Regulation Of Reporter Gene Expression Research Articles

Systematic identification of genotype-dependent enhancer variants in eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a rare atopic disorder associated with esophageal dysfunction, including difficulty swallowing, food impaction, and inflammation, that develops in a small subset of people with food allergies. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified 9 independent EoE risk loci reaching genome-wide significance (p<5×10-8) and 27 additional loci of suggestive significance (5×10-8<p<1×10-5). In the current study, we perform linkage disequilibrium (LD) expansion of these loci to nominate a set of 531 variants that are potentially causal. To systematically interrogate the gene regulatory activity of these variants, we designed a massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA) containing the alleles of each variant within their genomic sequence context cloned into a GFP reporter library. Analysis of reporter gene expression in TE-7, HaCaT, and Jurkat cells revealed cell-type-specific gene regulation. We identify 32 allelic enhancer variants, representing 6 genome-wide significant EoE loci and 7 suggestive EoE loci, that regulate reporter gene expression in a genotype-dependent manner in at least one cellular context. By annotating these variants with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and chromatin looping data in related tissues and cell types, we identify putative target genes affected by genetic variation in individuals with EoE. Transcription factor enrichment analyses reveal possible roles for cell-type-specific regulators, including GATA3. Our approach reduces the large set of EoE-associated variants to a set of 32 with allelic regulatory activity, providing functional insights into the effects of genetic variation in this disease.

Nanoparticle‐Decorated Biomimetic Extracellular Matrix for Cell Nanoencapsulation and Regulation

AbstractCell encapsulation has been studied for various applications ranging from cell transplantation to biological production. However, current encapsulation technologies focus on cell protection rather than cell regulation that is essential to most if not all cell‐based applications. Here we report a method for cell nanoencapsulation and regulation using an ultrathin biomimetic extracellular matrix as a cell nanocapsule to carry nanoparticles (CN2). This method allows high‐capacity nanoparticle retention at the vicinity of cell surfaces. The encapsulated cells maintain high viability and normal metabolism. When gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used as a model to decorate the nanocapsule, light irradiation transiently increases the temperature, leading to the activation of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) promoter and the regulation of reporter gene expression. As the biomimetic nanocapsule can be decorated with any or multiple NPs, CN2 is a promising platform for advancing cell‐based applications.

Nanoparticle-Decorated Biomimetic Extracellular Matrix for Cell Nanoencapsulation and Regulation.

Cell encapsulation has been studied for various applications ranging from cell transplantation to biological production. However, current encapsulation technologies focus on cell protection rather than cell regulation that is essential to most if not all cell-based applications. Here we report a method for cell nanoencapsulation and regulation using an ultrathin biomimetic extracellular matrix as a cell nanocapsule to carry nanoparticles (CN2 ). This method allows high-capacity nanoparticle retention at the vicinity of cell surfaces. The encapsulated cells maintain high viability and normal metabolism. When gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used as a model to decorate the nanocapsule, light irradiation transiently increases the temperature, leading to the activation of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) promoter and the regulation of reporter gene expression. As the biomimetic nanocapsule can be decorated with any or multiple NPs, CN2 is a promising platform for advancing cell-based applications.

Genome-wide screening for genes involved in the epigenetic basis of fragile X syndrome.

SummaryFragile X syndrome (FXS), the most prevalent heritable form of intellectual disability, is caused by the transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene. The epigenetic factors responsible for FMR1 inactivation are largely unknown. Here, we initially demonstrated the feasibility of FMR1 reactivation by targeting a single epigenetic factor, DNMT1. Next, we established a model system for FMR1 silencing using a construct containing the FXS-related mutation upstream to a reporter gene. This construct was methylated in vitro and introduced into a genome-wide loss-of-function (LOF) library established in haploid human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), allowing the identification of genes whose functional loss reversed the methylation-induced silencing of the FMR1 reporter. Selected candidate genes were further analyzed in haploid- and FXS-patient-derived PSCs, highlighting the epigenetic and metabolic pathways involved in FMR1 regulation. Our work sheds light on the mechanisms responsible for CGG-expansion-mediated FMR1 inactivation and offers novel targets for therapeutic FMR1 reactivation.

