scholarly journals Mechanisms of OCT4-SOX2 motif readout on nucleosomes

Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 368 (6498) ◽  
pp. 1460-1465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia K. Michael ◽  
Ralph S. Grand ◽  
Luke Isbel ◽  
Simone Cavadini ◽  
Zuzanna Kozicka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Histone H2a ◽  
Regulate Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Binding Domains ◽  
Pluripotency Factors ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Nucleosomal Dna ◽  
Reprogramming Factors

Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression through chromatin where nucleosomes restrict DNA access. To study how TFs bind nucleosome-occupied motifs, we focused on the reprogramming factors OCT4 and SOX2 in mouse embryonic stem cells. We determined TF engagement throughout a nucleosome at base-pair resolution in vitro, enabling structure determination by cryo–electron microscopy at two preferred positions. Depending on motif location, OCT4 and SOX2 differentially distort nucleosomal DNA. At one position, OCT4-SOX2 removes DNA from histone H2A and histone H3; however, at an inverted motif, the TFs only induce local DNA distortions. OCT4 uses one of its two DNA-binding domains to engage DNA in both structures, reading out a partial motif. These findings explain site-specific nucleosome engagement by the pluripotency factors OCT4 and SOX2, and they reveal how TFs distort nucleosomes to access chromatinized motifs.

scholarly journals Role of Papillomavirus E1 Initiator Dimerization in DNA Replication

2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (13) ◽  
pp. 8661-8664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Schuck ◽  
Arne Stenlund
Keyword(s):  
Dna Replication ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Dna Binding Domains ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Severe Effect ◽  
Origin Of Dna Replication ◽  
Initiation Of Dna Replication

ABSTRACT Viral initiator proteins are polypeptides that form oligomeric complexes on the origin of DNA replication (ori). These complexes carry out a multitude of functions related to initiation of DNA replication, and although many of these functions have been characterized biochemically, little is understood about how the complexes are assembled. Here we demonstrate that loss of one particular interaction, the dimerization between E1 DNA binding domains, has a severe effect on DNA replication in vivo but has surprisingly modest effects on most individual biochemical activities in vitro. We conclude that the dimer interaction is primarily required for initial recognition of ori.

N-terminal DNA-binding domains contribute to differential DNA-binding specificities of NF-kappa B p50 and p65

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 852-860
Author(s):  
M B Toledano ◽  
D Ghosh ◽  
F Trinh ◽  
W J Leonard
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Terminal Region ◽  
Sequence Motif ◽  
Structural Determinants ◽  
Nf Kappa B ◽  
Dna Binding Domains ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Dna Binding Specificity

We previously reported that either oxidation or alkylation of NF-kappa B in vitro abrogates DNA binding. We used this phenomenon to help elucidate structural determinants of NF-kappa B binding. We now demonstrate that Cys-62 of NF-kappa B p50 mediates the redox effect and lies within an N-terminal region required for DNA binding but not for dimerization. Several point mutations in this region confer a transdominant negative binding phenotype to p50. The region is highly conserved in all Rel family proteins, and we have determined that it is also critical for DNA binding of NF-kappa B p65. Replacement of the N-terminal region of p65 with the corresponding region from p50 changes its DNA-binding specificity towards that of p50. These data suggest that the N-terminal regions of p50 and p65 are critical for DNA binding and help determine the DNA-binding specificities of p50 and p65. We have defined within the N-terminal region a sequence motif, R(F/G)(R/K)YXCE, which is present in Rel family proteins and also in zinc finger proteins capable of binding to kappa B sites. The potential significance of this finding is discussed.

scholarly journals TEM1 combinatorially binds to FLOWERING LOCUS T and recruits a Polycomb factor to repress the floral transition in Arabidopsis

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (35) ◽  
pp. e2103895118
Author(s):  
Hongmiao Hu ◽  
Shu Tian ◽  
Guohui Xie ◽  
Rui Liu ◽  
Nana Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Floral Transition ◽  
Flowering Locus T ◽  
Dna Binding Domains ◽  
Adult Transition ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Flowering Locus ◽  
Specific Regulation

