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Malaymar Pinar D, Göös H, Tan Z, Kumpula EP, Chowdhury I, Wang Z, Zhang Q, Salokas K, Keskitalo S, Wei GH, Kumbasar A, Varjosalo M. Nuclear Factor I Family Members are Key Transcription Factors Regulating Gene Expression. Mol Cell Proteomics 2025; 24:100890. [PMID: 39617063 PMCID: PMC11775196 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2024.100890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 11/26/2024] [Accepted: 11/28/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2025] Open
Abstract
The Nuclear Factor I (NFI) family of transcription factors (TFs) plays key roles in cellular differentiation, proliferation, and homeostasis. As such, NFI family members engage in a large number of interactions with other proteins and chromatin. However, despite their well-established significance, the NFIs' interactomes, their dynamics, and their functions have not been comprehensively examined. Here, we employed complementary omics-level techniques, i.e. interactomics (affinity purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS) and proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID)), and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq), to obtain a comprehensive view of the NFI proteins and their interactions in different cell lines. Our analyses included all four NFI family members, and a less-studied short isoform of NFIB (NFIB4), which lacks the DNA binding domain. We observed that, despite exhibiting redundancy, each family member had unique high-confidence interactors and target genes, suggesting distinct roles within the transcriptional regulatory networks. The study revealed that NFIs interact with other TFs to co-regulate a broad range of regulatory networks and cellular processes. Notably, time-dependent proximity-labeling unveiled a highly dynamic nature of NFI protein-protein interaction networks and hinted at the temporal modulation of NFI interactions. Furthermore, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of NFI interactome and targetome revealed the involvement of NFIs in transcriptional regulation, chromatin organization, cellular signaling pathways, and pathways related to cancer. Additionally, we observed that NFIB4 engages with proteins associated with mRNA regulation, which suggests that NFIs have roles beyond traditional DNA binding and transcriptional modulation. We propose that NFIs may function as potential pioneering TFs, given their role in regulating the DNA binding ability of other TFs and their interactions with key chromatin remodeling complexes, thereby influencing a wide range of cellular processes. These insights into NFI protein-protein interactions and their dynamic, context-dependent nature provide a deeper understanding of gene regulation mechanisms and hint at the role of NFIs as master regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dicle Malaymar Pinar
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Helka Göös
- iCell, Research and Development, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zenglai Tan
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Esa-Pekka Kumpula
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Iftekhar Chowdhury
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zixian Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine & Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Kari Salokas
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Salla Keskitalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gong-Hong Wei
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine & Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Asli Kumbasar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Saritas Erdogan S, Yilmaz AE, Kumbasar A. PIN1 is a novel interaction partner and a negative upstream regulator of the transcription factor NFIB. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:2910-2925. [PMID: 39245791 PMCID: PMC11627009 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.15010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
NFIB is a transcription factor of the Nuclear Factor One (NFI) family that is essential for embryonic development. Post-translational control of NFIB or its upstream regulators have not been well characterized. Here, we show that PIN1 binds NFIB in a phosphorylation-dependent manner, via its WW domain. PIN1 interacts with the well-conserved N-terminal domains of all NFIs. Moreover, PIN1 attenuates the transcriptional activity of NFIB; this attenuation requires substrate binding by PIN1 but not its isomerase activity. Paradoxically, we found stabilization of NFIB by PIN1. We propose that PIN1 represses NFIB function not by regulating its abundance but by inducing a conformational change. These results identify NFIB as a novel PIN1 target and posit a role for PIN1 in post-translational regulation of NFIB and other NFIs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmet Erdal Yilmaz
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsIstanbul Technical UniversityTurkey
| | - Asli Kumbasar
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsIstanbul Technical UniversityTurkey
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Kooblall KG, Stevenson M, Heilig R, Stewart M, Wright B, Lockstone H, Buck D, Fischer R, Wells S, Lines KE, Teboul L, Hennekam RC, Thakker RV. Identification of cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) as downstream target of nuclear factor I/X (NFIX): implications for skeletal dysplasia syndromes. JBMR Plus 2024; 8:ziae060. [PMID: 38827116 PMCID: PMC11144382 DOI: 10.1093/jbmrpl/ziae060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor I/X (NFIX) mutations are associated with 2 skeletal dysplasias, Marshall-Smith (MSS) and Malan (MAL) syndromes. NFIX encodes a transcription factor that regulates expression of genes, including Bobby sox (BBX) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in neural progenitor cells and astrocytes, respectively. To elucidate the role of NFIX mutations in MSS, we studied their effects in fibroblast cell lines obtained from 5 MSS unrelated patients and 3 unaffected individuals. The 5 MSS NFIX frameshift mutations in exons 6-8 comprised 3 deletions (c.819-732_1079-948del, c.819-471_1079-687del, c.819-592_1079-808del), an insertion (c.1037_1038insT), and a duplication (c.1090dupG). Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analyses using MSS and unrelated control fibroblasts and in vitro expression studies in monkey kidney fibroblast (COS-7) cells showed that frameshift mutations in NFIX exons 6-8 generated mutant transcripts that were not cleared by nonsense-mediated-decay mechanisms and encoded truncated NFIX proteins. Moreover, BBX or GFAP expression was unaffected in the majority of MSS fibroblasts. To identify novel NFIX downstream target genes, RNA sequencing and proteomics analyses were performed on mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells derived from control Nfix+/+, Nfix+/Del2, Nfix+/Del24, NfixDel24/Del24, Nfix+/Del140, and NfixDel140/Del140 mice, compared with NfixDel2/Del2 mice which had developmental, skeletal, and neural abnormalities. This identified 191 transcripts and 815 proteins misregulated in NfixDel2/Del2 MEFs with ≥2-fold-change (P <0 .05). Validation studies using qRT-PCR and western blot analyses confirmed that 2 genes, cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (Crabp2) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (Vcam1), were misregulated at the RNA and protein levels in NfixDel2/Del2 MEFs, and that CRABP2 and VCAM1 expressions were altered in 60%-100% of MSS fibroblast cells. Furthermore, in vitro luciferase reporter assays confirmed that NFIX directly regulates CRABP2 promoter activity. Thus, these altered genes and pathways may represent possible targets for drugs as potential treatments and therapies for MSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kreepa G Kooblall
