The DRIP complex and SRC-1/p160 coactivators share similar nuclear receptor binding determinants but constitute functionally distinct complexes

Synthetic LXXLL peptide antagonize 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-dependent transcription

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is known to mediate the biological actions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) through its ability to regulate cellular programs of gene expression. We identified VDR- and retinoid X receptor (RXR)-interacting LXXLL peptides using a mammalian two-hybrid system and examined whether these molecules could block vitamin D and 9-cis retinoic acid (9-cis RA) response. Peptides were identified that were reactive to RXR alone as well as to both VDR and RXR. Peptide fusion proteins were then examined in MC3T3 E1 cells for their ability to block induction of the osteocalcin promoter by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) or stimulation of an RARE-TK reporter by 9-cis RA. Peptides that interacted with both VDR and RXR blocked 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-dependent transcription by up to 75%. Peptides that interacted with RXR blocked 9-cis RA induced transcription. Two RXR-interacting peptides, however, were also found to block 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) response effectively. These studies support the idea that comodulator recruitment is essential for VDR- and RXR-mediated gene expression and that RXR is required for 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced osteocalcin gene transcription. This approach may represent a novel means of assessing the contribution of RXR in various endogenous biological responses to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3).

Vitamin D receptor and retinoid X receptor interactions in motion

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily and they bind target DNA sequences as heterodimers to regulate transcription. This article surveys the latest findings regarding the roles of dimerizing RXR in VDR function and emphasizes potential areas for future developments. We first highlight the importance of dimerization with RXR for both the ligand-independent (hair growth) and ligand-dependent functions of VDR (calcium homeostasis, bone development and mineralization, control of cell growth and differentiation). Emerging information regarding the regulatory control of dimerization based on biochemical, structural, and genetic studies is then presented. Finally, the main focus of this article is a new dynamic perspective of dimerization functions, based on recent research with fluorescent protein chimeras in living cells by microscopy. These studies revealed that both VDR and RXR constantly shuttle between the cytoplasm and the nucleus and between subnuclear compartments, and showed the transient nature of receptor--DNA and receptor--coregulator interactions. Because RXR dimerizes with most of the nuclear receptors, regulation of receptor dynamics by RXR has a broad significance.

Role of metazoan mediator proteins in interferon-responsive transcription

The interferon (IFN)-induced signal transduction and transcription activation complex, ISGF3, is assembled from three proteins, STAT1, STAT2, and IRF9. Of these components, STAT2 provides a fundamental and essential transcriptional activation function for ISGF3. In the present study, we show that ISGF3-mediated transcription is dependent on STAT2 interactions with DRIP150, a subunit of the multimeric Mediator coactivator complex. Other Mediator subunits, DRIP77 and DRIP130, were found either to bind STAT2 without augmenting ISGF3 transcriptional activity or to enhance ISGF3 transcription without binding STAT2, but only DRIP150 both enhanced IFN-dependent transcription and coimmunoprecipitated with STAT2. Endogenous DRIP150 and STAT2 were able to interact in solution, and DNA affinity chromatography and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that DRIP150 binds to the mature, activated ISGF3-DNA complex and is recruited to target gene promoters in an IFN-dependent fashion. IFN-dependent recruitment of DRIP130 to an ISGF3 target promoter and SRB10-STAT2 coprecipitation suggest indirect association with a multisubunit Mediator complex. The site of STAT2 interaction was mapped to DRIP150 residues 188 to 566, which are necessary and sufficient for interaction with STAT2. Expression of this DRIP150 fragment, but not DRIP150 fragments outside the STAT2 interaction region, suppressed ISGF3-mediated transcriptional activity in a dominant-negative fashion, suggesting a direct functional role of this domain in mediating STAT2-DRIP150 interactions. These findings indicate that the IFN-activated ISGF3 transcription factor regulates transcription through contact with DRIP150 and implicate the Mediator coactivator complex in IFN-activated gene regulation.

Estrogens (E2) regulate expression and response of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors in bone cells: changes with aging and hormone deprivation

Studies on the effect of estrogens (E(2)) on the expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and its bioresponse in bone have demonstrated that E(2) modulate activity and increase the number of VDRs in vitro; however, no in vivo studies have been pursued to assess this interaction. Our study identifies the changes in the number of VDR-expressing cells in bone of C57BL/6J young and old oophorectomized mice (4 and 24 months) with and without 17beta estradiol (E(2)) replacement. A total of 36 mice were sacrificed; both tibiae and femora were isolated and VDR expression was quantified by Northern blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Among the intact mice there was a significant difference in the number of VDR-expressing osteoblasts between young (68%) and old (56%) (p<0.04). In young oophorectomized mice the number of VDR-expressing osteoblasts decreased from 68% to 46% after oophorectomy and recovered to 72% after E(2) administration (p<0.02), while in the group of old mice, the number of VDR-expressing osteoblasts decreased from 56% to 48% after oophorectomy (p<0.01) and recovered to 85% after E(2) administration (p<0.001). Our results show that VDR expression in bone decreases with aging and estrogen deprivation but recovers after E(2) supplementation in both young and old mice with a more significant level of response in older bone. To evaluate the level of VDR bioresponse to E(2) we assessed the effect of E(2) supplementation to human osteoblasts (N-976) in vitro. Northern blot showed a significant up-regulation of VDR expression in E(2) treated cells as compared to non-treated cells (p<0.05). We also assessed the previously known anti-apoptotic effect of vitamin D in osteoblasts in vitro after serum deprivation by using either E(2), E(2)+1,25(OH)(2)D(3), or 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) alone. We found a lower number of apoptotic cells and longer cell survival after 48 h of treatment with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)+E(2) as compared to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) or E(2) alone (p<0.002). In summary, our results demonstrate that E(2) increases VDR expression in bone in vivo and potentiate the bioresponse of VDR in osteoblasts in vitro.

