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Transcriptional regulation of pig lactase-phlorizin hydrolase: involvement of HNF-1 and FREACs.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: One-kilobase sequence of the upstream fragment of the pig lactase-phlorizin hydrolase gene has been shown to control small intestinal-specific expression and postweaning decline of lactase-phlorizin hydrolase in transgenic mice. The aim of this study was to identify the regulatory DNA elements and transcription factors controlling lactase-phlorizin hydrolase expression. METHODS: The activity of different lactase-phlorizin hydrolase promoter fragments was investigated by transfection experiments using Caco-2 cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and supershift analyses were used to characterize the interaction between intestinal transcription factors and the identified regulatory elements. RESULTS: Functional analysis revealed three previously undescribed regulatory regions in the lactase-phlorizin hydrolase promoter: a putative enhancer between -894 and -798 binding hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1 at position -894 to -880; a repressor-binding element between -278 to -264 to which an HNF-3-like factor is able to bind; and an element between -178 to -164 that binds an activating transcription factor. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of three new regulatory regions and HNF-1 and HNF-3-like transcription factor as players in the regulation of lactase-phlorizin hydrolase gene transcription has an impact on the understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind age-dependent, tissue-specific, differentiation-dependent, and regional regulation of expression in the intestine.

Animals↗

Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes protein Lmo0327 with murein hydrolase activity.

Listeria monocytogenes is an ubiquitous gram-positive, opportunistic food-borne human and animal pathogen. To date, five L. monocytogenes autolysins have been characterized: p60, p45, Ami, MurA and Auto and the preliminary results of our studies show that FlaA, a flagellar protein of L. monocytogenes, also has murein-degrading activity. In this study, a gene coding a 144 kDa protein (Lmo0327) with murein hydrolase activity was identified from a lambda Zap expression library of L. monocytogenes EGD genomic DNA, using a direct screening protocol involving the plating of infected Escherichia coli XL1-blue MRF' cells onto medium containing Bacillus subtilis murein, a substrate for autolytic proteins. Protein Lmo0327 has a signal sequence, a N-terminal LRR domain and a C-terminal wall-anchoring LPXTG motif. In order to examine the roles of this enzyme and the putative transcription regulator coded by gene lmo0326 located upstream of lmo0327, both structural genes were insertionally inactivated by site-specific integration of a temperature-sensitive plasmid. We show that Lmo0327 is a surface protein covalently linked to murein and that the putative transcription regulator Lmo0326 can be assumed to positively regulate the expression of gene lmo0327. The enzyme, which we have shown to have murein-hydrolysing activity, plays a role in cell separation and murein turnover.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification and regulatory analysis of rainbow trout tapasin and tapasin-related genes.

Tapasin (TAPBP) is a key member of MHC class Ia antigen-loading complexes, bridging the class Ia molecule to the transporter associated with antigen presentation (TAP). As part of an ongoing study of MHC genomics in rainbow trout, we have identified two rainbow trout TAPBP genes (Onmy-TAPBP.a and .b) and a similar but distinct TAPBP-related gene (Onmy-TAPBP-R) that had previously only been described in mammals. Physical and genetic mapping indicate that Onmy-TAPBP.a is on chromosome 18 in the MHC class Ia region and that Onmy-TAPBP.b resides on chromosome 14 in the MHC class Ib region. There are also at least two copies of TAPBP-R, Onmy-TAPBP-R.a and Onmy-TAPBP-R.b, located on chromosomes 2 and 3, respectively. Due to the central role of TAPBP expression during acute viral infection, we have characterized the transcriptional profile and regulatory regions for both Onmy-TAPBP and Onmy-TAPBP-R. Transcription of both genes increased during acute infection with infectious hematapoeitic necrosis virus (IHNV) in a fashion indicative of interferon-mediated regulation. Promoter-reporter assays in STE-137 cells demonstrate that the trout TAPBP and TAPBP-R promoters respond to interferon regulatory factors, Onmy-IRF1 and Onmy-IRF2. Overall, TAPBP is expressed at higher levels than TAPBP-R in naïve tissues and TAPBP transcription is more responsive to viral infection and IRF1 and 2 binding.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The three 'C' s of chromosome conformation capture: controls, controls, controls.

