1
|
Jin L, Liu Y, Wu Y, Huang Y, Zhang D. REST Is Not Resting: REST/NRSF in Health and Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1477. [PMID: 37892159 PMCID: PMC10605157 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin modifications play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. The repressor element-1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor (REST), also known as neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) and X2 box repressor (XBR), was found to regulate gene transcription by binding to chromatin and recruiting chromatin-modifying enzymes. Earlier studies revealed that REST plays an important role in the development and disease of the nervous system, mainly by repressing the transcription of neuron-specific genes. Subsequently, REST was found to be critical in other tissues, such as the heart, pancreas, skin, eye, and vascular. Dysregulation of REST was also found in nervous and non-nervous system cancers. In parallel, multiple strategies to target REST have been developed. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive summary of the research progress made over the past 28 years since the discovery of REST, encompassing both physiological and pathological aspects. These insights into the effects and mechanisms of REST contribute to an in-depth understanding of the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of genes and their roles in the development and progression of disease, with a view to discovering potential therapeutic targets and intervention strategies for various related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Dianbao Zhang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang T, Fakurazi S, Cheah PS, Ling KH. REST Targets JAK-STAT and HIF-1 Signaling Pathways in Human Down Syndrome Brain and Neural Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9980. [PMID: 37373133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequently diagnosed chromosomal disorder of chromosome 21 (HSA21) aneuploidy, characterized by intellectual disability and reduced lifespan. The transcription repressor, Repressor Element-1 Silencing Transcription factor (REST), which acts as an epigenetic regulator, is a crucial regulator of neuronal and glial gene expression. In this study, we identified and investigated the role of REST-target genes in human brain tissues, cerebral organoids, and neural cells in Down syndrome. Gene expression datasets generated from healthy controls and DS samples of human brain tissues, cerebral organoids, NPC, neurons, and astrocytes were retrieved from the Gene Ontology (GEO) and Sequence Read Archive (SRA) databases. Differential expression analysis was performed on all datasets to produce differential expression genes (DEGs) between DS and control groups. REST-targeted DEGs were subjected to functional ontologies, pathways, and network analyses. We found that REST-targeted DEGs in DS were enriched for the JAK-STAT and HIF-1 signaling pathways across multiple distinct brain regions, ages, and neural cell types. We also identified REST-targeted DEGs involved in nervous system development, cell differentiation, fatty acid metabolism and inflammation in the DS brain. Based on the findings, we propose REST as the critical regulator and a promising therapeutic target to modulate homeostatic gene expression in the DS brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tan Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharida Fakurazi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pike-See Cheah
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - King-Hwa Ling
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeingTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang G, Yang X, Qi M, Li M, Dong M, Xu R, Zhang C. Systematic analysis identifies REST as an oncogenic and immunological biomarker in glioma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3023. [PMID: 36810892 PMCID: PMC9944962 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30248-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The repressor element 1 silencing transcription factor (REST) has been proposed to function as a transcription factor to silence gene transcription by binding to repressor element 1 (RE1), a highly conserved DNA motif. The functions of REST in various tumors have been studied, but its role and correlation with immune cell infiltration remains uncertain in gliomas. REST expression was analyzed in datasets of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and validated by the Gene Expression Omnibus and Human Protein Atlas databases. The clinical prognosis of REST was evaluated by clinical survival data of TCGA cohort and validated by Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas cohort. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) contributing to REST overexpression in glioma were identified by a combination of a series of in silico analyses, including expression analysis, correlation analysis, and survival analysis. The correlations between immune cell infiltration level and REST expression were analyzed by TIMER2 and GEPIA2 tools. Enrichment analysis of REST was performed using STRING and Metascape tools. The expression and function of predicted upstream miRNAs at REST and their association with glioma malignancy and migration were also confirmed in glioma cell lines. REST was highly expressed and associated with poorer overall survival and disease-specific survival in glioma and some other tumors. MiR-105-5p and miR-9-5p were identified as the most potential upstream miRNAs of REST in glioma patient cohort and experiments in vitro. REST expression was positively correlated with infiltration of immune cells and the expression of immune checkpoints such as PD1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 in glioma. Furthermore, histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) was a potential REST-related gene in glioma. Enrichment analysis of REST found chromatin organization and histone modification were the most significant enriched terms, and Hedgehog-Gli pathway might be involved in the effect of REST on the pathogenesis of glioma. Our study suggests REST to be an oncogenic gene and the biomarker of poor prognosis in glioma. High REST expression might affect the tumor microenvironment of glioma. More basic experiments and large clinical trials aimed at the carcinogenetic study of REST in glioma will be needed in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guan Wang
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong Province China
| | - Xiaxin Yang
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong Province China
| | - Mei Qi
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong Province China
| | - Meng Li
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong Province China
| | - Meng Dong
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong Province China
| | - Rui Xu
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong Province China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Buffolo F, Petrosino V, Albini M, Moschetta M, Carlini F, Floss T, Kerlero de Rosbo N, Cesca F, Rocchi A, Uccelli A, Benfenati F. Neuroinflammation induces synaptic scaling through IL-1β-mediated activation of the transcriptional repressor REST/NRSF. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:180. [PMID: 33589593 PMCID: PMC7884694 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03465-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is associated with synapse dysfunction and cognitive decline in patients and animal models. One candidate for translating the inflammatory stress into structural and functional changes in neural networks is the transcriptional repressor RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) that regulates the expression of a wide cluster of neuron-specific genes during neurogenesis and in mature neurons. To study the cellular and molecular pathways activated under inflammatory conditions mimicking the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) environment, we analyzed REST activity in neuroblastoma cells and mouse cortical neurons treated with activated T cell or microglia supernatant and distinct pro-inflammatory cytokines. We found that REST is activated by a variety of neuroinflammatory stimuli in both neuroblastoma cells and primary neurons, indicating that a vast transcriptional change is triggered during neuroinflammation. While a dual activation of REST and its dominant-negative splicing isoform REST4 was observed in N2a neuroblastoma cells, primary neurons responded with a pure full-length REST upregulation in the absence of changes in REST4 expression. In both cases, REST upregulation was associated with activation of Wnt signaling and increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin, a well-known intracellular transduction pathway in neuroinflammation. Among single cytokines, IL-1β caused a potent and prompt increase in REST transcription and translation in neurons, which promoted a delayed and strong synaptic downscaling specific for excitatory synapses, with decreased frequency and amplitude of spontaneous synaptic currents, decreased density of excitatory synaptic connections, and decreased frequency of action potential-evoked Ca2+ transients. Most important, the IL-1β effects on excitatory transmission were strictly REST dependent, as conditional deletion of REST completely occluded the effects of IL-1β activation on synaptic transmission and network excitability. Our results demonstrate that REST upregulation represents a new pathogenic mechanism for the synaptic dysfunctions observed under neuroinflammatory conditions and identify the REST pathway as therapeutic target for EAE and, potentially, for multiple sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Buffolo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Valentina Petrosino
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Largo P. Daneo, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Albini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Moschetta
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Carlini
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Largo P. Daneo, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Thomas Floss
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Nicole Kerlero de Rosbo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Largo P. Daneo, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, 34127, Italy
| | - Anna Rocchi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Antonio Uccelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Largo P. Daneo, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy.