SNP rs10420324 in the AMPA receptor auxiliary subunit TARP \u03b3-8 regulates the susceptibility to antisocial personality disorder

In the brain, AMPA receptors mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission, the dysfunction of which leads to neuropsychiatric disorders. Synaptic function of AMPA receptors is tightly controlled by a protein group called transmembrane AMPAR regulatory proteins (TARPs). TARP γ-8 (also known as CACNG8) preferentially expresses in the hippocampus, cortex and subcortical regions that are critical for emotion generation indicating its association with psychiatric disorders. Here, we identified rs10420324 (T/G), a SNP located in the human CACNG8 gene, regulated reporter gene expression in vitro and TARP γ-8 expression in the human brain. A guanine at the locus (rs10420324G) suppressed transcription likely through modulation of a local G-quadruplex DNA structure. Consistent with these observations, the frequency of rs10420324G was higher in patients with anti-social personality disorder (ASPD) than in controls, indicating that rs10420324G in CACNG8 is more voluntary for ASPD. We then characterized the behavior of TARP γ-8 knockout and heterozygous mice and found that consistent with ASPD patients who often exhibit impulsivity, aggression, risk taking, irresponsibility and callousness, a decreased γ-8 expression in mice displayed similar behaviors. Furthermore, we found that a decrease in TARP γ-8 expression impaired synaptic AMPAR functions in layer 2–3 pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that inhibition leads to aggression, thus explaining, at least partially, the neuronal basis for the behavioral abnormality. Taken together, our study indicates that TARP γ-8 expression level is associated with ASPD, and that the TARP γ-8 knockout mouse is a valuable animal model for studying this psychiatric disease.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals novel downstream regulatory motifs and highly transcribed virulence factor genes of Entamoeba histolytica

BackgroundPromoter motifs in Entamoeba histolytica were earlier analysed using microarray data with lower dynamic range of gene expression. Additionally, previous transcriptomic studies did not provide information on the nature of highly transcribed genes, and downstream promoter motifs important for gene expression. To address these issues we generated RNA-Seq data and identified the high and low expressing genes, especially with respect to virulence potential. We analysed sequences both upstream and downstream of start site for important motifs.ResultsWe used RNA-Seq data to classify genes according to expression levels, which ranged six orders of magnitude. Data were validated by reporter gene expression. Virulence-related genes (except AIG1) were amongst the highly expressed, while some kinases and BspA family genes were poorly expressed. We looked for conserved motifs in sequences upstream and downstream of the initiation codon. Following enrichment by AME we found seven motifs significantly enriched in high expression- and three in low expression-classes. Two of these motifs (M4 and M6) were located downstream of AUG, were exclusively enriched in high expression class, and were mostly found in ribosomal protein, and translation-related genes. Motif deletion resulted in drastic down regulation of reporter gene expression, showing functional relevance. Distribution of core promoter motifs (TATA, GAAC, and Inr) in all genes revealed that genes with downstream motifs were not preferentially associated with TATA-less promoters. We looked at gene expression changes in cells subjected to growth stress by serum starvation, and experimentally validated the data. Genes showing maximum up regulation belonged to the low or medium expression class, and included genes in signalling pathways, lipid metabolism, DNA repair, Myb transcription factors, BspA, and heat shock. Genes showing maximum down regulation belonged to the high or medium expression class. They included genes for signalling factors, actin, Ariel family, and ribosome biogenesis factors.ConclusionOur analysis has added important new information about the E. histolytica transcriptome. We report for the first time two downstream motifs required for gene expression, which could be used for over expression of E. histolytica genes. Most of the virulence-related genes in this parasite are highly expressed in culture.

Sequence Variations in pxr (nr1i2) From Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Strains Affect Nuclear Receptor Function.

