scholarly journals Uncleaved TFIIA Is a Substrate for Taspase 1 and Active in Transcription

2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 2728-2735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiqing Zhou ◽  
Salvatore Spicuglia ◽  
James J.-D. Hsieh ◽  
Dimitra J. Mitsiou ◽  
Torill Høiby ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT In higher eukaryotes, the large subunit of the general transcription factor TFIIA is encoded by the single TFIIAαβ gene and posttranslationally cleaved into α and β subunits. The molecular mechanisms and biological significance of this proteolytic process have remained obscure. Here, we show that TFIIA is a substrate of taspase 1 as reported for the trithorax group mixed-lineage leukemia protein. We demonstrate that recombinant taspase 1 cleaves TFIIA in vitro. Transfected taspase 1 enhances cleavage of TFIIA, and RNA interference knockdown of endogenous taspase 1 diminishes cleavage of TFIIA in vivo. In taspase 1−/− MEF cells, only uncleaved TFIIA is detected. In Xenopus laevis embryos, knockdown of TFIIA results in phenotype and expression defects. Both defects can be rescued by expression of an uncleavable TFIIA mutant. Our study shows that uncleaved TFIIA is transcriptionally active and that cleavage of TFIIA does not serve to render TFIIA competent for transcription. We propose that cleavage fine tunes the transcription regulation of a subset of genes during differentiation and development.

Genetics ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 153 (4) ◽  
pp. 1573-1581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Chou ◽  
Sukalyan Chatterjee ◽  
Mark Lee ◽  
Kevin Struhl

Abstract The general transcription factor IIA (TFIIA) forms a complex with TFIID at the TATA promoter element, and it inhibits the function of several negative regulators of the TATA-binding protein (TBP) subunit of TFIID. Biochemical experiments suggest that TFIIA is important in the response to transcriptional activators because activation domains can interact with TFIIA, increase recruitment of TFIID and TFIIA to the promoter, and promote isomerization of the TFIID-TFIIA-TATA complex. Here, we describe a double-shut-off approach to deplete yeast cells of Toa1, the large subunit of TFIIA, to <1% of the wild-type level. Interestingly, such TFIIA-depleted cells are essentially unaffected for activation by heat shock factor, Ace1, and Gal4-VP16. However, depletion of TFIIA causes a general two- to threefold decrease of transcription from most yeast promoters and a specific cell-cycle arrest at the G2-M boundary. These results indicate that transcriptional activation in vivo can occur in the absence of TFIIA.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongli Li ◽  
Qingjie Mu ◽  
Guoxin Zhang ◽  
Zhixin Shen ◽  
Yuanyuan Zhang ◽  
...  

AbstractIncreasing lines of evidence indicate the role of long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) in gene regulation and tumor development. Hence, it is important to elucidate the mechanisms of LncRNAs underlying the proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We employed microarrays to screen LncRNAs in LUAD tissues with and without lymph node metastasis and revealed their effects on LUAD. Among them, Linc00426 was selected for further exploration in its expression, the biological significance, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Linc00426 exhibits ectopic expression in LUAD tissues and cells. The ectopic expression has been clinically linked to tumor size, lymphatic metastasis, and tumor differentiation of patients with LUAD. The deregulation of Linc00426 contributes to a notable impairment in proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the deregulation of Linc00426 could reduce cytoskeleton rearrangement and matrix metalloproteinase expression. Meanwhile, decreasing the level of Linc00426 or increasing miR-455-5p could down-regulate the level of UBE2V1. Thus, Linc00426 may act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to abate miR-455-5p-dependent UBE2V1 reduction. We conclude that Linc00426 accelerates LUAD progression by acting as a molecular sponge to regulate miR-455-5p, and may be a potential novel tumor marker for LUAD.


Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zain Akram ◽  
Ishtiaq Ahmed ◽  
Heike Mack ◽  
Ramandeep Kaur ◽  
Richard C. Silva ◽  
...  

