scholarly journals Three classes of mutations in the A subunit of the CCAAT-binding factor CBF delineate functional domains involved in the three-step assembly of the CBF-DNA complex.

1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 328-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Sinha ◽  
I S Kim ◽  
K Y Sohn ◽  
B de Crombrugghe ◽  
S N Maity
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Functional Domains ◽  
Histone Fold ◽  
Sequence Homologies ◽  
Binding Factor ◽  
A Subunit ◽  
C Complex ◽  
Dna Complex

The mammalian CCAAT-binding factor CBF (also called NF-Y or CP1) consists of three subunits, CBF-A, CBF-B, and CBF-C, all of which are required for DNA binding and present in the CBF-DNA complex. In this study we first established the stoichiometries of the CBF subunits, both in the CBF molecule and in the CBF-DNA complex, and showed that one molecule of each subunit is present in the complex. To begin to understand the interactions between the CBF subunits and DNA, we performed a mutational analysis of the CBF-A subunit. This analysis identified three classes of mutations in the segment of CBF-A that is conserved in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammals. Analysis of the first class of mutants revealed that a major part of the conserved segment was essential for interactions with CBF-C to form a heterodimeric CBF-A/CBF-C complex. The second class of mutants identified a segment of CBF-A that is necessary for interactions between the CBF-A/CBF-C heterodimer and CBF-B to form a CBF heterotrimer. The third class defined a domain of CBF-A involved in binding the CBF heterotrimer to DNA. The second and third classes of mutants acted as dominant negative mutants inhibiting the formation of a complex between the wild-type CBF subunits and DNA. The segment of CBF-A necessary for DNA binding showed sequence homology to a segment of CBF-C. Interestingly, these sequences in CBF-A and CBF-C were also homologous to the sequences in the histone-fold motifs of histones H2B and H2A, respectively, and to the archaebacterial histone-like protein HMf-2. We discuss the functional domains of CBF-A and the properties of CBF in light of these sequence homologies and propose that an ancient histone-like motif in two CBF subunits controls the formation of a heterodimer between these subunits and the assembly of a sequence-specific DNA-protein complex.

scholarly journals Determination of functional domains in the C subunit of the CCAAT-binding factor (CBF) necessary for formation of a CBF-DNA complex: CBF-B interacts simultaneously with both the CBF-A and CBF-C subunits to form a heterotrimeric CBF molecule.

1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 4003-4013 ◽  
Author(s):  
I S Kim ◽  
S Sinha ◽  
B de Crombrugghe ◽  
S N Maity
Keyword(s):  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
The Other ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Histone H2a ◽  
Interaction Domain ◽  
Histone Fold ◽  
Binding Factor ◽  
Dna Complex

The mammalian CCAAT-binding factor (CBF; also called NF-Y and CP1) is a heterotrimeric protein consisting of three subunits, CBF-A, CBF-B, and CBF-C, all of which are required for DNA binding and all of which are present in the CBF-DNA complex. In this study using cross-linking and immunoprecipitation methods, we first established that CBF-B interacts simultaneously with both subunits of the CBF-A-CBF-C heterodimer to form a heterotrimeric CBF molecule. We then performed a mutational analysis of CBF-C to define functional interactions with the other two CBF subunits and with DNA using several in vitro assays and an in vivo yeast two-hybrid system. Our experiments established that the evolutionarily conserved segment of CBF-C, which shows similarities with the histone-fold motif of histone H2A, was necessary for formation of the CBF-DNA complex. The domain of CBF-C which interacts with CBF-A included a large portion of this segment, one that corresponds to the segment of the histone-fold motif in H2A used for interaction with H2B. Two classes of interactions involved in formation of the CBF-A-CBF-C heterodimer were detected; one class, provided by residues in the middle of the interaction domain, was needed for formation of the CBF-A-CBF-C heterodimer. The other, provided by sequences flanking those of the first class was needed for stabilization of the heterodimer. Two separate domains were identified in the conserved segment of CBF-C for interaction with CBF-B; these were located on each side of the CBF-A interaction domain. Since our previous experiments identified a single CBF-B interaction domain in the histone-fold motif of CBF-A, we propose that a tridentate interaction domain in the CBF-A-CBF-C heterodimer interacts with the 21-amino-acid-long subunit interaction domain of CBF-B. Together with our previous mutational analysis of CBF-A (S. Sinha, I.-S. Kim, K.-Y. Sohn, B. de Crombrugghe, and S. N. Maity, Mol. Cell. Biol. 16:328-337, 1996), this study demonstrates that the histone fold-motifs of CBF-A and CBF-C interact with each other to form the CBF-A-CBF-C heterodimer and generate a hybrid surface which then interacts with CBF-B to form the heterotrimeric CBF molecule.

