scholarly journals Strong gene activation with genome-wide specificity using a new orthogonal CRISPR/Cas9-based Programmable Transcriptional Activator

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Selma ◽  
J Bernabé-Orts ◽  
M Vazquez-Vilar ◽  
B Diego ◽  
M Ajenjo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Gene Activation ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Transcriptional Activators ◽  
Endogenous Factors ◽  
Activation Domains ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
Genome Wide

ABSTRACTSynthetic Biology (SynBio) aims at rewiring plant metabolic and developmental programs with orthogonal regulatory circuits. This endeavour requires new molecular tools able to interact with endogenous factors in a potent yet at the same time highly specific manner. A promising new class of SynBio tools that could play this function are the synthetic transcriptional activators based on CRISPR/Cas9 architecture, which combine autonomous activation domains (ADs) capable of recruiting the cell’s transcription machinery, with the easily customizable DNA-binding activity of nuclease-inactivated Cas9 protein (dCas9), creating so-called Programmable Transcriptional Activators (PTAs). In search for optimized dCas9-PTAs we performed a combinatorial analysis with seven different ADs arranged in four different protein/RNA architectures. This analysis resulted in the selection of a new dCas9-PTA with improved features as compared with previously reported activators. The new synthetic riboprotein, named dCasEV2.1, combines EDLL and VPR ADs using a multiplexable mutated version (v2.1) of the previously described aptamer-containing guide RNA2.0. We show here that dCasEV2.1 is a strong and wide spectrum activator, displaying variable activation levels depending on the basal activity of the target promoter. Maximum activation rates reaching up to 10000 fold were observed when targeting the NbDFR gene. Most remarkably, RNAseq analysis of dCasEV2.1-transformed N. benthamiana leaves revealed that the topmost activation capacity of dCasEV2.1 on target genes is accompanied with strict genome-wide specificity, making dCasEV2.1 an attractive tool for rewiring plant metabolism and regulatory networks.

scholarly journals Direct activation of Sex-lethal transcription by the Drosophila runt protein

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.G. Kramer ◽  
T.M. Jinks ◽  
P. Schedl ◽  
J.P. Gergen
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Transcriptional Activation Domain ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Early Promoter ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
Sex Lethal

Runt functions as a transcriptional regulator in multiple developmental pathways in Drosophila melanogaster. Recent evidence indicates that Runt represses the transcription of several downstream target genes in the segmentation pathway. Here we demonstrate that runt also functions to activate transcription. The initial expression of the female-specific sex-determining gene Sex-lethal in the blastoderm embryo requires runt activity. Consistent with a role as a direct activator, Runt shows sequence-specific binding to multiple sites in the Sex-lethal early promoter. Using an in vivo transient assay, we demonstrate that Runt's DNA-binding activity is essential for Sex-lethal activation in vivo. These experiments further reveal that increasing the dosage of runt alone is sufficient for triggering the transcriptional activation of Sex-lethal in males. In addition, a Runt fusion protein, containing a heterologous transcriptional activation domain activates Sex-lethal expression, indicating that this regulation is direct and not via repression of other repressors. Moreover, we demonstrate that a small segment of the Sex-lethal early promoter that contains Runt-binding sites mediates Runt-dependent transcriptional activation in vivo.

Androgen-dependent and DNA binding-independent association of androgen receptor with chromatic regions coding androgen-induced non-coding RNAs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahiro Sawada ◽  
Koichi Nishimura ◽  
Jinichi Mori ◽  
Yoshiaki Kanemoto ◽  
Alexander Kouzmenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Lncap Cells ◽  
Coding Regions ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Independent Association

Abstract Androgen induces the binding of its receptor (AR) to androgen-responsive elements (AREs), while genome-wide studies showed that most androgen-induced AR binding sites on chromatin were unrelated to AREs. Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs), are transcribed from super-enhancers (SEs), and trigger the formation of large ribonucleoprotein (RNP) condensates of transcription factors. By in silico search, an SE is found to be located on the locus of KLK3 that encodes prostate specific antigen (PSA). On the KLK3 SE, androgen-induced expression of ncRNAs was detected and designated as KLK3eRNAs in LNCaP cells, and androgen-induced association of AR and FOXA1 on the KLK3eRNA coding regions was detected. Such androgen-induced association of an AR mutant lacking DNA binding activity on the KLK3eRNA coding regions was undetectable on an exogenous ARE. Thus, the present findings suggest a molecular basis of androgen-induced association of AR with chromatin on ARE-unrelated sequences.

scholarly journals E2A-PBX1 functions as a coactivator for RUNX1 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Chieh Pi ◽  
Jun Wang ◽  
Miho Shimada ◽  
Jia-Wei Lin ◽  
Huimin Geng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Cell Transformation ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Gene Activation ◽  
Chromosomal Translocation ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Dna Binding Activity