Regulators of biotransformation are of particular interest in pharmacology and toxicology, determining in part the metabolism, disposition, and toxicity of chemicals. The nuclear receptor NR1I2 (pregnane X receptor, PXR) is a prominent xenosensor that regulates the expression of biotransformation enzymes governing elimination of many exogenous as well as endogenous compounds. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has only one gene locus for pxr, but different genetic variants have been identified in zebrafish. However, the prevalence and significance of these variants are unknown. We hypothesize that sequence variation occurring in the Pxr gene of zebrafish may affect the action and fate of many chemicals in this species, a key model organism in various fields of research, including environmental toxicology. Here, we examine variation in Pxr sequences from four different strains of zebrafish and assess the responses of each Pxr to clotrimazole and butyl-4-aminobenzoate. The Pxr variants differed in both their ability to bind these structurally different ligands and to regulate reporter gene expression in vitro. We infer that the observed sequence variations in zebrafish Pxrs likely affect the response to putative Pxr agonists in vivo and potentially cause strain-specific biotransformation of xenobiotics in zebrafish. Thus, the choice of zebrafish strain could affect the outcome of downstream toxicological studies.

An improved Tet-on system to tightly conditionally regulate reporter gene expression

Reporter genes are often used as markers to track the integration and expression of target genes in animal genetic engineering. To avoid potential side effects from reporter genes, in this study an improved Tet-on system was developed to control reporter gene expression, and its effectiveness was explored in transgenic cells. First, the rtTA protein was fused with Tat and NLS proteins to obtain the prokaryotic expression vector pET32a-Tat-rtTA-NSL. A eukaryotic transgenic vector was constructed, p-HS4-BPA-TmA-HS4, in which the reporter (mCherry) and target (PRL) genes were promoted by TRE and BCN, respectively. After confirming the functionality of the transgenic vector, purified rtTA protein and Dox were added to induce expression of the mCherry gene. The optimal amount of purified rtTA protein, its influence on target gene expression, and the time of rtTA protein action were each investigated separately. The results showed that rtTA protein was expressed in transformed E. coli with IPTG induction. TRE could promote mCherry gene expression by co-transfecting the constructed transgenic vector and prtTA plasmid. When purified rtTA protein and Dox were added, red fluorescence was observed in Bcap-37 cells transfected with the p-HS4-BPA-TmA-HS4 vector, and the exogenous PRL gene was expressed regardless of mCherry gene expression. The optimal amount of rtTA protein was 16 μg/mL, and it needed about 6 h to promote mCherry gene expression in transfected cells. These results demonstrate that the expression of the mCherry reporter gene can be tightly and conditionally regulated by our Tet-on system.

MicroRNA Expression Differences in Human Hematopoietic Cell Lineages Enable Regulated Transgene Expression

Blood microRNA (miRNA) levels have been associated with and shown to participate in disease pathophysiology. However, the hematopoietic cell of origin of blood miRNAs and the individual blood cell miRNA profiles are poorly understood. We report the miRNA content of highly purified normal hematopoietic cells from the same individuals. Although T-cells, B-cells and granulocytes had the highest miRNA content per cell, erythrocytes contributed more cellular miRNA to the blood, followed by granulocytes and platelets. miRNA profiling revealed different patterns and different expression levels of miRNA specific for each lineage. miR-30c-5p was determined to be an appropriate reference normalizer for cross-cell qRT-PCR comparisons. miRNA profiling of 5 hematopoietic cell lines revealed differential expression of miR-125a-5p. We demonstrated endogenous levels of miR-125a-5p regulate reporter gene expression in Meg-01 and Jurkat cells by (1) constructs containing binding sites for miR-125a-5p or (2) over-expressing or inhibiting miR-125a-5p. This quantitative analysis of the miRNA profiles of peripheral blood cells identifies the circulating hematopoietic cellular miRNAs, supports the use of miRNA profiles for distinguishing different hematopoietic lineages and suggests that endogenously expressed miRNAs can be exploited to regulate transgene expression in a cell-specific manner.

A role of Anabaena sensory rhodopsin transducer (ASRT) in photosensory transduction.

