Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger Protein Research Articles

Generation of PLZF+ CD4+ T cells via MHC class II–dependent thymocyte–thymocyte interaction is a physiological process in humans

Human thymocytes, unlike mouse thymocytes, express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules on their surface, especially during the fetal and perinatal stages. Based on this observation, we previously identified a novel developmental pathway for the generation of CD4+ T cells via interactions between MHC class II–expressing thymocytes (thymocyte–thymocyte [T–T] interactions) with a transgenic mouse system. However, the developmental dissection of this T–T interaction in humans has not been possible because of the lack of known cellular molecules specific for T–T CD4+ T cells. We show that promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) is a useful marker for the identification of T–T CD4+ T cells. With this analysis, we determined that a substantial number of fetal thymocytes and splenocytes express PLZF and acquire innate characteristics during their development in humans. Although these characteristics are quite similar to invariant NKT (iNKT) cells, they clearly differ from iNKT cells in that they have a diverse T cell receptor repertoire and are restricted by MHC class II molecules. These findings define a novel human CD4+ T cell subset that develops via an MHC class II–dependent T–T interaction.

PLZF Outreach: A Finger in Interferon's Pie

In this issue of Immunity, Xu et al. (2009) find that the transcription factor PLZF activates interferon-stimulated genes and facilitates natural killer cell functions. Interferon-induced PLZF phosphorylation and histone deacetylase 1 recruitment probably mediates the repressor-to-activator conversion.

Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger Protein Regulates Interferon-Mediated Innate Immunity

SummaryInterferons (IFNs) direct innate and acquired immune responses and, accordingly, are used therapeutically to treat a number of diseases, yet the diverse effects they elicit are not fully understood. Here, we identified the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) protein as a previously unrecognized component of the IFN response. IFN stimulated an association of PLZF with promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) to induce a decisive subset of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Consequently, PLZF-deficient mice had a specific ISG expression defect and as a result were more susceptible to viral infection. This susceptibility correlated with a marked decrease in the expression of the key antiviral mediators and an impaired IFN-mediated induction of natural killer cell function. These results provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of IFN signaling and the induction of innate antiviral immunity.

PLZF-mediated control on c-kit expression in CD34+ cells and early erythropoiesis

The promyelocytic leukemia zinc-finger protein (PLZF) is a transcription factor and c-kit is a receptor tyrosine kinase associated with human disease, particularly in hematopoietic cells. MicroRNAs (miRs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, and c-kit has been described as a target of miRs-221 and -222 in erythropoiesis. In the present study, we identified c-kit as a target of PLZF in normal and leukemic cells. Particularly, in erythropoietic (E) culture of CD34(+) progenitors, PLZF is downregulated, whereas c-kit expression at both the mRNA and protein levels inversely increases during the first days of E differentiation. In functional experiments, PLZF transfection induces c-kit downregulation, inhibits E proliferation and delays differentiation, whereas PLZF knockdown induces opposite effects, independently of miRs-221 and -222 expression. The inverse correlation between PLZF and c-kit expression was found in normal CD34(+)38(+/-) hematopoietic progenitor/stem cells and in acute myeloid leukemias of M0/M1 French-American-British subtypes, suggesting that the control of PLZF on c-kit expression may be crucial at the level of the stem cell/progenitor compartment. Altogether, our data indicate a new mechanism of regulation of c-kit expression that involves a transcriptional control by PLZF in CD34(+) cells and early erythropoiesis.

Deletion of a conserved noncoding sequence in Plzf intron leads to Plzf down‐regulation in limb bud and polydactyly in the rat

Lx mutation in SHR.Lx rat manifests in homozygotes as hindlimb preaxial polydactyly. It was previously mapped to a chromosome 8 segment containing the Plzf gene. Plzf (promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein) influences limb development as a direct repressor of posterior HoxD genes. However, the Plzf coding sequence is intact in the Lx mutants. Using linkage mapping in F2 hybrids, we downsized the segment containing Lx to 155 kb and sequenced conserved noncoding elements (CNEs) inside. A 2,964-bp deletion in Plzf intron 2, never detected in control animals, is the only candidate for Lx. The deletion removes the most deeply conserved CNE in the 155-kb segment, suggesting a regulatory influence on Plzf expression. Correspondingly, using in situ hybridization and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, we found a decrease of Plzf expression in Lx/Lx limb buds with concomitant anterior expansion of expression domains of its targets, Hoxd10-13 genes, in the absence of ectopic Sonic hedgehog expression. Upstream regulation of Plzf in limb buds is currently unknown. We present here the first candidate Plzf cis-regulatory sequence.