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has an actin cytoskeleton that comprises a set of protein components analogous to those found in the actin cytoskeletons of higher eukaryotes. Furthermore, the actin cytoskeletons of S. cerevisiae and of higher eukaryotes have some similar physiological roles. The genetic tractability of budding yeast and the availability of a stable haploid cell type facilitates the application of molecular genetic approaches to assign functions to the various actin cytoskeleton components. This has provided information that is in general complementary to that provided by studies of the equivalent proteins of higher eukaryotes and hence has enabled a more complete view of the role of these proteins. Several human functional homologues of yeast actin effectors are implicated in diseases. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the functions of these proteins is critical to develop improved therapeutic strategies. In this article we chose as examples four evolutionarily conserved proteins that associate with the actin cytoskeleton: (1) yeast Hof1p/mammalian PSTPIP1, (2) yeast Rvs167p/mammalian BIN1, (3) yeast eEF1A/eEF1A1 and eEF1A2 and (4) yeast Yih1p/mammalian IMPACT. We compare the knowledge on the functions of these actin cytoskeleton-associated proteins that has arisen from studies of their homologues in yeast with information that has been obtained from in vivo studies using live animals or in vitro studies using cultured animal cell lines.


Author(s):  
Allison H. Bartlett ◽  
Pyong Woo Park

Many microbial pathogens subvert proteoglycans for their adhesion to host tissues, invasion of host cells, infection of neighbouring cells, dissemination into the systemic circulation, and evasion of host defence mechanisms. Where studied, specific virulence factors mediate these proteoglycan–pathogen interactions, which are thus thought to affect the onset, progression and outcome of infection. Proteoglycans are composites of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains attached covalently to specific core proteins. Proteoglycans are expressed ubiquitously on the cell surface, in intracellular compartments, and in the extracellular matrix. GAGs mediate the majority of ligand-binding activities of proteoglycans, and many microbial pathogens elaborate cell-surface and secreted factors that interact with GAGs. Some pathogens also modulate the expression and function of proteoglycans through known virulence factors. Several GAG-binding pathogens can no longer attach to and invade host cells whose GAG expression has been reduced by mutagenesis or enzymatic treatment. Furthermore, GAG antagonists have been shown to inhibit microbial attachment and host cell entry in vitro and reduce virulence in vivo. Together, these observations underscore the biological significance of proteoglycan–pathogen interactions in infectious diseases.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 119 (18) ◽  
pp. 4174-4181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai Vu Nguyen ◽  
Enguerran Mouly ◽  
Karine Chemin ◽  
Romain Luinaud ◽  
Raymonde Despres ◽  
...  

Abstract In response to antigens and cytokines, mouse B cells undergo class-switch recombination (CSR) and differentiate into Ig-secreting cells. T-bet, a T-box transcription factor that is up-regulated in lymphocytes by IFN-γ or IL-27, was shown to regulate CSR to IgG2a after T cell–independent B-cell stimulations. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling this process remain unclear. In the present study, we show that inactivation of the Ets-1 transcription factor results in a severe decrease in IgG2a secretion in vivo and in vitro. No T-bet expression was observed in Ets-1–deficient (Ets-1−/−) B cells stimulated with IFN-γ and lipopolysaccharide, and forced expression of T-bet in these cells rescued IgG2a secretion. Furthermore, we identified a transcriptional enhancer in the T-bet locus with an activity in B cells that relies on ETS-binding sites. After IFN-γ stimulation of Ets-1−/− B cells, activated Stat1, which forms a complex with Ets-1 in wild-type cells, no longer binds to the T-bet enhancer or promotes histone modifications at this site. These results demonstrate that Ets-1 is critical for IgG2a CSR and acts as an essential cofactor for Stat1 in the regulation of T-bet expression in B cells.


2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 1297-1309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomohiro Kayama ◽  
Masaki Mori ◽  
Yoshiaki Ito ◽  
Takahide Matsushima ◽  
Ryo Nakamichi ◽  
...  