Inhibition of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-dependent transcription by synthetic LXXLL peptide antagonists that target the activation domains of the vitamin D and retinoid X receptors

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is known to mediate the biological actions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] through its ability to regulate cellular programs of gene expression. Although RXR appears to participate as a heterodimeric partner with the VDR, absolute evidence for its role remains equivocal in vivo. To test this role and to investigate the requirement for comodulator interaction, we identified VDR- and retinoid X receptor (RXR)-interacting LXXLL peptides and examined whether these molecules could block vitamin D and 9-cis retinoic acid (9-cis RA) response. We used a mammalian cell two-hybrid system to screen a series of nuclear receptor (NR)-reactive LXXLL peptides previously identified through phage display screening for hormone-dependent reactivity with either VDR or RXR. Three categories of peptides were identified: those reactive with both VDR and RXR, those selective for RXR, and those unreactive to either receptor. Peptide fusion proteins were then examined in MC3T3-E1 cells for their ability to block induction of the osteocalcin (OC) promoter by 1,25(OH)2D3 or stimulation of a retinoic acid response element-thymidine kinase (RARE-TK) reporter by 9-cis-RA. Peptides that interacted with both VDR and RXR blocked 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent transcription by up to 75%. Control LXXLL sequences derived from Src-1 and Grip also suppressed 1,25(OH)2D3-induced transactivation; peptides that interacted with RXR blocked 9-cis-RA-induced transcription. Interestingly, two RXR-interacting peptides were also found to block 1,25(OH)2D3 response effectively. These studies support the idea that comodulator recruitment is essential for VDR- and RXR-mediated gene expression and that RXR is required for 1,25(OH)2D3-induced OC gene transcription. This approach may represent a novel means of assessing the contribution of RXR in various endogenous biological responses to 1,25(OH)2D3.

A coregulatory role for the TRAP-mediator complex in androgen receptor-mediated gene expression

The human thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein (TRAP)-Mediator complex was originally identified as a large multimeric complex that copurifies with the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) from HeLa cells and markedly enhances TR-mediated transcription in vitro. More recent studies have implicated TRAP-Mediator as a coactivator for a broad range of nuclear hormone receptors as well as other classes of transcriptional activators. Here we present evidence that TRAP-Mediator plays a functional role in androgen receptor (AR)-mediated transcription. We show that several subunits of the complex ligand-dependently coimmunoprecipitate with AR from both prostate cancer LNCaP cells and from HeLa cells stably transfected with AR. The 220-kDa subunit of the complex (TRAP220) can contact the ligand-binding domain of AR in vitro, possibly implicating TRAP220 involvement in targeting AR to the holocomplex. Consistent with a TRAP-Mediator coactivator role, transient overexpression of the TRAP220, TRAP170, and TRAP100 subunits enhanced ligand-dependent transcription by AR in cultured cells. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays show that TRAP220 is recruited to the androgen-responsive prostate-specific antigen gene promoter in vivo in ligand-stimulated LNCaP cells. Collectively, these data suggest that TRAP-Mediator may play an important coregulatory role in AR-mediated gene expression.

A novel mutation in helix 12 of the vitamin D receptor impairs coactivator interaction and causes hereditary 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-resistant rickets without alopecia

Hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) is a genetic disorder most often caused by mutations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The patient in this study exhibited the typical clinical features of HVDRR with early onset rickets, hypocalcemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and elevated serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)]. The patient did not have alopecia. Assays of the VDR showed a normal high affinity low capacity binding site for [(3)H]1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) in extracts from the patient's fibroblasts. However, the cells were resistant to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D action as demonstrated by the failure of the patient's cultured fibroblasts to induce the 24-hydroxylase gene when treated with either high doses of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) or vitamin D analogs. A novel point mutation was identified in helix H12 in the ligand-binding domain of the VDR that changed a highly conserved glutamic acid at amino acid 420 to lysine (E420K). The patient was homozygous for the mutation. The E420K mutant receptor recreated by site-directed mutagenesis exhibited many normal properties including ligand binding, heterodimerization with the retinoid X receptor, and binding to vitamin D response elements. However, the mutant VDR was unable to elicit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-dependent transactivation. Subsequent studies demonstrated that the mutant VDR had a marked impairment in binding steroid receptor coactivator 1 (SRC-1) and DRIP205, a subunit of the vitamin D receptor-interacting protein (DRIP) coactivator complex. Taken together, our data indicate that the mutation in helix H12 alters the coactivator binding site preventing coactivator binding and transactivation. In conclusion, we have identified the first case of a naturally occurring mutation in the VDR (E420K) that disrupts coactivator binding to the VDR and causes HVDRR.

[Analysis of molecular mechanism of cancer cell differentiation and apoptosis induced by vitamin D3 analogs on the basis of molecular recognition of vitamin D receptor ligand binding domain]

1 alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha,25 (OH)2D3] has antiproliferative, differentiation and apoptosis-inducing effects on many malignant cells. These properties have raised the possibility of its use as a therapeutic agent in cancer. Our recent studies using stereoisomers of the A-ring of monohydroxylated 19-nor or 2-methyl substituted 1 alpha,25 (OH)2D3 have clearly demonstrated that the A-ring analogs that contain 1 alpha-hydroxy or 3 beta-hydroxy group are potent inducers of HL-60 cell differentiation. In contrast, the A-ring analogs that contain 1 beta-hydroxy or 3 alpha-hydroxy group are potent stimulators of HL-60 cell apoptosis. It was interesting to note that the analogs could induce differentiation or apoptosis of HL-60 cells on the basis of the stereochemistry of both hydroxy groups at positions 1 and 3 of the A-ring. To further elucidate the possible roles of both the hydroxy groups in regulating cell differentiation and apoptosis, we have synthesized all possible diastereomers of the A-ring of 1 alpha,25 (OH)2D3 and examined their molecular mechanism of differentiation and apoptosis-inducing actions of HL-60 cells in vitro. This study shows that differentiation and apoptosis of HL-60 cells are strictly controlled by the stereochemistry of both hydroxy groups at positions 1 and 3 of the A-ring of 1 alpha,25 (OH)2D3, and the proteins responsible for the regulation of cell cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential are the major targets of 1 alpha,25 (OH)2D3 analogs. These findings provide useful information not only for structure-function studies of 1 alpha,25 (OH)2D3 analogs but also for the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer.