NAC1, a POZ/BTB protein that functions as a corepressor

We now demonstrate that NAC1 acts as a corepressor for other POZ/BTB proteins. NAC1 is a POZ/BTB motif containing transcriptional repressor protein. In a mammalian two hybrid assay in neuronal (N2A) cells and non-neuronal (HEK 293T) cells, VP16 activation domain tagged NAC1 resulted in significant reversal of transcriptional inhibition with the Gal4-ZID, Gal4-BCL6, Gal4-ZF5, and kelch proteins Gal4-MAYVEN and Gal4-NRP/B fusion proteins. We also observed similar results with another corepressor, BCoR Gal4 fusion protein. NAC1 potentiated ZF5 mediated repression in Gal4-DBD fusion transient assays. GST pulldown assays further confirmed protein–protein interactions between these proteins and NAC1. Both the NAC1 isoforms demonstrated selective interaction through the POZ/BTB domain but not with the non-POZ/BTB region. Endogenous NAC1 and BCL6 physically associated in CNS regions. Strikingly, NAC1 did not interact with the pro-myelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF), another POZ/BTB protein that is not found in the adult brain. Therefore, we conclude that NAC1 functions as a corepressor for POZ/BTB proteins expressed in the mature CNS.

PLZF-RARα Utilizes the Histone Methyl Transferase G9a/GLP and the Histone Demethylase LSD1 to Repress RARα Target Genes and Block Myeloid Differentiation

As a result of the t(11;17) translocation in retinoic acid resistant subtype of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), the transcriptional repression domains of the Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger protein (PLZF) are fused to the ligand binding and DNA binding domains of the Retinoic Acid Receptor α (RARα). The expression of PLZF-RARα as well as the reciprocal RARα-PLZF protein both appear to contribute to leukemogenesis. While the mode of action of PML-RARα has been studied in detail, less is known about transcriptional repression mediated by PLZF-RARα. We and others previously showed an important role of histone deacetylases in PLZF and PLZF-RARα mediated gene repression. We now find that expression of PLZF-RARα also modulates gene expression through changes in the state of histone methylation at target promoters. PLZF-RARα co-precipitated in vivo with endogenous G9a, a histone methyl transferase responsible for the mono and di-methylation of euchromatic histone 3 lysine tail residue 9 (H3K9me1/2), a covalent modification associated with gene repression. Deletion analysis of the PLZF-RARα fusion protein showed that the BTB/POZ domain of PLZF fused to RARα was sufficient to mediate this interaction. PLZF-RARα also bound in vivo to LSD1, a histone demethylase that removes methyl groups from mono or di-methylated Histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4me1/2), a change generally associated with gene repression. As with G9a the BTB/POZ domain of PLZF was implicated in binding to LSD1. Co-precipitation experiments showed a robust interaction between PLZF-RARα and G9a and LSD1 while RARα, PML-RARα and NPM-RARα bound much more weakly, suggesting that the interaction with these histone modifying enzymes may be a mechanism relatively specific to t(11;17)-associated APL. To identify genes modulated by PLZF-RARα and determine how PLZF-RARα affects the chromatin of such genes we induced expression of PLZF-RARα in a U937 tetracycline-regulated system. PLZF-RARα directly repressed known RARα target genes such as NFE2, PRAM1 and C/EBPε. As a result of PLZF-RARα expression, U937T cells were blocked in differentiation characterized by decreased expression of the myeloid cell surface markers CD11b, CD14 and CD33. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments in this cell line showed that PLZF-RARα expression was associated with an increase in H3K9me1/me2 at the NFE2, PRAM1 and C/EBPε promoters. Knockdown of endogenous G9a by shRNA transduction reversed transcriptional repression mediated by the fusion protein on all three promoters. Both results are consistent with the presence of G9a in PLZF-RARα transcriptional complex. By contrast, the H3K4 methylation changes in response to PLZF-RARα were promoter specific and complex: while NFE2 exhibited a decrease in H3K4me1/2, consistent with the recruitment of LSD1 and demethylation, PRAM1 and C/EBPε showed an increase in these two modifications. Inhibition of LSD1 by tranylcypromine treatment as well as knockdown of LSD1 by shRNA only reverted PLZF-RARα repression of NFE2. PLZF-RARα recruitment to all three genes was associated with a decrease in H3K4trimethylation, a modification only accomplished by jumanji-class histone demethylases. Consistent with the biochemical information, knockdown of G9a or its heterodimeric partner GLP, showed a strong biological phenotype, reverting the block in myeloid differentiation caused by PLZF-RARα as measured by the expression of the myeloid cell surface markers CD11b and CD14. Depletion of LSD1 only modestly interfered with the differentiation block mediated by the fusion protein. Gene regulation by PLZF-RARα is associated with a complex set of chromatin changes mediated by a combination of histone deacetylases, methyl transferase and demethylases. All three classes of enzymes may represent therapeutic targets in t(11;17)-APL.

