Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 90
Filter
1.
Sci China Life Sci ; 63(7): 943-952, 2020 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31974860

ABSTRACT

Light acts as the pivotal external environment cue to modulate plant growth and development. Seeds germinate in the soil without light to undergo skotomorphogenesis with rapidly elongating hypocotyls that facilitate emergence from the soil, while seedlings upon light exposure undergo photomorphogenesis with significantly inhibited hypocotyl elongation that benefits plants to stand up firmly and cope with the changing environment. In this study, we demonstrate that light promotes jasmonate (JA) biosynthesis to inhibit hypocotyl elongation and orchestrate seedling photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis. We showed that JAinhibition on hypocotyl elongation is dependent on JA receptor COI1 and signaling components such as repressor proteins JAZs and transcription activators MYC2/MYC3/MYC4. Furthermore, we found that MYC2/MYC3/MYC4 activate the expression of photomorphogenesis regulator HY5 to repress cell elongation-related genes (such as SAUR62 and EXP2) essential for seedling photomorphogenesis. Our findings provide a novel insight into molecular mechanisms underlying how plants integrate light signal with hormone pathway to establish seedling photomorphogenesis.


Subject(s)
Arabidopsis/genetics , Cyclopentanes/radiation effects , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/radiation effects , Oxylipins/radiation effects , Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics , Arabidopsis Proteins/radiation effects , Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/genetics , Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/radiation effects , Hypocotyl/metabolism , Light , Morphogenesis/genetics , Morphogenesis/radiation effects , Plants, Genetically Modified , Repressor Proteins/genetics , Repressor Proteins/radiation effects , Seedlings/genetics , Seedlings/radiation effects , Trans-Activators/genetics , Trans-Activators/radiation effects , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/radiation effects
2.
Biochemistry ; 58(22): 2608-2616, 2019 06 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31082213

ABSTRACT

Light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) domains are increasingly used to engineer photoresponsive biological systems. While the photochemical cycle is well documented, the allosteric mechanism by which formation of a cysteinyl-flavin adduct leads to activation is unclear. Via replacement of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) with 5-deazaflavin mononucleotide (5dFMN) in the Aureochrome1a (Au1a) transcription factor from Ochromonas danica, a thermally stable cysteinyl-5dFMN adduct was generated. High-resolution crystal structures (<2 Å) under different illumination conditions with either FMN or 5dFMN chromophores reveal three conformations of the highly conserved glutamine 293. An allosteric hydrogen bond network linking the chromophore via Gln293 to the auxiliary A'α helix is observed. With FMN, a "flip" of the Gln293 side chain occurs between dark and lit states. 5dFMN cannot hydrogen bond through the C5 position and proved to be unable to support Au1a domain dimerization. Under blue light, the Gln293 side chain instead "swings" away in a conformation distal to the chromophore and not previously observed in existing LOV domain structures. Together, the multiple side chain conformations of Gln293 and functional analysis of 5dFMN provide new insight into the structural requirements for LOV domain activation.


Subject(s)
Algal Proteins/chemistry , Flavins/chemistry , Ribonucleotides/chemistry , Transcription Factors/chemistry , Algal Proteins/radiation effects , Cysteine/chemistry , Flavin Mononucleotide/chemistry , Glutamine/chemistry , Light , Ochromonas/chemistry , Protein Conformation/radiation effects , Protein Domains/radiation effects , Transcription Factors/radiation effects
3.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl ; 58(23): 7626-7630, 2019 06 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30908862

ABSTRACT

Herein, the direct visualization of the dynamic interaction between a photoresponsive transcription factor fusion, GAL4-VVD, and DNA using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) is reported. A series of different GAL4-VVD movements, such as binding, sliding, stalling, and dissociation, was observed. Inter-strand jumping on two double-stranded (ds) DNAs was also observed. Detailed analysis using a long substrate DNA strand containing five GAL4-binding sites revealed that GAL4-VVD randomly moved on the dsDNA using sliding and hopping to rapidly find specific binding sites, and then stalled to the specific sites to form a stable complex formation. These results suggest the existence of different conformations of the protein to enable sliding and stalling. This single-molecule imaging system with nanoscale resolution provides an insight into the searching mechanism used by DNA-binding proteins.