Role of MAP kinases in the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced transactivation of the rat cytochrome P450C24 (CYP24) promoter. Specific functions for ERK1/ERK2 and ERK5

The current study investigated the action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D) at the genomic and signal transduction levels to induce rat cytochrome P450C24 (CYP24) gene expression. A rat CYP24 promoter containing two vitamin D response elements and an Ets-1 binding site was used to characterize the mechanism of actions for the 1,25D secosteroid hormone. The Ets-1 binding site was determined to function cooperatively with the most proximal vitamin D response element in a hormone-dependent fashion. Evidence was obtained for distinct roles of ERK1/ERK2 and ERK5 in the 1,25D-inductive actions. Specifically, 1,25D stimulated the activities of ERK1/ERK2 and ERK5 in a Ras-dependent manner. Promoter induction was inhibited by mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitors (PD98059 and U0126) and a dominant-negative Ras mutant (Ras17N). Induction of CYP24 by 1,25D was also inhibited by overexpression of dominant-negative mutants of ERK1 and MEK5 (ERK1K71R and MEK5(A)). The p38 and JNK MAP kinases were not required for the action of 1,25D. 9-cis retinoid X receptor alpha (RXR alpha) interacted with ERK2 but not ERK5 in intact cells, whereas Ets-1 interacted preferentially with ERK5. Increased phosphorylation of RXR alpha and Ets-1 was detected in response to 1,25D. Activated ERK2 and ERK5 specifically phosphorylated RXR alpha and Ets-1, respectively. Mutagenesis of Ets-1 (T38A) reduced CYP24 promoter activity to levels observed with the dominant-negative MEK5(A) and inhibited ERK5-directed phosphorylation. Mutated RXR alpha (S260A) inhibited 1,25D-induced CYP24 promoter activity and abolished phosphorylation by activated ERK2. The 1,25D-inductive action through ERK5 involved Ets-1 phosphorylation at threonine 38, whereas hormone stimulation of ERK1/ERK2 required RXR alpha phosphorylation on serine 260. The ERK1/ERK2 and ERK5 modules provide a novel mechanism for linking the rapid signal transduction and slower transcription actions of 1,25D to induce CYP24 gene expression.

TFIID and human mediator coactivator complexes assemble cooperatively on promoter DNA

Activator-mediated transcription complex assembly on templates lacking chromatin requires the interaction of activators with two major coactivator complexes: TFIID and mediator. Here we employed immobilized template assays to correlate transcriptional activation with mediator and TFIID recruitment. In reactions reconstituted with purified proteins, we found that activator, TFIID, and mediator engage in reciprocal cooperative interactions to form a complex on promoter DNA. Preassembly of the coactivator complex accelerates the rate of transcription in a cell-free system depleted of TFIID and mediator. Our data argue that this coactivator complex is an intermediate in the assembly of an active transcription complex. Furthermore, the reciprocity of the interactions demonstrates that the complex could in principle be nucleated with either TFIID or mediator, implying that alternative pathways could be utilized to generate diversity in the way activators function in vivo.

Polyamines modulate the interaction between nuclear receptors and vitamin D receptor-interacting protein 205

Nuclear receptors (NR) activate transcription by interacting with several different coactivator complexes, primarily via LXXLL motifs (NR boxes) of the coactivator that bind a common region in the ligand binding domain of nuclear receptors (activation function-2, AF-2) in a ligand-dependent fashion. However, how nuclear receptors distinguish between different sets of coactivators remains a mystery, as does the mechanism by which orphan receptors such as hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha) activate transcription. In this study, we show that HNF4alpha interacts with a complex containing vitamin D receptor (VDR)-interacting proteins (DRIPs) in the absence of exogenously added ligand. However, whereas a full-length DRIP205 construct enhanced the activation by HNF4alpha in vivo, it did not interact well with the HNF4alpha ligand binding domain in vitro. In investigating this discrepancy, we found that the polyamine spermine significantly enhanced the interaction between HNF4alpha and full-length DRIP205 in an AF-2, NR-box-dependent manner. Spermine also enhanced the interaction of DRIP205 with the VDR even in the presence of its ligand, but decreased the interaction of both HNF4alpha and VDR with the p160 coactivator glucocorticoid receptor interacting protein 1 (GR1P1). We also found that GR1P1 and DRIP205 synergistically activated HNF4alpha-mediated transcription and that a specific inhibitor of polyamine biosynthesis, alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), decreased the ability of HNF4alpha to activate transcription in vivo. These results lead us to propose a model in which polyamines may facilitate the switch between different coactivator complexes binding to NRs.

Vitamin D receptor-mediated gene regulation mechanisms and current concepts of vitamin D analog selectivity

Lipophilic hormones of steroidal origin such as the sex hormones and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D(3) (1,25[OH](2)D(3)) function by regulating patterns of gene expression in cells. The mediators of such actions are nuclear receptors that recognize these ligands with high affinity and selectivity and function through several mechanisms as gene specific transcription factors. As a result of the mechanistic complexity of nuclear receptor action, recent studies have revealed that both synthetic analogs as well as novel mimetics of a receptor's natural hormonal ligand are capable of modulating functional responses in both cell- and gene-selective manners. These findings have given rise to the term selective receptor modulators, typified by such synthetic estrogen receptor ligands as tamoxifen and raloxifene. A number of vitamin D analogs have been prepared that appear to exhibit tissue-selective activity--most notable through their inability to induce levels of hypercalcemia typical of the activity of the natural hormone 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). Because this debilitating yet normal feature of the natural ligand limits its usefulness in a variety of clinical indications, including its application to prevent bone disease caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism, this feature of many of the new analogs is especially welcome. This article discusses what constitutes a selective receptor modulator and whether the current vitamin D analogs represent such entities.

Interaction of the 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor at the distal promoter region of the bone-specific osteocalcin gene requires nucleosomal remodelling

1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-mediated transcriptional control of the bone-specific osteocalcin (OC) gene requires the integration of regulatory signals at the vitamin D-responsive element (VDRE) and flanking tissue-specific sequences. The 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor (VDR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and forms a heterodimeric complex with the receptor for 9-cis retinoic acid (RXR) that binds to the VDRE sequence. We have demonstrated previously that changes in chromatin structure at the VDRE region of the rat OC gene promoter accompany transcriptional enhancement in vivo, suggesting a requirement for chromatin remodelling. Here we show that the VDRE in the distal region of the OC gene promoter is refractory to binding of the VDR-RXR complex when organized in a nucleosomal context. Addition of the ligand 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or the presence of other transcription factors, such as YY1 and Runx/Cbfa (core-binding factor alpha), which also bind to sequences partially overlapping or near the VDRE, is not sufficient to render the VDRE accessible. Thus the VDR-RXR, unlike other steroid receptors, such as glucocorticoid receptor, progesterone receptor and thyroid receptor, is unable to bind its target sequence within a nucleosomal context. Taken together these results demonstrate that nucleosomal remodelling is required for in vivo occupancy of binding sites in the distal region of the OC gene promoter by the regulatory factors responsible for 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-dependent enhancement of transcription.

