scholarly journals The yeast alpha2 and Mcm1 proteins interact through a region similar to a motif found in homeodomain proteins of higher eukaryotes.

1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 2135-2143 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Mead ◽  
H Zhong ◽  
T B Acton ◽  
A K Vershon
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Transcriptional Repression ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Homeodomain Protein ◽  
Sequence Specificity ◽  
Homeodomain Proteins ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Transcriptional Regulatory

Homeodomain proteins are transcriptional regulatory factors that, in general, bind DNA with relatively low sequence specificity and affinity. One mechanism homeodomain proteins use to increase their biological specificity is through interactions with other DNA-binding proteins. We have examined how the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) homeodomain protein alpha2 specifically interacts with Mcm1, a MADS box protein, to bind DNA specifically and repress transcription. A patch of predominantly hydrophobic residues within a region preceding the homeodomain of alpha2 has been identified that specifies direct interaction with Mcm1 in the absence of DNA. This hydrophobic patch is required for cooperative DNA binding with Mcm1 in vitro and for transcriptional repression in vivo. We have also found that a conserved motif, termed YPWM, frequently found in homeodomain proteins of insects and mammals, partially functions in place of the patch in alpha2 to interact with Mcm1. These findings suggest that homeodomain proteins from diverse organisms may use analogous interaction motifs to associate with other proteins to achieve high levels of DNA binding affinity and specificity.

scholarly journals The transcriptional repressor even-skipped interacts directly with TATA-binding protein.

1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 5007-5016 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Um ◽  
C Li ◽  
J L Manley
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Transcriptional Repression ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Transcriptional Repressor ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Tata Binding Protein ◽  
Homeodomain Protein ◽  
Repression Domain

The Drosophila homeodomain protein Even-skipped (Eve) has previously been shown to function as a sequence-specific transcriptional repressor, and in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that the protein can actively block basal transcription. However, the mechanism of repression is not known. Here, we present evidence establishing a direct interaction between Eve and the TATA-binding protein (TBP). Using cotransfection assays with minimal basal promoters whose activity can be enhanced by coexpression of TBP, we found that Eve could efficiently block, or squelch, this enhancement. Squelching did not require Eve DNA-binding sites on the reporter plasmids but was dependent on the presence of the Eve repression domain. Further support for an in vivo interaction between the Eve repression domain and TBP was derived from a two-hybrid-type assay with transfected cells. Evidence that Eve and TBP interact directly was provided by in vitro binding assays, which revealed a specific protein-protein interaction that required an intact Eve repression domain and the conserved C terminus of TBP. The Eve homeodomain was also required for these associations, suggesting that it may function in protein-protein interactions. We also show that a previously characterized artificial repression region behaves in a manner similar to that of the Eve repression domain, including its ability to squelch TBP-enhanced expression in vivo and to bind TBP specifically in vitro. Our results suggest a model for transcriptional repression that involves an interaction between Eve and TBP.

scholarly journals Transcriptional repression by Msx-1 does not require homeodomain DNA-binding sites.

1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 861-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
K M Catron ◽  
H Zhang ◽  
S C Marshall ◽  
J A Inostroza ◽  
J M Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Transcriptional Repression ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Homeodomain Protein ◽  
Dna Binding Domain ◽  
Dna Binding Sites

This study investigates the transcriptional properties of Msx-1, a murine homeodomain protein which has been proposed to play a key role in regulating the differentiation and/or proliferation state of specific cell populations during embryogenesis. We show, using basal and activated transcription templates, that Msx-1 is a potent repressor of transcription and can function through both TATA-containing and TATA-less promoters. Moreover, repression in vivo and in vitro occurs in the absence of DNA-binding sites for the Msx-1 homeodomain. Utilizing a series of truncated Msx-1 polypeptides, we show that multiple regions of Msx-1 contribute to repression, and these are rich in alanine, glycine, and proline residues. When fused to a heterologous DNA-binding domain, both N- and C-terminal regions of Msx-1 retain repressor function, which is dependent upon the presence of the heterologous DNA-binding site. Moreover, a polypeptide consisting of the full-length Msx-1 fused to a heterologous DNA-binding domain is a more potent repressor than either the N- or C-terminal regions alone, and this fusion retains the ability to repress transcription in the absence of the heterologous DNA site. We further show that Msx-1 represses transcription in vitro in a purified reconstituted assay system and interacts with protein complexes composed of TBP and TFIIA (DA) and TBP, TFIIA, and TFIIB (DAB) in gel retardation assays, suggesting that the mechanism of repression is mediated through interaction(s) with a component(s) of the core transcription complex. We speculate that the repressor function of Msx-1 is critical for its proposed role in embryogenesis as a regulator of cellular differentiation.

