The mouse homeodomain protein Phox2 regulates Ncam promoter activity in concert with Cux/CDP and is a putative determinant of neurotransmitter phenotype

Development ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 881-896 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Valarche ◽  
J.P. Tissier-Seta ◽  
M.R. Hirsch ◽  
S. Martinez ◽  
C. Goridis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Peripheral Nervous System ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Promoter Activity ◽  
Regulatory Element ◽  
Homeodomain Protein ◽  
Sensory Ganglia ◽  
Homeodomain Proteins ◽  
Regulatory Cascade

Transcriptional regulation of the gene encoding the cell adhesion receptor NCAM (neural cell adhesion molecule), a putative effector molecule of a variety of morphogenetic events, is likely to involve important regulators of morphogenesis. Here we identify two mouse homeodomain proteins that bind to an upstream regulatory element in the Ncam promoter: Cux, related to Drosophila cut and human CDP, and Phox2, a novel protein with a homeodomain related to that of the Drosophila paired gene. In transient transfection experiments, Cux was found to be a strong inhibitor of Ncam promoter activity, and this inhibition could be relieved by simultaneously overexpressing Phox2. These results suggest that the Ncam gene might be a direct target of homeodomain proteins and provide a striking example of regulatory cross-talk between homeodomain proteins of different classes. Whereas the expression pattern of Cux/CDP includes many NCAM-negative sites, Phox2 expression was restricted to cells also expressing Ncam or their progenitors. The localisation data thus strongly reinforce the notion that Phox2 plays a role in transcriptional activation of Ncam in Phox2-positive cell types. In the peripheral nervous system, Phox2 was strongly expressed in all ganglia of the autonomic nervous system and more weakly in some cranial sensory ganglia, but not in the sensory ganglia of the trunk. Phox2 transcripts were detected in the primordia of sympathetic ganglia as soon as they form. Phox2 expression in the brain was confined to spatially restricted domains in the hindbrain, which correspond to the noradrenergic and adrenergic nuclei once they are identifiable. All Phox2-expressing components of the peripheral nervous system are at least transiently adrenergic or noradrenergic. In the developing brain, Phox2 was expressed at all known locations of (nor)adrenergic neurones and of their precursors. These results suggest that Phox2, in addition to regulating the NCAM gene, may be part of the regulatory cascade that controls the differentiation of neurons towards this neurotransmitter phenotype.

scholarly journals H-2-linked genes influence the severity of herpes simplex virus infection of the peripheral nervous system.

1989 ◽  
Vol 169 (4) ◽  
pp. 1503-1507 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Simmons
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Peripheral Nervous System ◽  
Herpes Simplex Virus Infection ◽  
Genetic Resistance ◽  
Mouse Strains ◽  
Sensory Ganglia ◽  
Herpetic Infection ◽  
Severity Of Disease ◽  
Impaired Ability ◽  
Simplex Virus

Infection of the peripheral nervous system was studied after inoculation of HSV into the flank skin of H-2 congenic mice. The amount of virus recovered from the sensory ganglia varied significantly between the mouse strains tested. Differences became apparent 7 d after infection, at which time the severity of disease in H-2k mice was two to three orders of magnitude greater than that in H-2d animals. The association of the H-2k haplotype with impaired ability to clear HSV from the nervous system is the first clear demonstration that genes within the MHC can influence the severity of primary herpetic infection, in spite of numerous studies on genetic resistance to this disease.

scholarly journals Transcriptional Activation of the Decidual/Trophoblast Prolactin-Related Protein Gene1

Endocrinology ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 140 (9) ◽  
pp. 4032-4039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle E. Orwig ◽  
Michael J. Soares
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Promoter Activity ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Regulatory Element ◽  
Gene Activation ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Related Protein ◽  
Trophoblast Cells ◽  
Decidual Cells