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Stevenson
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Raphael Heilig
- Target Discovery Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Stewart
- MRC Harwell, Mary Lyon Centre, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Wright
- Oxford Genomics Centre, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Lockstone
- Oxford Genomics Centre, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - David Buck
- Oxford Genomics Centre, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Roman Fischer
- Target Discovery Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Wells
- MRC Harwell, Mary Lyon Centre, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, United Kingdom
| | - Kate E Lines
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Lydia Teboul
- MRC Harwell, Mary Lyon Centre, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, United Kingdom
| | - Raoul C Hennekam
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rajesh V Thakker
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom
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Kooblall KG, Stevenson M, Stewart M, Harris L, Zalucki O, Dewhurst H, Butterfield N, Leng H, Hough TA, Ma D, Siow B, Potter P, Cox RD, Brown SD, Horwood N, Wright B, Lockstone H, Buck D, Vincent TL, Hannan FM, Bassett JD, Williams GR, Lines KE, Piper M, Wells S, Teboul L, Hennekam RC, Thakker RV. A Mouse Model with a Frameshift Mutation in the Nuclear Factor I/X ( NFIX) Gene Has Phenotypic Features of Marshall-Smith Syndrome. JBMR Plus 2023; 7:e10739. [PMID: 37283649 PMCID: PMC10241085 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear factor I/X (NFIX) gene encodes a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor whose mutations lead to two allelic disorders characterized by developmental, skeletal, and neural abnormalities, namely, Malan syndrome (MAL) and Marshall-Smith syndrome (MSS). NFIX mutations associated with MAL mainly cluster in exon 2 and are cleared by nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) leading to NFIX haploinsufficiency, whereas NFIX mutations associated with MSS are clustered in exons 6-10 and escape NMD and result in the production of dominant-negative mutant NFIX proteins. Thus, different NFIX mutations have distinct consequences on NFIX expression. To elucidate the in vivo effects of MSS-associated NFIX exon 7 mutations, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to generate mouse models with exon 7 deletions that comprised: a frameshift deletion of two nucleotides (Nfix Del2); in-frame deletion of 24 nucleotides (Nfix Del24); and deletion of 140 nucleotides (Nfix Del140). Nfix +/Del2, Nfix +/Del24, Nfix +/Del140, Nfix Del24/Del24, and Nfix Del140/Del140 mice were viable, normal, and fertile, with no skeletal abnormalities, but Nfix Del2/Del2 mice had significantly reduced viability (p < 0.002) and died at 2-3 weeks of age. Nfix Del2 was not cleared by NMD, and NfixDel2/Del2 mice, when compared to Nfix +/+ and Nfix +/Del2 mice, had: growth retardation; short stature with kyphosis; reduced skull length; marked porosity of the vertebrae with decreased vertebral and femoral bone mineral content; and reduced caudal vertebrae height and femur length. Plasma biochemistry analysis revealed Nfix Del2/Del2 mice to have increased total alkaline phosphatase activity but decreased C-terminal telopeptide and procollagen-type-1-N-terminal propeptide concentrations compared to Nfix +/+ and Nfix +/Del2 mice. Nfix Del2/Del2 mice were also found to have enlarged cerebral cortices and ventricular areas but smaller dentate gyrus compared to Nfix +/+ mice. Thus, Nfix Del2/Del2 mice provide a model for studying the in vivo effects of NFIX mutants that escape NMD and result in developmental abnormalities of the skeletal and neural tissues that are associated with MSS. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kreepa G. Kooblall
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM)University of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Mark Stevenson
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM)University of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Michelle Stewart
- MRC Harwell, Mary Lyon CentreHarwell Science and Innovation CampusOxfordshireUK
| | | | - Oressia Zalucki
- The School of Biomedical Sciences and The Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Hannah Dewhurst
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College LondonHammersmith HospitalLondonUK
| | - Natalie Butterfield
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College LondonHammersmith HospitalLondonUK
| | - Houfu Leng
- Centre for OA Pathogenesis Versus Arthritis, The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS)Medical Sciences Division University of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Tertius A. Hough
- MRC Harwell, Mary Lyon CentreHarwell Science and Innovation CampusOxfordshireUK
| | - Da Ma
- Department of Internal MedicineWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNCUSA
| | | | - Paul Potter
- MRC Harwell, Mary Lyon CentreHarwell Science and Innovation CampusOxfordshireUK
| | - Roger D. Cox
- MRC Harwell, Mary Lyon CentreHarwell Science and Innovation CampusOxfordshireUK
| | - Stephen D.M. Brown
- MRC Harwell, Mary Lyon CentreHarwell Science and Innovation CampusOxfordshireUK
| | - Nicole Horwood
- Centre for OA Pathogenesis Versus Arthritis, The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS)Medical Sciences Division University of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Benjamin Wright
- Oxford Genomics Centre, The Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Helen Lockstone
- Oxford Genomics Centre, The Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - David Buck
- Oxford Genomics Centre, The Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Tonia L. Vincent