Arabidopsis TEMPRANILLO 1 (TEM1) is a transcriptional repressor that participates in multiple flowering pathways and negatively regulates the juvenile-to-adult transition and the flowering transition. To understand the molecular basis for the site-specific regulation of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) by TEM1, we determined the structures of the two plant-specific DNA-binding domains in TEM1, AP2 and B3, in complex with their target DNA sequences from the FT gene 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR), revealing the molecular basis for TEM1 specificity for its DNA targets. In vitro binding assays revealed that the combination of the AP2 and B3 binding sites greatly enhanced the overall binding of TEM1 to the FT 5′-UTR, indicating TEM1 combinatorically recognizes the FT gene 5′-UTR. We further showed that TEM1 recruits the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) to the FT 5′-UTR. The simultaneous binding of the TEM1 AP2 and B3 domains to FT is necessary for deposition of H3K27me3 at the FT 5′-UTR and for the flowering repressor function of TEM1. Overall, our data suggest that the combinatorial recognition of FT 5′-UTR by TEM1 ensures H3K27me3 deposition to precisely regulate the floral transition.

scholarly journals Cell stemness is maintained upon concurrent expression of RB and the mitochondrial ribosomal protein S18-2

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (27) ◽  
pp. 15673-15683
Author(s):  
Muhammad Mushtaq ◽  
Larysa Kovalevska ◽  
Suhas Darekar ◽  
Alexandra Abramsson ◽  
Henrik Zetterberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Ribosomal Protein ◽  
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Ring Finger ◽  
Histone H2a ◽  
Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein ◽  
Primary Mouse

Stemness encompasses the capability of a cell for self-renewal and differentiation. The stem cell maintains a balance between proliferation, quiescence, and regeneration via interactions with the microenvironment. Previously, we showed that ectopic expression of the mitochondrial ribosomal protein S18-2 (MRPS18-2) led to immortalization of primary fibroblasts, accompanied by induction of an embryonic stem cell (ESC) phenotype. Moreover, we demonstrated interaction between S18-2 and the retinoblastoma-associated protein (RB) and hypothesized that the simultaneous expression of RB and S18-2 is essential for maintaining cell stemness. Here, we experimentally investigated the role of S18-2 in cell stemness and differentiation. Concurrent expression of RB and S18-2 resulted in immortalization ofRb1−/−primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts and in aggressive tumor growth in severe combined immunodeficiency mice. These cells, which express both RB and S18-2 at high levels, exhibited the potential to differentiate into various lineages in vitro, including osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Mechanistically, S18-2 formed a multimeric protein complex with prohibitin and the ring finger protein 2 (RNF2). This molecular complex increased the monoubiquitination of histone H2ALys119, a characteristic trait of ESCs, by enhanced E3-ligase activity of RNF2. Furthermore, we found enrichment of KLF4 at theS18-2promoter region and that theS18-2expression is positively correlated withKLF4levels. Importantly, knockdown of S18-2 in zebrafish larvae led to embryonic lethality. Collectively, our findings suggest an important role for S18-2 in cell stemness and differentiation and potentially also in cancerogenesis.

scholarly journals Pluripotency and Epigenetic Factors in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Fate Regulation

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (16) ◽  
pp. 2716-2728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lluis Morey ◽  
Alexandra Santanach ◽  
Luciano Di Croce
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Pluripotency Factors ◽  
Perfect System

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are characterized by their ability to self-renew and to differentiate into all cell types of a given organism. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern the ESC state is of great interest not only for basic research—for instance, ESCs represent a perfect system to study cellular differentiationin vitro—but also for their potential implications in human health, as these mechanisms are likewise involved in cancer progression and could be exploited in regenerative medicine. In this minireview, we focus on the latest insights into the molecular mechanisms mediated by the pluripotency factors as well as their roles during differentiation. We also discuss recent advances in understanding the function of the epigenetic regulators, Polycomb and MLL complexes, in ESC biology.

scholarly journals Fused protein domains inhibit DNA binding by LexA.

1992 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 3006-3014 ◽  
Author(s):  
E A Golemis ◽  
R Brent
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Dimerization Domain ◽  
Activation Domains ◽  
Dna Binding Domains ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Operator Binding

Many studies of transcription activation employ fusions of activation domains to DNA binding domains derived from the bacterial repressor LexA and the yeast activator GAL4. Such studies often implicitly assume that DNA binding by the chimeric proteins is equivalent to that of the protein donating the DNA binding moiety. To directly investigate this issue, we compared operator binding by a series of LexA-derivative proteins to operator binding by native LexA, by using both in vivo and in vitro assays. We show that operator binding by many proteins such as LexA-Myc, LexA-Fos, and LexA-Bicoid is severely impaired, while binding of other LexA-derivative proteins, such as those that carry bacterially encoded acidic sequences ("acid blobs"), is not. Our results also show that DNA binding by LexA derivatives that contain the LexA carboxy-terminal dimerization domain (amino acids 88 to 202) is considerably stronger than binding by fusions that lack it and that heterologous dimerization motifs cannot substitute for the LexA88-202 function. These results suggest the need to reevaluate some previous studies of activation that employed LexA derivatives and modifications to recent experimental approaches that use LexA and GAL4 derivatives to detect and study protein-protein interactions.

scholarly journals RNA polymerase II transcription factors H4TF-1 and H4TF-2 require metal to bind specific DNA sequences.

