Abstract
In mammals, Blimp1 (B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1) encoded by the prdm1 gene and its homolog Hobit (homolog of Blimp1 in T cells) encoded by znf683, represent key transcriptional factors that control the development and differentiation of both B and T cells. Despite their essential role in the regulation of acquired immunity, this gene family has been largely unexplored in teleosts to date. Until now, one prdm1 gene has been identified in most teleost species, whereas a znf683 homolog has not yet been reported in any of these species. Focusing our analysis on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), an in silico identification and characterization of prdm1-like genes has been undertaken, confirming that prdm1 and znf683 evolved from a common ancestor gene, acquiring three gene copies after the teleost-specific whole genome duplication event (WGD) and six genes after the salmonid-specific WGD. Additional transcriptional studies to study how each of these genes are regulated in homeostasis, in response to a viral infection or in B cells in different differentiation stages, provide novel insights as to how this gene family evolved and how their encoded products might be implicated in the lymphocyte differentiation process in teleosts.
Highlights
Transcription factors containing zinc finger binding domains represent a large family of regulators that control several important biological processes in mammals
Our results demonstrate that the expansive evolution of these genes in teleost fish has resulted in a repertoire of six prdm1-like genes, four of them being likely homologs of mammalian prdm1 and two of them homologs of znf683
Different studies have identified homologs to mammalian prdm1 genes [28,29,30,31,32,33], to date, a full phylogenetic analysis of this gene family had not been undertaken in any fish species
Summary
Transcription factors containing zinc finger binding domains represent a large family of regulators that control several important biological processes in mammals. Known as PR domain zinc finger protein 1, encoded by the prdm gene, was initially described as a repressor of the human interferon b gene (ifnb), binding the PRDI element of the ifnb promoter [1]. Blimp acts as a transcriptional repressor of other key genes involved in functions of undifferentiated B cells, along with other molecules such as X-box binding protein 1 (Xbp1) and interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), known to be critical to acquire a plasma cell phenotype [7]. Blimp represses the promoters of genes involved in functions of mature naïve B cells such as Pax5 [10], Bach2 [11], or Bcl6 [12]. The differentiation of B cells to plasma cells is controlled by a complex regulatory network in which Blimp acts as a key element
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