Subject(s)
DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , DNA/metabolism , Fungal Proteins/metabolism , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/metabolism , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Binding Sites , DNA/chemistry , DNA/radiation effects , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/radiation effects , Fungal Proteins/genetics , Fungal Proteins/radiation effects , Light , Microscopy, Atomic Force , Protein Binding , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/radiation effects , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/genetics , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/radiation effects , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/radiation effects
4.
J Plant Physiol ; 232: 23-26, 2019 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30530200

ABSTRACT

Plant endogenous clock consists of self-sustained interlocked transcriptional/translational feedback loops whose oscillation regulates many circadian processes, including gene expression. Its free running rhythm can be entrained by external cues, which can influence all clock parameters. Among external cues, the geomagnetic field (GMF) has been demonstrated to influence plant growth and development. We evaluated the quantitative expression (qRT-PCR) of three clock genes (LHY, GI and PRR7) in time-course experiments under either continuous darkness (CD) or long days (LD) conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings exposed to GMF (∼40 µT) and Near Null Magnetic Field (NNMF; ∼40 nT) conditions. Under both LD and CD conditions, reduction of GMF to NNMF prompted a significant increase of the gene expression of LHY and PRR7, whereas an opposite trend was found for GI gene expression. Exposure of Arabidopsis to NNMF altered clock gene amplitude, regardless the presence of light, by reinforcing the morning loop. Our data are consistent with the existence of a plant magnetoreceptor that affects the Arabidopsis endogenous clock.


Subject(s)
Arabidopsis/radiation effects , Biological Clocks/radiation effects , Genes, Plant/radiation effects , Magnetic Fields , Arabidopsis/genetics , Arabidopsis/physiology , Arabidopsis Proteins/physiology , Arabidopsis Proteins/radiation effects , Biological Clocks/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/physiology , DNA-Binding Proteins/radiation effects , Gene Expression Profiling , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/radiation effects , Genes, Plant/physiology , Light , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Repressor Proteins/physiology , Repressor Proteins/radiation effects , Transcription Factors/physiology , Transcription Factors/radiation effects
5.
Bioorg Med Chem ; 27(2): 278-284, 2019 01 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30552005

ABSTRACT

Electron transfer through π-stacked arrays of double-stranded DNA contributes to the redox chemistry of bases, including guanine oxidation and thymine-thymine dimer repair by photolyase. 5-Bromouracil is an attractive photoreactive thymine analogue that can be used to investigate electron transfer in DNA, and is a useful probe for protein-DNA interaction analysis. In the present study using BrU we found that UV irradiation facilitated electron injection from mitochondrial transcription factor A into DNA. We also observed that this electron injection could lead to repair of a thymine-thymine dimer.


Subject(s)
DNA Repair/radiation effects , DNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry , DNA/chemistry , Electrons , Mitochondrial Proteins/chemistry , Pyrimidine Dimers/chemistry , Transcription Factors/chemistry , Base Sequence , Bromouracil/chemistry , Bromouracil/radiation effects , DNA/genetics , DNA/metabolism , DNA/radiation effects , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , DNA-Binding Proteins/radiation effects , Humans , Mitochondrial Proteins/metabolism , Mitochondrial Proteins/radiation effects , Promoter Regions, Genetic/radiation effects , Protein Binding , Pyrimidine Dimers/radiation effects , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Transcription Factors/radiation effects , Ultraviolet Rays
6.
Photochem Photobiol ; 94(2): 199-212, 2018 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29164625

ABSTRACT

Photobiomodulation (PBM) involves the use of red or near-infrared light at low power densities to produce a beneficial effect on cells or tissues. PBM therapy is used to reduce pain, inflammation, edema, and to regenerate damaged tissues such as wounds, bones, and tendons. The primary site of light absorption in mammalian cells has been identified as the mitochondria and, more specifically, cytochrome c oxidase (CCO). It is hypothesized that inhibitory nitric oxide can be dissociated from CCO, thus restoring electron transport and increasing mitochondrial membrane potential. Another mechanism involves activation of light or heat-gated ion channels. This review will cover the redox signaling that occurs in PBM and examine the difference between healthy and stressed cells, where PBM can have apparently opposite effects. PBM has a marked effect on stem cells, and this is proposed to operate via mitochondrial redox signaling. PBM can act as a preconditioning regimen and can interact with exercise on muscles.