Transcription regulation in higher eukaryotes is controlled by regulatory elements such as enhancers that are recognized by transcription factors. In many cases regulatory elements can be located at distances up to several megabases from their target genes. Recent evidence shows that long-range control of gene expression can be mediated through direct physical interactions between genes and these regulatory elements. Such looping interactions can be detected using the chromosome conformation capture (3C) methodology. Although 3C is experimentally straightforward, to draw meaningful conclusions one must carefully design 3C experiments and implement the conscientious use of controls. The general guidelines presented here should help experimental design and minimize misinterpretation of 3C experiments.

Chromosomes↗

p38 and a p38-interacting protein are critical for downregulation of E-cadherin during mouse gastrulation.

During vertebrate gastrulation, an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is necessary for migration of mesoderm from the primitive streak. We demonstrate that p38 MAP kinase and a p38-interacting protein (p38IP) are critically required for downregulation of E-cadherin during gastrulation. In an ENU-mutagenesis screen we identified the droopy eye (drey) mutation, which affects splicing of p38IP. p38IP(drey) mutant embryos display incompletely penetrant defects in neural tube closure, eye development, and gastrulation. A stronger allele (p38IP(RRK)) exhibits gastrulation defects in which mesoderm migration is defective due to deficiency in E-cadherin protein downregulation in the primitive streak. We show that p38IP binds directly to p38 and is required for p38 activation in vivo. Moreover, both p38 and p38IP are required for E-cadherin downregulation during gastrulation. Finally, p38 regulates E-cadherin protein expression downstream from NCK-interacting kinase (NIK) and independently of the regulation of transcription by Fibroblast Growth Factor (Fgf) signaling and Snail.

Alternative Splicing↗

A role for the transcriptional repressor REST in maintaining the phenotype of neurosecretory-deficient PC12 cells.

The rat PC12 variant cell line, A35C, lacks regulated secretory organelles due to a selective transcriptional block. Hence, A35C may provide clues about the mechanisms that underlie control of neurosecretion. We used mRNA microarray profiling to examine gene expression in A35C. Genes for regulated secretory proteins were down-regulated, while other membrane trafficking pathways were unaffected. A subset of genes repressed in A35C contain binding sites for the neuronal transcriptional repressor, RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST), and REST is expressed in A35C but not normal PC12 cells. Blocking the activity of REST in A35C using a dominant-negative construct induced the reappearance of mRNAs for synaptophysin, chromogranin A, synaptotagmin IV and the beta3 subunit of the voltage-gated sodium channel (Scn3b), all of which contain RE1 sites in their genes. In the case of Scn3b, the corresponding protein was also re-expressed. Granule and synaptic vesicle proteins were not re-expressed at the protein level, despite reactivation of their mRNA, suggesting the existence of additional post-transcriptional control for these proteins. Our work identifies one of the mechanisms underlying the phenotype of neurosecretory-deficient neuroendocrine cells, and begins to define the critical components that determine a key aspect of the neuroendocrine phenotype.

Animals↗

Androgen receptor and prostate apoptosis response factor-4 target the c-FLIP gene to determine survival and apoptosis in the prostate gland.

Androgen receptor (AR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the action of androgens and is essential for the growth, function, and cell differentiation of the prostate gland. Here, we demonstrated that the prostate apoptosis response factor-4 (par-4) functions as a novel AR coactivator. Par-4 physically interacted with the DNA-binding domain of AR, enhanced AR interaction with DNA, and increased AR-dependent transcription. Par-4 enhanced the c-FLIP promoter activity and was recruited on to the c-FLIP gene in the presence of androgens, and the dominant-negative par-4 decreased c-FLIP expression. These results suggest that, in addition to its proapoptotic function, par-4 acts as a novel transcription cofactor for AR to target c-FLIP gene expression. In addition, we demonstrated that loss of c-FLIP expression was essential for castration-induced apoptosis in the prostate gland and that enhanced c-FLIP expression was associated with prostate cancer progression to the androgen-resistant stage. Our data shed light on a transcription-mediated mechanism for the effects of the AR pathway on cell survival and apoptosis.

