reducing the expression levels of cell cycle regulators, and (3) tripolinolate A also remarkably reduced the expression levels of several glioma metabolic enzymes and transcription factors. All data together suggested that tripolinolate A had significant in vitro and in vivo anti-glioma effects and the regulation of multiple tumor-related regulators and transcription factors might be responsible for the activities of tripolinolate A against glioma.

scholarly journals Targeting of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases to MEF2 Transcription Factors

1999 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 4028-4038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shen-Hsi Yang ◽  
Alex Galanis ◽  
Andrew D. Sharrocks
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Map Kinases ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Extracellular Signals ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein

ABSTRACT Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-mediated signalling to the nucleus is an important event in the conversion of extracellular signals into a cellular response. However, the existence of multiple MAP kinases which phosphorylate similar phosphoacceptor motifs poses a problem in maintaining substrate specificity and hence the correct biological response. Both the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) subfamilies of MAP kinases use a second specificity determinant and require docking to their transcription factor substrates to achieve maximal substrate activation. In this study, we demonstrate that among the different MAP kinases, the MADS-box transcription factors MEF2A and MEF2C are preferentially phosphorylated and activated by the p38 subfamily members p38α and p38β2. The efficiency of phosphorylation in vitro and transcriptional activation in vivo of MEF2A and MEF2C by these p38 subtypes requires the presence of a kinase docking domain (D-domain). Furthermore, the D-domain from MEF2A is sufficient to confer p38 responsiveness on different transcription factors, and reciprocal effects are observed upon the introduction of alternative D-domains into MEF2A. These results therefore contribute to our understanding of signalling to MEF2 transcription factors and demonstrate that the requirement for substrate binding by MAP kinases is an important facet of three different subclasses of MAP kinases (ERK, JNK, and p38).

scholarly journals Activating Signal Cointegrator 2 Belongs to a Novel Steady-State Complex That Contains a Subset of Trithorax Group Proteins

2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young-Hwa Goo ◽  
Young Chang Sohn ◽  
Dae-Hwan Kim ◽  
Seung-Whan Kim ◽  
Min-Jung Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Nuclear Receptors ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Retinoic Acid Receptor ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Trithorax Group ◽  
Trithorax Group Proteins

ABSTRACT Many transcription coactivators interact with nuclear receptors in a ligand- and C-terminal transactivation function (AF2)-dependent manner. These include activating signal cointegrator 2 (ASC-2), a recently isolated transcriptional coactivator molecule, which is amplified in human cancers and stimulates transactivation by nuclear receptors and numerous other transcription factors. In this report, we show that ASC-2 belongs to a steady-state complex of approximately 2 MDa (ASC-2 complex [ASCOM]) in HeLa nuclei. ASCOM contains retinoblastoma-binding protein RBQ-3, α/β-tubulins, and trithorax group proteins ALR-1, ALR-2, HALR, and ASH2. In particular, ALR-1/2 and HALR contain a highly conserved 130- to 140-amino-acid motif termed the SET domain, which was recently implicated in histone H3 lysine-specific methylation activities. Indeed, recombinant ALR-1, HALR, and immunopurified ASCOM exhibit very weak but specific H3-lysine 4 methylation activities in vitro, and transactivation by retinoic acid receptor appears to involve ligand-dependent recruitment of ASCOM and subsequent transient H3-lysine 4 methylation of the promoter region in vivo. Thus, ASCOM may represent a distinct coactivator complex of nuclear receptors. Further characterization of ASCOM will lead to a better understanding of how nuclear receptors and other transcription factors mediate transcriptional activation.

scholarly journals Distribution of the Transcription Factors Sox9, AP-2, and [Delta]EF1 in Adult Murine Articular and Meniscal Cartilage and Growth Plate

2002 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 1059-1065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherri R. Davies ◽  
Shinji Sakano ◽  
Yong Zhu ◽  
Linda J. Sandell
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Growth Plate ◽  
Type Ii Collagen ◽  
Nuclear Staining ◽  
Lower Growth ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Transcription In Vitro ◽  
Sox9 Protein

The control of extracellular matrix (ECM) production is important for the development, maintenance, and repair of cartilage tissues. Matrix molecule synthesis is generally regulated by the rate of gene transcription determined by DNA transcription factors. We have shown that transcription factors Sox9, AP-2, and [delta]EF1 are able to alter the rate of CD-RAP transcription in vitro: Sox9 upregulates, AP-2 exhibits biphasic effects, and [delta]EF1 represses expression of the CD-RAP gene. To correlate these in vitro activities in vivo, transcription factors were co-immunolocalized with ECM proteins in three different cartilage tissues in which the rates of biosynthesis are quite different: articular, meniscal, and growth plate. Immunoreactivities of type II collagen and CD-RAP were higher in growth plate than in either the articular or meniscal cartilages and correlated positively with Sox9 protein. Sox9 staining decreased with hypertrophy and was low in articular and meniscal cartilages. In contrast, AP-2 and [delta]EF1 were low in proliferating chondrocytes but high in lower growth plate, articular, and meniscal cartilages. This increase was also accompanied by intense nuclear staining. These immunohistochemical results are the first to localize both [delta]EF1 and AP-2 to adult articular, meniscal, and growth plate cartilages and provide in vivo correlation of previous molecular biological studies.