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alternative REST Splicing Underappreciated. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-COM-0034-18. [PMID: 30280122 PMCID: PMC6166571 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0034-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
|
6
|
Li C, Zou H, Wang Z, Tang X, Fan X, Zhang K, Liu J, Li Z. REST, not REST4, is a risk factor associated with radiotherapy plus chemotherapy efficacy in glioma. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:1363-1371. [PMID: 29861627 PMCID: PMC5968789 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s161602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background/aim Repressor element silencing transcription factor (REST) is a transcription repressor, expressed in several malignancies. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic values of REST and its splicing variant REST4 in glioma, and investigate the potential correlation between REST and REST4. Methods REST and REST4 expression values were evaluated by qRT-PCR in 89 patients with gliomas and 10 with normal brain tissues. Results Upregulation of REST was related to higher World Health Organization (WHO) grade, larger tumor size, higher ki67, and higher p53 positive rate. After radiotherapy+temozolomide (RT+TMZ) treatment, low REST expression patients could get better therapeutic efficacy (P=0.031). The positive rate of REST4 expression was only 13.5% in glioma tissues, and REST4 expression was not associated with clinical characteristics and REST expression in this study. Conclusions REST was a prognostic factor in glioma, while REST4 was not. REST expression can be a predictor in evaluating the survival outcome of gliomas patients treated with RT+TMZ after surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuilin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University and Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha, China
| | - Hecun Zou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University and Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhifei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinyue Tang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University and Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha, China
| | - Xitang Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University and Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha, China
| | - Jianqiu Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University and Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University and Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yu Y, Li S, Zhang H, Zhang X, Guo D, Zhang J. NRSF/REST levels are decreased in cholangiocellular carcinoma but not hepatocellular carcinoma compared with normal liver tissues: A tissue microarray study. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:6592-6598. [PMID: 29725406 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF), also termed repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor (REST), has been previously demonstrated to repress the expression of neuronal genes in non-neuronal cells, facilitating the controlled development and organization of nerve tissue. However, previous studies have reported NRSF/REST to be upregulated or downregulated in multiple types of carcinoma. Liver diseases are a major global health concern, with cirrhosis and liver carcinoma among the most common causes of mortality worldwide. A previous study demonstrated that there were >400 NRSF/REST target genes in mouse liver cells; however, the expression profile of NRSF/REST in human liver disease remains unclear. The present study examined NRSF/REST expression in human normal and liver carcinoma samples using tissue microarray immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated that in normal liver tissues, NRSF/REST can be detected in the cytoplasm and nuclei of the cell; whereas in the liver carcinoma tissue, NRSF/REST is only detected in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, the number of samples with high levels of NRSF/REST was significantly lower in cholangiocellular carcinoma samples compared with normal tissues. Additionally, no detectable sex- or age-associated differences were identified in NRSF/REST expression among all the tissues examined. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed nuclear loss of NRSF/REST in hepatic carcinomas and decreased expression of NRSF/REST in cholangiocellular carcinoma, indicating that the cytoplasmic translocation of NRSF/REST may be involved in liver tumorigenesis. A low expression level of NRSF/REST may be a novel biomarker for cholangiocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanlan Yu
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Huiyan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Xuqing Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Deyu Guo
- Department of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Jiqiang Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li C, Wang Z, Tang X, Zeng L, Fan X, Li Z. Molecular mechanisms and potential prognostic effects of REST and REST4 in glioma (Review). Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:3707-3712. [PMID: 29067465 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma refers to a tumor of the brain and central nervous system, which is characterized by high incidence, high mortality and high recurrence rate. Although the association between glioma and the repressor element silencing transcription factor (REST) has been reported by numerous studies, the complicated regulatory mechanisms underlying REST remain unknown. REST is a transcriptional repressor that undergoes alternative splicing to produce splicing variants when transcribed. Previous studies have demonstrated that alternative splicing may serve a role in the outcome of glioma. The present review discussed the mutual relationship among REST, REST4 and glioma. It was concluded that increased REST expression in glioma may be associated with poor prognosis; and REST4, an AS variant of REST, also functions to regulate glioma by suppressing REST. In addition, the present review discussed the regulation of REST and its target genes in glioma, and identified factors that induce REST alternative splicing, particularly in glioma. These findings suggest that REST may be considered a prognostic factor, which can be predictive of patient outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuilin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Zhifei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Xinyue Tang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Liu Zeng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Xitang Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Brain REST/NRSF Is Not Only a Silent Repressor but Also an Active Protector. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:541-550. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9658-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
