Three CCAAT-boxes and a single cell cycle genes homology region (CHR) are the major regulating sites for transcription from the human cyclin B2 promoter

A systematic approach identifies p53-DREAM pathway target genes associated with blood or brain abnormalities

p53 (encoded by Trp53) is a tumor suppressor, but mouse models have revealed that increased p53 activity may cause bone marrow failure, likely through dimerization partner, RB-like, E2F4/E2F5 and MuvB (DREAM) complex-mediated gene repression. Here, we designed a systematic approach to identify p53-DREAM pathway targets, the repression of which might contribute to abnormal hematopoiesis. We used Gene Ontology analysis to study transcriptomic changes associated with bone marrow cell differentiation, then chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) data to identify DREAM-bound promoters. We next created positional frequency matrices to identify evolutionary conserved sequence elements potentially bound by DREAM. The same approach was developed to find p53-DREAM targets associated with brain abnormalities, also observed in mice with increased p53 activity. Putative DREAM-binding sites were found for 151 candidate target genes, of which 106 are mutated in a blood or brain genetic disorder. Twenty-one DREAM-binding sites were tested and found to impact gene expression in luciferase assays, to notably regulate genes mutated in dyskeratosis congenita (Rtel1), Fanconi anemia (Fanca), Diamond-Blackfan anemia (Tsr2), primary microcephaly [Casc5 (or Knl1), Ncaph and Wdr62] and pontocerebellar hypoplasia (Toe1). These results provide clues on the role of the p53-DREAM pathway in regulating hematopoiesis and brain development, with implications for tumorigenesis.

Mechanism of assembly, activation and lysine selection by the SIN3B histone deacetylase complex

Lysine acetylation in histone tails is a key post-translational modification that controls transcription activation. Histone deacetylase complexes remove histone acetylation, thereby repressing transcription and regulating the transcriptional output of each gene. Although these complexes are drug targets and crucial regulators of organismal physiology, their structure and mechanisms of action are largely unclear. Here, we present the structure of a complete human SIN3B histone deacetylase holo-complex with and without a substrate mimic. Remarkably, SIN3B encircles the deacetylase and contacts its allosteric basic patch thereby stimulating catalysis. A SIN3B loop inserts into the catalytic tunnel, rearranges to accommodate the acetyl-lysine moiety, and stabilises the substrate for specific deacetylation, which is guided by a substrate receptor subunit. Our findings provide a model of specificity for a main transcriptional regulator conserved from yeast to human and a resource of protein-protein interactions for future drug designs.

Illuminating DEPDC1B in Multi-pronged Regulation of Tumor Progression

DEPDC1B (aliases BRCC3, XTP8, XTP1) is a DEP (Dishevelled, Egl-1, Pleckstrin) and Rho-GAP-like domains containing predominately membrane-associated protein. Earlier, we and others have reported that DEPDC1B is a downstream effector of Raf-1 and long noncoding RNA lncNB1, and an upstream positive effector of pERK. Consistently, DEPDC1B knockdown is associated with downregulation of ligand-stimulated pERK expression. We demonstrate here that DEPDC1B N-terminus binds to the p85 subunit of PI3K, and DEPDC1B overexpression results in decreased ligand-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of p85 and downregulation of pAKT1. Collectively, we propose that DEPDC1B is a novel cross-regulator of AKT1 and ERK, two of the prominent pathways of tumor progression. Our data showing high levels of DEPDC1B mRNA and protein during the G2/M phase have significant implications in cell entry into mitosis. Indeed, DEPDC1B accumulation during the G2/M phase has been associated with disassembly of focal adhesions and cell de-adhesion, referred to as a DEPDC1B-mediated de-adhesion mitotic checkpoint. DEPDC1B is a direct target of transcription factor SOX10, and SOX10-DEPDC1B-SCUBE3 axis has been associated with angiogenesis and metastasis. The Scansite analysis of the DEPDC1B amino acid sequence shows binding motifs for three well-established cancer therapeutic targets CDK1, DNA-PK, and aurora kinase A/B. These interactions and functionalities, if validated, may further implicate DEPDC1B in regulation of DNA damage-repair and cell cycle progression processes. Finally, a survey of the publicly available datasets indicates that high DEPDC1B expression is a viable biomarker in breast, lung, pancreatic and renal cell carcinomas, and melanoma. Currently, the systems and integrative biology of DEPDC1B is far from comprehensive. Future investigations are necessary in order to understand how DEPDC1B might impact AKT, ERK, and other networks, albeit in a context-dependent manner, and influence the actionable molecular, spatial, and temporal vulnerabilities within these networks in cancer cells.

ATP-Dependent Chromatin Remodeler CHD9 Controls the Proliferation of Embryonic Stem Cells in a Cell Culture Condition-Dependent Manner

Emerging evidence suggests that chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding (CHD) proteins are involved in stem cell maintenance and differentiation via the coordination of chromatin structure and gene expression. However, the molecular function of some CHD proteins in stem cell regulation is still poorly understood. Herein, we show that Chd9 knockdown (KD) in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) cultured in normal serum media, not in 2i-leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) media, causes rapid cell proliferation. This is caused by transcriptional regulation related to the cell cycle and the response to growth factors. Our analysis showed that, unlike the serum cultured-Chd9 KD ESCs, the 2i-LIF-cultured-Chd9 KO ESCs displayed elevated levels of critical G1 phase regulators such as p21 and p27. Consistently, the DNA binding sites of CHD9 overlap with some transcription factor DNA motifs that are associated with genes regulating the cell cycle and growth pathways. These transcription factors include the cycle gene homology region (CHR), Arid5a, and LIN54. Collectively, our results provide new insights into CHD9-mediated gene transcription for controlling the cell cycle of ESCs.