- Centre for OA Pathogenesis Versus Arthritis, The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS)Medical Sciences Division University of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Fadil M. Hannan
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM)University of OxfordOxfordUK
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - J.H. Duncan Bassett
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College LondonHammersmith HospitalLondonUK
| | - Graham R. Williams
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College LondonHammersmith HospitalLondonUK
| | - Kate E. Lines
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM)University of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Michael Piper
- The School of Biomedical Sciences and The Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Sara Wells
- MRC Harwell, Mary Lyon CentreHarwell Science and Innovation CampusOxfordshireUK
| | - Lydia Teboul
- MRC Harwell, Mary Lyon CentreHarwell Science and Innovation CampusOxfordshireUK
| | - Raoul C. Hennekam
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Rajesh V. Thakker
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM)University of OxfordOxfordUK
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Singh SK, Kordula T, Spiegel S. Neuronal contact upregulates astrocytic sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 to coordinate astrocyte-neuron cross communication. Glia 2021; 70:712-727. [PMID: 34958493 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the mammalian brain, directly associate with and regulate neuronal processes and synapses and are important regulators of brain development. Yet little is known of the molecular mechanisms that control the establishment of astrocyte morphology and the bi-directional communication between astrocytes and neurons. Here we show that neuronal contact stimulates expression of S1PR1, the receptor for the bioactive sphingolipid metabolite sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), on perisynaptic astrocyte processes and that S1PR1 drives astrocyte morphological complexity and morphogenesis. Moreover, the S1P/S1PR1 axis increases neuronal contact-induced expression of astrocyte secreted synaptogenic factors SPARCL1 and thrombospondin 4 that are involved in neural circuit assembly. Our findings have uncovered new functions for astrocytic S1PR1 signaling in regulation of bi-directional astrocyte-neuron crosstalk at the nexus of astrocyte morphogenesis and synaptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Tomasz Kordula
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Sarah Spiegel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Brenner M, Messing A. Regulation of GFAP Expression. ASN Neuro 2021; 13:1759091420981206. [PMID: 33601918 PMCID: PMC7897836 DOI: 10.1177/1759091420981206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the GFAP gene has attracted considerable attention because its onset is a marker for astrocyte development, its upregulation is a marker for reactive gliosis, and its predominance in astrocytes provides a tool for their genetic manipulation. The literature on GFAP regulation is voluminous, as almost any perturbation of development or homeostasis in the CNS will lead to changes in its expression. In this review, we limit our discussion to mechanisms proposed to regulate GFAP synthesis through a direct interaction with its gene or mRNA. Strengths and weaknesses of the supportive experimental findings are described, and suggestions made for additional studies. This review covers 15 transcription factors, DNA and histone methylation, and microRNAs. The complexity involved in regulating the expression of this intermediate filament protein suggests that GFAP function may vary among both astrocyte subtypes and other GFAP-expressing cells, as well as during development and in response to perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brenner
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Albee Messing
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
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Schmidt F, Kern F, Schulz MH. Integrative prediction of gene expression with chromatin accessibility and conformation data. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:4. [PMID: 32029002 PMCID: PMC7003490 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-0327-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhancers play a fundamental role in orchestrating cell state and development. Although several methods have been developed to identify enhancers, linking them to their target genes is still an open problem. Several theories have been proposed on the functional mechanisms of enhancers, which triggered the development of various methods to infer promoter-enhancer interactions (PEIs). The advancement of high-throughput techniques describing the three-dimensional organization of the chromatin, paved the way to pinpoint long-range PEIs. Here we investigated whether including PEIs in computational models for the prediction of gene expression improves performance and interpretability. RESULTS We have extended our [Formula: see text] framework to include DNA contacts deduced from chromatin conformation capture experiments and compared various methods to determine PEIs using predictive modelling of gene expression from chromatin accessibility data and predicted transcription factor (TF) motif data. We designed a novel machine learning approach that allows the prioritization of TFs binding to distal loop and promoter regions with respect to their importance for gene expression regulation. Our analysis revealed a set of core TFs that are part of enhancer-promoter loops involving YY1 in different cell lines. CONCLUSION We present a novel approach that can be used to prioritize TFs involved in distal and promoter-proximal regulatory events by integrating chromatin accessibility, conformation, and gene expression data. We show that the integration of chromatin conformation data can improve gene expression prediction and aids model interpretability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Schmidt
- High-throughput Genomics & Systems Biology, Cluster of Excellence on Multimodal Computing and Interaction, Saarland Informatics Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Computational Biology & Applied Algorithmics, Max-Planck Institute for Informatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138672 Singapore
| | - Fabian Kern
- High-throughput Genomics & Systems Biology, Cluster of Excellence on Multimodal Computing and Interaction, Saarland Informatics Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Marcel H. Schulz