Abstract E2A, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, plays a crucial role in determining tissue-specific cell fate, including differentiation of B-cell lineages. In 5% of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the t(1,19) chromosomal translocation specifically targets the E2A gene and produces an oncogenic E2A-PBX1 fusion protein. Although previous studies have shown the oncogenic functions of E2A-PBX1 in cell and animal models, the E2A-PBX1–enforced cistrome, the E2A-PBX1 interactome, and related mechanisms underlying leukemogenesis remain unclear. Here, by unbiased genomic profiling approaches, we identify the direct target sites of E2A-PBX1 in t(1,19)–positive pre-B ALL cells and show that, compared with normal E2A, E2A-PBX1 preferentially binds to a subset of gene loci cobound by RUNX1 and gene-activating machineries (p300, MED1, and H3K27 acetylation). Using biochemical analyses, we further document a direct interaction of E2A-PBX1, through a region spanning the PBX1 homeodomain, with RUNX1. Our results also show that E2A-PBX1 binding to gene enhancers is dependent on the RUNX1 interaction but not the DNA-binding activity harbored within the PBX1 homeodomain of E2A-PBX1. Transcriptome analyses and cell transformation assays further establish a significant RUNX1 requirement for E2A-PBX1–mediated target gene activation and leukemogenesis. Notably, the RUNX1 locus itself is also directly activated by E2A-PBX1, indicating a multilayered interplay between E2A-PBX1 and RUNX1. Collectively, our study provides the first unbiased profiling of the E2A-PBX1 cistrome in pre-B ALL cells and reveals a previously unappreciated pathway in which E2A-PBX1 acts in concert with RUNX1 to enforce transcriptome alterations for the development of pre-B ALL.

The complex interactions of p53 with target DNA: we learn as we go

2003 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ella Kim ◽  
Wolfgang Deppert
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Dna Structure ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Tumor Suppressor P53 ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Target Dna

The most import biological function of the tumor suppressor p53 is that of a sequence-specific transactivator. In response to a variety of cellular stress stimuli, p53 induces the transcription of an ever-increasing number of target genes, leading to growth arrest and repair, or to apoptosis. Long considered as a "latent" DNA binder that requires prior activation by C-terminal modification, recent data provide strong evidence that the DNA binding activity of p53 is strongly dependent on structural features within the target DNA and is latent only if the target DNA lacks a certain structural signal code. In this review we discuss evidence for complex interactions of p53 with DNA, which are strongly dependent on the dynamics of DNA structure, especially in the context of chromatin. We provide a model of how this complexity may serve to achieve selectivity of target gene regulation by p53 and how DNA structure in the context of chromatin may serve to modulate p53 functions.Key words: tumor suppressor p53, sequence-specific DNA binding, DNA conformation, chromatin, chromatin remodeling.

Identification of Cyclin D3 as a Direct Transcriptional Target of E2A Using Damid.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1618-1618
Author(s):  
John K. Choi ◽  
Siyuan Song ◽  
Jonathan Cooperman ◽  
Danielle L. Letting ◽  
Gerd A. Blobel
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
B Cell Development ◽  
Cyclin D3 ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
E Boxes

Abstract The transcription factor E2A is required for very early B cell development. The exact mechanism by which E2A promotes B cell development is unclear and cannot be explained by the known E2A targets, components of the pre-B cell receptor and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors, indicating additional pathways and targets remain to be identified. We had previously reported that E2A can promote precursor B cell expansion, promote G1 cell cycle progression, and induce the expressions of multiple G1 phase cyclins including cyclin D3, suggesting that E2A induction of these genes may contribute to early B cell development. To better understand the mechanism by which E2A induces these cyclins, we characterized the relationship between E2A and the cyclin D3 gene promoter. E2A transactivated a luciferase reporter plasmid containing the 1kb promoter of cyclin D3 that contains two consensus E2A binding sites (E-boxes); however, deletion of the E-boxes did not disrupt the transactivation by E2A. We hypothesized three possible mechanisms: 1) indirect activation of cyclin D3 via another transcription factor, 2) binding of E2A to cryptic non-E-boxes, or 3) recruitment of E2A to the promoter via interaction with other DNA binding factor. To test the first possibility, promoter occupancy was examined using the DamID approach. In this approach, a fusion protein consisting of E. coli DNA adenosine methyltransferase (DAM) and a transcription factor of interest is expressed at low levels, resulting in specific methylation of adenosine residues within 2–5 kb of the transcription factor target sites. A fusion construct composed of E2A and DAM (E47Dam), was subcloned in lentiviral vectors, and used to transduce precursor B cell lines. The methylated adenosine residues were detected using a sensitive ligation-mediated PCR (LM-PCR) assay that required only 1 ug of genomic DNA and can detect methylation even if only 3% of the cells express E47Dam; no methylated adenosines were detected in control cells, indicating that all methylated residues resulted from E47Dam. Specific adenosine methylation was identified at the IgH intronic enhancer, a known E2A target site, but not at the non-target sites, CD19, HPRT, and GAPDH promoters. Specific methylation was detected at the cyclin D3 promoter but not 10 kb down-stream, despite similar concentrations of E-boxes at both sites. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed the DamID findings and further localized the binding to within 1 kb of the two E-boxes in the cyclin D3 promoter. To distinguish between the two remaining mechanisms (cryptic non-E-boxes versus recruitment via other DNA binding factors), two point mutations were introduced into E47Dam that disrupted its DNA binding activity. The mutated E47Dam continued to methylate at the cyclin D3 promoter. We conclude that E2A can be recruited to the cyclin D3 promoter, independent of E-boxes or E2A DNA binding activity. Our findings raise the possibility that some direct E2A target genes may lack functional E-boxes. Furthermore, mutated E2A, lacking an E2A DNA binding domain, that is seen in 6% of pediatric ALLs may still activate a subset of E2A target genes. Finally, our application of lentiviral vectors and LM-PCR to the DamID approach should permit analysis of primary human precursor B cells, despite the limitations in cell number and transduction efficiency.