DNA binding-independent induction of IkappaBalpha gene transcription by PPARalpha

PPARs are ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate energy homeostasis. In addition, PPARs furthermore control the inflammatory response by antagonizing the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway. We recently demonstrated that PPARalpha activators increase IkappaBalpha mRNA and protein levels in human aortic smooth muscle cells. Here, we studied the molecular mechanisms by which PPARalpha controls IkappaBalpha expression. Using transient transfection assays, it is demonstrated that PPARalpha potentiates p65-stimulated IkappaBalpha transcription in a ligand-dependent manner. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments revealed that PPARalpha activation of IkappaBalpha transcription requires the NF-kappaB and Sp1 sites within IkappaBalpha promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that PPARalpha activation enhances the occupancy of the NF-kappaB response element in IkappaBalpha promoter in vivo. Overexpression of the oncoprotein E1A failed to inhibit PPARalpha-mediated IkappaBalpha promoter induction, suggesting that cAMP response element binding protein-binding protein/p300 is not involved in this mechanism. By contrast, a dominant-negative form of VDR-interacting protein 205 (DRIP205) comprising its two LXXLL motifs completely abolished PPARalpha ligand-mediated activation. Furthermore, cotransfection of increasing amounts of DRIP205 relieved this inhibition, suggesting that PPARalpha requires DRIP205 to regulate IkappaBalpha promoter activity. By contrast, DRIP205 is not involved in PPARalpha-mediated NF-kappaB transcriptional repression. Taken together, these data provide a molecular basis for PPARalpha-mediated induction of IkappaBalpha and demonstrate, for the first time, that PPARalpha may positively regulate gene transcription in the absence of functional PPAR response elements.

Androgen receptor (AR) coregulators: an overview

The biological action of androgens is mediated through the androgen receptor (AR). Androgen-bound AR functions as a transcription factor to regulate genes involved in an array of physiological processes, most notably male sexual differentiation and maturation, and the maintenance of spermatogenesis. The transcriptional activity of AR is affected by coregulators that influence a number of functional properties of AR, including ligand selectivity and DNA binding capacity. As the promoter of target genes, coregulators participate in DNA modification, either directly through modification of histones or indirectly by the recruitment of chromatin-modifying complexes, as well as functioning in the recruitment of the basal transcriptional machinery. Aberrant coregulator activity due to mutation or altered expression levels may be a contributing factor in the progression of diseases related to AR activity, such as prostate cancer. AR demonstrates distinct differences in its interaction with coregulators from other steroid receptors due to differences in the functional interaction between AR domains, possibly resulting in alterations in the dynamic interactions between coregulator complexes.

Terpenoids found in the umbelliferae family act as agonists/antagonists for ER(alpha) and ERbeta: differential transcription activity between ferutinine-liganded ER(alpha) and ERbeta

Phytoestrogens are assumed to affect the endocrine system of animal species similarly to other man-made endocrine disrupters and to exert their effects through estrogen receptors, specifically ER(alpha) and ERbeta. However, these molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, 19 phytochemicals were surveyed for agonist and antagonist activities of ER(alpha) and ERbeta using an ERE-luciferase reporter assay. The results showed that ferutinine is an agonist for ER(alpha) and an agonist/antagonist for ERbeta, tschimgine is an agonist for both ER(alpha) and ERbeta, and tschimganidine is an agonist for only ER(alpha). Ferutinine and tschimganidine are sesquiterpenoids, and tschimgine is a monoterpenoid derived from the Umbelliferae family. A competitive binding assay showed that ferutinine has higher binding affinities than tamoxifen for both ERs. Co-transfections of coactivators such as SRC-1, TIF2, AIB1, and TRAP220 in 293T cells and use of the luciferase assay revealed that TRAP220 failed to enhance the transcription mediated by ERbeta in the presence of ferutinine. Moreover, a GST pull-down assay showed that TRAP220 marginally bound to ERbeta ligand binding domain in the presence of ferutinine. These results suggest that the conformation of ferutinine-liganded ERbeta is difficult for TRAP220 to recognize. Taken together, this suggests that some terpenoids can modulate estrogen signaling as ER subtype-selective phytoestrogens similar to SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulators).

Neither fibroblast growth factor-1 nor fibroblast growth factor-2 is an androgen receptor coactivator in androgen-resistant prostate cancer

We used rat prostate cancer cell stable transfectants that lacked either endogenous fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1 secondary to constitutive expression of FGF-1 antisense RNA (aFa2-transfectants) or endogenous FGF-2 isoforms secondary to constitutive expression of FGF-2 antisense RNA (bFa9-transfectants) to examine the potential synergistic effects of mitogen and androgen as modulators of proliferation. During culture on 5% charcoal-stripped fetal bovine serum (CS-FBS), FGF-1 caused a 2- to 2.5-fold increase in the proliferation of aFa2-transfectants that lacked endogenous FGF-1 and retained full expression of FGF-2 isoforms. In marked constrast, bFa9-transfectants that lacked FGF-2 isoforms and retained full expression of FGF-1 died with exponential kinetics when cultured on either 5% CS-FBS or 5% FBS in the absence of FGF-2. However, FGF-2 promoted bFa9-transfectant survival and exponential proliferation during culture on either 5% CS-FBS or 5% FBS. The nonmetabolizable androgen R1881 did not affect proliferation of either the aFa2- transfectants, the bFa9-transfectants, or the parental prostate cancer cells used to generate these transfectants. Additionally, neither of the androgen receptor antagonists RU23908 or bicalutamide affected either FGF-1-mediated aFa2-transfectant proliferation or FGF-2-mediated bFa9-transfectant proliferation during culture on 5% CS-FBS. Notably, transient transfection analyses established R1881 concentration-dependent induction of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity in both aFa2-transfectants and bFa9-transfectants. Thus, the failure of either androgen or antiandrogen to affect either FGF-mediated or FGF-independent antisense-transfectant proliferation is not attributable to absence of functional androgen receptors. The results indicate that FGF effects in these androgen-resistant antisense transfectants do not involve either androgen-dependent or androgen-independent, mitogen-mediated androgen receptor activation. Our studies show that these rat prostate cancer cells are characterized by both retention of functional androgen receptors during development of androgen resistance and mitogen-mediated, autocrine or paracrine (or both) modulated proliferation. These are two prominent properties characteristic of advanced human prostate cancer.

Biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, and physiological roles of the iodothyronine selenodeiodinases

The goal of this review is to place the exciting advances that have occurred in our understanding of the molecular biology of the types 1, 2, and 3 (D1, D2, and D3, respectively) iodothyronine deiodinases into a biochemical and physiological context. We review new data regarding the mechanism of selenoprotein synthesis, the molecular and cellular biological properties of the individual deiodinases, including gene structure, mRNA and protein characteristics, tissue distribution, subcellular localization and topology, enzymatic properties, structure-activity relationships, and regulation of synthesis, inactivation, and degradation. These provide the background for a discussion of their role in thyroid physiology in humans and other vertebrates, including evidence that D2 plays a significant role in human plasma T(3) production. We discuss the pathological role of D3 overexpression causing "consumptive hypothyroidism" as well as our current understanding of the pathophysiology of iodothyronine deiodination during illness and amiodarone therapy. Finally, we review the new insights from analysis of mice with targeted disruption of the Dio2 gene and overexpression of D2 in the myocardium.

