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Induction of 26S proteasome subunit PSMB5 by the bifunctional inducer 3-methylcholanthrene through the Nrf2-ARE, but not the AhR/Arnt-XRE, pathway.

The 26S proteasome is responsible for degradation of abnormal intracellular proteins, including oxidatively damaged proteins and may play a role as a component of a cellular antioxidative system. However, little is known about regulation of proteasome expression. In the present study, regulation of proteasome expression by the bifunctional enzyme inducer and a specific signaling pathway for this regulation were investigated in murine neuroblastoma cells. Expression of catalytic core subunits including PSMB5 and peptidase activities of the proteasome were elevated following incubation with 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC). Studies using reporter genes containing the murine Psmb5 promoter showed that transcriptional activity of this gene was enhanced by 3-MC. Overexpression of AhR/Arnt did not affect activation of the Pmsb5 promoter by 3-MC and deletion of the xenobiotic response elements (XREs) from this promoter exerted modest effects on inducibility in response to 3-MC. However, mutation of the proximal AREs of the Psmb5 promoter largely abrogated its inducibility by 3-MC. In addition, this promoter showed a blunted response toward 3-MC in the absence of nrf2; 3-MC incubation increased nuclear levels of Nrf2 only in wild-type cells. Collectively, these results indicate that expression of proteasome subunit PSMB5 is modulated by bifunctional enzyme inducers in a manner independent of the AhR/Arnt-XRE pathway but dependent upon the Nrf2-ARE pathway.

Animals↗

RGS7 is palmitoylated and exists as biochemically distinct forms.

Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins are GTPase-activating proteins that modulate neurotransmitter and G protein signaling. RGS7 and its binding partners Galpha and Gbeta5 are enriched in brain, but biochemical mechanisms governing RGS7/Galpha/Gbeta5 interactions and membrane association are poorly defined. We report that RGS7 exists as one cytosolic and three biochemically distinct membrane-bound fractions (salt-extractable, detergent-extractable, and detergent-insensitive) in brain. To define factors that determine RGS7 membrane attachment, we examined the biochemical properties of recombinant RGS7 and Gbeta5 synthesized in Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells. We have found that membrane-bound but not cytosolic RGS7 is covalently modified by the fatty acid palmitate. Gbeta5 is not palmitoylated. Both unmodified (cytosolic) and palmitoylated (membrane-derived) forms of RGS7, when complexed with Gbeta5, are equally effective stimulators of Galpha(o) GTPase activity, suggesting that palmitoylation does not prevent RGS7/Galpha(o) interactions. The isolated core RGS domain of RGS7 selectively binds activated Galpha(i/o) in brain extracts and is an effective stimulator of both Galpha(o) and Galpha(i1) GTPase activities in vitro. In contrast, the RGS7/Gbeta5 complex selectively interacts with Galpha(o) only, suggesting that features outside the RGS domain and/or Gbeta5 association dictate RGS7-Galpha interactions. These findings define previously unrecognized biochemical properties of RGS7, including the first demonstration that RGS7 is palmitoylated.

Animals↗

beta-Synuclein reduces proteasomal inhibition by alpha-synuclein but not gamma-synuclein.