- High-throughput Genomics & Systems Biology, Cluster of Excellence on Multimodal Computing and Interaction, Saarland Informatics Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Computational Biology & Applied Algorithmics, Max-Planck Institute for Informatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhein-Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Zenker M, Bunt J, Schanze I, Schanze D, Piper M, Priolo M, Gerkes EH, Gronostajski RM, Richards LJ, Vogt J, Wessels MW, Hennekam RC. Variants in nuclear factor I genes influence growth and development. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 181:611-626. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Zenker
- Institute of Human GeneticsUniversity Hospital, Otto‐von‐Guericke‐University Magdeburg Germany
| | - Jens Bunt
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Ina Schanze
- Institute of Human GeneticsUniversity Hospital, Otto‐von‐Guericke‐University Magdeburg Germany
| | - Denny Schanze
- Institute of Human GeneticsUniversity Hospital, Otto‐von‐Guericke‐University Magdeburg Germany
| | - Michael Piper
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Manuela Priolo
- Operative Unit of Medical GeneticsGreat Metropolitan Hospital Bianchi‐Melacrino‐Morelli Reggio Calabria Italy
| | - Erica H. Gerkes
- Department of Genetics, University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center Groningen Groningen the Netherlands
| | - Richard M. Gronostajski
- Department of Biochemistry, Program in Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life SciencesState University of New York Buffalo NY
| | - Linda J. Richards
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Julie Vogt
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health PartnersWomen's and Children's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Birmingham UK
| | - Marja W. Wessels
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical Center Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Raoul C. Hennekam
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
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9
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Barron M, Zhang S, Li J. A sparse differential clustering algorithm for tracing cell type changes via single-cell RNA-sequencing data. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:e14. [PMID: 29140455 PMCID: PMC5815159 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell types in cell populations change as the condition changes: some cell types die out, new cell types may emerge and surviving cell types evolve to adapt to the new condition. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing data that measure the gene expression of cells before and after the condition change, we propose an algorithm, SparseDC, which identifies cell types, traces their changes across conditions and identifies genes which are marker genes for these changes. By solving a unified optimization problem, SparseDC completes all three tasks simultaneously. SparseDC is highly computationally efficient and demonstrates its accuracy on both simulated and real data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Barron
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.,Mike and Josie Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, IN 46617, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.,Mike and Josie Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, IN 46617, USA
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Piper M, Gronostajski R, Messina G. Nuclear Factor One X in Development and Disease. Trends Cell Biol 2018; 29:20-30. [PMID: 30287093 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The past decade has seen incredible advances in the field of stem cell biology that have greatly improved our understanding of development and provided important insights into pathological processes. Transcription factors (TFs) play a central role in mediating stem cell proliferation, quiescence, and differentiation. One TF that contributes to these processes is Nuclear Factor One X (NFIX). Recently, NFIX activity has been shown to be essential in multiple organ systems and to have important translational impacts for human health. Here, we describe recent studies showing the contribution of NFIX to muscle development and muscular dystrophies, hematopoiesis, cancer, and neural stem cell biology, highlighting the importance of this knowledge in the development of therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Piper
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Richard Gronostajski
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics Graduate Program, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Graziella Messina
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Patel R, Muir M, Cvetkovic C, Krencik R. Concepts toward directing human astroplasticity to promote neuroregeneration. Dev Dyn 2018; 248:21-33. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Caroline Cvetkovic
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery; Houston Methodist Research Institute; Houston Texas
| | - Robert Krencik
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery; Houston Methodist Research Institute; Houston Texas
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12
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CD38 Deficiency Promotes Inflammatory Response through Activating Sirt1/NF- κB-Mediated Inhibition of TLR2 Expression in Macrophages. Mediators Inflamm 2018; 2018:8736949. [PMID: 29977153 PMCID: PMC6011090 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8736949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
CD38 was first identified as a lymphocyte-specific antigen and then has been found to be widely expressed in a variety of cell types. The functions of CD38 are involved in numerous biological processes including immune responses. Here, we showed the downregulations of both TLR2 mRNA and protein in macrophages from CD38−/− mice and in CD38 knockdown RAW264.7 cells. Several NF-κB-binding motifs in the promoter region of the TLR2 gene were identified by the bioinformatics analysis and were confirmed by the luciferase activity assay with the different truncated TLR2 promoters. CD38 deficiency resulted in the reduction of NF-κB p65 and acetyl-NF-κB p65 (Ac-p65) levels as determined by Western blot. The expression of Sirt1 did not change, but an increased activity of Sirt1 was observed in CD38-deficient macrophages. Inhibition of the Sirt1/NF-κB signaling pathway resulted in downregulation of TLR2 expression in RAW264.7 cells. However, re-expression of CD38 in the knockdown clones reversed the effect on Sirt1/NF-κB/TLR2 signaling, which is NAD-dependent. Moreover, the inflammatory cytokines including G-CSF, IL-1alpha, IL-6, MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, and RANTES were increased in CD38 knockdown RAW264.7 cells. Taken together, our data demonstrated that CD38 deficiency enhances inflammatory response in macrophages, and the mechanism may be partly associated with increased Sirt1 activity, which promoted NF-κB deacetylation and then inhibited expression of the TLR2 gene. Obviously, our study may provide an insight into the molecular mechanisms in CD38-mediated inflammation.