Mechanoforces experienced by an organ are translated into biological information for cellular sensing and response. In mammals, the tendon connective tissue experiences and resists physical forces, with tendon-specific mesenchymal cells called tenocytes orchestrating extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. We show that Mohawk (Mkx), a tendon-specific transcription factor, is essential in mechanoresponsive tenogenesis through regulation of its downstream ECM genes such as type I collagens and proteoglycans such as fibromodulin bothin vivoandin vitro. Wild-type (WT) mice demonstrated an increase in collagen fiber diameter and density in response to physical treadmill exercise, whereas inMkx−/−mice, tendons failed to respond to the same mechanical stimulation. Furthermore, functional screening of theMkxpromoter region identified several upstream transcription factors that regulateMkx. In particular, general transcription factor II-I repeat domain-containing protein 1 (Gtf2ird1) that is expressed in the cytoplasm of unstressed tenocytes translocated into the nucleus upon mechanical stretching to activate theMkxpromoter through chromatin regulation. Here, we demonstrate thatGtf2ird1is essential forMkxtranscription, while also linking mechanical forces toMkx-mediated tendon homeostasis and regeneration.


Diabetologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maude Giroud ◽  
Foivos-Filippos Tsokanos ◽  
Giorgio Caratti ◽  
Stefan Kotschi ◽  
Sajjad Khani ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims/hypothesis Adipocytes are critical cornerstones of energy metabolism. While obesity-induced adipocyte dysfunction is associated with insulin resistance and systemic metabolic disturbances, adipogenesis, the formation of new adipocytes and healthy adipose tissue expansion are associated with metabolic benefits. Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing adipogenesis is of great clinical potential to efficiently restore metabolic health in obesity. Here we investigate the role of heart and neural crest derivatives-expressed 2 (HAND2) in adipogenesis. Methods Human white adipose tissue (WAT) was collected from two cross-sectional studies of 318 and 96 individuals. In vitro, for mechanistic experiments we used primary adipocytes from humans and mice as well as human multipotent adipose-derived stem (hMADS) cells. Gene silencing was performed using siRNA or genetic inactivation in primary adipocytes from loxP and or tamoxifen-inducible Cre-ERT2 mouse models with Cre-encoding mRNA or tamoxifen, respectively. Adipogenesis and adipocyte metabolism were measured by Oil Red O staining, quantitative PCR (qPCR), microarray, glucose uptake assay, western blot and lipolysis assay. A combinatorial RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and ChIP qPCR approach was used to identify target genes regulated by HAND2. In vivo, we created a conditional adipocyte Hand2 deletion mouse model using Cre under control of the Adipoq promoter (Hand2AdipoqCre) and performed a large panel of metabolic tests. Results We found that HAND2 is an obesity-linked white adipocyte transcription factor regulated by glucocorticoids that was necessary but insufficient for adipocyte differentiation in vitro. In a large cohort of humans, WAT HAND2 expression was correlated to BMI. The HAND2 gene was enriched in white adipocytes compared with brown, induced early in differentiation and responded to dexamethasone (DEX), a typical glucocorticoid receptor (GR, encoded by NR3C1) agonist. Silencing of NR3C1 in hMADS cells or deletion of GR in a transgenic conditional mouse model results in diminished HAND2 expression, establishing that adipocyte HAND2 is regulated by glucocorticoids via GR in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we identified gene clusters indirectly regulated by the GR–HAND2 pathway. Interestingly, silencing of HAND2 impaired adipocyte differentiation in hMADS and primary mouse adipocytes. However, a conditional adipocyte Hand2 deletion mouse model using Cre under control of the Adipoq promoter did not mirror these effects on adipose tissue differentiation, indicating that HAND2 was required at stages prior to Adipoq expression. Conclusions/interpretation In summary, our study identifies HAND2 as a novel obesity-linked adipocyte transcription factor, highlighting new mechanisms of GR-dependent adipogenesis in humans and mice. Data availability Array data have been submitted to the GEO database at NCBI (GSE148699). Graphical abstract


Author(s):  
Moritz von Scheidt ◽  
Yuqi Zhao ◽  
Thomas Q. de Aguiar Vallim ◽  
Nam Che ◽  
Michael Wierer ◽  
...  