Subject(s)
Low-Level Light Therapy , Mitochondria/radiation effects , Animals , Disease Models, Animal , Electron Transport Complex IV/radiation effects , Humans , Ion Channels/radiation effects , Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/radiation effects , Oxidation-Reduction/radiation effects , Stem Cells/radiation effects , Transcription Factors/radiation effects
7.
Adv Gerontol ; 30(1): 10-16, 2017.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28557384

ABSTRACT

The review is devoted to an actual problem of cosmetics in gerontology, one of molecular aspects of skin aging. Cell renewal processes slow down with aging, and the proliferation apoptosis ratio shifts towards cell death. One of the most pivotal apoptotic markers is the transcription factor p53. p53 protein expression in the skin keratinocytes increases under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Wherein when exposed to ultraviolet radiation mutant forms of p53 have been revealed in 70 % of keratinocytes. On the one hand, suppression of p53 expression decreases apoptosis in skin cells that slows down the process of aging. On the other hand, it promotes the development of tumors in the skin. Thus, maintaining the physiological balance of p53 expression in skin cells is important for the basic and practical cosmetic medicine in gerontology. In addition, p53 protein may be used as a functionality marker of skin cells when administered with geroprotective cosmetic means and instrumental cosmetology methods.


Subject(s)
Keratinocytes/metabolism , Skin Aging/physiology , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism , Apoptosis/physiology , Cell Death/physiology , Humans , Skin Neoplasms/etiology , Transcription Factors/radiation effects , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/radiation effects , Ultraviolet Rays
8.
J Phys Chem B ; 121(11): 2407-2419, 2017 03 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28240906

ABSTRACT

The yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) is frequently used in a protein complementation assay called bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), and is employed to visualize protein-protein interactions. In this analysis, two different, nonfluorescent fragments of YFP are genetically attached to proteins of interest. Upon interaction of these proteins, the YFP fragments are brought into proximity close enough to reconstitute their original structure, enabling fluorescence. BiFC allows for a straightforward readout of protein-protein interactions and furthermore facilitates their functional investigation by in vivo imaging. Furthermore, it has been observed that the available color range in BiFC can be extended upon complementing fragments of different proteins that are, like YFP, derived from the Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein, thereby allowing for a multiplexed investigation of protein-protein interactions. Some spectral characteristics of "multicolor" BiFC (mcBiFC) complexes have been reported before; however, no in-depth analysis has been performed yet. Therefore, little is known about the photophysical characteristics of these mcBiFC complexes because a proper characterization essentially relies on in vitro data. This is particularly difficult for fragments of autofluorescent proteins (AFPs) because they show a very strong tendency to form supramolecular aggregates which precipitate ex vivo. In this study, this intrinsic difficulty is overcome by directly fusing the coding DNA of different AFP fragments. Translation of the genetic sequence in Escherichia coli leads to fully functional, highly soluble fluorescent proteins with distinct properties. On the basis of their construction, they are designated chimeric AFPs, or BiFC chimeras, here. Comparison of their spectral characteristics with experimental in vivo BiFC data confirmed the utility of the chimeric proteins as a BiFC model system. In this study, nine different chimeras were thoroughly analyzed at both the ensemble and the single-molecular level. The data indicates that mutations believed to be photophysically silent significantly alter the properties of AFPs.


Subject(s)
Arabidopsis Proteins/radiation effects , Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/radiation effects , Luminescent Proteins/radiation effects , Peptide Fragments/radiation effects , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/radiation effects , Transcription Factors/radiation effects , Arabidopsis , Arabidopsis Proteins/chemistry , Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics , Bacteria , Bacterial Proteins/chemistry , Bacterial Proteins/genetics , Bacterial Proteins/radiation effects , Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/chemistry , Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/genetics , Fluorescence , Green Fluorescent Proteins/chemistry , Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics , Green Fluorescent Proteins/radiation effects , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Light , Luminescent Proteins/chemistry , Luminescent Proteins/genetics , Mutation , Peptide Fragments/chemistry , Peptide Fragments/genetics , Protein Interaction Mapping , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/chemistry , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics , Transcription Factors/chemistry , Transcription Factors/genetics
9.
Oncogene ; 36(4): 512-524, 2017 01 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27321180