The accumulation of aggregated alpha-synuclein is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Recent studies indicate that aggregated alpha-synuclein binds to S6', a component of the 19 S subunit in the 26 S proteasome and inhibits 26 S proteasomal degradation, both ubiquitin-independent and ubiquitin-dependent. The IC(50) of aggregated alpha-synuclein for inhibition of the 26 S ubiquitin-independent proteasomal activity is approximately 1 nm. alpha-Synuclein has two close homologues, termed beta-synuclein and gamma-synuclein. In the present study we compared the effects of the three synuclein homologues on proteasomal activity. The proteasome exists as a 26 S and a 20 S species, with the 26 S proteasome containing the 20 S core and 19 S cap. Monomeric alpha- and beta-synucleins inhibited the 20 S and 26 S proteasomal activities only weakly, but monomeric gamma-synuclein strongly inhibited ubiquitin-independent proteolysis. The IC(50) of monomeric gamma-synuclein for the 20 S proteolysis was 400 nm. In monomeric form, none of the three synuclein proteins inhibited 26 S ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal activity. Although beta-synuclein had no direct effect on proteasomal activity, co-incubating monomeric beta-synuclein with aggregated alpha-synuclein antagonized the inhibition of the 26 S ubiquitin-independent proteasome by aggregated alpha-synuclein when added before the aggregated alpha-synuclein. Co-incubating beta-synuclein with gamma-synuclein had no effect on the inhibition of the 20 S proteasome by monomeric gamma-synuclein. Immunoprecipitation and pull-down experiments suggested that antagonism by beta-synuclein resulted from binding to alpha-synuclein rather than binding to S6'. Pull-down experiments demonstrated that recombinant monomeric beta-synuclein does not interact with the proteasomal subunit S6', unlike alpha-synuclein, but beta-synuclein does bind alpha-synuclein and competes with S6' for binding to alpha-synuclein. Based on these data, we hypothesize that the alpha- and gamma-synucleins regulate proteasomal function and that beta-synuclein acts as a negative regulator of alpha-synuclein.

Brain↗

RNF11 is a multifunctional modulator of growth factor receptor signalling and transcriptional regulation.

Our laboratory has found that the 154aa RING finger protein 11 (RNF11), has modular domains and motifs including a RING-H2 finger domain, a PY motif, an ubiquitin interacting motif (UIM), a 14-3-3 binding sequence and an AKT phosphorylation site. RNF11 represents a unique protein with no other known immediate family members yet described. Comparative genetic analysis has shown that RNF11 is highly conserved throughout evolution. This may indicate a conserved and non-redundant role for the RNF11 protein. Molecular binding assays using RNF11 have shown that RNF11 has important roles in growth factor signalling, ubiquitination and transcriptional regulation. RNF11 has been shown to interact with HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligases Nedd4, AIP4, Smurf1 and Smurf2, as well as with Cullin1, the core protein in the multi-subunit SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Work done in our laboratory has shown that RNF11 is capable of antagonizing Smurf2-mediated inhibition of TGFbeta signalling. Furthermore, RNF11 is capable of degrading AMSH, a positive regulator of both TGFbeta and EGFR signalling pathways. Recently, we have found that RNF11 can directly enhance TGFbeta signalling through a direct association with Smad4, the common signal transducer and transcription factor in the TGFbeta, BMP, and Activin pathways. Through its association with Smad4 and other transcription factors, RNF11 may have a role in direct transcriptional regulation. Our laboratory and others have found nearly 80 protein interactions for RNF11, placing RNF11 at the cross-roads of cell signalling and transcriptional regulation. RNF11 is highly expressed in breast tumours. Deregulation of RNF11 function may prove to be harmful to patient therapeutic outcomes. RNF11 may therefore provide a novel target for cancer therapeutics. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of RNF11 in cell signalling and transcription factor modulation with special attention given to the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway, TGFbeta pathway and EGFR pathway.

Carrier Proteins↗

Solution structure of rat apo-S100B(beta beta) as determined by NMR spectroscopy.