scholarly journals Novel Mutations within the POU1F1 Gene Associated with Variable Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency

2005 ◽  
Vol 90 (8) ◽  
pp. 4762-4770 ◽  
Author(s):  
James P. G. Turton ◽  
Rachel Reynaud ◽  
Ameeta Mehta ◽  
John Torpiano ◽  
Alexandru Saveanu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Hormone Deficiency ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Novel Mutations ◽  
Pituitary Hormone Deficiency ◽  
Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency ◽  
Functional Studies

Context: Mutations within the gene encoding the pituitary-specific transcription factor POU1F1 are associated with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). Most of the affected individuals manifest GH, prolactin, and TSH deficiency. Objective: We have now screened 129 individuals with CPHD and isolated GH deficiency for mutations within POU1F1. Results: Causative mutations were identified in 10 of 129 individuals (7.8%). Of these, five patients harbored the dominant negative R271W mutation, which is a well-recognized mutational hot spot. We have also identified a second frequently occurring mutation, E230K, which appears to be common in Maltese patients. Additionally, we describe two novel mutations within POU1F1, an insertion of a single base pair (ins778A) and a missense mutation (R172Q). Functional studies have revealed that POU1F1 (E230K) is associated with a reduction in transactivation, although DNA-binding affinity is similar to the wild-type protein. On the other hand, POU1F1 (R172Q) is associated with a reduction in DNA binding and transactivation, whereas POU1F1 (ins778A) is associated with loss of DNA binding and a reduction in transactivation. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the phenotype associated with POU1F1 mutations may be more variable, with the occasional preservation of TSH secretion. Additionally, our data revealed POU1F1 mutations in three patients who were diagnosed as having ACTH deficiency but who, on further evaluation, were found to have normal cortisol secretion. Hence, elucidation of the genotype led to further evaluation of the phenotype, with the cessation of cortisol replacement that had been commenced unnecessarily. These data reflect the importance of mutational analysis in patients with CPHD.

scholarly journals Expression of dominant-negative mutant DP-1 blocks cell cycle progression in G1.

1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 3698-3706 ◽  
Author(s):  
C L Wu ◽  
M Classon ◽  
N Dyson ◽  
E Harlow
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Functional Domains ◽  
Dominant Negative Mutant ◽  
G1 Arrest ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Cycle Progression

Unregulated expression of the transcription factor E2F promotes the G1-to-S phase transition in cultured mammalian cells. However, there has been no direct evidence for an E2F requirement in this process. To demonstrate that E2F is obligatory for cell cycle progression, we attempted to inactivate E2F by overexpressing dominant-negative forms of one of its heterodimeric partners, DP-1. We dissected the functional domains of DP-1 and separated the region that facilitate heterodimer DNA binding from the E2F dimerization domain. Various DP-1 mutants were introduced into cells via transfection, and the cell cycle profile of the transfected cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Expression of wild-type DP-1 or DP-1 mutants that bind to both DNA and E2F drove cells into S phase. In contrast, DP-1 mutants that retained E2F binding but lost DNA binding arrested cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The DP-1 mutants that were unable to bind DNA resulted in transcriptionally inactive E2F complexes, suggesting that the G1 arrest is caused by formation of defective E2F heterodimers. Furthermore, the G1 arrest instigated by these DP-1 mutants could be rescued by coexpression of wild-type E2F or DP protein. These experiments define functional domains of DP and demonstrate a requirement for active E2F complexes in cell cycle progression.

scholarly journals Mutational analysis of the DNA binding, dimerization, and transcriptional activation domains of MEF2C.