The GTPase domain of Galphao contributes to the functional interaction of Galphao with the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein

Go, one of the most abundant heterotrimeric G proteins in the brain, is classified as a member of the Gi/Go family based on its homology to Gi proteins. Recently, we identified promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) as a candidate downstream effector for the alpha subunit of Go (Gαo). Activated Gαo interacts with PLZF and augments its function as a repressor of transcription and cell growth. G protein-coupled receptor-mediated Gαo activation also enhanced PLZF function. In this study, we determined that the GTPase domain of Gαo contributes to Gαo:PLZF interaction. We also showed that the Gαo GTPase domain is important in modulating the function of PLZF. This data indicates that the GTPase domain of Gαo may be necessary for the functional interaction of Gαo with PLZF.

Regulation of epithelial sodium transport by promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein

Aldosterone is the principal regulator of Na homeostasis, and thereby blood pressure. One of the main targets of aldosterone is the epithelial Na channel (ENaC) located in the apical membrane of target cells. Previous studies identified several genes involved in the regulation of ENaC such as SGK1; however, SGK1 knockout mice have only a mild salt-losing phenotype, indicating that further genes must be involved in the action of aldosterone. In our search for further aldosterone-regulated genes, we discovered that aldosterone, at physiological concentrations, induces the expression of the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) in renal cortical collecting duct (CCD) cell lines that stably express mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs). This effect is rapid and does not require de novo protein synthesis, suggesting a direct action. Surprisingly, stable overexpression of human or mouse PLZF isoforms significantly decreased transepithelial Na transport in CCD cells while having no effect on the integrity of the monolayers. In parallel with the decline in Na transport, PLZF suppressed the mRNA levels of beta- and gamma-ENaC subunits. These observations suggest that PLZF is a negative regulator of ENaC in renal epithelial cells and might be part of a negative feedback loop that limits aldosterone's stimulatory effects on sodium reabsorption.

Redox-mediated modification of PLZF by SUMO-1 and ubiquitin

Earlier, we reported that the transcriptional repressor promyelocytic leukemia zinc-finger protein (PLZF) is sumoylated at position K242, and the sumoylation regulated its biological function. Here, we show that the sumoylation site can be modified by ubiquitin. The stability and nuclear localization of PLZF were regulated by the antagonistic relationship between sumoylation and ubiquitination. We observed the antagonistic effects of ubiquitin and SUMO-1 on PLZF under oxidative stress induced by serum deprivation. Thus, the choice between modification of PLZF by SUMO or ubiquitin was determined by the intracellular level of ROS, which was generated by serum deprivation that inactivated the SUMO-conjugating enzymes Uba2 and Ubc9, and resulted in decrease of sumoylation. The ubiquitination was increased under these conditions. The expression of BID, a known transcriptional target protein of PLZF, was decreased, and the consequent apoptosis was induced by the ROS generated during serum starvation. On the basis of these results, we propose that PLZF post-translational modification is controlled by intracellular ROS, and the biological function of PLZF is regulated by sumoylation and ubiquitination.

The alpha subunit of Go interacts with promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein and modulates its functions

Heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) mediate signal transduction generated by neurotransmitters and hormones. Go, a member of the Go/Gi family, is the most abundant heterotrimeric G protein in the brain. Most mechanistic analyses on Go activation demonstrate that its action is mediated by the Gβγ dimer; downstream effectors for its α subunit (Goα) have not been clearly defined. Here, we employ the yeast two-hybrid system to screen for Goα-interacting partners in a cDNA library from human fetal brain. The transcription factor promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) specifically bound to Goα. Interactions between PLZF and Goα were confirmed using in vitro and in vivo affinity binding assays. Activated Goα interacted directly with PLZF, and enhanced its function as a transcriptional and cell growth suppressor. Notably, PLZF activity was additionally promoted by the Go/iα-coupled cannabinoid receptor (CB) in HL60 cells endogenously expressing CB and PLZF. These results collectively suggest that Goα modulates the function of PLZF via direct interactions. Our novel findings provide insights into the diverse cellular roles of Goα and its coupled receptor.