Abstract The decidual/trophoblast PRL-related protein (d/tPRP) is dually expressed by decidual and trophoblast cells during pregnancy. We have characterized the proximal d/tPRP promoter responsible for directing d/tPRP expression in decidual and trophoblast cells. We have demonstrated that the proximal 93 bp of d/tPRP 5′-flanking DNA are sufficient to direct luciferase gene expression in primary decidual and Rcho-1 trophoblast cells, but not in fibroblast, undifferentiated uterine stromal cells or trophoblast cells of a labyrinthine lineage. The 93-bp d/tPRP promoter was also sufficient to direct differentiation-dependent expression in trophoblast giant cells. Mutational analysis demonstrated the differential importance of activating protein-1 and Ets regulatory elements (located within the proximal 93 bp of d/tPRP 5′-flanking DNA) for activation of the d/tPRP promoter in decidual vs. trophoblast cells. Disruption of the activating protein-1 regulatory element inhibited d/tPRP promoter activity by more than 95% in decidual cells, and approximately 80% trophoblast cells. Disruption of the Ets regulatory element reduced d/tPRP promoter activity by approximately 50% in decidual cells, while inactivating the d/tPRP promoter in trophoblast cells. Protein interactions with the trophoblast Ets regulatory element were shown to be cell type specific and to change during trophoblast giant cell formation. In conclusion, a 93-bp region of the d/tPRP promoter is shown to contain regulatory elements sufficient for gene activation in decidual and trophoblast cells.

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.

Mechanisms for Transcriptional Activation of the Human Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule Gene and Its Silencing by Immunosuppressive Toxins.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 1637-1637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang Tan ◽  
Flaubert Mbeunkui ◽  
Crystal Harris ◽  
Solomon F. Ofori-Acquah
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Promoter Activity ◽  
Cell Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Start Site ◽  
Translational Start Site ◽  
Translational Start ◽  
Binding Sequence

Abstract Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM/CD166) is a member of the immunoglobulin super-family. It is expressed on the surfaces of activated monocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages. These immune cells use ALCAM through homotypic and heterotypic adhesions to control multiple stages in the inflammatory response. Indeed, anti-ALCAM antibodies and recombinant soluble ALCAM significantly inhibit monocyte transendothelial migration, stabilization of the immunological synapse and dendritic cell-mediated T-lymphocyte proliferation. Despite this significance, there is currently no understanding of how the human ALCAM gene is regulated. In this study, we identified the mechanisms for transcription, basal transcriptional activation and immunosuppressive silencing of the ALCAM gene. A common site for transcription of the ALCAM gene was identified 350 base pairs (bp) upstream from the translational start site. Multiple truncated fragments of the ALCAM promoter was cloned from genomic DNA and sub-cloned upstream of a promoterless luciferase vector. A proximal 650-bp promoter sequence conferred tissue-independent activation in hematopoietic, epithelial and endothelial cells. A canonical Sp1 binding sequence at −550 upstream of the translational start site was mapped within this proximal positive regulatory promoter region. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed this sequence was essential for optimum ALCAM promoter activity. Importantly, Sp1 occupied the cognate sequence in vivo as determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Over-expression of Sp1 significantly increased ALCAM promoter activity whereas a control expression vector had no impact. DNA sequences in the interval −600 to −800 negatively influenced promoter activity in a tissue-specific manner. This region contained a putative binding sequence for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), which highlighted ALCAM as a potential target of the immunosuppressing ligand dioxin. This hypothesis was tested by examination of whether ALCAM activation is blocked by 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in monocytes differentiating into macrophages and dendritic cells. Expression of ALCAM was increased 3–5-fold in HL-60 and THP-1 monocytes treated with the differentiating agent phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. TCDD dose dependently blocked this activation, indeed, the highest concentration of TCDD (25 nM) used in this study completely blocked ALCAM activation in both monocytic cells. In conclusion, we have unveiled for the first time, the molecular basis for transcription and basal trans-activation of the human ALCAM gene, and identified the Ahr-pathway as a powerful silencer of ALCAM gene activation. Further studies of the ALCAM promoter, may clarify how this gene is up-regulated as part of the inflammatory response, and how it is silenced by immunotoxins. Heterologous expression of ALCAM may be a potential strategy to mitigate the immunosuppressive effects of dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

scholarly journals Neurite extension of chicken peripheral nervous system neurons on fibronectin: relative importance of specific adhesion sites in the central cell-binding domain and the alternatively spliced type III connecting segment.