scholarly journals The Yeast a1 and α2 Homeodomain Proteins Do Not Contribute Equally to Heterodimeric DNA Binding

1999 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 585-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yisheng Jin ◽  
Hualin Zhong ◽  
Andrew K. Vershon
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Binding Affinity ◽  
Sequence Specificity ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Homeodomain Proteins ◽  
Cell Type Specific ◽  
Dna Binding Affinity ◽  
Diploid Cells

ABSTRACT In diploid cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the α2 and a1 homeodomain proteins bind cooperatively to sites in the promoters of haploid cell-type-specific genes (hsg) to repress their expression. Although both proteins bind to the DNA, in the α2 homeodomain substitutions of residues that are involved in contacting the DNA have little or no effect on repression in vivo or cooperative DNA binding with a1 protein in vitro. This result brings up the question of the contribution of each protein in the heterodimer complex to the DNA-binding affinity and specificity. To determine the requirements for the a1-α2 homeodomain DNA recognition, we systematically introduced single base-pair substitutions in an a1-α2 DNA-binding site and examined their effects on repression in vivo and DNA binding in vitro. Our results show that nearly all substitutions that significantly decrease repression and DNA-binding affinity are at positions which are specifically contacted by either the α2 or a1 protein. Interestingly, an α2 mutant lacking side chains that make base-specific contacts in the major groove is able to discriminate between the wild-type and mutant DNA sites with the same sequence specificity as the wild-type protein. These results suggest that the specificity of α2 DNA binding in complex with a1 does not rely solely on the residues that make base-specific contacts. We have also examined the contribution of the a1 homeodomain to the binding affinity and specificity of the complex. In contrast to the lack of a defective phenotype produced by mutations in the α2 homeodomain, many of the alanine substitutions of residues in the a1 homeodomain have large effects on a1-α2-mediated repression and DNA binding. This result shows that the two proteins do not make equal contributions to the DNA-binding affinity of the complex.

scholarly journals The HOX Homeodomain Proteins Block CBP Histone Acetyltransferase Activity

2001 ◽  
Vol 21 (21) ◽  
pp. 7509-7522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-fang Shen ◽  
Keerthi Krishnan ◽  
H. J. Lawrence ◽  
Corey Largman
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Protein Function ◽  
Histone Acetyltransferase ◽  
Gene Activation ◽  
Homeodomain Proteins ◽  
Hox Proteins ◽  
Reporter Assays ◽  
Hox Protein

ABSTRACT Despite the identification of PBC proteins as cofactors that provide DNA affinity and binding specificity for the HOX homeodomain proteins, HOX proteins do not demonstrate robust activity in transient-transcription assays and few authentic downstream targets have been identified for these putative transcription factors. During a search for additional cofactors, we established that each of the 14 HOX proteins tested, from 11 separate paralog groups, binds to CBP or p300. All six isolated homeodomain fragments tested bind to CBP, suggesting that the homeodomain is a common site of interaction. Surprisingly, CBP-p300 does not form DNA binding complexes with the HOX proteins but instead prevents their binding to DNA. The HOX proteins are not substrates for CBP histone acetyltransferase (HAT) but instead inhibit the activity of CBP in both in vitro and in vivo systems. These mutually inhibitory interactions are reflected by the inability of CBP to potentiate the low levels of gene activation induced by HOX proteins in a range of reporter assays. We propose two models for HOX protein function: (i) HOX proteins may function without CBP HAT to regulate transcription as cooperative DNA binding molecules with PBX, MEIS, or other cofactors, and (ii) the HOX proteins may inhibit CBP HAT activity and thus function as repressors of gene transcription.

scholarly journals Transcriptional repression of the gluconeogenic gene PEPCK by the orphan nuclear receptor SHP through inhibitory interaction with C/EBPα

2007 ◽  
Vol 402 (3) ◽  
pp. 567-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Jung Park ◽  
Hee Jeong Kong ◽  
Hye Young Kim ◽  
Hyeong Hoe Kim ◽  
Joon Hong Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Receptor ◽  
Transcriptional Repression ◽  
Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase ◽  
Regulatory Element ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Orphan Nuclear Receptor ◽  
Hepatic Gluconeogenesis ◽  
Inhibitory Interaction