Role of Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger Protein in Proliferation of Cultured Human Corneal Endothelial Cells

To review the role of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF), a transcriptional repressor and negative regulator of cell cycling, in the proliferation of cultured human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs). The expression pattern of PLZF mRNA was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR in HCECs and normal human corneal epithelia. The effect of cell-cell contact on expression of the PLZF gene was studied after incubation of the cultured HCECs in EDTA. The proliferation rate of cultured HCECs was assayed by a real-time electronic sensing (RT-CES) system, and DNA microarray analysis was performed to find the PLZF-regulating genes in cultured HCECs infected with LacZ- and PLZF-carrying adenoviruses (Ad-LacZ, Ad-PLZF). PLZF mRNA was expressed in HCECs in vivo and in completely confluent HCECs but not in subconfluent HCECs in vitro. Real-time PCR showed that the expression of PLZF mRNA was decreased by approximately 20-fold when incubated with EDTA and returned to a normal level as the cell-cell contact reformed. Cell proliferation assay by the RT-CES system showed that infection of cultured HCECs with Ad-PLZF inhibited proliferation. These findings suggest that PLZF plays an important role in the suppression of proliferation of HCECs.

The Carboxyl-terminal Fragment of Pro-HB-EGF Reverses Bcl6-mediated Gene Repression

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a member of the EGF family, is synthesized as a type I transmembrane precursor (pro-HB-EGF). Ectodomain shedding of pro-HB-EGF yields an amino-terminal soluble ligand of EGF receptor (HB-EGF) and a carboxyl-terminal fragment (HB-EGF-CTF) consisting of the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. We previously showed that the HB-EGF-CTF translocates from the plasma membrane to the nucleus and plays a role as a signaling molecule. Immunoprecipitation showed that HB-EGF-CTF can associate with Bcl6, a transcriptional repressor in mammalian cells. A glutathione S-transferase pulldown assay revealed that HB-EGF-CTF interacted efficiently with zinc fingers 4-6 of Bcl6. A luciferase reporter assay showed that the nuclear translocation of HB-EGF-CTF following shedding reversed transcriptional repression of cyclin D2 by Bcl6. Additionally, the level of cyclin D2 protein increased and Bcl6 interaction with the cyclin D2 promoter decreased in parallel with the shedding of pro-HB-EGF at all endogenous levels. These findings suggest that HB-EGF-CTF is a potent regulator of gene expression via its interaction with the transcriptional repressor Bcl6.

PLZF is essential for iNKT cell development (82.5)

Abstract The promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (PLZF) protein is a member of the BTB/POZ zinc finger family of transcription factors. This family of transcription factors also include Th-Pok, BCL-6 and MAZR which are known to play important roles in the immune system. Here we demonstrate that PLZF deficient mice have a severe impairment in iNKT cell lineage development leading to a lack of iNKT cells in the thymus and periphery. Real-time PCR showed that PLZF mRNA is highly expressed in iNKT cells. This correlates with flow cytometry analysis which revealed exclusive expression of PLZF protein in iNKT cells within the immune system. Radiation chimeras showed that PLZF is required for iNKT cell development in a cell intrinsic manner. These results identify PLZF as a key factor in iNKT development. They also underline the BTB/POZ family of transcription factors as important factors in the immune system.

Physical and Functional Interactions of Human Endogenous Retrovirus Proteins Np9 and Rec with the Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger Protein

Only few of the human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) sequences in the human genome can produce proteins. We have previously reported that (i) patients with germ cell tumors often make antibodies against proteins encoded by HERV-K elements, (ii) expression of the HERV-K rec gene in transgenic mice can interfere with germ cell development and induce carcinoma in situ, and (iii) HERV-K np9 transcript is overproduced in many tumors including breast cancers. Here we document that both Np9 and Rec physically and functionally interact with the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) tumor suppressor, a transcriptional repressor and chromatin remodeler implicated in cancer and the self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells. Interaction is mediated via two different central and C-terminal domains of Np9 and Rec and the C-terminal zinc fingers of PLZF. One major target of PLZF is the c-myc proto-oncogene. Coexpression of Np9 and Rec with PLZF abrogates the transcriptional repression of the c-myc gene promoter by PLZF and results in c-Myc overproduction, altered expression of c-Myc-regulated genes, and corresponding effects on cell proliferation and survival. Thus, the human endogenous retrovirus proteins Np9 and Rec may act oncogenically by derepressing c-myc through the inhibition of PLZF.