10
|
Ren H, Gao Z, Wu N, Zeng L, Tang X, Chen X, Liu Z, Zhang W, Wang L, Li Z. Expression of REST4 in human gliomas in vivo and influence of pioglitazone on REST in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 463:504-9. [PMID: 26003726 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The repressor element-1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF) has an irreplaceable role during the differentiation of neurons. REST has multiple splice variants which link to various types of cancer. Previous work had highlighted the role of REST in glioma, where the expression of REST is enhanced. But whether alternative splicing of REST is expressed in glioma has not been described. Here, we show that a specific isoform REST4 is expressed in glioma specimens, and will influence the mRNA level of REST in vivo. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonists have a role of antineoplastic in various tumor cells, which including glioma cells. Moreover, study indicated that PPARγ agonist pioglitazone can promote alternative splicing of REST pre-mRNA. In this study, we selected pioglitazone as a tool drug to explore whether the role of pioglitazone in anti-glioma is mediated by regulating REST expression or promoting alternative splicing of REST in glioma cells. Results show that pioglitazone can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of glioma cell in vitro, which may be mediated by down-regulating REST mRNA level but not by inducing alternative splicing of REST pre-mRNA. Our study firstly reports the expression of REST4 in glioma tissue samples. And we recommend that pioglitazone, which can reduce the expression level of REST, represents a promising drug for therapy of glioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Ren
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Zhangfeng Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Nayiyuan Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Liu Zeng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Xinyue Tang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Zhaoqian Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Liansheng Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Charbord J, Poydenot P, Bonnefond C, Feyeux M, Casagrande F, Brinon B, Francelle L, Aurégan G, Guillermier M, Cailleret M, Viegas P, Nicoleau C, Martinat C, Brouillet E, Cattaneo E, Peschanski M, Lechuga M, Perrier AL. High throughput screening for inhibitors of REST in neural derivatives of human embryonic stem cells reveals a chemical compound that promotes expression of neuronal genes. Stem Cells 2014; 31:1816-28. [PMID: 23712629 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Decreased expression of neuronal genes such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with several neurological disorders. One molecular mechanism associated with Huntington disease (HD) is a discrete increase in the nuclear activity of the transcriptional repressor REST/NRSF binding to repressor element-1 (RE1) sequences. High-throughput screening of a library of 6,984 compounds with luciferase-assay measuring REST activity in neural derivatives of human embryonic stem cells led to identify two benzoimidazole-5-carboxamide derivatives that inhibited REST silencing in a RE1-dependent manner. The most potent compound, X5050, targeted REST degradation, but neither REST expression, RNA splicing nor binding to RE1 sequence. Differential transcriptomic analysis revealed the upregulation of neuronal genes targeted by REST in wild-type neural cells treated with X5050. This activity was confirmed in neural cells produced from human induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a HD patient. Acute intraventricular delivery of X5050 increased the expressions of BDNF and several other REST-regulated genes in the prefrontal cortex of mice with quinolinate-induced striatal lesions. This study demonstrates that the use of pluripotent stem cell derivatives can represent a crucial step toward the identification of pharmacological compounds with therapeutic potential in neurological affections involving decreased expression of neuronal genes associated to increased REST activity, such as Huntington disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Charbord
- Inserm U861, AFM Evry Cedex, France; UEVE U861, AFM Evry Cedex, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen GL, Miller GM. Extensive alternative splicing of the repressor element silencing transcription factor linked to cancer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62217. [PMID: 23614038 PMCID: PMC3628349 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The repressor element silencing transcription factor (REST) is a coordinate transcriptional and epigenetic regulator which functions as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene depending on cellular context, and a truncated splice variant REST4 has been linked to various types of cancer. We performed a comprehensive analysis of alternative splicing (AS) of REST by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and PCR amplification of cDNAs from various tissues and cell lines with specific primers. We identified 8 novel alternative exons including an alternate last exon which doubles the REST gene boundary, along with numerous 5'/3' splice sites and ends in the constitutive exons. With the combination of various splicing patterns (e.g. exon skipping and alternative usage of the first and last exons) that are predictive of altered REST activity, at least 45 alternatively spliced variants of coding and non-coding mRNA were expressed in a species- and cell-type/tissue-specific manner with individual differences. By examining the repertoire of REST pre-mRNA splicing in 27 patients with kidney, liver and lung cancer, we found that all patients without exception showed differential expression of various REST splice variants between paired tumor and adjacent normal tissues, with striking cell-type/tissue and individual differences. Moreover, we revealed that exon 3 skipping, which causes no frame shift but loss of a domain essential for nuclear translocation, was affected by pioglitazone, a highly selective activator of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) which contributes to cell differentiation and tumorigenesis besides its metabolic actions. Accordingly, this study demonstrates an extensive AS of REST pre-mRNA which redefines REST gene boundary and structure, along with a general but differential link between REST pre-mRNA splicing and various types of cancer. These findings advance our understanding of the complex, context-dependent regulation of REST gene expression and function, and provide potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Lin Chen
- Division of Neuroscience, New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, Massachusetts, United States of America.