Embryonic tissue differentiation is characterized by transitions in cell cycle dynamic-associated core promoter regulation

The core-promoter, a stretch of DNA surrounding the transcription start site (TSS), is a major integration-point for regulatory-signals controlling gene-transcription. Cellular differentiation is marked by divergence in transcriptional repertoire and cell-cycling behaviour between cells of different fates. The role promoter-associated gene-regulatory-networks play in development-associated transitions in cell-cycle-dynamics is poorly understood. This study demonstrates in a vertebrate embryo, how core-promoter variations define transcriptional output in cells transitioning from a proliferative to cell-lineage specifying phenotype. Assessment of cell proliferation across zebrafish embryo segmentation, using the FUCCI transgenic cell-cycle-phase marker, revealed a spatial and lineage-specific separation in cell-cycling behaviour. To investigate the role differential promoter usage plays in this process, cap-analysis-of-gene-expression (CAGE) was performed on cells segregated by cycling dynamics. This analysis revealed a dramatic increase in tissue-specific gene expression, concurrent with slowed cycling behaviour. We revealed a distinct sharpening in TSS utilization in genes upregulated in slowly cycling, differentiating tissues, associated with enhanced utilization of the TATA-box, in addition to Sp1 binding-sites. In contrast, genes upregulated in rapidly cycling cells carry broad distribution of TSS utilization, coupled with enrichment for the CCAAT-box. These promoter features appear to correspond to cell-cycle-dynamic rather than tissue/cell-lineage origin. Moreover, we observed genes with cell-cycle-dynamic-associated transitioning in TSS distribution and differential utilization of alternative promoters. These results demonstrate the regulatory role of core-promoters in cell-cycle-dependent transcription regulation, during embryo-development.

MYB - A regulatory factor in hematopoiesis

MYB is a transcription factor which was identified in birds as a viral oncogene (v-MYB). Its cellular counterpart was subsequently isolated as c-MYB which has three functional domains - DNA binding domain, transactivation domain and negative regulatory domain. c-MYB is essential for survival, and deletion of both alleles of the gene results in embryonic death. It is highly expressed in hematopoietic cells, thymus and neural tissue, and required for T and B lymphocyte development and erythroid maturation. Additionally, aberrant MYB expression has been found in numerous solid cancer cells and human leukemia. Recent studies have also implicated c-MYB in the regulation of expression of fetal hemoglobin which is highly beneficial to the β-hemoglobinopathies (beta thalassemia and sickle cell disease). These findings suggest that MYB could be a potential therapeutic target in leukemia, and possibly also a target for therapeutic increase of fetal hemoglobin in the β-hemoglobinopathies.

Gene structure, expression, and DNA methylation characteristics of sea cucumber cyclin B gene during aestivation

The sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, is a good model for studying environmentally-induced aestivation by a marine invertebrate. One of the central requirements of aestivation is the repression of energy-expensive cellular processes such as cell cycle progression. The present study identified the gene structure of the cell cycle regulator, cyclin B, and detected the expression levels of this gene over three stages of the annual aestivation-arousal cycle. Furthermore, the DNA methylation characteristics of cyclin B were analyzed in non-aestivation and deep-aestivation stages of sea cucumbers. We found that the cyclin B promoter contains a CpG island, three CCAAT-boxes and three cell cycle gene homology regions (CHRs). Application of qRT-PCR analysis showed significant downregulation of cyclin B transcript levels during deep-aestivation in comparison with non-aestivation in both intestine and longitudinal muscle, and these returned to basal levels after arousal from aestivation. Methylation analysis of the cyclin B core promoter revealed that its methylation level showed significant differences between non-aestivation and deep-aestivation stages (p<0.05) and interestingly, a positive correlation between Cyclin B transcripts expression and methylation levels of the core promoter was also observed. Our findings suggest that cell cycle progression may be reversibly arrested during aestivation as indicated by the changes in cyclin B expression levels and we propose that DNA methylation is one of the regulatory mechanisms involved in cyclin B transcriptional variation.

Unique gene expression profile of the proliferating Xenopus tadpole tail blastema cells deciphered by RNA-sequencing analysis

Organ regenerative ability depends on the animal species and the developmental stage. The molecular bases for variable organ regenerative ability, however, remain unknown. Previous studies have identified genes preferentially expressed in the blastema tissues in various animals, but transcriptome analysis of the isolated proliferating blastema cells has not yet been reported. In the present study, we used RNA-sequencing analysis to analyze the gene expression profile of isolated proliferating blastema cells of regenerating Xenopus laevis tadpole tails. We used flow cytometry to isolate proliferating cells, and non-proliferating blastema cells, from regenerating tadpole tails as well as proliferating tail bud cells from tail bud embryos, the latter two of which were used as control cells, based on their DNA content. Among the 28 candidate genes identified by RNA-sequencing analysis, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction identified 10 genes whose expression was enriched in regenerating tadpole tails compared with non-regenerating tadpole tails or tails from the tail bud embryos. Among them, whole mount in situ hybridization revealed that chromosome segregation 1-like and interleukin 11 were expressed in the broad area of the tail blastema, while brevican, lysyl oxidase, and keratin 18 were mainly expressed in the notochord bud in regenerating tails. We further combined whole mount in situ hybridization with immunohistochemistry for the incorporated 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine to confirm that keratin 18 and interleukin 11 were expressed in the proliferating tail blastema cells. Based on the proposed functions of their homologs in other animal species, these genes might have roles in the extracellular matrix formation in the notochord bud (brevican and lysyl oxidase), cell proliferation (chromosome segregation 1-like and keratin 18), and in the maintenance of the differentiation ability of proliferating blastema cells (interleukin 11) in regenerating tadpole tails.

Human DNA-binding peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase Par14 is cell cycle dependently expressed and associates with chromatin in vivo

BACKGROUND

Par14, a member of the parvulin family of peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerases that is involved in rRNA processing, microtubule formation and the glucose metabolism and has been suggested to play a role in chromatin remodeling on basis of sequence and structural identities to HMG proteins. Par14 is enriched in the nucleus and binds to double-stranded DNA in vitro.

RESULTS

By means of sub-nuclear biochemical fractionations, we demonstrate that cellular Par14 is associated with chromatin 3-fold higher than with the nuclear matrix in vivo. Par14 is released from the chromatin fraction after treatment with DNase I and elutes at high NaCl concentrations from the nucleic acid-binding fraction. Using qRT-PCR and western blotting we demonstrate that Par14 is up-regulated during the S and G2/M phases in synchronised human foreskin fibroblasts cells.

CONCLUSION

In the light of our results, Par14 can be described as an endogenous non-histone chromatin protein, which binds DNA in vivo. We propose that Par14 is involved in a DNA-dependent activity such as transcription.