S100B(beta beta), a member of the S100 protein family, is a Ca(2+)-binding protein with noncovalent interactions at its dimer interface. Each apo-S100 beta subunit (91 residues) has four alpha-helices and a small antiparallel beta-sheet, consistent with two predicted helix-loop-helix Ca(2+)-binding domains known as EF-hands [Amburgey et al. (1995) J. Biomol. NMR 6, 171-179]. The three-dimensional solution structure of apo-S100B(beta beta) from rat has been determined using 2672 distance (14.7 per residue) and 88 dihedral angle restraints derived from multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Apo-S100B (beta beta) is found to be globular and compact with an extensive hydrophobic core and a highly charged surface, consistent with its high solubility. At the symmetric dimer interface, 172 intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effect correlations (NOEs) define the antiparallel alignment of helix I with I' and of helix IV with IV'. The perpendicular association of these pairs of antiparallel helices forms an X-type four-helical bundle at the dimer interface. Whereas, the four helices within each apo-S100 beta subunit adopt a unicornate-type four-helix bundle, with helix I protruding from the parallel bundle of helices II, III, and IV. Accordingly, the orientation of helix III relative to helices I, II, and IV in each subunit differs significantly from that known for other Ca(2+)-binding proteins. Indeed, the interhelical angle (omega) observed in the C-terminal EF-hand of apo-S100 beta is -142 degrees, whereas omega ranges from 118 degrees to 145 degrees in the apo state and from 84 degrees to 128 degrees in the Ca(2+)-bound state for the EF-hands of calbindin D9k, calcyclin, and calmodulin. Thus, a significant conformational change in the C-terminal EF-hand would be required for it to adopt a structure typical of the Ca(2+)-bound state, which could readily explain the dramatic spectral effects observed upon the addition of Ca2+ to apo-S100B(beta beta).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Regulation by serotonin of tooth-germ morphogenesis and gene expression in mouse mandibular explant cultures.

Serotonin (5-HT) stimulates tooth-germ development in embryonic mouse mandibular explant cultures, but it is not clear whether this is due to a direct action on epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, or whether development was stimulated indirectly by serotonergic regulation of other morphoregulatory molecules. A calcium-binding protein, S-100beta, and the extracellular-matrix molecule, tenascin, two molecules thought to be important in craniofacial development, together with cartilage proteoglycan core protein, a marker for chondrogenesis, are modulated by serotonergic ligands in mandibular micromass cultures. Here, it was demonstrated that 5-HT stimulates expression of cartilage proteoglycan core protein, and inhibits expression of S-100beta and tenascin in mandibular explants. Further, ondansetron (Zofran), a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, and NAN-190, a 5-HT1A antagonist, reversed the serotonergic stimulation of core protein and tooth germ development. In contrast serotonergic modulation of S-100beta and tenascin expression was not reversed by any of the 5-HT receptor antagonists tested, although the 5-HT uptake inhibitor, fluoxetine, did reverse the effect of 5-HT on S-100beta expression, as well as tooth-germ development. These results support previous work suggesting that 5-HT plays an important part in craniofacial development, especially in dentinogenesis and chondrogenesis. However, the possibility that tenascin or S-100beta mediate the effects of 5-HT on tooth-germ development is not supported. Rather, these results raise the possibility that 5-HT may exert effects directly on tooth-germ morphogenesis mediated by intracellular uptake of 5-HT and/or activation of 5-HT1A and 5-HT3 receptors.

Aggrecans↗

Exercise in the heat: effect of fluid ingestion on blood-brain barrier permeability.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined changes in serum S100beta concentration, a peripheral marker of BBB permeability, in response to exercise in the heat with and without fluid ingestion. METHODS: Eight physically active males completed up to 90 min of intermittent exercise at a power output corresponding to 55% VO2peak in a warm environment (35 degrees C, 56% rh). Trials were completed with (F trial) and without (NF trial) the replacement of sweat losses. During the fluid trial, an aliquot of plain water was ingested at 15-min intervals to match the volume of sweat lost during the previous period of exercise. RESULTS: Exercise time was 80.7 +/- 13.0 min in the NF trial and 85.1 +/- 9.5 min in the F trial (P = 0.107). Fluid ingestion resulted in a smaller rise in core temperature (P = 0.050) and heart rate (P = 0.027) during the latter stages of exercise. Serum S100beta concentrations were 0.08 +/- 0.02 microg.L at rest, increasing to 0.20 +/- 0.06 microg.L at the end of exercise in the NF trial, with this response attenuated by the ingestion of fluid (0.13 +/- 0.03 microg.L; P = 0.046). Both serum sodium concentration (P < 0.001) and serum osmolality (P = 0.003) were significantly lower at the end of exercise in the F trial than in the NF trial. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that water ingestion can limit exercise-induced increases in serum S100beta, consistent with the preservation of BBB integrity. It is possible that this response was mediated through the maintenance of lower extracellular osmolality late in exercise, thus potentially limiting the osmotically driven movement of fluid across the BBB.