ABSTRACT

Elucidating the mechanisms involved in sensitizing radioresistant tumors to ionizing radiation (IR) treatments while minimizing injury to surrounding normal tissue is an important clinical goal. Due to their sequence-derived specificity and properties as gene regulators in IR-affected pathways, microRNAs (miRNAs) could serve as adjuvant therapeutic agents that alter cellular sensitivity to radiation treatment. To identify radiosensitizing miRNAs, we initially utilized the Caenorhabditis elegans vulval cell model, an in vivo system developed to study IR-dependent radiosensitivity as a measure of clonogenic cell death. We tested several candidate miRNA-deletion mutants post γ-irradiation and identified cel-mir-237 as a miRNA which when deleted caused animals to be more resistant to IR, whereas cel-mir-237 overexpressing strains were IR sensitive. In addition, wild-type animals downregulated cel-mir-237 levels post IR in a time-dependent manner. We identified jun-1 (JUN transcription factor homolog) as a novel target of cel-mir-237. Specifically, jun-1 transcript levels increased in wild-type animals post γ-irradiation, and loss of cel-mir-237 also resulted in higher jun-1 expression. As expected, loss of jun-1 resulted in IR sensitivity, similar to the phenotype of cel-mir-237 overexpressors. As miR-237 is the homolog of human miR-125, we validated our findings in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, which harbor lower hsa-miR-125b levels than normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). Forced expression of hsa-miR-125b in these cells resulted in radiosensitivity, as seen by reduced clonogenic survival, enhanced apoptotic activity and enhanced senescence post IR. Finally, re-expression of c-JUN in MDA-MB-231 cells promoted radioresistance and abrogated miR-125-mediated radiosensitization. Our findings suggest that overexpression of cel-mir-237 and its homolog, hsa-miR-125b, functions as sensitizers to γ-irradiation in both a nematode in vivo model and breast cancer cells, and could potentially be utilized as an adjuvant therapeutic to enhance radiation sensitivity.


Subject(s)
Caenorhabditis elegans/radiation effects , MicroRNAs/genetics , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Animals , Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/genetics , Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/metabolism , Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/radiation effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Humans , MCF-7 Cells , Male , Radiation, Ionizing , Signal Transduction , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Transcription Factors/radiation effects
10.
Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban ; 45(6): 568-574, 2016 05 25.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28247598

ABSTRACT

Objective: To study the genic and non-genic regulation of 50 Hz 0.6 mT pulsed electromagnenic fields (PEMF) on rat calvarial osteoblasts (ROB) differentiation. Methods: ROBs were achieved by enzyme digestion, and treated with 50 Hz 0.6 mT PEMFs for 1.5 hours after subculture. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mRNA transcription of ALP, Runx2 and OSX and protein expression of Runx2 and OSX were detected at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 hours after PEMF treatment. Results: The ALP activity at 3 hours after treatment was significantly higher than that in the control(P<0.01), while the mRNA transcription of ALP began to increase at 6 hours after treatment. The mRNA transcription of Runx2 increased immediately after treatment and regressed at 6 hours, then increased again. The protein expression of it corresponded but with a little lag. The mRNA transcription of OSX also raised instantly after treatment, then returned to the level of control at 6 hours, and lower than control at 12 hours significantly. The protein expression of it also corresponded but with a bit delay. Conclusions: There are genic regulation for the protein expression of Runx2 and OSX, and non-genic regulation for the ALP activity on the process of 50 Hz 0.6 mT PEMFs prompts ROBs differentiation.


Subject(s)
Alkaline Phosphatase/radiation effects , Cell Differentiation/genetics , Cell Differentiation/radiation effects , Electromagnetic Fields , Osteoblasts/radiation effects , Osteogenesis/genetics , Osteogenesis/radiation effects , Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism , Animals , Cells, Cultured , Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism , Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/radiation effects , Osteoblasts/chemistry , Rats , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Transcription Factors/radiation effects
11.
Br J Dermatol ; 171(2): 376-87, 2014 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24702167