1988 ◽  
Vol 106 (4) ◽  
pp. 1289-1297 ◽  
Author(s):  
M J Humphries ◽  
S K Akiyama ◽  
A Komoriya ◽  
K Olden ◽  
K M Yamada
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Neurite Outgrowth ◽  
Peripheral Nervous System ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Central Cell ◽  
Cell Binding ◽  
Alternatively Spliced ◽  
Cell Binding Domain ◽  
Iiics Region

Fibronectin contains at least two domains that support cell adhesion. One is the central cell-binding domain that is recognized by a variety of cell types, including fibroblasts. The second, originally identified by its ability to support melanoma cell adhesion, is located in the alternatively spliced type III connecting segment (IIICS). Using specific adhesive ligands and inhibitory probes, we have examined the role of each of these domains in fibronectin-mediated neurite extension of neurons from chick embryo dorsal root and sympathetic ganglia. In studies using explanted ganglia, both fl3, a 75-kD tryptic fragment of human plasma fibronectin containing the central cell-binding domain, and CS1-IgG, a synthetic peptide-IgG conjugate containing the principal cell adhesion site from the IIICS, supported neurite outgrowth after adsorption onto the substrate. The maximal activities of fl3 and CSl-IgG were 45-55% and 25-30% that of intact fibronectin, respectively. Co-coating of the substrate with f13 and CS1-IgG produced an additive stimulation of neurite outgrowth, the extent of which approached that obtained with fibronectin. Similar results were obtained with purified neuronal cell preparations isolated by tryptic dissociation of dorsal root ganglia. In complementary studies, blockage of the adhesive function of either the central cell-binding domain (with mAb 333, an antiadhesive monoclonal antibody) or the IIICS (with CS1 peptide), resulted in approximately 60 or 30% reduction in fibronectin-mediated neurite outgrowth, respectively. When tested in combination, the inhibitory activities of mAb 333 and CSl were additive. From these results, we conclude that neurons from the peripheral nervous system can extend neurites on both the central cell-binding domain and the IIICS region of fibronectin, and that these cells are therefore the first normal, embryonic cell type shown to adhere to the IIICS. These results suggest that spatiotemporal fluctuations in the alternative mRNA splicing of the IIICS region of fibronectin may be important in regulation of cell adhesive events during development of the peripheral nervous system.

Functional differences between Ultrabithorax protein isoforms in Drosophila melanogaster: evidence from elimination, substitution and ectopic expression of specific isoforms.

Genetics ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 136 (3) ◽  
pp. 979-991 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Subramaniam ◽  
H M Bomze ◽  
A J López
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Peripheral Nervous System ◽  
Mutant Allele ◽  
Stop Codon ◽  
Functional Limitation ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Protein Isoforms ◽  
Homeodomain Protein ◽  
Alternatively Spliced

Abstract The homeotic selector gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx) specifies regional identities in multiple tissues within the thorax and abdomen of Drosophila melanogaster. Ubx encodes a family of six developmentally specific homeodomain protein isoforms translated from alternatively spliced mRNAs. The mutant allele Ubx195 contains a stop codon in exon mII, one of three differential elements, and consequently produces functional UBX protein only from mRNAs of type IVa and IVb, which are expressed mainly in the central nervous system. Although it retains activity for other processes, Ubx195 behaves like a null allele with respect to development of the peripheral nervous system, indicating that UBX-IVa and IVb alone do not contribute detectable Ubx function for this tissue. The mutant allele UbxMX17 contains an inversion of exon mII. We find that this allele only produces mRNAs of type IVa, but the expression pattern of the resulting UBX-IVa protein is indistinguishable from that of total UBX protein expression in wild-type embryos. The phenotype of homozygous UbxMX17 embryos indicates that UBX-IVa cannot substitute functionally for other isoforms to promote normal development of the peripheral nervous system. This functional limitation is confirmed by a detailed analysis of the peripheral nervous system in embryos that express specific UBX isoforms ectopically under control of a heat shock promoter. Additional observations suggest that UBX isoforms also differ in their ability to function in other tissues.