Adult↗

The dual role of helix-loop--helix-zipper protein USF in ribosomal RNA gene transcription in vivo.

We have previously demonstrated that the core promoter of rat ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) contains an E-box-like sequence to which the core promoter binding factor CPBF binds and that the 44 kDa subunit of this protein is immunologically related to USF1, the helix--loop--helix-zipper DNA binding protein. Further, we showed that RNA polymerase I (pol I) transcription in vitro is competed by oligonucleotides containing USF-binding site, which suggested a key role for USF in rDNA transcription. To prove the potential role of USF in pol I transcription in vivo, USF1 and USF2 homodimers and USF1/USF2 heterodimer were overexpressed in CHO cells by transfection of the respective cDNAs. Co-transfection of a plasmid containing rDNA followed by primer extension analysis showed that overexpression of USF1 and USF2 as homodimers resulted in inhibition of rDNA transcription by as much as 85-90% whereas overexpression of USF1/USF2 in the heterodimeric form activated transcription approximately 3.5-fold. Transfection of mutant USF2 cDNA that is devoid of the basic DNA-binding domain produced only minimal inhibition of rDNA transcription. These data show that USF can modulate transcription of rRNA gene in vivo by functioning as a repressor (homodimer) or activator (heterodimer) of pol I transcription in vivo and suggest that inhibition of rDNA transcription may be responsible for the antiproliferative action of USF homodimers.

Animals↗

Effects of overexpression of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Dec1 on osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

We recently reported that forced expression of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Dec1 accelerated chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in pellet cultures (Shen, M., Yoshida, E., Yan, W., Kawamoto, T., Suardita, K., Koyano, Y., Fujimoto, K., Noshiro, M., Kato, Y., 2002. Basic helix-loop-helix protein DEC1 promotes chondrocyte differentiation at the early and terminal stages. J. Biol. Chem. 277, 50112-50120). Since MSC have multilineage differentiation potential, we investigated the roles of Dec1 in osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived MSC. After osteogenic induction of MSC in medium containing dexamethasone, beta-glycerophosphate, and ascorbic acid, Dec1 expression gradually increased from day 5 to day 14, while expression levels of Dec1 mRNA markedly decreased on days 3 and 7 after adipogenic induction. Infection with adenovirus expressing Dec1 raised mRNA levels of several bone characteristic molecules such as osteopontin, PTH receptor, and alkaline phosphatase, even in the absence of the osteogenic induction medium, although it had little effect on Runx2 expression or calcification. In the osteogenic induction medium, Dec1 overexpression enhanced the expression of osteopontin and alkaline phosphatase and induced matrix calcification. Knockdown of Dec1 with siRNA suppressed the expression of osteoblastic phenotype by the induced MSC. Using MSC cultures, we also confirmed that forced expression of Dec1 suppressed adipogenic differentiation. These findings suggest that Dec1 modulates osteogenic differentiation of MSC by inducing the expression of several, but not all, bone-related genes.

Adipogenesis↗

Effect of beta-alanyl-L-histidinato zinc on the differentiation pathway of human periodontal ligament cells.