Animals↗

Effects of the Ad5 upstream E1 region and gene products on heterologous promoters.

BACKGROUND: All recombinant adenovirus vectors contain the upstream region of the E1A gene comprising the viral origin of replication, encapsidation signal, and cis-acting regulatory elements for transcription of the E1A and other early genes. Using different reporter genes, some previous studies demonstrated the maintenance of heterologous promoter specificity in the adenoviral context, while others reported that adenoviral sequences interfere with promoter activity. METHODS: Plasmid DNA-based luciferase reporter gene assays and adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) infection were combined to examine the effect of the Ad5 (nt 1-353) element and/or adenoviral gene products on tissue-specific (Midkine (MK) and COX-2), cell cycle associated (Ki-67 and E2F1) and viral promoters (Ad5 E1, Ad5 E4 and SV40). As a proof of concept, data were verified in the setting of recombinant replication-defective and replication-competent adenoviral vectors. RESULTS: Viral and E2F1 promoter activities were enhanced by the Ad5 (nt 1-353) segment by approximately 100% and 145%, respectively, regardless of its position. A polyadenylation sequence (polyA) upstream of the promoter had no effect, confirming an enhancer element within the Ad5 (nt 1-353) segment. Ad5 (nt 1-353) increased COX-2 promoter activity by 146% but was blocked by an upstream polyA, indicating a cryptic transcription start site. When placing the reporter gene cassette in a replication-defective adenovirus, similar data were obtained. In the plasmid vector-based system, adenoviral gene products transactivated the E2F1 and viral promoters by 194%, 19%, 67%, and 16%, respectively. Tissue-specific promoter activities were not significantly affected by the Ad5 (nt 1-353) segment, nor adenoviral gene products. In concert with these data, we were able to target replication-competent adenoviral vectors with the COX-2 promoter, but not with the cell cycle associated promotor. CONCLUSIONS: The adenovirus E1A upstream regulatory region and gene products interact with some but not all heterologous promoters. Often, the basal promoter activity can be reduced with an upstream polyA. Since the data obtained in our plasmid vector-based assay with internal control and infection with adenovirus could be confirmed in the adenoviral setting, our system might be suitable to speed up the identification of promoters which maintain their specificity in the adenoviral context and circumvent the problems associated with determining infectious adenovirus titers.

Adenoviridae↗

Auxin response factors mediate Arabidopsis organ asymmetry via modulation of KANADI activity.

Members of the KANADI gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana regulate abaxial identity and laminar growth of lateral organs. Promoter APETALA3-mediated ectopic expression of KANADI restricts petal expansion and was used in a genetic screen for factors involved in KANADI-mediated signaling. Through this screen, mutations in ETTIN (ETT; also known as Auxin Response Factor3 [ARF3]) were isolated as second site suppressors and found to ameliorate ectopic KANADI activity throughout the plant as well. Mutant phenotypes of ett are restricted to flowers; however, double mutants with a closely related gene ARF4 exhibit transformation of abaxial tissues into adaxial ones in all aerial parts, resembling mutations in KANADI. Accordingly, the common RNA expression domain of both ARFs was found to be on the abaxial side of all lateral organs. Truncated, negatively acting gene products of strong ett alleles map to an ARF-specific, N-terminal domain of ETT. Such gene products strongly enhance abaxial tissue loss only when ARF activities are compromised. As KANADI is not required for either ETT or ARF4 transcription, and their overexpression cannot rescue kanadi mutants, cooperative activity is implied. ARF proteins are pivotal in mediating auxin responses; thus, we present a model linking transient local auxin gradients and gradual partitioning of lateral organs along the abaxial/adaxial axis.

Arabidopsis↗

Structures of RNA switches: insight into molecular recognition and tertiary structure.