Situational awareness: regulation of the myb transcription factor in differentiation, the cell cycle and oncogenesis

This review summarizes the mechanisms that control the activity of the c-Myb transcription factor in normal cells and tumors, and discusses how c-Myb plays a role in the regulation of the cell cycle. Oncogenic versions of c-Myb contribute to the development of leukemias and solid tumors such as adenoid cystic carcinoma, breast cancer and colon cancer. The activity and specificity of the c-Myb protein seems to be controlled through changes in protein-protein interactions, so understanding how it is regulated could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

p53 and cell cycle dependent transcription of kinesin family member 23 (KIF23) is controlled via a CHR promoter element bound by DREAM and MMB complexes

The microtubule-dependent molecular motor KIF23 (Kinesin family member 23) is one of two components of the centralspindlin complex assembled during late stages of mitosis. Formation of this complex is known as an essential step for cytokinesis. Here, we identified KIF23 as a new transcriptional target gene of the tumor suppressor protein p53. We showed that p53 reduces expression of KIF23 on the mRNA as well as the protein level in different cell types. Promoter reporter assays revealed that this repression results from downregulation of KIF23 promoter activity. CDK inhibitor p21^WAF1/CIP1 was shown to be necessary to mediate p53-dependent repression. Furthermore, we identified the highly conserved cell cycle genes homology region (CHR) in the KIF23 promoter to be strictly required for p53-dependent repression as well as for cell cycle-dependent expression of KIF23. Cell cycle- and p53-dependent regulation of KIF23 appeared to be controlled by differential binding of DREAM and MMB complexes to the CHR element. With this study, we describe a new mechanism for transcriptional regulation of KIF23. Considering the strongly supporting function of KIF23 in cytokinesis, its p53-dependent repression may contribute to the prevention of uncontrolled cell growth.

Role of cyclin B1 levels in DNA damage and DNA damage-induced senescence

The cyclin B1-Cdk1 complex is a key regulator of mitotic entry. A large number of proteins are phosphorylated by the cyclin B1-Cdk1 complex prior to mitotic entry. Regulation of the mitotic events is linked to the control of the activity of the cyclin B1-Cdk1 complex to make cells enter mitosis, arrest at G2-phase, or skip mitosis. The roles of cyclin B1 levels in DNA damage are described. The ATM/ATR pathway acts as a molecular switch for regulating cell fates, flipping between cell death via progress into mitosis and polyploidization via sustained G2 arrest upon DNA damage, where cyclin B1 degradation is important for inducing polyploidization. The decrease in cyclin B1 levels that is induced by DNA damage leads to polyploidization in DNA damage-induced senescence. A useful method for monitoring the expression level of cyclin B1 throughout cell cycle progression in living cells is also presented.

Cyclin A regulates a cell-cycle-dependent expression of CKAP2 through phosphorylation of Sp1

CKAP2 plays crucial roles in proper chromosome segregation and maintaining genomic stability. CKAP2 protein showed cell-cycle-dependent expression, which reached a maximum level at the G2/M phase and disappeared at the onset of G1 phase. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying cell cycle-dependent expression of CKAP2, we cloned and analyzed the human CKAP2 promoter. The upstream 115-bp region from the transcription start site was sufficient for minimal CKAP2 promoter activity. We identified 2 regulatory sequences; a CHR (-110 to -104 bp) and a GC box (-41 to -32 bp). We confirmed Sp1 bound to the GC box using a supershift assay and a ChIP assay. Mutation in the GC box resulted in a near complete loss of CKAP2 promoter activity while mutation in the CHR decreased the promoter activity by 50%. The CHR mutation showed enhanced activity at the G1/S phase, but still retained cyclic activity. The Chromatin IP revealed that the amount of Sp1 bound to the GC box gradually increased and reached a maximum level at the G2/M phase. The amount of Sp1 bound to the GC box was greatly reduced when Cyclin A was depleted, which was restored by adding Cyclin A/Cdk2 complex back into the nuclear extracts. Together, we concluded that the GC box was responsible for the cyclic activity of human CKAP2 promoter through the phosphorylation of Sp1, possibly by Cyclin A/Cdk complex.

The CHR promoter element controls cell cycle-dependent gene transcription and binds the DREAM and MMB complexes

Cell cycle-dependent gene expression is often controlled on the transcriptional level. Genes like cyclin B, CDC2 and CDC25C are regulated by cell cycle-dependent element (CDE) and cell cycle genes homology region (CHR) promoter elements mainly through repression in G(0)/G(1). It had been suggested that E2F4 binding to CDE sites is central to transcriptional regulation. However, some promoters are only controlled by a CHR. We identify the DREAM complex binding to the CHR of mouse and human cyclin B2 promoters in G(0). Association of DREAM and cell cycle-dependent regulation is abrogated when the CHR is mutated. Although E2f4 is part of the complex, a CDE is not essential but can enhance binding of DREAM. We show that the CHR element is not only necessary for repression of gene transcription in G(0)/G(1), but also for activation in S, G(2) and M phases. In proliferating cells, the B-myb-containing MMB complex binds the CHR of both promoters independently of the CDE. Bioinformatic analyses identify many genes which contain conserved CHR elements in promoters binding the DREAM complex. With Ube2c as an example from that screen, we show that inverse CHR sites are functional promoter elements that can bind DREAM and MMB. Our findings indicate that the CHR is central to DREAM/MMB-dependent transcriptional control during the cell cycle.

The tumor suppressor p53 induces expression of the pregnancy-supporting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) CGB7 gene

Successful pregnancy requires a functionally normal blastocyst encountering a receptive maternal endometrium. Interestingly, the cell cycle regulator and tumor suppressor p53 has been reported to support reproduction in mice by regulating the expression of the leukemia inhibitory factor gene in the maternal endometrium. However, in humans the hormonal system orchestrating successful pregnancy is considerably different from rodents. Particularly, the primate-specific dimeric glycoprotein hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is essential for blastocyst implantation and maintenance of early human pregnancy. Here we provide evidence that p53 selectively induces expression of the hCGbeta7 (CGB7) gene. None of the other CGB genes was found to be regulated by p53. We show that expression of the CGB7 gene is upregulated upon p53 induction in human HFF, HCT116 and DLD1 cells as well as in cell preparations enriched in human primary first-trimester trophoblasts. The increase in CGB7 levels upon doxorubicin treatment is lost after siRNA-directed knockdown of p53. Furthermore, we describe CGB7 as a direct transcriptional target gene of p53 by identifying a p53-responsive element in the CGB7 promoter using reporter assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitations. With these results we provide a new link between p53 transcriptional activity and human reproduction.