We examined the effect of beta-alanyl-L-histidinato zinc (AHZ) on the differentiation of human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells. HPDL cells were cultured with alpha-minimum essential medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum with or without 10(-4) or 10(-5) M AHZ for up to 10 days. The expression of runt-related transcription factor-2/core binding factor alpha-1 (RUNX2/Cbfa1), Sox9, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and BMP receptors was measured using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions. Phosphorylation of Smad1 was determined using a Western blot analysis. RUNX2/Cbfa1 expression increased markedly in cells cultured with AHZ, while Sox9 expression increased slightly. BMP-7 expression was much higher than that of controls in cultures with AHZ, whereas BMP-2 expression was only slightly higher. The expression of BMP receptors increased markedly in cells cultured with AHZ. The phosphorylation of Smad1, a signal-transducing molecule for BMP-2 and BMP-7, was increased markedly in cultures with AHZ. The results suggest that AHZ diverts the differentiation pathway of HPDL cells to the osteoblast lineage via BMP-2 or BMP-7.

Animals↗

The myeloid master regulator transcription factor PU.1 is inactivated by AML1-ETO in t(8;21) myeloid leukemia.

The transcription factor PU.1 plays a pivotal role in normal myeloid differentiation. PU.1(-/-) mice exhibit a complete block in myeloid differentiation. Heterozygous PU.1 mutations were reported in some patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but not in AML with translocation t(8;21), which gives rise to the fusion gene AML1-ETO. Here we report a negative functional impact of AML1-ETO on the transcriptional activity of PU.1. AML1-ETO physically binds to PU.1 in t(8;21)(+) Kasumi-1 cells. AML1-ETO binds to the beta(3)beta(4) region in the DNA-binding domain of PU.1 and displaces the coactivator c-Jun from PU.1, thus down-regulating the transcriptional activity of PU.1. This physical interaction of AML1-ETO and PU.1 did not abolish the DNA-binding capacity of PU.1. AML1-ETO down-regulates the transactivation capacity of PU.1 in myeloid U937 cells, and the expression levels of PU.1 target genes in AML French-American-British (FAB) subtype M2 patients with t(8;21) were lower than in patients without t(8;21). Conditional expression of AML1-ETO causes proliferation in mouse bone marrow cells and inhibits antiproliferative function of PU.1. Overexpression of PU.1, however, differentiates AML1-ETO-expressing Kasumi-1 cells to the monocytic lineage. Thus, the function of PU.1 is down-regulated by AML1-ETO in t(8;21) myeloid leukemia, whereas overexpression of PU.1 restores normal differentiation.

Animals↗

A hydrophobic patch on the flap-tip helix of E.coli RNA polymerase mediates sigma(70) region 4 function.

The Escherichia coli RNA polymerase beta subunit contains a flexible flap domain that interacts with region 4 of sigma(70) to position it for recognition of the -35 element of promoters. We report that this function depends on a hydrophobic patch on one face of the short stretch of alpha helix located at the tip of the flap domain, called the flap-tip helix. Disruption of the hydrophobic patch by the substitution of hydrophilic or charged amino acids resulted in a loss of the interaction between the flap and sigma region 4, as determined by protease sensitivity assays, and impaired transcription from -35-dependent promoters. We suggest that contact of the flap-tip helix hydrophobic patch to the sigma region 4 hydrophobic core is essential for stable interaction of the flap-tip helix with region 4. This contact allowed region 4.2 recognition of the -35 promoter element and appeared to stabilize region 4 interaction with the beta' Zn(2+) binding domain. Our studies failed to detect any role for sigma region 1.1 in establishing or maintaining the flap-sigma region 4 interaction, consistent with recent reports placing sigma region 1.1 in the downstream DNA channel.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of GATA-1 in a non-hematopoietic cell line induces beta-globin locus control region chromatin structure remodeling and an erythroid pattern of gene expression.