1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 2627-2636 ◽  
Author(s):  
J D Molkentin ◽  
B L Black ◽  
J F Martin ◽  
E N Olson
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Gene Activation ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Activation Domains ◽  
Muscle Gene Expression ◽  
Transcriptional Activation Domains ◽  
Muscle Gene

There are four members of the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) family of transcription factors in vertebrates, MEF2A, -B, -C, and -D, which have homology within a MADS box at their amino termini and an adjacent motif known as the MEF2 domain. These factors activate muscle gene expression by binding as homo- and heterodimers to an A/T-rich DNA sequence in the control regions of muscle-specific genes. To understand the mechanisms of muscle gene activation of MEF2 factors, we generated a series of deletion and site-directed mutants of MEF2C. These mutants demonstrated that the MADS and MEF2 domains mediate DNA binding and dimerization, whereas the carboxyl terminus is required for transcriptional activation. Amino acids that are essential for MEF2 site-dependent transcription but which do not affect DNA binding were also identified in the MEF2 domain. This type of positive-control mutant demonstrates that the transcription activation domain of MEF2C, although separate from the MEF2 domain, is dependent on this domain for transcriptional activation through the MEF2 site. MEF2 mutants that are defective for DNA binding act as dominant negative mutants and can inhibit activation of MEF2-dependent genes by wild-type MEF2C.

The evolutionarily conserved Dim1 protein defines a novel branch of the thioredoxin fold superfamily

1999 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 109-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
YU-ZHU ZHANG ◽  
KATHLEEN L. GOULD ◽  
ROLAND L. DUNBRACK ◽  
HONG CHENG ◽  
HEINRICH RODER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Mrna Splicing ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Dominant Negative Form ◽  
Sequence Homologies ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Carboxy Terminal ◽  
Negative Form

Zhang, Yu-Zhu, Kathleen L. Gould, Roland L. Dunbrack, Jr., Hong Cheng, Heinrich Roder, and Erica A. Golemis. The evolutionarily conserved Dim1 protein defines a novel branch of the thioredoxin fold superfamily. Physiol. Genomics 1: 109–118, 1999.—Dim1 is a small evolutionarily conserved protein essential for G2/M transition that has recently been implicated as a component of the mRNA splicing machinery. To date, the mechanism of Dim1 function remains poorly defined, in part because of the absence of informative sequence homologies between Dim1 and other functionally defined proteins or protein domains. We have used a combination of molecular modeling and NMR structural analysis to demonstrate that ∼125 of the 142 amino acids of human Dim1 (hDim1) define a novel branch of the thioredoxin fold superfamily. Mutational analysis of Dim1 based on the predicted fold indicates that alterations in the region corresponding to the thioredoxin active site do not affect Dim1 activity. However, removal of a very short carboxy-terminal extension generates a dominant negative form of the protein [hDim1-(1–128)] that when overproduced induces cell cycle arrest in G2, via a mechanism likely to involve alteration of Dim1 association with partner molecules. In sum, this study identifies the Dim1 proteins as a novel sixth branch of the thioredoxin superfamily involved in cell cycle.

scholarly journals Assembly of the Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap4p/Hap5p-DNA Complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

2005 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
pp. 1829-1839 ◽  
Author(s):  
David S. McNabb ◽  
Inés Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Dna Interactions ◽  
Activation Domain ◽  
Binding Factor ◽  
Protein Dna Interactions ◽  
Dna Complex

ABSTRACT The CCAAT-binding factor (CBF) is an evolutionarily conserved multimeric transcriptional activator in eukaryotes. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the CCAAT-binding factor is composed of four subunits, termed Hap2p, Hap3p, Hap4p, and Hap5p. The Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap5p heterotrimer is the DNA-binding component of the complex that binds to the consensus 5′-CCAAT-3′ sequence in the promoter of target genes. The Hap4p subunit contains the transcriptional activation domain necessary for stimulating transcription after interacting with Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap5p. In this report, we demonstrate that Hap2p, Hap3p, and Hap5p assemble via a one-step pathway requiring all three subunits simultaneously, as opposed to the mammalian CCAAT-binding factor which has been shown to assemble via a two-step pathway with CBF-A (Hap3p homolog) and CBF-C (Hap5p homolog) forming a stable dimer before CBF-B (Hap2p homolog) can interact. We have also found that the interaction of Hap4p with Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap5p requires DNA binding as a prerequisite. To further understand the protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions of this transcription factor, we identified the minimal domain of Hap4p necessary for interaction with the Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap5p-DNA complex, and we demonstrate that this domain is sufficient to complement the respiratory deficiency of a hap4Δ mutant and activate transcription when fused with the VP16 activation domain. These studies provide a further understanding of the assembly of the yeast CCAAT-binding factor at target promoters and raise a number of questions concerning the protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions of this multisubunit transcription factor.

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