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Excessive skin exposure to solar radiation damages proteins and DNA, ultimately leading to skin ageing and cancers. OBJECTIVES: To identify new ultraviolet B (UVB) target genes to understand the mechanisms behind the detrimental effects of UVB. METHODS: Organotypic, stratified cultures of rat keratinocytes were exposed to UVB and analysed using a genome-wide expression array, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and histology. The most downregulated gene, rClca2, was further characterized in rat keratinocytes and mouse skin models. RESULTS: A single, 30 mJ cm(-2) dose of broadband UVB proved effective in the organotypic epidermal culture. The expression of 627 genes was changed 24 h postirradiation. In silico analysis of the data indicated activation of DNA repair, metabolism, cell cycle control and amino acid metabolism, but only limited inflammation under these conditions. We selected for further investigation the most downregulated gene, rClca2, previously suggested to regulate keratinocyte differentiation and adhesion, and found that UVB caused a long-lasting downregulation in its expression. Both the rClca2 full-length isoform (expressed in the differentiating cells) and the truncated isoform (expressed in the basal layers) were reduced by UVB. Immunohistochemistry of mouse skin samples with isoform-specific antibodies showed a similar, epidermal differentiation-related pattern. In mouse specimens exposed to chronic ultraviolet radiation (UVR) the staining intensities were reduced and the differentiation-related isoform was disturbed in the hyperplastic and carcinomatous areas induced by UVR. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that rClca2 is a novel UVB target gene and suggest that it might play a role in epidermal differentiation and UV-dependent skin malignancies.


Subject(s)
Chloride Channels/radiation effects , Epidermis/radiation effects , Ultraviolet Rays , Animals , Cell Differentiation/radiation effects , Cells, Cultured , Chloride Channels/metabolism , Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation , Down-Regulation , Epidermal Cells , Epidermis/metabolism , Genome-Wide Association Study , Humans , Keratinocytes/radiation effects , Mice , RNA/metabolism , Rats , Transcription Factors/radiation effects
12.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun ; 440(3): 419-23, 2013 Oct 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24095689

ABSTRACT

Spatiotemporal control of transgene expression in living cells provides new opportunities for the characterization of gene function in complex biological processes. We previously reported a synthetic, light-switchable transgene expression system called LightOn that can be used to control gene expression using blue light. In the present study, we modified the different promoter segments of the light switchable transcription factor GAVPO and the target gene, and assayed their effects on protein expression under dark or light conditions. The results showed that the LightOn system maintained its high on/off ratio under most modifications, but its induction efficiency and background gene expression level can be fine-tuned by modifying the core promoter, the UASG sequence number, the length of the spacer between UASG and the core promoter of the target protein, and the expression level of the GAVPO transcription factor. Thus, the LightOn gene expression system can be adapted to a large range of applications according to the requirements of the background and the induced gene expression.


Subject(s)
Gene Expression Regulation/radiation effects , Promoter Regions, Genetic/radiation effects , Transcription Factors/radiation effects , Transgenes/radiation effects , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Light , MCF-7 Cells , Plasmids/genetics , Simian virus 40/genetics , Transgenes/genetics
13.
Biochemistry ; 52(38): 6653-61, 2013 Sep 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23992349

ABSTRACT

With their utilization of light-driven allostery to control biochemical activities, photosensory proteins are of great interest as model systems and novel reagents for use by the basic science and engineering communities. One such protein, the light-activated EL222 transcription factor, from the marine bacterium Erythrobacter litoralis HTCC2594, is appealing for such studies, as it harnesses blue light to drive the reorientation of light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) sensory and helix-turn-helix (HTH) effector domains to allow photoactivation of gene transcription in natural and artificial systems. The protein conformational changes required for this process are not well understood, in part because of the relatively short lifetime of the EL222 photoexcited state (τ ∼ 29 s), which complicates its characterization via certain biophysical methods. Here we report how we have circumvented this limitation by creating an EL222 variant harboring V41I, L52I, A79Q, and V121I point mutations (AQTrip) that stabilizes the photoactivated state. Using the wild-type and AQTrip EL222 proteins, we have probed EL222 activation using a combination of solution scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electromobility shift assays. Size-exclusion chromatography and light scattering indicate that AQTrip oligomerizes in the absence of DNA and selects for an EL222 dimer-DNA complex in the presence of DNA substrates. These results are confirmed in wild-type EL222 with a high-affinity DNA-binding site that stabilizes the complex. NMR analyses of the EL222-DNA complex confirm a 2:1 stoichiometry in the presence of a previously characterized DNA substrate. Combined, these novel approaches have validated a key mechanistic step, whereby blue light induces EL222 dimerization through LOV and HTH interfaces.