GATA-1 is a hematopoietic transcription factor expressed in erythroid, megakaryocytic, mast cell and eosinophil lineages. It is required for normal erythroid differentiation, the expression of erythroid-specific genes and for the establishment of an active chromatin structure throughout the beta-globin gene locus. GATA-1 is also necessary for the formation and function of the locus control region DNase I hypersensitive site (HS) core elements. To determine whether GATA-1 was sufficient to direct formation of the locus control region (LCR) and an erythroid pattern of gene expression, we expressed GATA-1 in the non-hematopoietic HeLa cell line that does not express other hematopoietic transcription factors but does express GATA-2, GATA-3, and GATA-6. We found that production of the GATA-1 protein resulted in the formation of LCR DNase I HSs 1-4 in their normal locations, and that histones became hyperacetylated within these regulatory elements. Transcription of several erythroid-specific genes was activated in HeLa cells expressing GATA-1, including those coding for alpha-globin, beta-globin, the erythropoietin receptor, the erythroid krüpple-like factor and p45 NF-E2. Despite increased expression of these genes at the mRNA level, their protein products were not detected. These results imply that GATA-1 is sufficient to direct chromatin structure reorganization within the beta-globin LCR and an erythroid pattern of gene expression in the absence of other hematopoietic transcription factors.

Acetylation↗

Blood-brain barrier integrity may be threatened by exercise in a warm environment.

Seven active men were recruited to examine changes in the serum concentration of S100beta, a proposed peripheral marker of blood-brain barrier permeability, following prolonged exercise in temperate (T) and warm (W) conditions. Subjects were seated immersed to the neck in water at 35.0 (0.1) degrees C (T) or 39.0 (0.1) degrees C (W) for 30 min. Subjects then entered a room maintained at either 18.3 (1.8) degrees C (T) or 35.0 (0.3) degrees C (W) and completed 60 min of cycle exercise at 60% peak oxygen uptake. Serum S100beta concentration was elevated after exercise in the W trial (+0.12 (0.10) microg/l; P = 0.02) but not after the T trial (P = 0.238). Water immersion and exercise elevated core temperature by 2.1 (0.5) degrees C to 39.5 (0.3) degrees C at the end of exercise in the W trial compared with a 0.9 (0.2) degrees C increase during the T trial (P < 0.001). Weighted mean skin temperature was higher throughout the W trial compared with the T trial (P < 0.001). Heart rate (P < 0.001) and blood glucose (P < 0.001) and lactate (P < 0.001) concentrations were elevated to a greater extent during exercise in the W trial than in the T trial. Ratings of perceived exertion (P < 0.001) and thermal comfort (P < 0.001) were markedly higher throughout the W trial than in the T trial. The results of this study demonstrate that serum S100beta was elevated after water immersion and prolonged exercise in a warm environment, suggesting that blood-brain barrier permeability may be altered.

Adult↗

Androgen receptor interacts with the positive elongation factor P-TEFb and enhances the efficiency of transcriptional elongation.

Androgen receptor (AR) may communicate with the general transcription machinery on the core promoter to exert its function as a transcriptional modulator. Our previous report demonstrated that the AR interacted with transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) under physiological conditions and that overexpression of Cdk-activating kinase, the kinase moiety of TFIIH, enhanced AR-mediated transcription in prostate cancer cells. In an effort to further dissect the mechanisms implicated in AR transactivation, we report here that AR interacts with PITALRE, a kinase subunit of positive elongation factor b (P-TEFb). Cotransfection of the plasmid encoding the mutant PITALRE (mtPITALRE), defective in its RNA polymerase II COOH-terminal domain (CTD)-kinase activity, resulted in preferential inhibition of AR-mediated transactivation. Indeed, AR transactivation in PC-3 cells was preferentially inhibited at the low concentration of 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-d-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB), a CTD kinase inhibitor. These results suggest that CTD phosphorylation may play an important role in AR-mediated transcription. Furthermore, a nuclear run-on transcription assay of the prostate-specific antigen gene, an androgen-inducible gene, showed that transcription efficiency of the distal region of the gene was enhanced upon androgen induction. Taken together, our reports suggest that AR interacts with TFIIH and P-TEFb and enhances the elongation stage of transcription.