TIMP‐1 regulates cell proliferation by interacting with the ninth zinc finger domain of PLZF

The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are multifunctional proteins that specifically inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and regulate extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover and tissue remodeling. This is directed by forming tightly bound inhibitory complexes with MMPs. Recent years have revealed important differences of various biological activities between TIMP families but molecular mechanisms are not clear. To define the molecular mechanisms of TIMP-1-dependent biological processes, we used TIMP-1 as bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen, along with a human ovary cDNA library. Further characterization revealed the ninth zinc finger domain as an interacting domain of the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF). Interaction of PLZF with TIMP-1 in mammalian cells was also confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and with in vitro binding assays. We investigated whether TIMP-1-mediated anti-apoptotic activity could promote the growth of ovarian cancer in an experimental model system. TIMP-1 treatment was found to be more effective at increasing ovarian cancer growth when compared with PLZF in parallel experiments. Subsequently, the efficacy of a combined treatment with TIMP-1 and PLZF was investigated. In the presence of both of these proteins, TIMP-1 significantly reduced apoptosis induced by PLZF in cervical carcinoma cells. These combined results indicate that TIMP-1 functions as an anti-activator of the transcriptional repressive activity of PLZF.

Identification of FAZF as a novel BMP2‐induced transcription factor during osteoblastic differentiation

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is a key factor in the regulation of osteoblastic differentiation; however, its downstream mediators are not fully understood. Previously, we identified and characterized transcription factor promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF), composed of an N-terminal BTB/POZ and C-terminal zinc finger motifs, as an upstream factor of CBFA1 (Runx2/core-binding factor 1). PLZF was induced in an osteoblastic differentiation medium, but was not induced by BMP2. Here, we report the identification of transcription factor fanconi anemia zinc finger protein (FAZF), which is closely related to PLZF. FAZF was induced by BMP2 in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In addition to the full-length FAZF, we also identified alternatively spliced mRNAs in which the C-terminal zinc finger motifs were deleted (designated BTB/POZ-only FAZF). Both the full-length and BTB/POZ-only FAZF mRNAs were equally expressed in BMP2-treated hMSCs. The full-length FAZF was exclusively detected in the nucleus, whereas the BTB/POZ-only FAZF protein was localized in the cytoplasm of the transfected cells. The full-length FAZF, but not the BTB/POZ-only FAZF, increased the expression of osteoblastic differentiation markers, including CBFA1, collagen 1A1, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase in C2C12 cells. In conclusion, both FAZF and PLZF differentially participate in the regulation of osteoblastic differentiation via the BMP2 and CBFA1 signaling pathways, respectively.

The Four and a Half LIM Domain Protein 2 (FHL2) Interacts with CALM and Is Highly Expressed in AML with Complex Aberrant Karyotpes.

The balanced chromosomal translocation t(10;11)(p13;q14) results in the CALM/AF10 fusion gene. This translocation is found in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) and malignant lymphoma. The CALM/AF10 fusion gene has recently been shown to cause an aggressive biphenotypic leukemia in a murine bone marrow transplant model. The CALM (Clathrin Assembly Lymphoid Myeloid leukemia gene) gene product is a clathrin assembly protein which plays a role in clathrin mediated endocytosis and trans Golgi network trafficking. AF10 is a putative transcription factor most likely involved in processes related to chromatin organization and has polycomb group gene like properties.To learn more about the function of the CALM/AF10 fusion protein, we searched for protein interaction partners of CALM. In a yeast two hybrid screen the four and a half LIM domain protein FHL2 was identified as putative CALM interacting partner. The CALM FHL2 interaction was confirmed by co-transformation assay in yeast and by GST-pulldown experiments. The FHL2 interaction domain of CALM was mapped to amino acids 294 to 335 of CALM using the yeast two hybrid assay. In co-localization studies with transiently expressed fluorescent protein tagged CALM and FHL2, both proteins showed cytoplasmatic localization. Expression analysis (Affymetrix based) in different AML subtypes showed a significantly higher expression of FHL2 in AML with complex aberrant karyotypes compared to AML with normal karyotypes or balanced chromosomal translocations like the t(8;21), inv(16) or t(15;17).FHL2, which is also known as DRAL (downregulated in rhabdomyosarcoma LIM protein), is a TP53 responsive gene known to interact with numerous proteins in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm and can function as a transcriptional cofactor. Known FHL2 interactors include TP53, BRCA1, PLZF (promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein), the proto-oncogene SKI1 and beta-catenin. High expression of FHL2 in breast cancer has recently been shown to be associated with an adverse prognosis. CALM has been shown to shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm because inhibition of CREM-mediated nuclear export by leptomycin B leads to the accumulation of CALM in the nucleus. Reporter gene assays using a GAL4-DNA binding domain CALM fusion protein and a GAL4 responsive luciferase reporter were able to demonstrate a transcriptional activation function of CALM. We are currently investigation the effect of FHL2 co-expression on this aspect of the CALM function.It is thus conceivable that FHL2 is playing an important role in CALM/AF10-mediated leukemogenesis by tethering the CALM/AF10 fusion protein to various nuclear transcription factor complexes.