1987 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 4582-4584 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Dailey ◽  
S B Roberts ◽  
N Heintz
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Chelating Agents ◽  
In Vitro Transcription ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Dna Binding Domains ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii Transcription

Specific DNA-binding and in vitro transcription activities of H4TF-1 and H4TF-2 are inactivated by chelating agents. Binding activity is restored by addition of Zn2+, and H4TF-2 is also reactivated by Fe2+. In contrast, preformed factor-DNA complexes are resistant to chelators. Therefore, metal ions are a required component of the H4TF-1 and H4TF-2 DNA-binding domains.

Cooperative interactions between paired domain and homeodomain

Development ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 122 (9) ◽  
pp. 2639-2650 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Jun ◽  
C. Desplan
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Cooperative Interaction ◽  
Paired Domain ◽  
Cooperative Interactions ◽  
Dna Binding Domains ◽  
Binding Domains

The Pax proteins are a family of transcriptional regulators involved in many developmental processes in all higher eukaryotes. They are characterized by the presence of a paired domain (PD), a bipartite DNA binding domain composed of two helix-turn-helix (HTH) motifs, the PAI and RED domains. The PD is also often associated with a homeodomain (HD) which is itself able to form homo- and hetero-dimers on DNA. Many of these proteins therefore contain three HTH motifs each able to recognize DNA. However, all PDs recognize highly related DNA sequences, and most HDs also recognize almost identical sites. We show here that different Pax proteins use multiple combinations of their HTHs to recognize several types of target sites. For instance, the Drosophila Paired protein can bind, in vitro, exclusively through its PAI domain, or through a dimer of its HD, or through cooperative interaction between PAI domain and HD. However, prd function in vivo requires the synergistic action of both the PAI domain and the HD. Pax proteins with only a PD appear to require both PAI and RED domains, while a Pax-6 isoform and a new Pax protein, Lune, may rely on the RED domain and HD. We propose a model by which Pax proteins recognize different target genes in vivo through various combinations of their DNA binding domains, thus expanding their recognition repertoire.

scholarly journals Repression of Ets-2-Induced Transactivation of the Tau Interferon Promoter by Oct-4

2001 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 7883-7891 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshihiko Ezashi ◽  
Debjani Ghosh ◽  
R. Michael Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Dna Binding Domains ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Pou Domain ◽  
Choriocarcinoma Cells ◽  
A Site ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Developmental Switch

ABSTRACT Oct-4 is a POU family transcription factor associated with potentially totipotent cells. Genes expressed in the trophectoderm but not in embryos prior to blastocyst formation may be targets for silencing by Oct-4. Here, we have tested this hypothesis with the tau interferon genes (IFNT genes), which are expressed exclusively in the trophectoderm of bovine embryos. IFNTpromoters contain an Ets-2 enhancer, located at −79 to −70, and are up-regulated about 20-fold by the overexpression of Ets-2 in human JAr choriocarcinoma cells, which are permissive for IFNTexpression. This enhancement was reversed in a dose-dependent manner by coexpression of Oct-4 but not either Oct-1 or Oct-2. When cells were transfected with truncated bovine IFNT promoters designed to eliminate potential octamer sites sequentially, luciferase reporter expression from each construct was still silenced by Oct-4. Full repression required both the N-terminal and POU domains of Oct-4, but neither domain used alone was an effective silencer. Oct-4 and Ets-2 formed a complex in vitro in the absence of DNA through binding of the POU domain of Oct-4 to a site located between the “pointed” and DNA binding domains of Ets-2. The two transcription factors were also coimmunoprecipitated after being expressed together in JAr cells. Oct-4, therefore, silences IFNT promoters by quenching Ets-2 transactivation. The POU domain most probably binds to Ets-2 directly, while the N-terminal domain inhibits transcription. These findings provide further evidence that the developmental switch to the trophectoderm is accompanied by the loss of Oct-4 silencing of key genes.

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