Subject(s)
Bacterial Proteins/chemistry , DNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry , Transcription Factors/chemistry , Alphaproteobacteria/chemistry , Alphaproteobacteria/genetics , Bacterial Proteins/genetics , Bacterial Proteins/radiation effects , Catalytic Domain , Chromatography, Gel , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/radiation effects , Light , Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular , Protein Multimerization , Protein Structure, Tertiary , Scattering, Radiation , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/radiation effects
14.
Gene ; 522(2): 156-67, 2013 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23566839

ABSTRACT

DNA repair events have functional significance especially for genome stability. Although the DNA damage response within the whole genome has been extensively studied, the region-specific characteristics of nuclear sub-compartments such as the nucleolus or fragile sites have not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that the heterochromatin protein HP1 and PML protein recognize spontaneously occurring 53BP1- or γ-H2AX-positive DNA lesions throughout the genome. Moreover, 53BP1 nuclear bodies, which co-localize with PML bodies, also occur within the nucleoli compartments. Irradiation of the human osteosarcoma cell line U2OS with γ-rays increases the degree of co-localization between 53BP1 and PML bodies throughout the genome; however, the 53BP1 protein is less abundant in chromatin of ribosomal genes and fragile sites (FRA3B and FRA16D) in γ-irradiated cells. Most epigenomic marks on ribosomal genes and fragile sites are relatively stable in both non-irradiated and γ-irradiated cells. However, H3K4me2, H3K9me3, H3K27me3 and H3K79me1 were significantly changed in promoter and coding regions of ribosomal genes after exposure of cells to γ-rays. In fragile sites, γ-irradiation induces a decrease in H3K4me3, changes the levels of HP1ß, and modifies the levels of H3K9 acetylation, while the level of H3K9me3 was relatively stable. In these studies, we confirm a specific DNA-damage response that differs between the ribosomal genes and fragile sites, which indicates the region-specificity of DNA repair.


Subject(s)
Chromosome Fragile Sites/genetics , DNA Damage/radiation effects , DNA Repair/genetics , Ribosomes/genetics , Animals , Cell Line, Tumor , Chromatin/genetics , Chromobox Protein Homolog 5 , Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/metabolism , Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/radiation effects , DNA-Binding Proteins/radiation effects , Fibroblasts/radiation effects , Gamma Rays , Genomic Instability , Histones/radiation effects , Humans , Mice , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Nuclear Proteins/radiation effects , Osteosarcoma , Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Transcription Factors/radiation effects , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/radiation effects , Tumor Suppressor p53-Binding Protein 1
15.
Cancer Res ; 71(14): 4857-65, 2011 Jul 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21616937

ABSTRACT

The ATM kinase plays a critical role in initiating the DNA damage response that is triggered by genotoxic stresses capable of inducing DNA double-strand breaks. Here, we show that ELF4/MEF, a member of the ETS family of transcription factors, contributes to the persistence of γH2AX DNA damage foci and promotes the DNA damage response leading to the induction of apoptosis. Conversely, the absence of ELF4 promotes the faster repair of damaged DNA and more rapid disappearance of γH2AX foci in response to γ-irradiation, leading to a radio-resistant phenotype despite normal ATM phosphorylation. Following γ-irradiation, ATM phosphorylates ELF4, leading to its degradation; a mutant form of ELF4 that cannot be phosphorylated by ATM persists following γ-irradiation, delaying the resolution of γH2AX foci and triggering an excessive DNA damage response. Thus, although ELF4 promotes the phosphorylation of H2AX by ATM, its activity must be dampened by ATM-dependent phosphorylation and degradation to avoid an excessive DNA damage response.


Subject(s)
DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Animals , Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins , Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism , DNA/genetics , DNA/metabolism , DNA/radiation effects , DNA-Binding Proteins/deficiency , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/radiation effects , Enzyme Activation , Gamma Rays , HEK293 Cells , Histones/metabolism , Humans , Mice , Mice, Knockout , NIH 3T3 Cells , Phosphorylation/radiation effects , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Transcription Factors/deficiency , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/radiation effects , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism
16.
J Dermatol Sci ; 60(2): 105-13, 2010 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20851575