Cooperative coactivation of estrogen receptor alpha in ZR-75 human breast cancer cells by SNURF and TATA-binding protein

SNURF is a small RING finger protein that binds the zinc finger region of steroid hormone receptors and enhances Sp1- and androgen receptor-mediated transcription in COS and CV-1 cells. In this study, we show that SNURF coactivates both wild-type estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) (4-fold)- and HE19 (ERalpha deletion of activation function 1 (AF1)) (210-fold)-mediated activation of an estrogen-responsive element promoter in ZR-75 cells. In mammalian two-hybrid assays in ZR-75 cells SNURF interactions were estrogen (E2)-dependent and were not observed with the antiestrogen ICI 182,780. ERalpha interacted with multiple regions of SNURF; SNURF interactions with ERalpha were dependent on AF2, and D538N, E542Q, and D545N mutations in helix 12 abrogated both SNURF-ERalpha binding and coactivation. Moreover, peptide fusion proteins that inhibit interactions between helix 12 of ERalpha with LXXLL box-containing proteins also blocked ERalpha coactivation by SNURF. However, cotransfection of SNURF with prototypical steroid receptor coactivators 1, 2, and 3 that contain LXXLL box motifs did not enhance E2 responsiveness, whereas TATA-binding protein (TBP) and SNURF cooperatively coactivated ERalpha-mediated transactivation. The results are consistent with a unique model for cooperative coactivation of ERalpha that requires ligand binding, repositioning of helix 12, recruitment of TBP, and interaction with SNURF, which binds both ERalpha and TBP.

Antiproliferative effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on breast cells: a mini review

The hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3), the active form of vitamin D3, is an important regulator of calcium homeostasis, exerts antiproliferative effects on various cell systems and can induce differentiation in some kinds of hematopoietic cells. These effects are triggered by its receptor, vitamin D receptor (VDR), a phosphoprotein member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, which functions as a transcriptional factor. VDR binds as a heterodimer with retinoid X receptor (R X R) to hexameric repeats, characterized as vitamin D-responsive elements present in the regulatory region of target genes such as osteocalcin, osteopontin, calbindin-D28K, calbindin-D9K, p21WAF1/CIP1, TGF-beta2 and vitamin D 24-hydroxylase. Many factors such as glucocorticoids, estrogens, retinoids, proliferation rate and cell transformation can modulate VDR levels. VDR is expressed in mammary tissue and breast cancer cells, which are potential targets to hormone action. Besides having antiproliferative properties, vitamin D might also reduce the invasiveness of cancer cells and act as an anti-angiogenesis agent. All of these antitumoral features suggest that the properties of vitamin D could be explored for chemopreventive and therapeutic purposes in cancer. However, hypercalcemia is an undesirable side effect associated with pharmacological doses of 1,25-(OH)2D3. Some promising 1,25-(OH)2D3 analogs have been developed, which are less hypercalcemic in spite of being potent antiproliferative agents. They represent a new field of investigation.

Acetylation of p53 activates transcription through recruitment of coactivators/histone acetyltransferases

Cellular DNA damage causes stabilization and activation of the tumor suppressor and transcription factor p53, in part by promoting multiple covalent modifications of the p53 protein, including acetylation. We investigated the importance of acetylation in p53 function and the mechanism by which acetylation influences p53 activity. Acetylation site substitutions reduced p53-dependent transcriptional induction and G1 cell cycle arrest. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis of the endogenous p21 promoter showed increased association of p53, coactivators (CBP and TRRAP), and acetylated histones following cell irradiation. Results with acetylation-defective p53 demonstrate that the critical function of acetylation is not to increase the DNA binding affinity of p53 but rather to promote coactivator recruitment and histone acetylation. Therefore, we propose that an acetylation cascade consisting of p53 acetylation-dependent recruitment of coactivators/HATs is crucial for p53 function.

The tamoxifen-responsive estrogen receptor alpha mutant D351Y shows reduced tamoxifen-dependent interaction with corepressor complexes

The effects of estrogen and anti-estrogen are mediated through the estrogen receptors ERalpha and beta, which function as ligand-induced transcriptional factors. The nonsteroidal anti-estrogen tamoxifen is the most commonly used endocrine in the treatment of all stages of breast cancer in both pre- and postmenopausal women. Several lines of evidence have indicated that tamoxifen promotes association between ERalpha and corepressors N-CoR or silencing mediator for retinoid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT). Our results indicate that N-CoR/SMRT recognize and interact with helices H3 and H5 of the ERalpha ligand-binding domain in a 4-hydroxy tamoxifen-dependent manner. The mutant ERalpha(D351Y), derived from a tamoxifen-stimulated tumor and containing an amino acid substitution at position 351 within H3, showed reduced interaction with N-CoR/SMRT and high tamoxifen-induced activation function-1 (AF-1) activity. While the estradiol-dependent transcriptional activity of ERalpha(D351Y) was almost equal to that of wild-type ERalpha, the mutant exhibited higher levels of transcriptional activity in the presence of both E2 and 4-hydroxy tamoxifen compared with wild-type ERalpha. These results may explain the observation that the growth of tumor cells expressing ERalpha(D351Y) can be stimulated by tamoxifen, E2, or both.

Physiological and molecular basis of thyroid hormone action

Thyroid hormones (THs) play critical roles in the differentiation, growth, metabolism, and physiological function of virtually all tissues. TH binds to receptors that are ligand-regulatable transcription factors belonging to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Tremendous progress has been made recently in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie TH action. In this review, we present the major advances in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of TH action and their implications for TH action in specific tissues, resistance to thyroid hormone syndrome, and genetically engineered mouse models.