Specific inhibition of NF-Y subunits triggers different cell proliferation defects

Regulated gene expression is essential for a proper progression through the cell cycle. The transcription factor NF-Y has a fundamental function in transcriptional regulation of cell cycle genes, particularly of G2/M genes. In order to investigate common and distinct functions of NF-Y subunits in cell cycle regulation, NF-YA, NF-YB and NF-YC have been silenced by shRNAs in HCT116 cells. NF-YA loss led to a delay in S-phase progression, DNA damage and apoptosis: we showed the activation of the replication checkpoint, through the recruitment of Δp53 and of the replication proteins PCNA and Mcm7 to chromatin. Differently, NF-YB depletion impaired cells from exiting G2/M, but did not interfere with S-phase progression. Gene expression analysis of NF-YA and NF-YB inactivated cells highlighted a common set of hit genes, as well as a plethora of uncommon genes, unveiling a different effect of NF-Y subunits loss on NF-Y binding to its target genes. Chromatin extracts and ChIP analysis showed that NF-YA depletion was more effective than NF-YB in hitting NF-Y recruitment to CCAAT-promoters. Our data suggest a critical role of NF-Y expression, highlighting that the lack of the single subunits are differently perceived by the cells, which activate diverse cell cycle blocks and signaling pathways.

Function of the A-type cyclins during gametogenesis and early embryogenesis

The cyclins and their cyclin-dependent kinase partners, the Cdks, are the basic components of the machinery that regulates the passage of cells through the cell cycle. Among the cyclins, those known as the A-type cyclins are unique in that in somatic cells, they appear to function at two stages of the cell cycle, at the G1-S transition and again as the cells prepare to enter M-phase. Higher vertebrate organisms have two A-type cyclins, cyclin A1 and cyclin A2, both of which are expressed in the germ line and/or early embryo, following highly specialized patterns that suggest functions in both mitosis and meiosis. Insight into their in vivo functions has been obtained from gene targeting experiments in the mouse model. Loss of cyclin A1 results in disruption of spermatogenesis and male sterility due to cell arrest in the late diplotene stage of the meiotic cell cycle. In contrast, cyclin A2-deficiency is marked by early embryonic lethality; thus, understanding the function of cyclin A2 in the adult germ line awaits conditional mutagenesis or other approaches to knock down its expression.

Identification of Y-box binding protein 1 as a core regulator of MEK/ERK pathway-dependent gene signatures in colorectal cancer cells

Transcriptional signatures are an indispensible source of correlative information on disease-related molecular alterations on a genome-wide level. Numerous candidate genes involved in disease and in factors of predictive, as well as of prognostic, value have been deduced from such molecular portraits, e.g. in cancer. However, mechanistic insights into the regulatory principles governing global transcriptional changes are lagging behind extensive compilations of deregulated genes. To identify regulators of transcriptome alterations, we used an integrated approach combining transcriptional profiling of colorectal cancer cell lines treated with inhibitors targeting the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, computational prediction of regulatory elements in promoters of co-regulated genes, chromatin-based and functional cellular assays. We identified commonly co-regulated, proliferation-associated target genes that respond to the MAPK pathway. We recognized E2F and NFY transcription factor binding sites as prevalent motifs in those pathway-responsive genes and confirmed the predicted regulatory role of Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) by reporter gene, gel shift, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. We also validated the MAPK-dependent gene signature in colorectal cancers and provided evidence for the association of YBX1 with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients. This suggests that MEK/ERK-dependent, YBX1-regulated target genes are involved in executing malignant properties.

p53 activates the PANK1/miRNA-107 gene leading to downregulation of CDK6 and p130 cell cycle proteins

The tumor suppressor p53 is a central regulator of cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis by acting as a transcription factor to regulate numerous genes. We identified all human p53-regulated mRNAs by microarray analyses and searched for protein-coding genes which contain intronic miRNAs. Among others, this analysis yielded the panthothenate kinase 1 (PANK1) gene and its intronic miRNA-107. We showed that miRNA-107 and PANK1 are coregulated by p53 in different cell systems. The PANK1 protein, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of coenzyme A biosynthesis, is also upregulated by p53. We observed that p53 directly activates PANK1 and miRNA-107 transcription through a binding site in the PANK1 promoter. Furthermore, p53 is recruited to the PANK1 promoter after DNA damage. In order to get more insight into miRNA-107 function we investigated its potential target genes. Cell-cycle regulators are significantly enriched among predicted miRNA-107 targets. We found miRNA-107-dependent regulation of two important regulators of G(1)/S progression, CDK6 and the RB-related 2 gene RBL2 (p130). CDK6 and p130 proteins are downregulated upon miRNA-107 expression. Our results uncover a novel miRNA-dependent signaling pathway which leads to downregulation of cell cycle proteins in the absence of transcriptional repression.

The CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta is a critical regulator of steroid-induced mitotic expansion of uterine stromal cells during decidualization

During early pregnancy, the concerted actions of the maternal steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, promote a unique process known as decidualization, which involves extensive proliferation and differentiation of uterine stromal cells. The molecular pathways underlying this hormonally induced cellular transformation, an essential prerequisite for embryo implantation, remain poorly understood. We previously identified CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) as a target of steroid regulation in the uterus. Uteri of mice lacking C/EBPbeta failed to undergo decidualization. In the present study, analyses of C/EBPbeta-null uteri indicated that loss of this factor leads to a block in stromal cell proliferation in response to a decidual stimulation. The mutant stromal cells entered S phase of the cell cycle and completed DNA synthesis but were unable to execute mitosis. Further analysis revealed that C/EBPbeta facilitates the transition of these cells into mitosis by binding directly to the cyclin B2 promoter to regulate its expression. The expression of cdc25C, a phosphatase that maintains the active state of the cyclin B-cyclin-dependent kinase complex during mitosis, is also strongly suppressed in C/EBPbeta-null stromal cells. Furthermore, the expression of the tumor suppressor p53 and the cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p27 was markedly elevated in C/EBPbeta-null stromal cells before the mitotic phase, uncovering additional mechanisms by which C/EBPbeta controls G2 to M transition. Collectively, these results revealed that C/EBPbeta mediates the effects of steroid hormones during decidualization by modulating the expression of multiple key cell cycle regulatory factors that control the G2 to M transition of the proliferating uterine stromal cells.