Cell Line↗

Expression of galectin-3 in skeletal tissues is controlled by Runx2.

The beta-galatoside-specific lectin galectin-3 is expressed in vivo in osteoblasts as well as in epiphyseal cartilage. Here we show that in vitro, galectin-3 expression is up-regulated in the preosteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 during the matrix maturation stage of the osteoblast developmental sequence. Expression persists into late differentiation stages when the mature osteoblastic phenotype is established. The skeletal expression pattern of galectin-3 overlaps at many sites with that of the transcription factor Runx2. Runx2 is a key regulator of osteoblast development and necessary for chondrocyte differentiation in the growth plate. Both human and mouse galectin-3 promoters contain putative Runx-binding sites. The constitutive or inducible forced expression of Runx2 is sufficient for the onset of galectin-3 transcription in the mesenchymal precursor cell line C3H10T1/2. Moreover, Runx2 is able to bind to at least two sites in the galectin-3 promoter region. The crucial role of Runx2 was confirmed in Runx2-deficient mice, which are devoid of galectin-3 expression in skeletal cells. The overlapping expression pattern of galectin-3 with the other two members of the Runt family of transcription factors (Runx1 and Runx3) points to a potential regulation of the galectin-3 gene (LGALS3) by these factors in hematopoietic, skin, and dorsal root ganglial cells.

Animals↗

The Hedgehog-inducible ubiquitin ligase subunit WSB-1 modulates thyroid hormone activation and PTHrP secretion in the developing growth plate.

WSB-1 is a SOCS-box-containing WD-40 protein of unknown function that is induced by Hedgehog signalling in embryonic structures during chicken development. Here we show that WSB-1 is part of an E3 ubiquitin ligase for the thyroid-hormone-activating type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase (D2). The WD-40 propeller of WSB-1 recognizes an 18-amino-acid loop in D2 that confers metabolic instability, whereas the SOCS-box domain mediates its interaction with a ubiquitinating catalytic core complex, modelled as Elongin BC-Cul5-Rbx1 (ECS(WSB-1)). In the developing tibial growth plate, Hedgehog-stimulated D2 ubiquitination via ECS(WSB-1) induces parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), thereby regulating chondrocyte differentiation. Thus, ECS(WSB-1) mediates a mechanism by which 'systemic' thyroid hormone can effect local control of the Hedgehog-PTHrP negative feedback loop and thus skeletogenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Loss of Runx3 function in leukocytes is associated with spontaneously developed colitis and gastric mucosal hyperplasia.

RUNX transcription factors are key regulators of lineage-specific gene expression and might be involved in autoimmune diseases. Runx3 plays a role during the development of sensory neurons and T cells and regulates transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling in dendritic cells. Here, we report that at 4 weeks of age, Runx3 knockout (KO) mice spontaneously develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by leukocyte infiltration, mucosal hyperplasia, formation of lymphoid clusters, and increased production of IgA. Additionally, at a considerably older age (8 months), the KO mice also develop progressive hyperplasia of the gastric mucosa associated with disturbed epithelial differentiation and cellular hyaline degeneration. Analysis of cytokines in the colonic mucosa of Runx3 KO mice revealed a mixed T helper 1/T helper 2 response. By using immunohistochemistry and RNA in situ hybridization, Runx3 expression in the gastrointestinal tract is detected in lymphoid and myeloid populations but not in the epithelium. The data indicate that loss of leukocytic cell-autonomous function of Runx3 results in IBD and gastric lesion in the KO mice. IBD in humans is viewed as a complex genetic disorder. Several susceptibility loci were identified on different human chromosomes including the chromosomal region 1p36 where RUNX3 resides. It is thus tempting to speculate that mutations in RUNX3 may constitute an IBD risk factor in humans.

Animals↗