Characterization of mediator complexes from HeLa cell nuclear extract

A number of mammalian multiprotein complexes containing homologs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mediator subunits have been described recently. High-molecular-mass complexes (1 to 2 MDa) sharing several subunits but apparently differing in others include the TRAP/SMCC, NAT, DRIP, ARC, and human Mediator complexes. Smaller multiprotein complexes (approximately 500 to 700 kDa), including the murine Mediator, CRSP, and PC2, have also been described that contain subsets of subunits of the larger complexes. To evaluate whether these different multiprotein complexes exist in vivo in a single form or in multiple different forms, HeLa cell nuclear extract was directly resolved over a Superose 6 gel filtration column. Immunoblotting of column fractions using antisera specific for several Mediator subunits revealed one major size class of high-molecular-mass (approximately 2-MDa) complexes containing multiple mammalian Mediator subunits. No peak was apparent at approximately 500 to 700 kDa, indicating that either the smaller complexes reported are much less abundant than the higher-molecular-mass complexes or they are subcomplexes generated by dissociation of larger complexes during purification. Quantitative immunoblotting indicated that there are about 3 x 10(5) to 6 x 10(5) molecules of hSur2 Mediator subunit per HeLa cell, i.e., the same order of magnitude as RNA polymerase II and general transcription factors. Immunoprecipitation of the approximately 2-MDa fraction with anti-Cdk8 antibody indicated that at least two classes of Mediator complexes occur, one containing CDK8 and cyclin C and one lacking this CDK-cyclin pair. The approximately 2-MDa complexes stimulated activated transcription in vitro, whereas a 150-kDa fraction containing a subset of Mediator subunits inhibited activated transcription.

Use of suppressor mutants to probe the function of estrogen receptor-p160 coactivator interactions

Estrogen-dependent recruitment of coactivators by estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) represents a crucial step in the transcriptional activation of target genes. However, studies of the function of individual coactivators has been hindered by the presence of endogenous coactivators, many of which are potentially recruited in the presence of agonist via a common mechanism. To circumvent this problem, we have generated second-site suppressor mutations in the nuclear receptor interaction domain of p160 coactivators which rescue their binding to a transcriptionally defective ERalpha that is refractory to wild-type coactivators. Analysis of these altered-specificity receptor-coactivator combinations, in the absence of interference from endogenous coregulators, indicated that estrogen-dependent transcription from reporter genes is critically dependent on direct recruitment of a p160 coactivator in mammalian cells and that the three p160 family members serve functionally redundant roles. Furthermore, our results suggest that such a change-of-specificity mutation may act as a transposable protein-protein interaction module which provides a novel tool with which to dissect the functional roles of other nuclear receptor coregulators at the cellular level.

Retinoid mechanisms and cyclins

Retinoids have been investigated for their effects in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Scores of synthetic and natural ligands suppress growth and normalize differentiation of cells in vitro and in vivo. The molecular mechanisms of these activities are being elucidated with the goal of improving the therapeutic index. Here we summarize recent advances in the understanding of retinoid signaling via nuclear receptors, corepressors, and coactivators and review the effects of retinoid treatment on cell-cycle control elements and cyclin proteins.

Nuclear receptors, coactivators and chromatin: new approaches, new insights

The actions of lipophilic hormones, including steroids, retinoids, thyroid hormone and vitamin D(3), are mediated through a conserved superfamily of nuclear receptor proteins that function as ligand-regulated, DNA-binding transcriptional activators in the chromatin environment of the nucleus. The ligand-dependent transcriptional activity of nuclear receptors is enhanced by various cofactors that remodel chromatin, acetylate nucleosomal histones and contact the basal transcriptional machinery. The current challenge is to understand the mechanistic details of how interactions among these factors enhance transcription of hormone-regulated genes assembled into chromatin. Current biochemical and cell-based methods are providing some important clues.

Nuclear hormone receptors and gene expression

The nuclear hormone receptor superfamily includes receptors for thyroid and steroid hormones, retinoids and vitamin D, as well as different "orphan" receptors of unknown ligand. Ligands for some of these receptors have been recently identified, showing that products of lipid metabolism such as fatty acids, prostaglandins, or cholesterol derivatives can regulate gene expression by binding to nuclear receptors. Nuclear receptors act as ligand-inducible transcription factors by directly interacting as monomers, homodimers, or heterodimers with the retinoid X receptor with DNA response elements of target genes, as well as by "cross-talking" to other signaling pathways. The effects of nuclear receptors on transcription are mediated through recruitment of coregulators. A subset of receptors binds corepressor factors and actively represses target gene expression in the absence of ligand. Corepressors are found within multicomponent complexes that contain histone deacetylase activity. Deacetylation leads to chromatin compactation and transcriptional repression. Upon ligand binding, the receptors undergo a conformational change that allows the recruitment of multiple coactivator complexes. Some of these proteins are chromatin remodeling factors or possess histone acetylase activity, whereas others may interact directly with the basic transcriptional machinery. Recruitment of coactivator complexes to the target promoter causes chromatin decompactation and transcriptional activation. The characterization of corepressor and coactivator complexes, in concert with the identification of the specific interaction motifs in the receptors, has demonstrated the existence of a general molecular mechanism by which different receptors elicit their transcriptional responses in target genes.

Differential recruitment of the mammalian mediator subunit TRAP220 by estrogen receptors ERalpha and ERbeta

Estrogen receptors (ERs) associate with distinct transcriptional coactivators to mediate activation of target genes in response to estrogens. Previous work has provided multiple evidence for a critical role of p160 coactivators and associated histone acetyltransferases in estrogen signaling. In contrast, the involvement of the mammalian mediator complex remains to be established. Further, although the two subtypes ERalpha and ERbeta appear to be similar in regard to principles of LXXLL-mediated coactivator binding to the AF-2 activation domain, there are indications that the context-dependent transcriptional activation profiles of the two ERs can be quite distinct. Potentially, this could be attributed to differences with regard to coregulator recruitment. We have here studied the interactions of the nuclear receptor-binding subunit of the mammalian mediator complex, referred to as TRAP220, with ERalpha and ERbeta. In comparison to the p160 coactivator TIF2, we find that TRAP220 displays ERbeta preference. Here, we show that this is a feature of the binding specificity of the TRAP220 LXXLL motifs and demonstrate that the ER subtype-specific F-domain influences TRAP220 interaction. Such differences with regard to coactivator recruitment indicate that the relative importance of individual coregulators in estrogen signaling could depend on the dominant ER subtype.

Ligands Specify Coactivator Nuclear Receptor (NR) Box Affinity for Estrogen Receptor Subtypes

Nuclear receptors (NRs) require coactivators to efficiently activate transcription of their target genes. Many coactivators including the p160 proteins utilize a short NR box motif to recognize the ligand-binding domain of the NR when it is activated by ligand. To investigate the ability of various ligands to specify the affinity of NR boxes for a ligand-bound NR, we compared the capacity of p160 NR boxes to be recruited to estrogen receptor (ERα) and ERβ in the presence of 17β-estradiol, diethylstilbestrol, and genestein. A time-resolved fluorescence-based binding assay was used to determine the dissociation constants for the 10 NR boxes derived from the three p160 coactivators for both ER subtypes in the presence of the each of the agonists. While the affinity of some NR boxes for ER was independent of the agonist, we identified several NR boxes that had significantly different affinities for ER depending on which agonist was bound to the receptor. Therefore, an agonist may specify the affinity of an NR for various NR boxes and thus regulate the coactivator selectivity of the receptor.