In 2003, Anabaena sensory rhodopsin (ASR), a membrane-bound light sensor protein, was discovered in cyanobacteria. Since then, a large number of functions have been described for ASR, based on protein biochemical and biophysical studies. However, no study has determined the in vivo mechanism of photosensory transduction for ASR and its transducer protein (ASRT). Here, we aimed to determine the role of ASRT in physiological photo-regulation. ASRT is known to be related to photochromism, because it regulates the expression of phycocyanin (cpc-gene) and phycoerythrocyanin (pec gene), two major proteins of the phycobilisome in cyanobacteria. By examining wild type and knockout mutant Anabaena cells, we showed that ASRT repressed the expression of these two genes. We also demonstrated physical interactions between ASRT, ASR, and the promoter regions of cpc, pec, kaiABC (circadian clock gene) and the asr operon, both in vitro and in vivo. Binding assays indicated that ASRT had different sites of interaction for binding to ASR and DNA promoter regions. ASRT also influenced the retinal re-isomerization rate in dark through a physical interaction with ASR, and it regulated reporter gene expression in vivo. These results suggested that ASRT relayed the photosignal from ASR and directly regulated gene expression.

Short ROSE-Like RNA Thermometers Control IbpA Synthesis in Pseudomonas Species

The bacterial small heat shock protein IbpA protects client proteins from aggregation. Due to redundancy in the cellular chaperone network, deletion of the ibpA gene often leads to only a mild or no phenotypic defect. In this study, we show that a Pseudomonas putida ibpA deletion mutant has a severe growth defect under heat stress conditions and reduced survival during recovery revealing a critical role of IbpA in heat tolerance. Transcription of the ibpA gene depends on the alternative heat shock sigma factor σ32. Production of IbpA protein only at heat shock temperatures suggested additional translational control. We conducted a comprehensive structural and functional analysis of the 5′ untranslated regions of the ibpA genes from P. putida and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Both contain a ROSE-type RNA thermometer that is substantially shorter and simpler than previously reported ROSE elements. Comprised of two hairpin structures only, they inhibit translation at low temperature and permit translation initiation after a temperature upshift. Both elements regulate reporter gene expression in Escherichia coli and ribosome binding in vitro in a temperature-dependent manner. Structure probing revealed local melting of the second hairpin whereas the first hairpin remained unaffected. High sequence and structure conservation of pseudomonal ibpA untranslated regions and their ability to confer thermoregulation in vivo suggest that short ROSE-like thermometers are commonly used to control IbpA synthesis in Pseudomonas species.

FMR1 CGG repeat lengths mediate different regulation of reporter gene expression in comparative transient and locus specific integration assays

The Fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) gene contains a polymorphic CGG trinucleotide repeat in the 5′-untranslated region. The repeat length in the normal population is between 5 and 54 repeats. A repeat length between 55 and 200 is defined as the pre-mutation repeat size. Elderly carriers of the pre-mutation can develop the progressive neurodegenerative disease Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). In FXTAS the FMR1 mRNA levels are increased and it is hypothesized that FXTAS is caused by a RNA gain of function mechanism. Repeat lengths beyond 200 CGGs are defined as the full-mutation and causes Fragile X-syndrome which is the most common inherited form of mental retardation. The full-mutation results in the absence of the FMR1 mRNA and protein, FMRP, through abnormal CpG methylation and FMR1 gene silencing. In this report we have used the Flp-In T-REx system to generate locus directed stable cell lines harboring the FMR1 5′-UTR with varying CGG repeat lengths in front of a reporter gene. By this system the influence of various CGG repeat lengths for reporter gene expression can be comparatively examined in cell lines where the only genetic difference is CGG repeat lengths. In such cell lines we find that a full-mutation CGG repeat confers inhibition of reporter gene expression, whereas a pre-mutation CGG repeat did not increase reporter gene expression. In transient transfection assays using the same expression vectors the pre-mutation and full-mutation CGG repeats increased reporter gene expression. This study shows that locus directed integration of model FMR1 CGG transgenes could be a new basic tool to further elucidating the basic molecular mechanisms behind transcriptional deregulation of the FMR1 gene in fragile X-syndrome and FXTAS.

Importance of RNA analysis in interpretation of reporter gene expression data

Reporter gene assays have proven to be an important tool in analyzing cis and trans factors that influence gene expression. However, they have sometimes been adapted for studies in which they are not totally reliable. Modifications that change the RNA expressed from the reporter gene may result in regulation of reporter gene expression at multiple levels simultaneously. The data provided here illustrate the difficulties that may arise from posttranscription regulation in various reporter gene formats. This serves as a warning that further RNA studies may be necessary, if comparisons are to be made between reporter constructs whose RNA is not identical.