RNA switches (riboswitches) have important functions in gene regulation. They comprise an aptamer domain, which is responsible for ligand binding, and an expression platform that transmits the ligand-binding state of the aptamer domain through a conformational change. Riboswitches can regulate gene expression either at the level of transcription or translation, and it has been proposed that riboswitch mechanisms are even used to regulate the processing of mRNA. This Minireview summarizes the current understanding of the structures and mode of action of RNA switches, with particular focus on secondary and tertiary interactions, which stabilize the global RNA structure and thus determine the function of the aptamer domain.

Nucleic Acid Conformation↗

Decreased association of the transcription factor Sp1 with genes downregulated in Huntington's disease.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of a polyglutamine tract within the huntingtin protein. Transcriptional dysregulation has been implicated in HD pathogenesis; recent evidence suggests a defect in Sp1-mediated transcription. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays followed by real-time PCR to quantify the association of Sp1 with individual genes. We find that, despite normal protein levels and normal to increased overall nuclear binding activity, Sp1 has decreased binding to specific promoters of susceptible genes in transgenic HD mouse brain, in striatal HD cells, and in human HD brain. Genes whose mRNA levels are decreased in HD have abnormal Sp1-DNA binding, whereas genes with unchanged mRNA levels have normal levels of Sp1 association. Moreover, the altered binding seen with Sp1 is not found with another transcription factor, NF-Y. These findings suggest that mutant huntingtin dissociates Sp1 from target promoters, inhibiting transcription of specific genes.

Animals↗

Transcription factor distribution in Escherichia coli: studies with FNR protein.

Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and high-density microarrays, we have measured the distribution of the global transcription regulator protein, FNR, across the entire Escherichia coli chromosome in exponentially growing cells. Sixty-three binding targets, each located at the 5' end of a gene, were identified. Some targets are adjacent to poorly transcribed genes where FNR has little impact on transcription. In stationary phase, the distribution of FNR was largely unchanged. Control experiments showed that, like FNR, the distribution of the nucleoid-associated protein, IHF, is little altered when cells enter stationary phase, whilst RNA polymerase undergoes a complete redistribution.

Binding Sites↗

Robust analysis of 5'-transcript ends (5'-RATE): a novel technique for transcriptome analysis and genome annotation.

Complicated cloning procedures and the high cost of sequencing have inhibited the wide application of serial analysis of gene expression and massively parallel signature sequencing for genome-wide transcriptome profiling of complex genomes. Here we describe a new method called robust analysis of 5'-transcript ends (5'-RATE) for rapid and cost-effective isolation of long 5' transcript ends (approximately 80 bp). It consists of three major steps including 5'-oligocapping of mRNA, NlaIII tag and ditag generation, and pyrosequencing of NlaIII tags. Complicated steps, such as purification and cloning of concatemers, colony picking and plasmid DNA purification, are eliminated and the conventional Sanger sequencing method is replaced with the newly developed pyrosequencing method. Sequence analysis of a maize 5'-RATE library revealed complex alternative transcription start sites and a 5' poly(A) tail in maize transcripts. Our results demonstrate that 5'-RATE is a simple, fast and cost-effective method for transcriptome analysis and genome annotation of complex genomes.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

Local regulatory variation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Naturally occurring sequence variation that affects gene expression is an important source of phenotypic differences among individuals within a species. We and others have previously shown that such regulatory variation can occur both at the same locus as the gene whose expression it affects (local regulatory variation) and elsewhere in the genome at trans-acting factors. Here we present a detailed analysis of genome-wide local regulatory variation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We used genetic linkage analysis to show that nearly a quarter of all yeast genes contain local regulatory variation between two divergent strains. We measured allele-specific expression in a diploid hybrid of the two strains for 77 genes showing strong self-linkage and found that in 52%-78% of these genes, local regulatory variation acts directly in cis. We also experimentally confirmed one example in which local regulatory variation in the gene AMN1 acts in trans through a feedback loop. Genome-wide sequence analysis revealed that genes subject to local regulatory variation show increased polymorphism in the promoter regions, and that some but not all of this increase is due to polymorphisms in predicted transcription factor binding sites. Increased polymorphism was also found in the 3' untranslated regions of these genes. These findings point to the importance of cis-acting variation, but also suggest that there is a diverse set of mechanisms through which local variation can affect gene expression levels.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

The evolution of DNA regulatory regions for proteo-gamma bacteria by interspecies comparisons.