SHP (short heterodimer partner) is an orphan nuclear receptor that plays an important role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. A variety of transcription factors are known to regulate transcription of the PEPCK (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) gene, which encodes a rate-determining enzyme in hepatic gluconeogenesis. Previous reports identified glucocorticoid receptor and Foxo1 as novel downstream targets regulating SHP inhibition [Borgius, Steffensen, Gustafsson and Treuter (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 49761–49796; Yamagata, Daitoku, Shimamoto, Matsuzaki, Hirota, Ishida and Fukamizu (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 23158–23165]. In the present paper, we show a new molecular mechanism of SHP-mediated inhibition of PEPCK transcription. We also show that the CRE1 (cAMP regulatory element 1; −99 to −76 bp relative to the transcription start site) of the PEPCK promoter is also required for the inhibitory regulation by SHP. SHP repressed C/EBPα (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α)-driven transcription of PEPCK through direct interaction with C/EBPα protein both in vitro and in vivo. The formation of an active transcriptional complex of C/EBPα and its binding to DNA was inhibited by SHP, resulting in the inhibition of PEPCK gene transcription. Taken together, these results suggest that SHP might regulate a level of hepatic gluconeogenesis driven by C/EBPα activation.

scholarly journals The pancreatic islet factor STF-1 binds cooperatively with Pbx to a regulatory element in the somatostatin promoter: importance of the FPWMK motif and of the homeodomain.

1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 7091-7097 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Peers ◽  
S Sharma ◽  
T Johnson ◽  
M Kamps ◽  
M Montminy
Keyword(s):  
Target Genes ◽  
Gene Selection ◽  
Regulatory Element ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Cooperative Binding ◽  
Homeodomain Protein ◽  
Homeodomain Proteins ◽  
Target Sites

A number of homeodomain proteins have been shown to regulate cellular development by stimulating the transcription of specific target genes. In contrast to their distinct activities in vivo, however, most homeodomain proteins bind indiscriminately to potential target sites in vitro, suggesting the involvement of cofactors which specify target site selection. One such cofactor, termed extradenticle, has been shown to influence segmental morphogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster by binding cooperatively with certain homeodomain proteins to target regulatory elements. Here we demonstrate that STF-1, an orphan homeodomain protein required for pancreatic development in mammals, binds cooperatively to DNA with Pbx, the mammalian homolog of extradenticle. Cooperative binding with Pbx requires a pentapeptide motif (FPWMK) which is well conserved among a large subset of homeodomain proteins. The FPMWK motif is not sufficient to confer Pbx cooperativity on other homeodomain proteins, however; the N-terminal arm of the STF-1 homeodomain is also essential. As cooperative binding with Pbx occurs on only a subset of potential STF-1 target sites, our results suggest that Pbx may specify target gene selection in the developing pancreas by forming heterodimeric complexes with STF-1.

scholarly journals Even-skipped Represses Transcription by Binding TATA Binding Protein and Blocking the TFIID-TATA Box Interaction

1998 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3771-3781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi Li ◽  
James L. Manley
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
In Vitro Transcription ◽  
Tata Binding Protein ◽  
Tata Box ◽  
Homeodomain Protein ◽  
Necessary And Sufficient

ABSTRACT The Drosophila homeodomain protein Even-skipped (Eve) is a transcriptional repressor, and previous studies have suggested that it functions by interfering with the basal transcription machinery. Here we describe experiments indicating that the mechanism of Eve repression involves a direct interaction with the TATA binding protein (TBP) that blocks binding of TBP-TFIID to the promoter. We first compared Eve activities in in vitro transcription systems reconstituted with either all the general transcription factors or only TBP, TFIIB, TFIIF30, and RNA polymerase II. In each case, equivalent and very efficient levels of repression were observed, indicating that no factors other than those in the minimal system are required for repression. We then show that Eve can function efficiently when its recognition sites are far from the promoter and that the same regions of Eve required for repression in vivo are necessary and sufficient for in vitro repression. This includes, in addition to an Ala-Pro-rich region, residues within the homeodomain. Using GAL4-Eve fusion proteins, we demonstrate that the homeodomain plays a role in repression in addition to DNA binding, which is to facilitate interaction with TBP. Single-round transcription experiments indicate that Eve must function prior to TBP binding to the promoter, suggesting a mechanism whereby Eve represses by competing with the TATA box for TBP binding. Consistent with this, excess TATA box-containing oligonucleotide is shown to specifically and efficiently disrupt the TBP-Eve interaction. Importantly, we show that Eve binds directly to TFIID and that this interaction can also be disrupted by the TATA oligonucleotide. We conclude that Eve represses transcription via a direct interaction with TBP that blocks TFIID binding to the promoter.

scholarly journals A Human TATA Binding Protein-Related Protein with Altered DNA Binding Specificity Inhibits Transcription from Multiple Promoters and Activators

1999 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 7610-7620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul A. Moore ◽  
Josef Ozer ◽  
Moreh Salunek ◽  
Gwenael Jan ◽  
Dennis Zerby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Transcriptional Repression ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Tata Binding Protein ◽  
Related Protein ◽  
Multiple Promoters ◽  
Binding Surface