Overexpression of CCAAT Displacement Protein Represses the Promiscuously Active Proximal gp91phox Promoter

Blood ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 94 (9) ◽  
pp. 3151-3160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Catt ◽  
Shannon Hawkins ◽  
Ann Roman ◽  
Wen Luo ◽  
David G. Skalnik
Keyword(s):  
Binding Site ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Proximal Promoter ◽  
Modular Organization ◽  
Transcriptional Activators ◽  
Cis Element ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
Ccaat Displacement Protein

CCAAT displacement protein (CDP) is a transcriptional repressor that restricts expression of the gp91phox gene to mature myeloid cells. CDP interacts with multiple sites within the −450 to +12 bp human gp91phox promoter, and down-regulation of CDP DNA-binding activity is required for induction of gp91phox transcription in mature phagocytes. Truncation of the gp91phox promoter to −102 to +12 bp removes 4 CDP-binding sites and reveals a promiscuous promoter activity that is active in some nonphagocytic cells. A cis-element at −90 bp is required for derepressed transcription and serves as a binding site for multiple transcriptional activators. We now report that this element also serves as a binding site for CDP. The affinity of CDP for this element is relatively weak compared with upstream CDP-binding sites within the promoter, consistent with the promiscuous transcriptional activity exhibited by the −102 to +12 bp gp91phox promoter fragment. Further analysis of the proximal promoter reveals an additional weak-affinity CDP-binding site centered at approximately −20 bp. Overexpression of cloned CDP represses the −102 to +12 bp gp91phox promoter, indicating that these proximal CDP-binding sites are functionally significant. The constellation of transcriptional activators and a repressor that interacts with the −90 bp cis-element is identical to that observed for a promoter element at −220 bp, reflecting the highly modular organization of the gp91phoxpromoter. These studies illustrate the complex interplay between transcriptional activators and a repressor that contribute to the myeloid-restricted expression of the gp91phox gene.

scholarly journals Adenovirus E1B 55-Kilodalton Oncoprotein Inhibits p53 Acetylation by PCAF

2000 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 5540-5553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Liu ◽  
April L. Colosimo ◽  
Xiang-Jiao Yang ◽  
Daiqing Liao
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Adenovirus E1b

ABSTRACT The adenovirus E1B 55-kDa protein binds to cellular tumor suppressor p53 and inactivates its transcriptional transactivation function. p53 transactivation activity is dependent upon its ability to bind to specific DNA sequences near the promoters of its target genes. It was shown recently that p53 is acetylated by transcriptional coactivators p300, CREB bidning protein (CBP), and PCAF and that acetylation of p53 by these proteins enhances p53 sequence-specific DNA binding. Here we show that the E1B 55-kDa protein specifically inhibits p53 acetylation by PCAF in vivo and in vitro, while acetylation of histones and PCAF autoacetylation is not affected. Furthermore, the DNA-binding activity of p53 is diminished in cells expressing the E1B 55-kDa protein. PCAF binds to the E1B 55-kDa protein and to a region near the C terminus of p53 encompassing Lys-320, the specific PCAF acetylation site. We further show that the E1B 55-kDa protein interferes with the physical interaction between PCAF and p53, suggesting that the E1B 55-kDa protein inhibits PCAF acetylase function on p53 by preventing enzyme-substrate interaction. These results underscore the importance of p53 acetylation for its function and suggest that inhibition of p53 acetylation by viral oncoproteins prevent its activation, thereby contributing to viral transformation.