The comparison of homologous noncoding DNA for organisms a suitable evolutionary distance apart is a powerful tool for the identification of cis regulatory elements for transcription and translation and for the study of how they assemble into functional modules. We have fit the three parameters of an affine global probabilistic alignment algorithm to establish the background mutation rate of noncoding sequence between E. coli and a series of gamma proteobacteria ranging from Salmonella to Vibrio. The lower bound we find to the neutral mutation rate is sufficiently high, even for Salmonella, that most of the conservation of noncoding sequence is indicative of selective pressures rather than of insufficient time to evolve. We then use a local version of the alignment algorithm combined with our inferred background mutation rate to assign a significance to the degree of local sequence conservation between orthologous genes, and thereby deduce a probability profile for the upstream regulatory region of all E. coli protein-coding genes. We recover 75%-85% (depending on significance level) of all regulatory sites from a standard compilation for E. coli, and 66%-85% of sigma sites. We also trace the evolution of known regulatory sites and the groups associated with a given transcription factor. Furthermore, we find that approximately one-third of paralogous gene pairs in E. coli have a significant degree of correlation in their regulatory sequence. Finally, we demonstrate an inverse correlation between the rate of evolution of transcription factors and the number of genes they regulate. Our predictions are available at http://www.physics.rockefeller.edu/([tilde-see text])siggia.

Algorithms↗

Multiple pathways transmit neuroprotective effects of gonadal steroids.

Numerous preclinical studies suggest that gonadal steroids, particularly estrogen, may be neuroprotective against insult or disease progression. This paper reviews the mechanisms contributing to estrogen-mediated neuroprotection. Rapid signaling pathways, such as MAPK, PI3K, Akt, and PKC, are required for estrogen's ability to provide neuroprotection. These rapid signaling pathways converge on genomic pathways to modulate transcription of E2-responsive genes via ERE-dependent and ERE-independent mechanisms. It is clear that both rapid signaling and transcription are important for estrogen's neuroprotective effects. A mechanistic understanding of estrogen-mediated neuroprotection is crucial for the development of therapeutic interventions that enhance quality of life without deleterious side effects.

Animals↗

The sigma factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a remarkable pathogen capable of adapting and surviving in various harsh conditions. Correct gene expression regulation is essential for the success of this process. The reversible association of different sigma factors is a common mechanism for reprogramming bacterial RNA polymerase and modulating the transcription of numerous genes. Thirteen putative sigma factors are encoded in the M. tuberculosis genome, several being important for virulence. Here, we analyse the latest information available on mycobacterial sigma factors and discuss their roles in the physiology and virulence of M. tuberculosis.

DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases↗

The identification of an internal ribosomal entry site in the 5'-untranslated region of p53 mRNA provides a novel mechanism for the regulation of its translation following DNA damage.

The tumor suppressor p53 plays a crucial role in maintaining the genetic integrity of the cell and in suppressing cell transformation. Its cellular levels are usually low and rise substantially in response to DNA damage. Although research on p53 induction following DNA damage has mainly focused on the post-translational modification of p53 by Mdm2, it is known that protein translation also contributes to p53 induction. However, the mechanisms underlying translational regulation of the p53 protein in response to DNA damage are still poorly understood. We show that p53 synthesis increases dramatically in MCF-7 cells treated with etoposide. Interestingly, this increase is accompanied by an increase in the association of the translation initiation factor eIF-4E with its binding protein 4E-BP1, an inhibitor of cap-dependent protein translation. We further identified an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) located in the 5'-untranslated region of the p53 transcript, that is capable of driving the cap-independent translation of a downstream cistron encoding Firefly luciferase in a dicistronic expression vector. Moreover, we found that the activity of the IRES element increases in response to etoposide-induced DNA damage in MCF-7 cells. These findings provide a novel mechanism for the regulation of p53 translation in response to DNA damage.

5' Untranslated Regions↗