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He H, Li W, Peng M, Qin J, Shi J, Li H, Tian M, Zhang X, Lv G, Jin G. MicroRNA expression profiles of neural stem cells following valproate inducement. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:6204-6215. [PMID: 29575035 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) possess self-renewal and multilineage differentiation ability, thus are considered to be a potential source for cell replacement therapy of many nervous system diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Valproate (VPA), a member of histone deacetylase inhibitor family, is an epigenetic regulator and can promote NSCs to differentiate into neurons, nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of the process remain unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exert a crucial part in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Epigenetic mechanisms involve in the regulation of miRNAs expression. Therefore we speculated that miRNAs may be important factors during the promotion of neuronal differentiation by VPA. Here, after selecting appropriate concentration and treatment time of VPA, we conducted microRNA arrays at 24 h on the treatment of 1 mM VPA or vehicle. After validation, we obtained 5 significantly upregulated miRNAs (miR-29a-5p, miR-674-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-652-3p, and miR-210-3p) in VPA group compared with control. We predicted the target genes of these miRNAs on the website. Through gene ontology (GO) and pathway analyses, we obtained preliminary comprehension of the function of these genes. The bioinformatics analyses indicated the involvement of them during neurogenesis. In addition, we observed high expression of miR-210-3p, miR-29a-5p, and miR-674-5p in central nervous system, which suggested that they were likely to play crucial roles in neuronal differentiation. We then defined the upregulation of Map2 by transfecting mimic of miR-674-5p, which indicated the promotion of miR-674-5p on NSCs differentiation. The present study explored the miRNAs potentially mediated the function of VPA on promoting NSCs to differentiate into neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui He
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Min Peng
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jianbing Qin
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jinhong Shi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Haoming Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Meiling Tian
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xinhua Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Guangming Lv
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Guohua Jin
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
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Transcriptional regulation of Nfix by NFIB drives astrocytic maturation within the developing spinal cord. Dev Biol 2017; 432:286-297. [PMID: 29106906 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
During mouse spinal cord development, ventricular zone progenitor cells transition from producing neurons to producing glia at approximately embryonic day 11.5, a process known as the gliogenic switch. The transcription factors Nuclear Factor I (NFI) A and B initiate this developmental transition, but the contribution of a third NFI member, NFIX, remains unknown. Here, we reveal that ventricular zone progenitor cells within the spinal cord express NFIX after the onset of NFIA and NFIB expression, and after the gliogenic switch has occurred. Mice lacking NFIX exhibit normal neurogenesis within the spinal cord, and, while early astrocytic differentiation proceeds normally, aspects of terminal astrocytic differentiation are impaired. Finally, we report that, in the absence of Nfia or Nfib, there is a marked reduction in the spinal cord expression of NFIX, and that NFIB can transcriptionally activate Nfix expression in vitro. These data demonstrate that NFIX is part of the downstream transcriptional program through which NFIA and NFIB coordinate gliogenesis within the spinal cord. This hierarchical organisation of NFI protein expression and function during spinal cord gliogenesis reveals a previously unrecognised auto-regulatory mechanism within this gene family.
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15
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The convergent roles of the nuclear factor I transcription factors in development and cancer. Cancer Lett 2017; 410:124-138. [PMID: 28962832 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear factor I (NFI) transcription factors play important roles during normal development and have been associated with developmental abnormalities in humans. All four family members, NFIA, NFIB, NFIC and NFIX, have a homologous DNA binding domain and function by regulating cell proliferation and differentiation via the transcriptional control of their target genes. More recently, NFI genes have also been implicated in cancer based on genomic analyses and studies of animal models in a variety of tumours across multiple organ systems. However, the association between their functions in development and in cancer is not well described. In this review, we summarise the evidence suggesting a converging role for the NFI genes in development and cancer. Our review includes all cancer types in which the NFI genes are implicated, focusing predominantly on studies demonstrating their oncogenic or tumour-suppressive potential. We conclude by presenting the challenges impeding our understanding of NFI function in cancer biology, and demonstrate how a developmental perspective may contribute towards overcoming such hurdles.
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16
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Cell-type-specific expression of NFIX in the developing and adult cerebellum. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:2251-2270. [PMID: 27878595 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1340-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors from the nuclear factor one (NFI) family have been shown to play a central role in regulating neural progenitor cell differentiation within the embryonic and post-natal brain. NFIA and NFIB, for instance, promote the differentiation and functional maturation of granule neurons within the cerebellum. Mice lacking Nfix exhibit delays in the development of neuronal and glial lineages within the cerebellum, but the cell-type-specific expression of this transcription factor remains undefined. Here, we examined the expression of NFIX, together with various cell-type-specific markers, within the developing and adult cerebellum using both chromogenic immunohistochemistry and co-immunofluorescence labelling and confocal microscopy. In embryos, NFIX was expressed by progenitor cells within the rhombic lip and ventricular zone. After birth, progenitor cells within the external granule layer, as well as migrating and mature granule neurons, expressed NFIX. Within the adult cerebellum, NFIX displayed a broad expression profile, and was evident within granule cells, Bergmann glia, and interneurons, but not within Purkinje neurons. Furthermore, transcriptomic profiling of cerebellar granule neuron progenitor cells showed that multiple splice variants of Nfix are expressed within this germinal zone of the post-natal brain. Collectively, these data suggest that NFIX plays a role in regulating progenitor cell biology within the embryonic and post-natal cerebellum, as well as an ongoing role within multiple neuronal and glial populations within the adult cerebellum.