Regulation of cyclin B2 expression and cell cycle G2/m transition by menin

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) results from mutations in tumor suppressor gene Men1, which encodes nuclear protein menin. Menin up-regulates certain cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors through increasing histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation and inhibits G(0)/G(1) to S phase transition. However, little is known as to whether menin controls G(2)/M-phase transition, another important cell cycle checkpoint. Here, we show that menin expression delays G(2)/M phase transition and reduces expression of Ccnb2 (encoding cyclin B2). Menin associates with the promoter of Ccnb2 and reduces histone H3 acetylation, a positive chromatin marker for gene transcription, at the Ccnb2 locus. Moreover, Men1 ablation leads to an increase in cyclin B2 expression, histone H3 acetylation at the Ccnb2 locus, and G(2)/M transition. In contrast, knockdown of cyclin B2 diminishes the number of cells at M phase and reduces cell proliferation. Furthermore, menin interferes with binding of certain positive transcriptional regulators, such as nuclear factor Y (NF-Y), E2 factors (E2Fs), and histone acetyltransferase CREB (cAMP-response element-binding protein)-binding protein (CBP) to the Ccnb2 locus. Notably, MEN1 disease-related mutations, A242V and L22R, abrogate the ability of menin to repress cyclin B2 expression and G(2)/M transition. Both of the mutants fail to reduce the acetylated level of the Ccnb2 locus. Together, these results suggest that menin-mediated repression of cyclin B2 is crucial for inhibiting G(2)/M transition and cell proliferation through a previously unrecognized molecular mechanism for menin-induced suppression of MEN1 tumorigenesis.

Characterization of the mouse CP27 promoter and NF-Y mediated gene regulation

The cp27 gene is a highly conserved and unique gene with important roles related to craniofacial organogenesis. The present study is a first analysis of the CP27 promoter and its regulation. Here, we have cloned the promoter of the mouse cp27 gene, examined its transcriptional activity, and identified transcription factor binding sites in the proximal promoter region. Two major transcription start sites were mapped adjacent to exon 1. Promoter function analysis of the 5' flanking region by progressive 5' deletion mutations localized transcription repression elements between -1993bp and -969bp and several positive elements between -968bp and the preferred transcription start site. EMSA and functional studies indicated two function-cooperative CCAAT boxes and identified the NF-Y transcription factor as the CCAAT activator controlling transactivation of the CP27 promoter. In addition, this study demonstrated that for its effective binding and function, NF-Y required not only the minimal DNA segment length identified by deletion studies, but also a defined nucleotide sequence in the distal 3' flanking region of the CP27 proximal promoter CCAAT box. These results provide a basis for our understanding of the specific regulation of the cp27 gene in the NF-Y-mediated gene transcription network.

The central role of CDE/CHR promoter elements in the regulation of cell cycle-dependent gene transcription

The cell cycle-dependent element (CDE) and the cell cycle genes homology region (CHR) control the transcription of genes with maximum expression in G(2) phase and in mitosis. Promoters of these genes are repressed by proteins binding to CDE/CHR elements in G(0) and G(1) phases. Relief from repression begins in S phase and continues into G(2) phase and mitosis. Generally, CDE sites are located four nucleotides upstream of CHR elements in TATA-less promoters of genes such as Cdc25C, Cdc2 and cyclin A. However, expression of some other genes, such as human cyclin B1 and cyclin B2, has been shown to be controlled only by a CHR lacking a functional CDE. To date, it is not fully understood which proteins bind to and control CDE/CHR-containing promoters. Recently, components of the DREAM complex were shown to be involved in CDE/CHR-dependent transcriptional regulation. In addition, the expression of genes regulated by CDE/CHR elements is mostly achieved through CCAAT-boxes, which bind heterotrimeric NF-Y proteins as well as the histone acetyltransferase p300. Importantly, many CDE/CHR promoters are downregulated by the tumor suppressor p53. In this review, we define criteria for CDE/CHR-regulated promoters and propose to distinguish two classes of CDE/CHR-regulated genes. The regulation through transcription factors potentially binding to the CDE/CHR is discussed, and recently discovered links to central pathways regulated by E2F, the pRB family and p53 are highlighted.

Repression of SHP-1 expression by p53 leads to trkA tyrosine phosphorylation and suppression of breast cancer cell proliferation

The nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor, trkA, the tumour suppressor p53 and the phosphatase SHP-1 are critical in cell proliferation and differentiation. SHP-1 is a trkA phosphatase that dephosphorylates trkA at tyrosines (Y) 674 and 675. p53 can induce trkA activation and tyrosine phosphorylation in the absence of NGF stimulation. In breast cancer tumours trkA expression is associated with increased patient survival. TrkA protein expression is higher in breast-cancer cell lines than in normal breast epithelia. In cell lines (but not in normal breast epithelia) trkA is functional and can be NGF-stimulated to promote cell proliferation. This study investigates the functional relationship between trkA, p53 and SHP-1 in breast-cancer, and reveals that in wild-type (wt) trkA expressing breast-cancer cells both endogenous wtp53, activated by therapeutic agents, and transfected wtp53 repress expression of SHP-1 through the proximal CCAAT sequence of the SHP-1-P1-promoter and the transcription factor NF-Y. In these cells trkA-Y674/Y675 phosphorylation is detected when SHP-1 protein levels decrease in a wtp53-dependent manner. Proliferation and cell-cycle assays, with cells expressing endogenous or transfected wt-trkA and a temperature-sensitive p53 grown at 32 degrees C (when p53 is in the wt configuration), show suppressed cell proliferation. Suppression is not detected when grown at 37 degrees C (when p53 is in the mutant configuration). A release from suppression is observed when these cells are transiently transfected with wt-SHP-1 and grown at 32 degrees C. Suppression is also detected when, as control, wt-trkA-expressing cells are transiently transfected with SHP-1-siRNA, but not when a dominant-negative (DN) mutant trkA is used to abolish wt-trkA activity. Importantly, suppression is not seen with control trkA-negative breast-cancer cells (expressing wtp53, wt-SHP-1 and undetectable trkA), transfected with Y674F/Y675F mutant-trkA. BrdU-incorporation experiments reveal lack of incorporation in cells expressing wt-trkA and wtp53, or wt-trkA and SHP-1-siRNA. However, BrdU is incorporated in the presence of Y674F/Y675F mutant trkA or DN mutant trkA. These results indicate that p53 repression of SHP-1 expression leads to trkA-Y674/Y675 phosphorylation and trkA-dependent suppression of breast-cancer cell proliferation. These data provide an explanation as to why high trkA levels are associated with favourable prognosis.

Transcriptional activation of the tumor suppressor and differentiation gene S100A2 by a novel p63-binding site

S100A2 is generally found expressed in the epidermis and was recently shown to play a crucial role in the differentiation of keratinocytes. Also known as CaN19, S100A2 was identified as a potential tumor suppressor. Expression of S100A2 is upregulated by p53. The proteins p63 and p73 are related to p53 and are expressed as several splice variants with partially overlapping tasks but also functions different from p53. It had been shown that p63 proteins with mutations in their DNA-binding domain cause severe phenotypes in man as autosomal dominantly inherited disease including EEC, AEC, SHFM, LMS and ADULT syndromes. Here we show that S100A2 is a transcriptional target of p63/p73 family members, particularly the p63 splice variant TAp63γ. The regulation is mediated by a novel transcriptional element in the S100A2 promoter which is bound by TAp63γ but not by p53. Mutant p63 proteins derived from EEC and ADULT syndrome patients cannot activate S100A2 transcription whereas SHFM-related mutants still can stimulate the S100A2 promoter. Consistent with a function in tumor suppression S100A2 expression is stimulated upon DNA damage. After doxorubicin treatment p63γ proteins are recruited to the S100A2 promoter in vivo. This may indicate a function of the p63-dependent S100A2 regulation in tumor suppression.