Mediator complexes and transcription

Over the past decade, various components of the transcription machinery have been identified as potential targets for activators. Recently, metazoan versions of yeast Mediator have been isolated and found to act as key coactivators to many transcription factors. Recent work has defined the composition, function and biology of metazoan mediator complexes, which has led us to propose a new nomenclature for the variously named versions of the mediator complex.

Nuclear receptors coordinate the activities of chromatin remodeling complexes and coactivators to facilitate initiation of transcription

Recent advances in the field of in vitro chromatin assembly have led to in vitro transcription systems which reproduce in the test tube, in vivo characteristics of ligand-dependent transcriptional activation by nuclear receptors. Dissection of these systems has begun to provide us with information concerning the underlying molecular mechanisms. Through recruitment of coactivator proteins, nuclear receptors act first to remodel chromatin within the promoter region and then to recruit the transcriptional machinery to the promoter region in order to initiate transcription. Here we present a possible sequential mechanism for ligand-dependent transcriptional activation by nuclear receptors and discuss the in vitro and in vivo data that support this model.

Crystal structures of the vitamin D receptor complexed to superagonist 20-epi ligands

The crystal structures of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the vitamin D receptor complexed to 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and the 20-epi analogs, MC1288 and KH1060, show that the protein conformation is identical, conferring a general character to the observation first made for retinoic acid receptor (RAR) that, for a given LBD, the agonist conformation is unique, the ligands adapting to the binding pocket. In all complexes, the A- to D-ring moieties of the ligands adopt the same conformation and form identical contacts with the protein. Differences are observed only for the 17beta-aliphatic chains that adapt their conformation to anchor the 25-hydroxyl group to His-305 and His-397. The inverted geometry of the C20 methyl group induces different paths of the aliphatic chains. The ligands exhibit a low-energy conformation for MC1288 and a more strained conformation for the two others. KH1060 compensates this energy cost by additional contacts. Based on the present data, the explanation of the superagonist effect is to be found in higher stability and longer half-life of the active complex, thereby excluding different conformations of the ligand binding domain.

The TRAP/SMCC/Mediator complex and thyroid hormone receptor function

The TRAP/SMCC/Mediator complex is a mammalian transcriptional regulatory complex that contains over 25 polypeptides and is, in part, phylogenetically conserved. It was originally isolated as a thyroid hormone receptor (TR)-associated protein (TRAP) complex that mediates TR-activated transcription from DNA templates in conjunction with the general transcription machinery, and probably acts in vivo after the action of other receptor-interacting coactivators involved in chromatin remodeling. Subsequently, the TRAP complex was identified as a more broadly used coactivator complex for a wide variety of activators. The TRAP220 subunit mediates ligand-dependent interactions of the complex with TR and other nuclear receptors; and genetic ablation of murine TRAP220 has revealed that it is essential both for optimal TR function and for a variety of early developmental and adult homeostasis events in mice, but not for cell viability per se.

Core LXXLL motif sequences in CREB-binding protein, SRC1, and RIP140 define affinity and selectivity for steroid and retinoid receptors

An alpha-helical motif containing the sequence LXXLL is required for the ligand-dependent binding of transcriptional co-activators to nuclear receptors. By using a peptide inhibition assay, we have defined the minimal "core" LXXLL motif as an 8-amino acid sequence spanning positions -2 to +6 relative to the primary conserved leucine residue. In yeast two-hybrid assays, core LXXLL motif sequences derived from steroid receptor co-activator (SRC1), the 140-kDa receptor interacting protein (RIP140), and CREB-binding protein (CBP) displayed differences in selectivity and affinity for nuclear receptor ligand binding domains. Although core LXXLL motifs from SRC1 and RIP140 mediated strong interactions with steroid and retinoid receptors, three LXXLL motifs present in the global co-activator CBP were found to have very weak affinity for these proteins. Core motifs with high affinity for steroid and retinoid receptors were generally found to contain a hydrophobic residue at position -1 relative to the first conserved leucine and a nonhydrophobic residue at position +2. Our results indicate that variant residues in LXXLL core motifs influence the affinity and selectivity of co-activators for nuclear receptors.

Overview of regulatory cytochrome P450 enzymes of the vitamin D pathway

Cytochromes P450c1 and P450c24 are regulated hydroxylase enzymes that direct the bioactivation and metabolic degradation of vitamin D. The bioactivation pathway is regulated by cytochrome P450c1 through its synthesis of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3), the hormonally active form of the vitamin. Expression of the P450c1 gene is regulated at the transcription level. Promoter regions within the P450c1 gene have been identified that respond to cAMP and 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) during the respective up- and down-regulation of P450c1 gene expression. The diametric action of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) to up-regulate P450c24 gene expression is discussed in the context of two vitamin D response elements (VDREs) that are linked functionally to an adjoining Ets-binding site. It is apparent from sequence-derived data that the P450c1 and P450c24 enzymes share only 10-25% sequence identity, yet they display functionally similar domains that are conserved across the family of cytochrome P450 enzymes. Expression of E. coli recombinant P450c1 and P450c24 enzymes, and the substrate-binding parameters for P450c24 are discussed. Finally, the natural point mutations in human P540c1 from patients with pseudovitamin D-deficiency rickets (PDDR) are discussed in the context of the enzyme's structure and function.

Cofactor dynamics and sufficiency in estrogen receptor-regulated transcription

Many cofactors bind the hormone-activated estrogen receptor (ER), yet the specific regulators of endogenous ER-mediated gene transcription are unknown. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we find that ER and a number of coactivators rapidly associate with estrogen responsive promoters following estrogen treatment in a cyclic fashion that is not predicted by current models of hormone activation. Cycles of ER complex assembly are followed by transcription. In contrast, the anti-estrogen tamoxifen (TAM) recruits corepressors but not coactivators. Using a genetic approach, we show that recruitment of the p160 class of coactivators is sufficient for gene activation and for the growth stimulatory actions of estrogen in breast cancer supporting a model in which ER cofactors play unique roles in estrogen signaling.