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17
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Novel mutations of NFIX gene causing Marshall-Smith syndrome or Sotos-like syndrome: one gene, two phenotypes. Pediatr Res 2015. [PMID: 26200704 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2015.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Only 15 point mutations in NFIX gene have been reported so far, nine of them cause the Marshall-Smith syndrome (MSS) and the remaining mutations lead to an overgrowth disorder with a less severe phenotype, defined as Sotos-like. METHODS The clinical findings in three patients with MSS and two patients with a Sotos-like phenotype are presented. Analysis of the NFIX gene was performed both by conventional or next-generation sequencing. RESULTS Five de novo mutations in NFIX gene were identified, four of them not previously reported. Two frameshift mutations and a donor-splice one caused MSS, while two missense mutations in the DNA binding/dimerisation domain entailed an overgrowth syndrome with some clinical features resembling Sotos syndrome, accompanied by a marfanoid habitus, very low BMI, long narrow face, or arachnodactyly. CONCLUSION Marshall-Smith mutations are scattered through exons 6-10 of NFIX gene, while most point mutations causing an overgrowth syndrome are clustered in exon 2. Clinical features of this overgrowth syndrome may well be considered an intermediate phenotype between Sotos and Marfan syndromes.
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18
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Zhang X, Zhou Y, Pan C, Lei C, Dang R, Chen H, Lan X. Novel alternative splice variants of NFIX and their diverse mRNA expression patterns in dairy goat. Gene 2015; 569:250-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.05.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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19
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Kretova M, Sabova L, Hodny Z, Bartek J, Kollarovic G, Nelson BD, Hubackova S, Luciakova K. TGF-β/NF1/Smad4-mediated suppression of ANT2 contributes to oxidative stress in cellular senescence. Cell Signal 2014; 26:2903-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2014.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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20
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Heng YHE, Zhou B, Harris L, Harvey T, Smith A, Horne E, Martynoga B, Andersen J, Achimastou A, Cato K, Richards LJ, Gronostajski RM, Yeo GS, Guillemot F, Bailey TL, Piper M. NFIX Regulates Proliferation and Migration Within the Murine SVZ Neurogenic Niche. Cereb Cortex 2014; 25:3758-78. [PMID: 25331604 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhu253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors of the nuclear factor one (NFI) family play a pivotal role in the development of the nervous system. One member, NFIX, regulates the development of the neocortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Postnatal Nfix(-/-) mice also display abnormalities within the subventricular zone (SVZ) lining the lateral ventricles, a region of the brain comprising a neurogenic niche that provides ongoing neurogenesis throughout life. Specifically, Nfix(-/-) mice exhibit more PAX6-expressing progenitor cells within the SVZ. However, the mechanism underlying the development of this phenotype remains undefined. Here, we reveal that NFIX contributes to multiple facets of SVZ development. Postnatal Nfix(-/-) mice exhibit increased levels of proliferation within the SVZ, both in vivo and in vitro as assessed by a neurosphere assay. Furthermore, we show that the migration of SVZ-derived neuroblasts to the olfactory bulb is impaired, and that the olfactory bulbs of postnatal Nfix(-/-) mice are smaller. We also demonstrate that gliogenesis within the rostral migratory stream is delayed in the absence of Nfix, and reveal that Gdnf (glial-derived neurotrophic factor), a known attractant for SVZ-derived neuroblasts, is a target for transcriptional activation by NFIX. Collectively, these findings suggest that NFIX regulates both proliferation and migration during the development of the SVZ neurogenic niche.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Programs in Neuroscience and Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics, Developmental Genomics Group, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ben Martynoga
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC-National Institute for Medical Research, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Jimena Andersen
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC-National Institute for Medical Research, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Angeliki Achimastou
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC-National Institute for Medical Research, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | | | | | - Richard M Gronostajski
- Department of Biochemistry, Programs in Neuroscience and Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics, Developmental Genomics Group, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Giles S Yeo
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - François Guillemot
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC-National Institute for Medical Research, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Timothy L Bailey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Michael Piper
- The School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland Brain Institute
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Harris L, Genovesi LA, Gronostajski RM, Wainwright BJ, Piper M. Nuclear factor one transcription factors: Divergent functions in developmental versus adult stem cell populations. Dev Dyn 2014; 244:227-38. [PMID: 25156673 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor one (NFI) transcription factors are a group of site-specific DNA-binding proteins that are emerging as critical regulators of stem cell biology. During development NFIs promote the production of differentiated progeny at the expense of stem cell fate, with Nfi null mice exhibiting defects such as severely delayed brain and lung maturation, skeletomuscular defects and renal abnormalities, phenotypes that are often consistent with patients with congenital Nfi mutations. Intriguingly, recent research suggests that in adult tissues NFI factors play a qualitatively different role than during development, with NFIs serving to promote the survival and maintenance of slow-cycling adult stem cell populations rather than their differentiation. Here we review the role of NFI factors in development, largely focusing on their role as promoters of stem cell differentiation, and attempt to reconcile this with the emerging role of NFIs in adult stem cell niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan Harris