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Qureshi IA, Mehler MF. Epigenetics, nervous system tumors, and cancer stem cells. Cancers (Basel) 2011; 3:3525-56. [PMID: 24212967 PMCID: PMC3759209 DOI: 10.3390/cancers3033525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Revised: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances have begun to elucidate how epigenetic regulatory mechanisms are responsible for establishing and maintaining cell identity during development and adult life and how the disruption of these processes is, not surprisingly, one of the hallmarks of cancer. In this review, we describe the major epigenetic mechanisms (i.e., DNA methylation, histone and chromatin modification, non-coding RNA deployment, RNA editing, and nuclear reorganization) and discuss the broad spectrum of epigenetic alterations that have been uncovered in pediatric and adult nervous system tumors. We also highlight emerging evidence that suggests epigenetic deregulation is a characteristic feature of so-called cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are thought to be present in a range of nervous system tumors and responsible for tumor maintenance, progression, treatment resistance, and recurrence. We believe that better understanding how epigenetic mechanisms operate in neural cells and identifying the etiologies and consequences of epigenetic deregulation in tumor cells and CSCs, in particular, are likely to promote the development of enhanced molecular diagnostics and more targeted and effective therapeutic agents for treating recalcitrant nervous system tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irfan A. Qureshi
- Rosyln and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA; E-Mail:
- Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
- Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Mark F. Mehler
- Rosyln and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA; E-Mail:
- Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
- Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-718-430-3543; Fax: +1-718-918-7505
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
In the nervous system, several key steps in cellular complexity and development are regulated by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and the repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencing factor (REST/NRSF). REST recruits gene regulatory complexes to regulatory sequences, among them the repressor element-1/neuron-restrictive silencer element, and mediates developmental stage-specific gene expression or repression, chromatin (re-)organization or silencing for protein-coding genes as well as for several ncRNAs like microRNAs, short interfering RNAs or long ncRNAs. NcRNAs are far from being just transcriptional noise and are involved in chromatin accessibility, transcription and post-transcriptional processing, trafficking, or RNA editing. REST and its cofactor CoREST are both highly regulated through various ncRNAs. The importance of the correct regulation within the ncRNA network, the ncRNAome, is demonstrated when it comes to a deregulation of REST and/or ncRNAs associated with molecular pathophysiology underlying diverse disorders including neurodegenerative diseases or brain tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rossbach
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Genome Institute of Singapore Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Qureshi IA, Gokhan S, Mehler MF. REST and CoREST are transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of seminal neural fate decisions. Cell Cycle 2010; 9:4477-86. [PMID: 21088488 DOI: 10.4161/cc.9.22.13973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Complementary transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory factors (e.g., histone and chromatin modifying enzymes and non-coding RNAs) regulate genes responsible for mediating neural stem cell maintenance and lineage restriction, neuronal and glial lineage specification, and progressive stages of lineage maturation. However, an overall understanding of the mechanisms that sense and integrate developmental signals at the genomic level and control cell type-specific gene network deployment has not emerged. REST and CoREST are central players in the transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory circuitry that is responsible for modulating neural genes, and they have been implicated in establishing cell identity and function, both within the nervous system and beyond it. Herein, we discuss the emerging context-specific roles of REST and CoREST and highlight our recent studies aimed at elucidating their neural developmental cell type- and stage-specific actions. These observations support the conclusion that REST and CoREST act as master regulators of key neural cell fate decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irfan A Qureshi
- Rosyln and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mao CA, Tsai WW, Cho JH, Pan P, Barton MC, Klein WH. Neuronal transcriptional repressor REST suppresses an Atoh7-independent program for initiating retinal ganglion cell development. Dev Biol 2010; 349:90-9. [PMID: 20969844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2010] [Revised: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