Cell cycle-dependent transcription of cyclin B2 is influenced by DNA methylation but is independent of methylation in the CDE and CHR elements

DNA methylation is an important mechanism involved in embryogenesis and tumor development. Changing cytosines to 5-methylcytosines in CpG dinucleotides has been found to be responsible for the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes by repressing transcription. A central cell cycle regulator whose synthesis is controlled by transcription is cyclin B. In mammalian cells, cyclin B1 and B2 proteins are well characterized and often found to be overexpressed in cancer patients. Transcription from cyclin B1 and B2 promoters during the cell cycle is dependent upon a combination of two sites named 'cell cycle-dependent element' (CDE) and 'cell cycle genes homology region' (CHR), through repression in G(0) and G(1) followed by release in G(2)/M. Here we show that the cyclin B2 promoter contains a CpG island and that 5-aza-deoxycytidine treatment leads to deregulation of cell cycle-dependent mRNA expression from this gene via a loss of repression in G(0). Furthermore, deletion of the DNA methyltransferase genes DNMT1 and DNMT3b leads to an increase in transcription of cyclin B2. Additionally, DNA methylation in vitro prevents transcriptional activation of the cyclin B2 promoter in G(2)/M. Analysis in vivo of the cyclin B2 core promoter revealed that the CDE/CHR site is partially methylated. However, quantitative in vivo analysis of the CpG-methylation level of the CDE during cell division indicates that CpG methylation is independent of the cell cycle. We conclude that DNA methylation affects cell cycle-dependent transcription of cyclin B2 but that regulation through CDE/CHR is independent of cytosine methylation.

NF-Y-dependent cyclin B2 expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

Cyclin B2, a G(2)-M cyclin, is overexpressed in colorectal adenocarcinomas compared with the normal mucosa. This study examined the level of cyclin B2 overexpression according to the histologic findings and investigated the mechanism(s) and clinical implications of cyclin B2 overexpression in colorectal adenocarcinomas.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The immunoreactivity of the polyclonal antibodies to cyclin B2 was determined in colorectal cancer cells. The transcriptional regulation of cyclin B2 by NF-Y was analyzed using an in vitro transfection assay and an in vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The proliferative activity of the colorectal cancer cells in relation to cyclin B2 overexpression was further examined.

RESULTS

The cytoplasmic distribution of cyclin B2 immunoreactivity was positive in 42 of 65 (64.6%) cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma, and the level was similar regardless of the histologic type. A dominant-negative form of NF-YA effectively inhibited the cyclin B2 promoter activity, and NF-Y was found to bind three conserved CCAAT boxes in the cyclin B2 promoter in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Tumor cells with a higher functional cyclin B2 activity grew faster than those with a lower activity. Furthermore, there was a correlation between the cells showing immunoreactivity to cyclin B2 and those containing the proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a G1-S cyclin, which is also downstream of NF-Y in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyclin B2 seems to be a molecular marker of a colorectal adenocarcinoma and that its up-regulation and coordinate expression of the other cell cycle-related genes by NF-Y might contribute to tumor cell proliferation by accelerating cell cycle progression.

Gene expression of cyclin-dependent kinase subunit Cks2 is repressed by the tumor suppressor p53 but not by the related proteins p63 or p73

Cks2 proteins are essential components of cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase complexes and contribute to cell cycle control. We identify Cks2 as a transcriptional target downregulated by the tumor suppressor p53. Cks2 expression was found to be repressed by p53 both at the mRNA and the protein levels. p53 downregulates transcription from the Cks2 promoter in a dose-dependent manner and in all cell types tested. This repression appears to be independent of p53 binding to the Cks2 promoter. In contrast to p53, neither p63 nor p73 proteins can repress Cks2 transcription. Thus p53, rather than its homologues p63 and p73, may contribute to control of the first metaphase/anaphase transition of mammalian meiosis by downregulation of Cks2 expression.

The bidirectional promoter of two genes for the mitochondrial translational apparatus in mouse is regulated by an array of CCAAT boxes interacting with the transcription factor NF-Y

The genes for mitoribosomal protein S12 (Mrps12) and mitochondrial seryl-tRNA ligase (Sarsm and Sars2) are oppositely transcribed from a conserved promoter region of <200 bp in both human and mouse. Using a dual reporter vector we identified an array of 4 CCAAT box elements required for efficient transcription of the two genes in cultured mouse 3T3 cells, and for enforcing directionality in favour of Mrps12. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and in vivo footprinting confirmed the importance of these promoter elements as sites of protein-binding, and EMSA supershift and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays identified NF-Y as the key transcription factor involved, revealing a common pattern of protein–DNA interactions in all tissues tested (liver, brain, heart, kidney and 3T3 cells). The inherently bidirectional activity of NF-Y makes it an especially suitable factor to govern promoters of this class, whose expression is linked to cell proliferation.

Cloning of the black seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegeli) antiquitin gene and functional characterization of its promoter region

Antiquitin (ALDH7) is a member of the aldehyde dehydrogenase superfamily. In plants, ALDH7 is inducible upon dehydration and is thus believed to possess an osmoregulatory role. On the other hand, however, its exact physiological function in animals remains elusive. We herein report the isolation of the black seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegeli) antiquitin gene (sbALDH7) and the functional characterization of its promoter region. The 1.6 kb 5'-flanking region of sbALDH7 exhibits an intense promoter activity (30-170 fold of the basal) in five mammalian and fish cell lines of different origins. Progressive 5'-deletion analysis suggests that the core promoter is located within the region -297/+41 whereas a cis-acting repressor of basal transcription is present in the region -878/-297. In silico analysis of this sbALDH7 promoter region does not reveal any osmotic response element. Instead, it contains potential binding sites for cell cycle related cis-elements such as CCAAT displacement protein and cell cycle-dependent element/cell cycle genes homology region.