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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22
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Han D, Choi MR, Jung KH, Kim N, Kim SK, Chai JC, Lee YS, Chai YG. Global Transcriptome Profiling of Genes that Are Differentially Regulated During Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Neural Stem Cells into Astrocytes. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 55:109-125. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0382-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Zhou Y, Cai H, Xu Y, Sun J, Lan X, Lei C, Chen H. Novel isoforms of the bovine Nuclear factor I/X (CCAAT-binding transcription factor) transcript products and their diverse expression profiles. Anim Genet 2014; 45:581-4. [PMID: 24889128 DOI: 10.1111/age.12177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to detect splicing variants of the bovine NFIX gene and determine their expression regulations. Through bioinformatics analysis, we predicted five isoforms of the bovine NFIX transcript product and validated their existence using cDNA pool and sequencing methods. The five isoforms had a common 5'-terminal sequence and various 3'-terminal sequences. Nuclear factor I family genes can activate or repress transcription by a highly variable C-terminal region. Thus, the five isoform products from a single gene may function differently. Quantitative PCR results showed that NFIX had highest expression in brain; medial expression in lung and muscle; and lower expression in spleen, kidney, liver and heart of both embryo and adult cattle. However, the expression levels NFIX in adult tissues were significantly decreased, and the diversity of its alternative splicing events was lower. Each isoform was expressed differently in different tissues at the embryo and adult stages. One of the isoforms (Nfix2) was not detected in tissues of adult cattle. In brain, another of the isoforms (Nfix3) was not detected, whereas the other four isoforms were highly expressed. In the embryo, of the five isoforms, the profile of the one labeled Nfix4 was the most similar to that of total Nfix, and we proved that it was the major isoform. This study is the first that has detected five novel isoforms of the bovine NFIX transcript products and that has examined their profiles at spatial and temporal levels, which will provide essential information for better understanding the bovine NFIX gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural Molecular Biology, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
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Malik N, Wang X, Shah S, Efthymiou AG, Yan B, Heman-Ackah S, Zhan M, Rao M. Comparison of the gene expression profiles of human fetal cortical astrocytes with pluripotent stem cell derived neural stem cells identifies human astrocyte markers and signaling pathways and transcription factors active in human astrocytes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96139. [PMID: 24848099 PMCID: PMC4029581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system (CNS) and have a multitude of functions that include maintenance of CNS homeostasis, trophic support of neurons, detoxification, and immune surveillance. It has only recently been appreciated that astrocyte dysfunction is a primary cause of many neurological disorders. Despite their importance in disease very little is known about global gene expression for human astrocytes. We have performed a microarray expression analysis of human fetal astrocytes to identify genes and signaling pathways that are important for astrocyte development and maintenance. Our analysis confirmed that the fetal astrocytes express high levels of the core astrocyte marker GFAP and the transcription factors from the NFI family which have been shown to play important roles in astrocyte development. A group of novel markers were identified that distinguish fetal astrocytes from pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) and NSC-derived neurons. As in murine astrocytes, the Notch signaling pathway appears to be particularly important for cell fate decisions between the astrocyte and neuronal lineages in human astrocytes. These findings unveil the repertoire of genes expressed in human astrocytes and serve as a basis for further studies to better understand astrocyte biology, especially as it relates to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Malik
- National Institutes of Health, NIAMS, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Xiantao Wang
- National Institutes of Health, NIAMS, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sonia Shah
- National Institutes of Health, NIAMS, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Bin Yan
- Hong Kong Baptist University, Department of Biology, Hong Kong
| | - Sabrina Heman-Ackah
- National Institutes of Health, NIAMS, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ming Zhan
- The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mahendra Rao
- National Institutes of Health, NIAMS, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- National Institutes of Health, NIH Center for Regenerative Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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25
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Shaltouki A, Peng J, Liu Q, Rao MS, Zeng X. Efficient generation of astrocytes from human pluripotent stem cells in defined conditions. Stem Cells 2014; 31:941-52. [PMID: 23341249 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes can be generated from various tissue sources including human pluripotent stem cells (PSC). In this manuscript, we describe a chemically defined xeno-free medium culture system for rapidly generating astrocytes from neural stem cells derived from PSC. We show that astrocyte development in vitro, mimics normal development in vivo, and also passes through a CD44(+) astrocyte precursor stage. Astrocytes generated by our method display similar gene expression patterns, morphological characteristics and functional properties to primary astrocytes, and they survive and integrate after xenotransplantation. Whole genome expression profiling of astrocyte differentiation was performed at several time points of differentiation, and the results indicate the importance of known regulators and identify potential novel regulators and stage-specific lineage markers.