As neuronal progenitors differentiate into neurons, they acquire a unique set of transcription factors. The transcriptional repressor REST prevents progenitors from undergoing differentiation. Notably, REST binding sites are often associated with retinal ganglion cell (RGC) genes whose expression in the retina is positively controlled by Atoh7, a factor essential for RGC formation. The key regulators that enable a retinal progenitor cell (RPC) to commit to an RGC fate have not been identified. We show here that REST suppresses RGC gene expression in RPCs. REST inactivation causes aberrant expression of RGC transcription factors in proliferating RPCs, independent of Atoh7, resulting in increased RGC formation. Strikingly, inactivating REST in Atoh7-null retinas restores transcription factor expression, which partially activates downstream RGC genes but is insufficient to prevent RGC loss. Our results demonstrate an Atoh7-independent program for initial activation of RGC genes and suggest a novel role for REST in preventing premature expression in RPCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chai-An Mao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Qureshi IA, Mehler MF. Regulation of non-coding RNA networks in the nervous system--what's the REST of the story? Neurosci Lett 2009; 466:73-80. [PMID: 19679163 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.07.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2009] [Revised: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 07/31/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances are now providing novel insights into the mechanisms that underlie how cellular complexity, diversity, and connectivity are encoded within the genome. The repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencing factor (REST/NRSF) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as key regulators that seem to orchestrate almost every aspect of nervous system development, homeostasis, and plasticity. REST and its primary cofactor, CoREST, dynamically recruit highly malleable macromolecular complexes to widely distributed genomic regulatory sequences, including the repressor element-1/neuron restrictive silencer element (RE1/NRSE). Through epigenetic mechanisms, such as site-specific targeting and higher-order chromatin remodeling, REST and CoREST can mediate cell type- and developmental stage-specific gene repression, gene activation, and long-term gene silencing for protein-coding genes and for several classes of ncRNAs (e.g. microRNAs [miRNAs] and long ncRNAs). In turn, these ncRNAs have similarly been implicated in the regulation of chromatin architecture and dynamics, transcription, post-transcriptional processing, and RNA editing and trafficking. In addition, REST and CoREST expression and function are tightly regulated by context-specific transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms including bidirectional feedback loops with various ncRNAs. Not surprisingly, deregulation of REST and ncRNAs are both implicated in the molecular pathophysiology underlying diverse disorders that range from brain cancer and stroke to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes emerging aspects of the complex mechanistic relationships between these intricately interlaced control systems for neural gene expression and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irfan A Qureshi
- Rosyln and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zheng D, Zhao K, Mehler MF. Profiling RE1/REST-mediated histone modifications in the human genome. Genome Biol 2009; 10:R9. [PMID: 19173732 PMCID: PMC2687797 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2009-10-1-r9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2008] [Accepted: 01/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transcriptional repressor REST (RE1 silencing transcription factor, also called NRSF for neuron-restrictive silencing factor) binds to a conserved RE1 motif and represses many neuronal genes in non-neuronal cells. This transcriptional regulation is transacted by several nucleosome-modifying enzymes recruited by REST to RE1 sites, including histone deacetylases (for example, HDAC1/2), demethylases (for example, LSD1), and methyltransferases (for example, G9a). Results We have investigated a panel of 38 histone modifications by ChIP-Seq analysis for REST-mediated changes. Our study reveals a systematic decline of histone acetylations modulated by the association of RE1 with REST (RE1/REST). By contrast, alteration of histone methylations is more heterogeneous, with some methylations increased (for example, H3K27me3, and H3K9me2/3) and others decreased (for example, H3K4me, and H3K9me1). Furthermore, the observation of such trends of histone modifications in upregulated genes demonstrates convincingly that these changes are not determined by gene expression but are RE1/REST dependent. The outcomes of REST binding to canonical and non-canonical RE1 sites were nearly identical. Our analyses have also provided the first direct evidence that REST induces context-specific nucleosome repositioning, and furthermore demonstrate that REST-mediated histone modifications correlate with the affinity of RE1 motifs and the abundance of RE1-bound REST molecules. Conclusions Our findings indicate that the landscape of REST-mediated chromatin remodeling is dynamic and complex, with novel histone modifying enzymes and mechanisms yet to be elucidated. Our results should provide valuable insights for selecting the most informative histone marks for investigating the mechanisms and the consequences of REST modulated nucleosome remodeling in both neural and non-neural systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deyou Zheng
- Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration, Department of Neurology, Rose F Kennedy Center for the Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abramovitz L, Shapira T, Ben-Dror I, Dror V, Granot L, Rousso T, Landoy E, Blau L, Thiel G, Vardimon L. Dual role of NRSF/REST in activation and repression of the glucocorticoid response. J Biol Chem 2007; 283:110-119. [PMID: 17984088 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m707366200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Restriction of glutamine synthetase to the nervous system is mainly achieved through the mutual function of the glucocorticoid receptor and the neural restrictive silencing factor, NRSF/REST. Glucocorticoids induce glutamine synthetase expression in neural tissues while NRSF/REST represses the hormonal response in non-neural cells. NRSF/REST is a modular protein that contains two independent repression domains, at the N and C termini of the molecule, and is dominantly expressed in nonneural cells. Neural tissues express however splice variants, REST4/5, which contain the repression domain at the N, but not at the C terminus of the molecule. Here we show that full-length NRSF/REST or its C-terminal domain can inhibit almost completely the induction of gene transcription by glucocorticoids. By contrast, the N-terminal domain not only fails to repress the hormonal response but rather stimulates it markedly. The inductive activity of the N-terminal domain is mediated by hBrm, which is recruited to the promoter only in the concomitant presence of GR. Importantly, a similar inductive activity is also exerted by the splice variant REST4. These findings raise the possibility that NRSF/REST exhibits a dual role in regulation of glutamine synthetase. It represses gene induction in nonneural cells and enhances the hormonal response, via its splice variant, in the nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilach Abramovitz
- Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamar Shapira
- Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Iris Ben-Dror
- Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Vardit Dror
- Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Limor Granot
- Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tal Rousso
- Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elad Landoy
- Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lior Blau
- Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gerald Thiel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Saarland Medical Center, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Lily Vardimon
- Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Quinn JP, Bubb VJ, Marshall-Jones ZV, Coulson JM. Neuron restrictive silencer factor as a modulator of neuropeptide gene expression. REGULATORY PEPTIDES 2002; 108:135-41. [PMID: 12220737 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-0115(02)00103-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesize that the transcription factor neuron restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) is an important determinant of the expression of the preprotachykinin (PPTA) gene (encoding substance P and Neurokinin A) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) both in neuronal and nonneuronal cells. NRSF, a zinc finger repressor protein, binds the NRSE motif found in many neuronal specific genes at a variety of promoter locations. However, it is found in a similar location at the major transcriptional start site, within both PPTA and AVP peptide promoters. We have correlated modulation of NRSF activity with expression of AVP and PPTA in a variety of cell types, indicating the general mechanism by which this protein may regulate expression. Specifically, they are as follows:(1). Expression of NRSF dramatically represses PPTA promoter activity in reporter gene constructs in primary cultures of DRG neurons.(2). The PPTA promoter activity is regulated differentially in osteoarthritic compared to normal chondrocytes. This regulation correlates with the region containing the NRSE site.(3). We have correlated a splice variant of NRSF with the establishment and progression of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and demonstrated that NRSF variants can directly affect the activity of the AVP promoter in reporter gene constructs. If the deregulated expression of peptides in these diseases point to the mechanism determining the pathology, then perhaps targeting protocols that correct this deregulation may also reverse the specific disease phenotypes. Our data would indicate that modulation of NRSF activity would be a target for such intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Quinn
- Physiological Laboratory and Deparment of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Liverpool, L69 3BX, Liverpool, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|