Physical and Functional Association of PLZF with Histone Methyl Transferase and Histone Demethylase.

The promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) is a transcription factor fused to RARα in the t(11;17) translocation associated with retinoic acid resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). As a result of this chromosomal abnormality, two oncogenic proteins are produced, PLZF-RARα and RARα-PLZF. Wild type PLZF is expressed in CD34+ progenitor cells and declines during differentiation. PLZF is a tumor suppressor that causes cell cycle arrest, downregulating genes such as cyclinA2 and c-myc. We previously showed that transcriptional repression by PLZF is mediated by the recruitment of histone deacetylases to target genes, this being critical for its ability to control growth and affect RAR target genes. We now show that PLZF alters the methylation state of histones in its target genes. A biotinylated form of PLZF co-purified in cells along with a histone methyl transferase (HMT) activity for native histones. Using mutant histone H3 tail peptides, we showed that this activity methylated histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me). Tagged forms of PLZF as well as endogenous PLZF co-precipitated in vivo with G9a histone methyl transferase, an enzyme that can mono and dimethylate H3K9 in euchromatin subject to gene repression. The interaction of PLZF with G9a required the presence of the N-terminal BTB/POZ domain as well as a second, more C-terminal, repression domain of PLZF. Given the newly found role of active histone demethylation in gene control we also tested the interaction of PLZF with LSD1, an enzyme associated with gene repression that demethylates H3K4. As in the case of G9a, the interaction of PLZF with LSD1 required both repression domains, suggesting, that these proteins may be part of a multi-protein complex containing multiple contact points with PLZF. Expression of G9a or LSD1 augmented transcriptional repression mediated by PLZF on reporter genes, indicating a functional interaction between histone methylation modifiers and PLZF. To determine the ability of PLZF to affect chromatin methylation in vivo, a Gal4-PLZF fusion protein was expressed in cells containing a chromatin-embedded Gal4-tk-Luciferase reporter gene. In the presence of PLZF, a chromatin immunoprecipitation experiment showed an increase in H3K9 methylation of the target gene while H3K4 methylation decreased, consistent with the ability of PLZF to interact with LSD1 and G9a. Lastly we compared the ability of the histone modifying proteins to interact with the APL fusion proteins PLZF-RARα, PML-RARα and NPM-RARα. Co-precipitation experiments showed a robust interaction between PLZF-RARα and G9a and LSD1 while the PML-RARα and NPM-RARα fusions bound these proteins significantly less avidly. Collectively all these data indicate that specific histone methylation is an important mode of action of PLZF in gene repression. The retinoic acid resistance of t(11;17)-APL may be related to its ability to interact with HMTs and histone demethylases. Hence therapeutic targeting of HMTs and histone demethylases might be considered as a novel mode of therapy in APL and other hematological malignancies.

The collapsin response mediator protein 1 (CRMP-1) and the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) bind to UDP- N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/ N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE), the key enzyme of sialic acid biosynthesis

Sialic acids (Sia) are expressed as terminal sugars in many glycoconjugates. They are involved in a variety of cell–cell interactions and therefore play an important role during development and regeneration. UDP- N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/ N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE) is the key enzyme in the de novo synthesis of Sia and it is a regulator of cell surface sialylation. Inactivation of GNE in mice results in early embryonic lethality. Mutations in the GNE gene are of clinical relevance in hereditary inclusion body myopathy, but these mutations do not necessarily decrease the enzymatic activity of GNE. In this study, we searched for novel function of the GNE protein beside its enzymatic function in the Sia biosynthesis. We here report the identification of novel GNE-interacting proteins. Using a human prey matrix we identified four proteins interacting with GNE in a yeast two-hybrid assay. For two of them, the collapsin response mediator protein 1 and the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein, we could verify protein–protein interaction with GNE.