scholarly journals GATA2-Induced Silencing and LIM-Homeodomain Protein-Induced Activation Are Mediated by a Bi-Functional Response Element in the Rat GnRH Receptor Gene

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Laure Schang ◽  
Anne Granger ◽  
Bruno Quérat ◽  
Christian Bleux ◽  
Joëlle Cohen-Tannoudji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Promoter Activity ◽  
Receptor Gene ◽  
Gnrh Receptor ◽  
Expression Vectors ◽  
Homeodomain Protein ◽  
Homeodomain Proteins ◽  
Enhancer Activity ◽  
Response Element ◽  
Lim Homeodomain

GATA2 transcription factor and LIM homeodomain proteins Islet1 (ISL1) and LIM homeobox 3 (LHX3) are suspected to be involved in gonadotrope cell fate and maintenance. The GnRH receptor gene (Gnrhr), crucial for gonadotrope function, is expressed in the pituitary gland from embryonic day 13.5 onward, well before LH and FSH β-subunits. This expression pattern together with the presence of WGATAR and TAAT motifs in Gnrhr promoter sequences suggests the involvement of early transcription factors in promoter activation. In this study, using a well-characterized transgenic mouse model, GATA2 was found colocalized with Gnrhr promoter activity in the pituitary. Transient transfection of Gnrhr promoter luciferase fusion constructs together with either GATA2 expression vectors or small interfering RNA in gonadotrope cell lines indicated that GATA2, which typically acts as a trans-activator, unexpectedly repressed Gnrhr promoter activity. Using DNA chromatography affinity and EMSA, we demonstrated that GATA2 operates via a response element containing a peculiar palindromic GATA motif that overlaps a critical TAAT motif involved in LHX3/ISL1 trans-activation. Indeed, despite the inhibitory action of GATA2, this element displayed a clear-cut enhancer activity in gonadotrope cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that GATA2, LHX3, and ISL1 interact with a Gnrhr promoter fragment encompassing this element. The trans-repressive action of GATA2 on Gnrhr promoter activity is likely balanced or even hindered by trans-activating effects of LIM homeodomain proteins via this novel bifunctional LIM/GATA response element. Such a hierarchical interplay may contribute to finely adjust Gnrhr gene expression in gonadotrope cell lineage during pituitary development as well as in the adult animal.

scholarly journals Cloning of the human activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule promoter and identification of its tissue-independent transcriptional activation by Sp1

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang Tan ◽  
Flaubert Mbunkui ◽  
Solomon Ofori-Acquah
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Promoter Activity ◽  
Cell Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Dna Elements ◽  
Pair Sequence ◽  
Regulatory Dna

AbstractActivated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) belongs to the immunoglobulin cell adhesion molecule super family. ALCAM is implicated in tumor progression, inflammation, and the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. Hitherto, the identity of regulatory DNA elements and cognate transcription factors responsible for ALCAM gene expression remained unknown. In this report, the human ALCAM promoter was cloned and its transcriptional mechanisms elucidated. The promoter is TATA-less and contains multiple GC-boxes. A proximal 650-bp promoter fragment conferred tissue-independent activation, whereas two contiguous regions upstream of this region negatively influenced promoter activity in a tissue-specific manner. The positive regulatory promoter region was mapped to a core 50 base pair sequence containing a conical Sp1 element. Mutation analysis revealed that this element alone or in tandem with elements immediately upstream was required for maximal promoter activity. Chromatin analysis revealed that Sp1 binds exclusively to the canonical binding sequence in vivo, but not to DNA sequence immediately upstream. Finally, we showed that over-expression of Sp1 significantly increased the basal promoter activity. Thus, Sp1 activated the ALCAM promoter in most cells. These findings have important ramifications for unraveling the roles of ALCAM in inflammation and tumorigenesis.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document