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation from the sun is the major cause of keratinocyte skin cancer. Transcription factor Snail plays an important role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and epithelial tumor formation. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study are to determine the regulation of Snail expression of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on Snail expression in human skin in vivo, and the mechanisms by which UV irradiation induces Snail expression, in human keratinocytes. METHODS: Real-time RT-PCR was employed to measure Snail expression in human skin in vivo and cultured human keratinocytes. Luciferase assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were employed to investigate transcriptional regulation of the in Snail gene promoter. RESULTS: Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation transiently induces Snail expression in human skin in vivo and cultured human keratinocytes. Snail induction is significantly reduced by specific inhibitors of ERK, p38 or JNK, indicating each of the three major mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways participate in Snail regulation. AP-1 transcription factor complex, a downstream target of MAPK signaling, is required for Snail induction. Inhibition of AP-1 activity by over-expression of dominant-negative c-Jun substantially reduces Snail induction. Analyses of the Snail promoter, revealed the presence of an AP-1 binding site. EMSA assay demonstrated that UV irradiation specifically induced c-Jun binding to this AP-1 site. Mutation of the AP-1-binding site completely blocked protein binding and inhibited UV irradiation-induced Snail promoter activity. CONCLUSION: UV irradiation induces Snail gene expression in human skin keratinocytes. This induction is mediated by MAPK-AP-1 dependent signaling pathway. Elevated expression of Snail in response to chronic UV irradiation in human skin may contribute to UV irradiation-induced skin tumor development.


Subject(s)
Keratinocytes/metabolism , Keratinocytes/radiation effects , Skin/metabolism , Skin/radiation effects , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/radiation effects , Ultraviolet Rays , Cells, Cultured/metabolism , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/radiation effects , Gene Expression Profiling , Gene Expression Regulation/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation/radiation effects , Humans , Keratinocytes/physiology , Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/physiology , Promoter Regions, Genetic , Protein Binding , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun/metabolism , Skin Physiological Phenomena/genetics , Skin Physiological Phenomena/radiation effects , Snail Family Transcription Factors , Transcription Factor AP-1/physiology , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Up-Regulation/genetics
17.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun ; 397(2): 350-4, 2010 Jun 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20513357

ABSTRACT

Proteins are folded properly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Various stress such as hypoxia, ischemia and starvation interfere with the ER function, causing ER stress, which is defined by the accumulation of unfolded protein (UP) in the ER. ER stress is prevented by the UP response (UPR) and ER-associated degradation (ERAD). These signaling pathways are activated by three major ER molecules, ATF6, IRE-1 and PERK. Using HaCaT cells, we investigated ER signaling in human keratinocytes irradiated by environmental doses of ultraviolet B (UVB). The expression of Ero1-L(alpha), an upstream signaling molecule of ER stress, decreased at 1-4h after 10 mJ/cm(2) irradiation, indicating that the environmental dose of UVB-induced ER stress in HaCaT cells, without growth retardation. Furthermore, expression of intact ATF6 was decreased and it was translocated to the nuclei. The expression of XBP-1, a downstream molecule of IRE-1, which is an ER chaperone whose expression is regulated by XBP-1, and UP ubiquitination were induced by 10 mJ/cm(2) UVB at 4h. PERK, which regulates apoptosis, was not phosphorylated. Our results demonstrate that UVB irradiation generates UP in HaCaT cells and that the UPR and ERAD systems are activated to protect cells from UVB-induced ER stress. This is the first report to show ER signaling in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes.


Subject(s)
Endoplasmic Reticulum/radiation effects , Environmental Exposure , Keratinocytes/radiation effects , Protein Folding/radiation effects , Stress, Physiological , Ultraviolet Rays , Activating Transcription Factor 6/metabolism , Activating Transcription Factor 6/radiation effects , Active Transport, Cell Nucleus/drug effects , Cell Line , Cell Nucleus/metabolism , Cell Nucleus/radiation effects , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , DNA-Binding Proteins/radiation effects , Endoplasmic Reticulum/metabolism , Endoribonucleases/metabolism , Endoribonucleases/radiation effects , Humans , Keratinocytes/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/radiation effects , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/radiation effects , Regulatory Factor X Transcription Factors , Signal Transduction/radiation effects , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Transcription Factors/radiation effects , Ubiquitination , X-Box Binding Protein 1 , eIF-2 Kinase/metabolism
18.
Eur J Neurosci ; 29(3): 490-501, 2009 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19222559