scholarly journals POS0042 NOTCH 1 INHIBITION INCREASES OSTEOCLAST PROGENITOR ACTIVITY IN THE MOUSE MODEL OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 226.3-226
Author(s):  
M. Filipović ◽  
A. Šućur ◽  
D. Flegar ◽  
Z. Jajić ◽  
M. Ikić Matijašević ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Osteoclast Differentiation ◽  
Notch Receptor ◽  
Notch 1 ◽  
Collagen Induced Arthritis ◽  
Notch Receptors

Background:Osteoclasts mediate periarticular and systemic bone loss in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoclast progenitor cells (OCPs) derived from the myeloid lineage are susceptible to regulation through Notch signaling. Murine bone marrow and splenic OCPs, identified as CD45+Ly6G-CD3-B220-NK1.1-CD11blo/+CD115+CCR2+ cells, are specifically increased in arthritis. We previously identified an increased frequency of OCPs expressing Notch receptors in arthritic mice.Objectives:Several studies suggested that Notch signaling modulation affects the course of experimental arthritis. We aimed to determine the effects of Notch receptor signaling inhibition on OCP activity and arthritis severity in murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).Methods:Male C57/Bl6 and DBA mice were immunized with chicken type II collagen and treated with i.p. injections of anti-Notch 1 neutralizing antibodies (1mg/kg). Notch receptor 1 through 4 expression on OCPs was analyzed by flow cytometry in periarticular bone marrow (PBM) and spleen (SPL). Gene expression of Notch receptors, ligands and transcription targets as well as osteoclast differentiation genes RANK, cFos and cFms was determined by qPCR from tissues and sorted OCPs. FACS sorted OCPs were stimulated by osteoclastogenic factors (M-CSF and RANKL), in control, IgG, Jagged (Jag)1 or Delta-like (DLL)1 coated wells, with or without anti-Notch 1 antibodies. Research was approved by the Ethics Committee.Results:We confirmed the expression of Notch receptors on OCPs by flow cytometry with Notch 1 and 2 being most abundantly expressed (around 25% and 40% positive OCPs in PBM and 35% and 20% in SPL respectively), with a significant increase of Notch 2 expression in arthritis. Seeding OCPs on DLL1 coated wells significantly increased while seeding on Jag1 coated wells significantly decreased osteoclastogenesis as reflected on the number of TRAP+ osteoclasts and expression of osteoclast differentiation genes. The addition of anti-Notch 1 antibodies to ligand-stimulated OCPs resulted in an increased number of TRAP+ osteoclasts, partially reversing Jag1 inhibition. In vivo treatment with anti-Notch 1 antibodies did not affect total OCP frequency, but increased expression of Notch 4 both in PBM and SPL as seen by flow cytometry and qPCR. Additionally, anti-Notch 1 treatment stimulated Notch transcription factors HES and HEY. Both PBM and SPL cultured OCPs from anti-Notch 1 treated mice produced a higher number of large TRAP+ osteoclasts, doubling the area covered with osteoclasts in the latter compared to untreated mice. Increased osteoclastogenesis in vitro was further confirmed by an increased expression of osteoclast differentiation genes in the treated group.Conclusion:Our results confirm that Notch signaling may represent an important therapeutic target for the regulation of osteoclast activity in arthritis. Both in vitro and in vivo anti-Notch 1 neutralizing antibodies enhanced osteoclastogenesis in CIA model, implying an inhibitory role of Notch 1 signaling in osteoclast differentiation. As Notch 2 expression is increased on OCPs of arthritic mice, we next plan to determine the effects of Notch 2 neutralization on osteoclast activity and arthritis severity.References:[1]Ikić Matijašević M, Flegar D, Kovačić N, Katavić V, Kelava T, Šućur A, et al. Increased chemotaxis and activity of circulatory myeloid progenitor cells may contribute to enhanced osteoclastogenesis and bone loss in the C57BL/6 mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis. Clin Exp Immunol. 2016;186(3):321–35.[2]Šućur A, Filipović M, Flegar D, Kelava T, Šisl D, Lukač N, et al. Notch receptors and ligands in inflammatory arthritis – a systematic review. Immunology Letters 2020 Vol. 223, p. 106–14.Acknowledgements:The work has been supported by Croatian Science Foundation projects IP-2018-01-2414, UIP-2017-05-1965 and DOK-2018-09-4276.Disclosure of Interests:None declared.

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