p53 downregulates expression of the G1/S cell cycle phosphatase Cdc25A

Overexpression of Cdc25A phosphatase is often observed in cancer and results in poor prognosis. Cdc25A mainly dephosphorylates and thereby activates Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and thus induces progression in the cell cycle from G(1) to S phase. Here, we demonstrate that the tumor suppressor p53 downregulates expression from the Cdc25A gene. In a p53-inducible cell system, Cdc25A expression on the mRNA and protein level is downregulated upon p53 expression. Promoter-reporter assays show that this regulation is dependent on the Cdc25A promoter. Mutant p53 fails to reduce Cdc25A transcription. In contrast to p53, neither p63 nor p73 can repress Cdc25A transcription. The Cdc25A promoter displays no p53 binding site, and p53 does not bind directly to the promoter DNA as shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Previously, the contribution of p53 to G(1)/S arrest has been mostly linked to activating the expression of the Cdk inhibitor p21(WAF1/CIP1). By downregulating Cdc25A expression, p53 may impair transition from G(1) to S phase independently of p21(WAF1/CIP1). Therefore, the data suggest that, as long as p53 is intact, Cdc25A transcriptional downregulation might play a role in cancer prevention.

Human cyclin B3. mRNA expression during the cell cycle and identification of three novel nonclassical nuclear localization signals

Cyclins form complexes with cyclin-dependent kinases. By controlling activity of the enzymes, cyclins regulate progression through the cell cycle. A- and B-type cyclins were discovered due to their distinct appearance in S and G(2) phases and their rapid proteolytic destruction during mitosis. Transition from G(2) to mitosis is basically controlled by B-type cyclins. In mammals, two cyclin B proteins are well characterized, cyclin B1 and cyclin B2. Recently, a human cyclin B3 gene was described. In contrast to the expression pattern of other B-type cyclins, we find cyclin B3 mRNA expressed not only in S and G(2)/M cells but also in G(0) and G(1). Human cyclin B3 is expressed in different variants. We show that one isoform remains in the cytoplasm, whereas the other variant is translocated to the nucleus. Transport to the nucleus is dependent on three autonomous nonclassical nuclear localization signals that where previously not implicated in nuclear translocation. It had been shown that cyclin B3 coimmunoprecipitates with cdk2; but this complex does not exhibit any kinase activity. Furthermore, a degradation-resistant version of cyclin B3 can arrest cells in G(1) and G(2). Taken together with the finding that cyclin B3 mRNA is not only expressed in G(2)/M but is also detected in significant amounts in resting cells and in G(1) cells. This may suggest a dominant-negative function of human cyclin B3 in competition with activating cyclins in G(0) and the G(1) phase of the cell cycle.

S100P is selectively upregulated in tumor cell lines challenged with DNA cross-linking agents

Bifunctional alkylating agents that cross-link DNA are implicated in the pathogenesis of therapy related myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and MDS related acute myeloid leukemia (MDR-AML). We exposed HL60 cells to the highest level of bifunctional alkylating nitrogen mustard mechlorethamine (HN2) that was consistent with recovery following suppressed growth. Microarray analyses showed minor changes in transcripts in HN2 treated cells. A moderate up-regulation of S100P mRNA was consistently observed after 1 day of exposure to bifunctional alkylating agents and expression was not induced with monofunctional agents. Elevated S100P protein/antigen was not detected until days later in a subset of non-mitotic G2 cells. Elevated S100P protein persisted over the course of a delayed recovery phase. The results confirm recent reports indicating that S100P is a survival factor. In addition, our results indicate that S100P has a specific role in G2 cell function associated with a prolonged phase of recovery after exposure to bifunctional alkylating agents.

Cell-cycle-dependent regulation of the human and mouse Tome-1 promoters

Tome-1, which refers to a trigger of mitotic entry 1, mediates the destruction of the mitosis-inhibitory kinase, Wee1, via the E3 ligase, SCF. In turn, Tome-1 itself is targeted for degradation by APC in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. In the present study, we analyzed the human and mouse Tome-1 promoter regions. Using synchronized cultures of NIH3T3 cells transfected with Tome-1 promoter/luciferase constructs, we showed that the promoter activity of Tome-1 is activated at the G2/M phase. Using various Tome-1 promoter/luciferase constructs, we showed that the CCAAT box located upstream of the transcription initiation site is important for the basal promoter activity. We identified a repressor element (cell-cycle-dependent element/cell cycle gene homology region) in the vicinity of the transcription start site, and mutations within this element diminished the cell-cycle-dependent transcriptional regulation of Tome-1.

TAp63γ can substitute for p53 in inducing expression of themaspintumor suppressor

Maspin is a Class II tumor suppressor protein and plays a role in tumor growth by inhibiting cellular invasion and motility. It is a member of the serpin family of protease inhibitors and has been shown to reduce angiogenesis. Maspin gene expression can be upregulated by the tumor suppressor p53. We tested 7 p53-related proteins of the p63 and p73 families for their ability to induce maspin expression. The p63 splice form TAp63gamma can substitute for p53 in activating the maspin promoter. TAp63gamma activates the promoter through the same consensus site as p53. In the DLD-1 colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, harboring a tet-off regulated transgene, induction of TAp63gamma leads to an upregulation of maspin mRNA from the chromosomal gene. With a short lag phase also maspin protein levels are elevated after induced TAp63gamma expression. To assess a potential function of p63-dependent maspin upregulation in tumors we followed expression of p53, p63 and maspin by immunohistochemistry in hepatocellular carcinomas. Two types of tumors with wild-type or mutant p53 were assayed. Interestingly, the majority of tumors expressing only a mutated and inactive p53 protein nonetheless stain positive for maspin, whereas these tumors were positive for p63 protein expression. In summary, we show that TAp63gamma can substitute for p53 in transcriptional activation of the maspin tumor suppressor gene. TAp63gamma employs the same DNA recognition site for this activation as p53. We observe expression patterns of p53, p63 and maspin proteins in tumor tissue that may indicate also a function of maspin induction by p63 in tumors.