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial condition with both genetic and exogenous causes. The contribution of tissue specific functional networks to the development of atherosclerosis remains largely unclear. The aim of this study was to identify and characterise central regulators and networks leading to atherosclerosis. Methods: Based on several hundred genes known to affect atherosclerosis risk in mouse (as demonstrated in knock-out models) and human (as shown by genome-wide association studies (GWAS)) liver gene regulatory networks were modeled. The hierarchical order and regulatory directions of genes within the network were based on Bayesian prediction models as well as experimental studies including chromatin immunoprecipitation DNA-Sequencing (ChIP-Seq), ChIP mass spectrometry (ChIP-MS), overexpression, siRNA knockdown in mouse and human liver cells, and knockout mouse experiments. Bioinformatics and correlation analyses were used to clarify associations between central genes and CAD phenotypes in both human and mouse. Results: The transcription factor MAFF interacted as a key driver of a liver network with three human genes at CAD GWAS loci and eleven atherosclerotic murine genes. Most importantly, expression levels of the low-density lipoprotein receptor ( LDLR ) gene correlated with MAFF in 600 CAD patients undergoing bypass surgery (STARNET) and a hybrid mouse diversity panel involving 105 different inbred mouse strains. Molecular mechanisms of MAFF were tested under non-inflammatory conditions showing a positive correlation between MAFF and LDLR in vitro and in vivo . Interestingly, after LPS stimulation (inflammatory conditions) an inverse correlation between MAFF and LDLR in vitro and in vivo was observed. ChIP-MS revealed that the human CAD GWAS candidate BACH1 assists MAFF in the presence of LPS stimulation with respective heterodimers binding at the MAF recognition element (MARE) of the LDLR promoter to transcriptionally downregulate LDLR expression. Conclusions: The transcription factor MAFF was identified as a novel central regulator of an atherosclerosis/CAD relevant liver network. MAFF triggered context specific expression of LDLR and other genes known to affect CAD risk. Our results suggest that MAFF is a missing link between inflammation, lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and a possible treatment target.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pan He ◽  
Feng Liu ◽  
Zhijun Wang ◽  
Haoli Gong ◽  
Meilan Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are forms of non-coding RNAs that have crucial roles in regulation of various biological processes of several malignant tumors. circKIF4A is closely associated with malignant progression of a variety of cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms as well as roles of circKIF4A in osteosarcoma (OS) have not yet been clearly elucidated. Methods We evaluated the expression of circKIF4A in OS. Colony-formation, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell and mice metastasis model assays were done to explore the roles of circKIF4A in vitro and in vivo. TargetScan database, double luciferase, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-qPCR), and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were done to investigate the associated molecular mechanisms. Results In both OS cells and tissues, circKIF4A (hsa_circ_0007255) was found to be upregulated. In vitro and in vivo, circKIF4A knockdown markedly suppressed OS proliferation as well as metastasis. circKIF4A enhanced OS growth as well as metastasis by sponging miR-515-5p and by upregulating SLC7A11. Conclusions We identified the biological significance of the circKIF4A-miR-515-5p-SLC7A11 axis in OS cell proliferation and metastasis, which is important in OS monitoring and treatment. More studies on circKIF4A will inform on the diagnostic markers for early OS screening.


1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 1234-1243 ◽  
Author(s):  
J J Kang ◽  
D T Auble ◽  
J A Ranish ◽  
S Hahn

To probe the structure and function of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae general transcription factor TFIIA, we have systematically mutagenized the genes encoding both subunits and analyzed the effects of the mutations both in vivo and in vitro. We found that the central nonconserved region of the large subunit is not essential for function and likely acts as a spacer between the conserved N- and C-terminal regions. Deletion mutagenesis of the large subunit defined a region which is required for TATA binding protein (TBP) interaction. Alanine scanning mutagenesis defined a cluster of four basic residues which are likely required for interaction with DNA in the TBP-DNA complex. Much of the conserved regions of both subunits is required for subunit association, suggesting that these conserved regions fold into compact domains which extensively interact. In vitro transcription performed with extracts from yeast strains with mutations in either the large or the small TFIIA subunit demonstrated that TFIIA stimulates both basal and activated polymerase II (Pol II) transcription. The TFIIA-depleted extracts have normal Pol I and Pol III transcription activity, showing that TFIIA is a Pol II-specific factor. In vivo depletion of TFIIA activity reduced transcription from four different Pol II promoters. Finally, alanine scanning mutagenesis of TFIIA's small subunit has identified at least one mutation which is defective in transcription but which is not defective in subunit association or binding to TBP or TBP-DNA complexes.


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