ABSTRACT

The molecular mechanism underlying circadian rhythmicity within the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus has two light-sensitive components, namely the clock genes Per1 and Per2. Besides, light induces the immediate-early gene c-fos. In adult rats, expression of all three genes is induced by light administered during the subjective night but not subjective day. The aim of the present study was to ascertain when and where within the SCN the photic sensitivity of Per1, Per2 and c-fos develops during early postnatal ontogenesis. The specific aim was to find out when the circadian clock starts to gate photic sensitivity. The effect of a light pulse administered during either the subjective day or the first or second part of the subjective night on gene expression within the rat SCN was determined at postnatal days (P) 1, 3, 5 and 10. Per1, Per2 and c-fos mRNA levels were assessed 30 min, 1 and 2 h after the start of each light pulse by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Expression of Per1 and c-fos was light responsive from P1, and the responses began to be gated by the circadian clock at P3 and P10, respectively. Expression of Per2 was only slightly light responsive at P3, and the response was not fully gated until P5. These data demonstrate that the light sensitivity of the circadian clock develops gradually during postnatal ontogenesis before the circadian clock starts to control the response. The photoinduction of the clock gene Per2 develops later than that of Per1.


Subject(s)
Biological Clocks/genetics , Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Neurons/metabolism , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/metabolism , Suprachiasmatic Nucleus/metabolism , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Aging/genetics , Aging/radiation effects , Animals , Animals, Newborn , Biological Clocks/radiation effects , Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics , Cell Cycle Proteins/radiation effects , Female , Gene Expression Regulation/physiology , Gene Expression Regulation/radiation effects , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/radiation effects , Light , Light Signal Transduction/genetics , Light Signal Transduction/radiation effects , Male , Neurons/radiation effects , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/radiation effects , Period Circadian Proteins , Photic Stimulation , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/genetics , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/radiation effects , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/radiation effects , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Suprachiasmatic Nucleus/radiation effects , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/radiation effects
19.
Plant Mol Biol ; 69(4): 463-72, 2009 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19031046

ABSTRACT

Seed germination is regulated by several environmental factors, such as moisture, oxygen, temperature, light, and nutrients. Light is a critical regulator of seed germination in small-seeded plants, including Arabidopsis and lettuce. Phytochromes, a class of photoreceptors, play a major role in perceiving light to induce seed germination. Classical physiological studies have long suggested the involvement of gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) in the phytochrome-mediated germination response. Recent studies have demonstrated that phytochromes modulate endogenous levels of GA and ABA, as well as GA responsiveness. Several key components that link the perception of light and the modulation of hormone levels and responsiveness have been identified. Complex regulatory loops between light, GA and ABA signaling pathways have been uncovered.


Subject(s)
Germination/physiology , Light , Plant Growth Regulators/physiology , Seeds/physiology , Abscisic Acid/metabolism , Abscisic Acid/physiology , Abscisic Acid/radiation effects , Arabidopsis/physiology , Arabidopsis/radiation effects , Arabidopsis Proteins/physiology , Arabidopsis Proteins/radiation effects , Germination/radiation effects , Gibberellins/metabolism , Gibberellins/physiology , Gibberellins/radiation effects , Nuclear Proteins/physiology , Nuclear Proteins/radiation effects , Phytochrome/physiology , Seeds/radiation effects , Transcription Factors/physiology , Transcription Factors/radiation effects
20.
Toxicol In Vitro ; 22(6): 1489-95, 2008 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18572378

ABSTRACT

The homeodomain transcription factors PHOX2A and PHOX2B are vital for development of the autonomic nervous system. Their spatial and temporal expression at the neural crest is instrumental in determining neuronal precursor fate, and by regulating DbetaH expression, the enzyme catalysing noradrenaline synthesis from dopamine, they also play a role in determination of noradrenergic phenotype. Disturbing this finely regulated process leads to disruption of autonomic development and autonomic dysfunction syndromes such as DbetaH deficiency. As it had previously been shown that the catecholamine system is responsive to ELF-EMF, and as this has also been linked to various pathologies and to certain types of cancer, we wondered whether exposure to this type of radiation could affect the expression of PHOX2A, PHOX2B and DbetaH, also during differentiation triggered by retinoic acid. To investigate this possibility we exposed the human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line to 50 Hz power-line magnetic field at various flux densities and for various exposure times. We measured gene expression in exposed cells compared to control cells and also investigated any changes at protein level. Using our exposure protocol, we found no changes at either transcript or protein level of these important components of the autonomic nervous system and catecholaminergic system.


Subject(s)
Electromagnetic Fields/adverse effects , Gene Expression/radiation effects , Homeodomain Proteins/radiation effects , Transcription Factors/radiation effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase/radiation effects , Humans , Neuroblastoma/metabolism , Time Factors , Transcription, Genetic/radiation effects , Tretinoin/pharmacology
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...