E2Fs link the control of G1/S and G2/M transcription

Previous work has provided evidence for E2F-dependent transcription control of both G1/S- and G2/M-regulated genes. Analysis of the G2-regulated cdc2 and cyclin B1 genes reveals the presence of both positive- and negative-acting E2F promoter elements. Additional elements provide both positive (CCAAT and Myb) and negative (CHR) control. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays identify multiple interactions of E2F proteins that include those previously shown to activate and repress transcription. We find that E2F1, E2F2, and E2F3 bind to the positive-acting E2F site in the cdc2 promoter, whereas E2F4 binds to the negative-acting site. We also find that binding of an activator E2F is dependent on an adjacent CCAAT site that is bound by the NF-Y transcription factor and binding of a repressor E2F is dependent on an adjacent CHR element, suggesting a role for cooperative interactions in determining both activation and repression. Finally, the kinetics of B-Myb interaction with the G2-regulated promoters coincides with the activation of the genes, and RNAi-mediated reduction of B-Myb inhibits expression of cyclin B1 and cdc2. The ability of B-Myb to interact with the cdc2 promoter is dependent on an intact E2F binding site. These results thus point to a role for E2Fs, together with B-Myb, which is an E2F-regulated gene expressed at G1/S, in linking the regulation of genes at G1/S and G2/M.

Distinct Regions of the Mouse Cyclin A1 Gene, Ccna1, Confer Male Germ-Cell Specific Expression and Enhancer Function1

The gene encoding mouse cyclin A1, Ccna1, is expressed at highest levels in late pachytene-diplotene spermatocytes, where it is required for meiotic cell division. To begin to understand the mechanisms responsible for its highly restricted pattern of expression, transgenic mouse lines carrying constructs consisting of the cyclin A1 regulatory region fused with the reporter gene lacZ were generated. Analysis of tissue-specific and testicular cell-type-specific transgene expression indicated that sequences within -1.3 kilobases (kb) of the cyclin A1 putative transcriptional start site were sufficient to direct transgene expression uniquely to late spermatocytes while maintaining repression in other tissues. However, sequences located between -4.8 kb and -1.3 kb of the putative transcriptional start site were apparently required to transcribe the reporter at levels needed for consistent X-gal staining. Comparison of the mouse, rat, and human proximal promoters revealed regions of high sequence conservation and consensus sequences both for known transcription factors, some of which are coexpressed with Ccna1, such as A-myb and Hsf2, and for elements that control expression of genes in somatic cell cycles, such as CDE, CHR, and CCAAT elements. Thus, the promoter region within 1.3 kb upstream of the putative Ccna1 transcriptional start can direct expression of lacZ to spermatocytes, while sequences located between -4.8 kb and -1.3 kb of the putative transcriptional start site may enhance expression of lacZ.

SIRF--a novel regulator element controlling transcription from the p55Cdc/Fizzy promoter during the cell cycle

p55Cdc proteins participate in activation and timing of ubiquitin ligation by APC/C. Labeling of the substrates with ubiquitin leads to degradation of the cell cycle proteins through the proteasome in mitosis. Consistent with the phase in which the protein functions p55Cdc mRNA is expressed during the cell cycle starting in S phase with a maximum in G2/M. We analyzed the human p55Cdc promoter responsible for this expression pattern and found with SIRF (Cell-Cycle Site-Regulating p55Cdc/Fizzy-Transcription) a novel element which downregulates transcription in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Activation of gene transcription is independent of the SIRF element and NF-Y. The nucleotide sequence of SIRF is essentially identical in human, rat, and mouse p55Cdc whereas other parts of the promoter are not conserved. SIRF requires its natural promoter context for its regulatory function. With a length of 44 nucleotides this element is unusually long and may require a large protein complex for its regulation.

Identification of Tcf-4 as a transcriptional target of p53 signalling

T-cell factor (Tcf)-4 is a main transcription factor to pass on Wnt/beta-catenin signalling. The tumour suppressor protein p53 contributes as a transcription factor to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. Mutations of components in p53 and Wnt/beta-catenin signalling networks play a part in tumour formation. Here, we identify the Tcf-4 gene as a downstream effector of p53. Induction of wild-type p53 in a tet-off regulated human colon cell system leads to the reduction of Tcf-4 mRNA and protein levels. Also, mRNA of the Tcf-4 target gene uPAR is downregulated after p53 induction. Expression of a luciferase reporter controlled by the Tcf-4 promoter is repressed by wild-type p53, but not by a p53 mutant deficient in DNA binding. Such a regulation is seen in cell lines of different origin. These findings directly link Wnt/beta-catenin signalling and p53 tumour suppressor function and may provide a mechanism by which loss of p53 function contributes to progression in the adenoma/carcinoma sequence in colon tumours. Furthermore, since Tcf-4 is expressed in many tissues and downregulation of Tcf-4 by p53 is seen in several different cell types, this regulation likely plays a role in proliferation control of all tissues that can express p53 and Tcf-4.

Human p32, interacts with B subunit of the CCAAT-binding factor, CBF/NF-Y, and inhibits CBF-mediated transcription activation in vitro

To understand the role of the CCAAT-binding factor, CBF, in transcription, we developed a strategy to purify the heterotrimeric CBF complex from HeLa cell extracts using two successive immunoaffinity chromatography steps. Here we show that the p32 protein, previously identified as the ASF/SF2 splicing factor-associated protein, copurified with the CBF complex. Studies of protein-protein interaction demonstrated that p32 interacts specifically with CBF-B subunit and also associates with CBF-DNA complex. Cellular localization by immunofluorescence staining revealed that p32 is present in the cell throughout the cytosol and nucleus, whereas CBF is present primarily in the nucleus. A portion of the p32 colocalizes with CBF-B in the nucleus. Interestingly, reconstitution of p32 in an in vitro transcription reaction demonstrated that p32 specifically inhibits CBF-mediated transcription activation. Altogether, our study identified p32 as a novel and specific corepressor of CBF-mediated transcription activation in vitro.

Temperature may influence and regulate NF-YB expression in toad oocyte

Fully grown oocytes derived from Bufo gargarizans maintained at relatively low temperatures (4 degrees C, LTE-oocytes) acquire the competence to resume normal meiosis. In contrast, fully grown oocytes derived from toads maintained at relatively high temperatures (28 degrees C, HTE-oocytes) never acquire maturation competence. By suppression subtractive hybridization, we obtained 18 ESTs preliminarily thought to be preferentially expressed in LTE-oocytes; of these, TS1-4 shared homology with the human and mouse NF-YB genes. We cloned the full-length toad NF-YB gene by RACE and identified three alternatively spliced transcripts: tNF-YB1, tNF-YB2, and tNF-YB3 (GenBank Accession Nos. AY442015, AY442016, and AY442017, respectively). Toad NF-YB was differentially transcribed and translated in LTE-oocytes versus HTE-oocytes, likely resulting in differential CCAAT-binding and/or transcriptional activity of NF-Y. Furthermore, toad cyclin B2 was differentially transcribed at high and low temperatures. Taken together, this report of the differential expression of toad NF-YB at different temperatures is the first evidence that temperature may influence and regulate NF-YB expression.