RESUMO
Accumulation of histone proteins is necessary for packaging of replicated DNA during the S phase of the cell cycle. Different mechanisms operate to regulate histone protein levels, and induction of human histone gene expression at the G1-S phase transition plays a critical role. The zinc finger HiNF-P and coactivator p220 (NPAT) proteins are key regulators of histone gene expression. Here, we describe a novel HiNF-P-specific conserved region (PSCR) located within the C-terminus that is present in HiNF-P homologues of all metazoan species that have been examined. The PSCR motif is required for activation of histone H4 gene transcription and contributes to DNA binding of HiNF-P. Thus, the PSCR module represents an auxiliary DNA-binding determinant that plays a critical role in mediating histone gene expression during the cell cycle and defines HiNF-P as a unique cell cycle regulatory member of the zinc finger transcription factor family.
Assuntos
Proteínas Repressoras/química , Proteínas Repressoras/metabolismo , Motivos de Aminoácidos , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Sequência de Bases , Sítios de Ligação , Ciclo Celular , Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/química , Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/genética , Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular , Sequência Conservada , DNA/genética , DNA/metabolismo , Células HeLa , Histonas/genética , Humanos , Modelos Moleculares , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Complexos Multiproteicos , Mutagênese , Proteínas Nucleares/química , Proteínas Nucleares/genética , Proteínas Nucleares/metabolismo , RNA Interferente Pequeno/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/química , Proteínas Recombinantes/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismo , Proteínas Repressoras/genética , Homologia de Sequência de Aminoácidos , Dedos de ZincoRESUMO
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily and is known to be important for the normal development of many tissues and organs, including the inner ear. Bmp4 homozygous null mice die as embryos, but Bmp4 heterozygous null (Bmp4(+/-)) mice are viable and some adults exhibit a circling phenotype, suggestive of an inner ear defect. To understand the role of BMP4 in inner ear development and function, we have begun to study C57BL/6 Bmp4(+/-) mice. Quantitative testing of the vestibulo-collic reflex, which helps maintain head stability, demonstrated that Bmp4(+/-) mice that exhibit circling behavior have a poor response in the yaw axis, consistent with semicircular canal dysfunction. Although the hair cells of the ampullae were grossly normal, the stereocilia were greatly reduced in number. Auditory brainstem responses showed that Bmp4(+/-) mice have elevated hearing thresholds and immunohistochemical staining demonstrated decreased numbers of neuronal processes in the organ of Corti. Thus Bmp4(+/-) mice have structural and functional deficits in the inner ear.