An antiestrogen-responsive estrogen receptor-alpha mutant (D351Y) shows weak AF-2 activity in the presence of tamoxifen

Antiestrogens, including tamoxifen and raloxifene, block estrogen receptor (ER) action by blocking the interactions of an estrogen-dependent activation function (AF-2) with p160 coactivators. Although tamoxifen does show some agonist activity in the presence of ERalpha, this stems from a distinct constitutive activation function (AF-1) that lies within the ERalpha N terminus. Previous studies identified a naturally occurring mutation (D351Y) that allows ERalpha to perceive tamoxifen and raloxifene as estrogens. Here, we examine the contributions of ERalpha activation functions to the D351Y phenotype. We find that the AF-2 function of ERalpha D351Y lacks detectable tamoxifen-dependent activity when tested in isolation but does synergize with AF-1 to allow enhanced tamoxifen response. Weak tamoxifen-dependent interactions between the ERalpha D351Y AF-2 function and GRIP1, a representative p160, can be detected in glutathione S-transferase binding assays and mammalian two-hybrid assays. Furthermore, tamoxifen-dependent AF-2 activity can be detected in the presence of ERalpha D351Y and high levels of overexpressed GRIP1. We therefore propose that the D351Y mutation allows weak tamoxifen-dependent AF-2 activity but that this activity is only detectable when AF-1 is strong, and AF-1 and AF-2 synergize, or when p160s are overexpressed. We discuss the possible structural basis of this effect.

Discrete roles for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and retinoid X receptor in recruiting nuclear receptor coactivators

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) plays a major role in adipogenesis. PPARgamma binds to DNA as a heterodimer with retinoid X receptor (RXR), and PPARgamma-RXR can be activated by ligands specific for either receptor; the presence of both ligands can result in a cooperative effect on the transactivation of target genes. How these ligands mediate transactivation, however, remains unclear. PPARgamma is known to interact with both the p160/SRC-1 family of coactivators and the distinct, multisubunit coactivator complex called DRIP. A single DRIP subunit, DRIP205 (TRAP220, PBP), binds directly to PPARgamma. Here we report that PPARgamma and RXR selectively interacted with DRIP205 and p160 proteins in a ligand-dependent manner. At physiological concentrations, RXR-specific ligands only induced p160 binding to RXR, and PPARgamma-specific ligands exclusively recruited DRIP205 but not p160 coactivators to PPARgamma. This selectivity was not observed in interaction assays off DNA, implying that the specificity of coactivator binding in response to ligand is strongly influenced by the allosteric effects of DNA-bound heterodimers. These coactivator-selective effects were also observed in transient-transfection assays in the presence of overexpressed p160 or DRIP coactivators. The results suggest that the cooperative effects of PPARgamma- and RXR-specific ligands may occur at the level of selective coactivator recruitment.

The glucocorticoid receptor inhibits NFkappaB by interfering with serine-2 phosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II carboxy-terminal domain

Glucocorticoids repress NFkappaB-mediated activation of proinflammatory genes such as interleukin-8 (IL-8) and ICAM-1. Our experiments suggest that the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) confers this effect by associating through protein-protein interactions with NFkappaB bound at each of these genes. That is, we show that the GR zinc binding region (ZBR), which includes the DNA binding and dimerization functions of the receptor, binds directly to the dimerization domain of the RelA subunit of NFkappaB in vitro and that the ZBR is sufficient to associate with RelA bound at NFkappaB response elements in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrate in vivo and in vitro that GR does not disrupt DNA binding by NFkappaB. In transient transfections, we found that the GR ligand binding domain is essential for repression of NFkappaB but not for association with it and that GR can repress an NFkappaB derivative bearing a heterologous activation domain. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in untransfected A549 cells to infer the mechanism by which the tethered GR represses NFkappaB-activated transcription. As expected, we found that the inflammatory signal TNFalpha stimulated preinitiation complex (PIC) assembly at the IL-8 and ICAM-1 promoters and that the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (pol II) in those complexes became phosphorylated at serines 2 and 5 in its carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) heptapeptide repeats (YSPTSPS); these modifications are required for transcription initiation. Remarkably, GR did not inhibit PIC assembly under repressing conditions, but rather interfered with phosphorylation of serine 2 of the pol II CTD.

Specific structural motifs determine TRAP220 interactions with nuclear hormone receptors

The TRAP coactivator complex is a large, multisubunit complex of nuclear proteins which associates with nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) in the presence of cognate ligand and stimulates NR-mediated transcription. A single subunit, TRAP220, is thought to target the entire complex to a liganded receptor through a domain containing two of the signature LXXLL motifs shown previously in other types of coactivator proteins to be essential for mediating NR binding. In this work, we demonstrate that each of the two LXXLL-containing regions, termed receptor binding domains 1 and 2 (RBD-1 and RBD-2), is differentially preferred by specific NRs. The retinoid X receptor (RXR) displays a weak yet specific activation function 2 (AF2)-dependent preference for RBD-1, while the thyroid hormone receptor (TR), vitamin D(3) receptor (VDR), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor all exhibit a strong AF2-dependent preference for RBD-2. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we show that preference for RBD-2 is due to the presence of basic-polar residues on the amino-terminal end of the core LXXLL motif. Furthermore, we show that the presence and proper spacing of both RBD-1 and RBD-2 are required for an optimal association of TRAP220 with RXR-TR or RXR-VDR heterodimers bound to DNA and for TRAP220 coactivator function. On the basis of these results, we suggest that a single molecule of TRAP220 can interact with both subunits of a DNA-bound NR heterodimer.

Functional interactions between the estrogen receptor and DRIP205, a subunit of the heteromeric DRIP coactivator complex

Nuclear receptors regulate transcription in direct response to their cognate hormonal ligands. Ligand binding leads to the dissociation of corepressors and the recruitment of coactivators. Many of these factors, acting in large complexes, have emerged as potential chromatin remodelers through intrinsic histone modifying activities. In addition, other ligand-recruited complexes appear to act more directly on the transcriptional apparatus. The DRIP complex is a 15-subunit complex required for nuclear receptor transcriptional activation in vitro. It is recruited to the receptor in response to ligand through specific interactions of one subunit, DRIP205. We present evidence that DRIP205 interacts with another member of the steroid receptor subfamily, estrogen receptor (ER). This interaction occurs in an agonist-stimulated fashion which in turn is inhibited by several ER antagonists. In vivo, a fragment of DRIP205 containing only its receptor interacting region acts to selectively inhibit ER's ability to activate transcription in response to estradiol. These observations suggest a key role for the DRIP coactivator complex in estrogen-ER signaling.