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Li M, Li X, Wang E, Luo E. Upregulation of Toll-like receptor 2 gene expression by acetylation of AP-2 alpha in THP-1 cells, a human monocytic cell line. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2013; 45:1594-9. [PMID: 23680675 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2013] [Revised: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Human Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is a receptor for a variety of microbial products and mediates activation signals in cells of the innate immune system. Therefore, it is of great interest to investigate the molecular mechanisms that control the expression of TLR2. In this study, using real-time PCR and western blot assays, we show that trichostatin A (TSA), which is a histone deacetylase inhibitor, upregulates the expression of both TLR2 mRNA and protein in the human THP-1 cell line. A luciferase activity analysis of the truncated TLR2 promoter indicated that the region from -230 to -140 in the TLR2 promoter was sensitive to TSA. Moreover, using electrophoresis mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we identified an AP-2 alpha (AP-2α) responsive element at position -184 and found that the binding of AP-2α to this element was enhanced by TSA under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Immunoprecipitation and western blot analyses showed that the levels of acetylated AP-2α were increased in THP-1 cells after TSA treatment, and this increase is consistent with the increased binding affinity to the AP-2α responsive elements. In summary, these data define a mechanism through which AP-2α acetylation and increased promoter access induce the expression of the TLR2 gene. This mechanism may provide insight into a regulatory mode of TLR2 expression and the molecular foundations of certain immunological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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27
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Abe Y, Ikeshima-Kataoka H, Goda W, Niikura T, Yasui M. An astrocyte-specific enhancer of the aquaporin-4 gene functions through a consensus sequence of POU transcription factors in concert with multiple upstream elements. J Neurochem 2012; 120:899-912. [PMID: 22225570 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07652.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporin-4, a predominant water channel in the brain, is specifically expressed in astrocyte endfeet and plays a central role in water homeostasis, neuronal activity, and cell migration in the brain. It has two dominant isoforms called M1 and M23, whose mRNA is driven by distinct promoters located upstream of exons 0 and 1 of the aquaporin-4 gene, respectively. To identify cis-acting elements responsible for the astrocyte-specific transcription of M1 mRNA, the promoter activity of the 5'-flanking region upstream of exon 0 in primary cultured mouse astrocytes was examined by luciferase assay, and sequences, where nuclear factors bind, were identified by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. An astrocyte-specific activity enhancing transcription from the M1 promoter was observed within ∼2 kb from the transcriptional start sites of M1 mRNA. At least five elements clustered within the 286-bp region were found to function as a novel astrocyte-specific enhancer. Among the five elements, a consensus sequence of Pit-1/Oct/Unc-86 (POU) transcription factors was indispensable to the astrocyte-specific enhancer since disruption of the POU motif completely abolished the enhancer activity in astrocytes. However, the POU motif alone had little activity, indicating the requirement for cooperation with other upstream elements to exert full enhancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichiro Abe
- Department of Pharmacology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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28
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Wang W, Pan K, Chen Y, Huang C, Zhang X. The acetylation of transcription factor HBP1 by p300/CBP enhances p16INK4A expression. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 40:981-95. [PMID: 21967847 PMCID: PMC3273810 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
HBP1 is a sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factor with many important biological roles. It activates or represses the expression of some specific genes during cell growth and differentiation. Previous studies have exhibited that HBP1 binds to p16INK4A promoter and activates p16INK4A expression. We found that trichostatin A (TSA), an inhibitor of HDAC (histone deacetylase), induces p16INK4A expression in an HBP1-dependent manner. This result was drawn from a transactivation experiment by measuring relative luciferase activities of p16INK4A promoter with HBP1-binding site in comparison with that of the wild-type p16INK4A promoter by transient cotransfection with HBP1 into HEK293T cells and 2BS cells. HBP1 acetylation after TSA treatment was confirmed by immunoprecipitation assay. Our data showed that HBP1 interacted with histone acetyltransferase p300 and CREB-binding protein (CBP) and also recruited p300/CBP to p16INK4A promoter. HBP1 was acetylated by p300/CBP in two regions: repression domain (K297/305/307) and P domain (K171/419). Acetylation of Repression domain was not required for HBP1 transactivation on p16INK4A. However, luciferase assay and western blotting results indicate that acetylation of P domain, especially K419 acetylation is essential for HBP1 transactivation on p16INK4A. As assayed by SA-beta-gal staining, the acetylation of HBP1 at K419 enhanced HBP1-induced premature senescence in 2BS cells. In addition, HDAC4 repressed HBP1-induced premature senescence through permanently deacetylating HBP1. We conclude that our data suggest that HBP1 acetylation at K419 plays an important role in HBP1-induced p16INK4A expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, P R China
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Singh SK, Bhardwaj R, Wilczynska KM, Dumur CI, Kordula T. A complex of nuclear factor I-X3 and STAT3 regulates astrocyte and glioma migration through the secreted glycoprotein YKL-40. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:39893-903. [PMID: 21953450 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.257451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor I-X3 (NFI-X3) is a newly identified splice variant of NFI-X that regulates expression of several astrocyte-specific markers, such as glial fibrillary acidic protein. Here, we identified a set of genes regulated by NFI-X3 that includes a gene encoding a secreted glycoprotein YKL-40. Although YKL-40 expression is up-regulated in glioblastoma multiforme, its regulation and functions in nontransformed cells of the central nervous system are widely unexplored. We find that expression of YKL-40 is activated during brain development and also differentiation of neural progenitors into astrocytes in vitro. Furthermore, YKL-40 is a migration factor for primary astrocytes, and its expression is controlled by both NFI-X3 and STAT3, which are known regulators of gliogenesis. Knockdown of NFI-X3 and STAT3 significantly reduced YKL-40 expression in astrocytes, whereas overexpression of NFI-X3 dramatically enhanced YKL-40 expression in glioma cells. Activation of STAT3 by oncostatin M induced YKL-40 expression in astrocytes, whereas expression of a dominant-negative STAT3 had a suppressive effect. Mechanistically, NFI-X3 and STAT3 form a complex that binds to weak regulatory elements in the YKL-40 promoter and activates transcription. We propose that NFI-X3 and STAT3 control the migration of differentiating astrocytes as well as migration and invasion of glioma cells via regulating YKL-40 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA
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