ABSTRACT The TATA binding protein (TBP) plays a central role in eukaryotic and archael transcription initiation. We describe the isolation of a novel 23-kDa human protein that displays 41% identity to TBP and is expressed in most human tissue. Recombinant TBP-related protein (TRP) displayed barely detectable binding to consensus TATA box sequences but bound with slightly higher affinities to nonconsensus TATA sequences. TRP did not substitute for TBP in transcription reactions in vitro. However, addition of TRP potently inhibited basal and activated transcription from multiple promoters in vitro and in vivo. General transcription factors TFIIA and TFIIB bound glutathioneS-transferase–TRP in solution but failed to stimulate TRP binding to DNA. Preincubation of TRP with TFIIA inhibited TBP-TFIIA-DNA complex formation and addition of TFIIA overcame TRP-mediated transcription repression. TRP transcriptional repression activity was specifically reduced by mutations in TRP that disrupt the TFIIA binding surface but not by mutations that disrupt the TFIIB or DNA binding surface of TRP. These results suggest that TFIIA is a primary target of TRP transcription inhibition and that TRP may modulate transcription by a novel mechanism involving the partial mimicry of TBP functions.

scholarly journals Both Pbx1 and E2A-Pbx1 bind the DNA motif ATCAATCAA cooperatively with the products of multiple murine Hox genes, some of which are themselves oncogenes.

1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 3786-3795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Q Lu ◽  
P S Knoepfler ◽  
J Scheele ◽  
D D Wright ◽  
M P Kamps
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Hox Genes ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Homeodomain Protein ◽  
Structural Development ◽  
Cell Leukemia ◽  
Homeodomain Proteins ◽  
Hox Proteins

E2A-PBX1 is the oncogene produced at the t(1;19) chromosomal breakpoint of pediatric pre-B-cell leukemia. Expression of E2A-Pbx1 induces fibroblast transformation and myeloid and T-cell leukemia in mice and arrests differentiation of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor-dependent myeloblasts in cultured marrow. Recently, the Drosophila melanogaster protein Exd, which is highly related to Pbx1, was shown to bind DNA cooperatively with the Drosophila homeodomain proteins Ubx and Abd-A. Here, we demonstrate that the normal Pbx1 homeodomain protein, as well as its oncogenic derivative, E2A-Pbx1, binds the DNA sequence ATCAATCAA cooperatively with the murine Hox-A5, Hox-B7, Hox-B8, and Hox-C8 homeodomain proteins, which are themselves known oncoproteins, as well as with the Hox-D4 homeodomain protein. Cooperative binding to ATCAATCAA required the homeodomain-dependent DNA-binding activities of both Pbx1 and the Hox partner. In cotransfection assays, Hox-B8 suppressed transactivation by E2A-Pbx1. These results suggest that (i) Pbx1 may participate in the normal regulation of Hox target gene transcription in vivo and therein contribute to aspects of anterior-posterior patterning and structural development in vertebrates, (ii) that E2A-Pbx1 could abrogate normal differentiation by altering the transcriptional regulation of Hox target genes in conjunction with Hox proteins, and (iii) that the oncogenic mechanism of certain Hox proteins may require their physical interaction with Pbx1 as a cooperating, DNA-binding partner.

scholarly journals Transcriptional repression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by a SIN3-LexA fusion protein

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1805-1814
Author(s):  
H Wang ◽  
D J Stillman
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Transcriptional Repression ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Dna Binding Proteins ◽  
Predicted Amino Acid Sequence

The yeast SIN3 gene (also known as SDI1, UME4, RPD1, and GAM2) has been identified as a transcriptional regulator. Previous work has led to the suggestion that SIN3 regulates transcription via interactions with DNA-binding proteins. Although the SIN3 protein is located in the nucleus, it does not bind directly to DNA in vitro. We have expressed a LexA-SIN3 fusion protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and show that this fusion protein represses transcription from heterologous promoters that contain lexA operators. The predicted amino acid sequence of the SIN3 protein contains four copies of a paired amphipathic helix (PAH) motif, similar to motifs found in HLH (helix-loop-helix) and TPR (tetratricopeptide repeat) proteins, and these motifs are proposed to be involved in protein-protein interactions. We have conducted a deletion analysis of the SIN3 gene and show that the PAH motifs are required for SIN3 activity. Additionally, the C-terminal region of the SIN3 protein is sufficient for repression activity in a LexA-SIN3 fusion, and deletion of a PAH motif in this region inactivates this repression activity. A model is presented in which SIN3 recognizes specific DNA-binding proteins in vivo in order to repress transcription.

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