scholarly journals Negative Regulation of NF-κB Signaling by PIAS1

2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 1113-1123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Liu ◽  
Randy Yang ◽  
Kelly A. Wong ◽  
Crescent Getman ◽  
Natalie Stein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Gene Activation ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
Important Negative Regulator ◽  
Cytokine Stimulation

ABSTRACT The NF-κB family of transcription factors is activated by a wide variety of signals to regulate a spectrum of cellular processes. The proper regulation of NF-κB activity is critical, since abnormal NF-κB signaling is associated with a number of human illnesses, such as chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. We report here that PIAS1 (protein inhibitor of activated STAT1) is an important negative regulator of NF-κB. Upon cytokine stimulation, the p65 subunit of NF-κB translocates into the nucleus, where it interacts with PIAS1. The binding of PIAS1 to p65 inhibits cytokine-induced NF-κB-dependent gene activation. PIAS1 blocks the DNA binding activity of p65 both in vitro and in vivo. Consistently, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicate that the binding of p65 to the promoters of NF-κB-regulated genes is significantly enhanced in Pias1 −/− cells. Microarray analysis indicates that the removal of PIAS1 results in an increased expression of a subset of NF-κB-mediated genes in response to tumor necrosis factor alpha and lipopolysaccharide. Consistently, Pias1 null mice showed elevated proinflammatory cytokines. Our results identify PIAS1 as a novel negative regulator of NF-κB.

SUMO-1 conjugation selectively modulates STAT1-mediated gene responses

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 224-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Ungureanu ◽  
Sari Vanhatupa ◽  
Juha Grönholm ◽  
Jorma J. Palvimo ◽  
Olli Silvennoinen
Keyword(s):  
Target Genes ◽  
Attachment Site ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Signal Transducers ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 ◽  
Defective Mutant ◽  
Physiologic Function ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Ligase Function

Signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1) is a critical mediator of interferon (IFN)–induced gene responses. Recently, STAT1 was found to become modified by small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 (SUMO-1) conjugation at Lys703 through the SUMO E3 ligase function of protein inhibitors of activated STAT (PIAS) proteins. However, the physiologic function of sumoylation in STAT1 is still unclear. Here, we show that mutations in the SUMO attachment site in STAT1 result in increased transcriptional activity in a fashion that is selective among IFN-γ target genes. The sumoylation-defective STAT1 mutant displayed increased induction of guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1) and transporters associated with antigen presentation 1 (TAP1) transcription but not interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) transcription. Moreover, the sumoylation-defective mutant STAT1-KR showed a prolonged DNA-binding activity and nuclear localization in response to IFN-γ stimulation. These results suggest that sumoylation has a defined negative regulatory effect on selective STAT1-mediated transcription responses.

scholarly journals Mth1 regulates the interaction between the Rgt1 repressor and the Ssn6-Tup1 corepressor complex by modulating PKA-dependent phosphorylation of Rgt1

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1493-1503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adhiraj Roy ◽  
Yong Jae Shin ◽  
Kyu Hong Cho ◽  
Jeong-Ho Kim
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Glucose Transporter ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
Rate Limiting Step ◽  
Corepressor Complex ◽  
Necessary And Sufficient ◽  
Rate Limiting

Glucose uptake, the first, rate-limiting step of its utilization, is facilitated by glucose transporters. Expression of several glucose transporter (HXT) genes in yeast is repressed by the Rgt1 repressor, which recruits the glucose-responsive transcription factor Mth1 and the general corepressor complex Ssn6-Tup1 in the absence of glucose; however, it is derepressed when Mth1 is inactivated by glucose. Here we show that Ssn6-Tup1 interferes with the DNA-binding ability of Rgt1 in the absence of Mth1 and that the Rgt1 function abrogated by Ssn6 overexpression is restored by co-overexpression of Mth1. Thus Mth1 likely regulates Rgt1 function not by modulating its DNA-binding activity directly but by functionally antagonizing Ssn6-Tup1. Mth1 does so by acting as a scaffold-like protein to recruit Ssn6-Tup1 to Rgt1. Supporting evidence shows that Mth1 blocks the protein kinase A–dependent phosphorylation of Rgt1 that impairs the ability of Rgt1 to interact with Ssn6-Tup1. Of note, Rgt1 can bind DNA in the absence of Ssn6-Tup1 but does not inhibit transcription, suggesting that dissociation of Rgt1 from Ssn6-Tup1, but not from DNA, is necessary and sufficient for the expression of its target genes. Taken together, these findings show that Mth1 is a transcriptional corepressor that facilitates the recruitment of Ssn6-Tup1 by Rgt1.

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