MicroRNA-mediated regulation of APP expression

Production of the Aβ peptide by the regulated intra-membrane proteolysis of the β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the, α, β and γ secretase enzymes is the central biological pathway in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A number of studies have shown that APP over-expression, resulting from either a genomic locus duplication or alteration in the APP regulatory sequences, can lead to development of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, understanding the regulation of APP expression could provide valuable insight in to the genetic basis of the disease and illuminate novel therapeutic avenues for AD. Here we test the hypothesis that APP protein levels can be regulated by miRNAs, evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNA molecules that play an important role in regulating gene expression. Utilizing human cell lines, we demonstrate that brain expressed miRNAs predicted to target APP 3’UTR bind to their putative target sequences in the APP 3’UTR and negatively regulate reporter gene expression. Overexpression of these miRNAs, but not control miRNAs, results in translational repression of APP mRNA and significantly reduces APP protein levels. For all miRNA overexpressed, except one, APP mRNA levels are not altered suggesting that these miRNAsresult in translational inhibition while one miRNA does result in decreased APP mRNA levels. We also demonstrate novel expression of microRNA in the brain. We show that mir-324-5p and miR-17-5p are expressed in neurons and microglial of the hippocampus of the human brain and miR-324-5p is also shows microglial expression in the brain white matter. Disruption of miRNA mediated expression regulation might lead to increased APP levels and increased disease risk. To test this hypothesis, we determined genetic variations within the APP 3’UTR of probands from early onset familial Alzheimer’s disease families linked to the APP-region on chromosome 21. We identified a rare sequence variant predicted to be located in a putative miRNA target site. Our functional data suggests that the minor allele of this variant disrupts miRNA binding to its target, resulting in potential dysregulation of APP mRNA and protein expression in vitro. Our results demonstrate that human APP levels can be regulated by miRNAs in vitro, and that rare genetic variants within the 3’UTR of APP may alter miRNA mediated regulation of APP mRNA, thereby increasing APP levels and possibly increasing AD risk.%%%%Ph.D., Biological Sciences – Drexel University, 2010

Regulation of non-AU-rich element containing c-fms proto-oncogene expression by HuR in breast cancer

The role of RNA-binding proteins in cancer biology is recognized increasingly. The nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and AU-rich RNA-binding protein HuR stabilizes several cancer-related target mRNAs. The proto-oncogene c-fms, whose 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) is not AU-rich, is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Using a large breast-cancer tissue array (N=670), we found nuclear HuR expression to be associated with nodal metastasis and independently with poor survival (P=0.03, RR 1.45), as well as to be co-expressed with c-fms in the breast tumors (P=0.0007). We described c-fms mRNA as a direct target of HuR in vivo, and that HuR bound specifically to a 69-nt region containing 'CUU' motifs in 3'UTR c-fms RNA. Overexpressing or silencing HuR significantly up- or down-regulated c-fms RNA expression, respectively. We also found that known glucocorticoid stimulation of c-fms RNA and protein is largely dependent on the presence of HuR. HuR, by binding to the 69-nt wild type, but not mutant, c-fms sequence can regulate reporter gene expression post-transcriptionally. We are the first to describe that HuR can regulate gene expression by binding non-AU-rich sequences in 3'UTR c-fms RNA. Collectively, our findings suggest that HuR plays a supportive role for c-fms in breast cancer progression by binding a 69-nt element in its 3'UTR, thus regulating its expression.

The regulation of OLFM4 expression in myeloid precursor cells relies on NF‐κB transcription factor

The human olfactomedin 4 gene (OLFM4, also known as hGC-1, GW112) is thought to be a useful marker for early myeloid development. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-stimulated OLFM4 expression, we characterized the promoter region of OLFM4. The 35-bp region (-101 to -66) of the proximal promoter regulated reporter gene expression, and mutation of the nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB binding site within the promoter abolished the binding of the transcription factor and the ability to regulate OLFM4 expression. G-CSF increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human CD34(+) cells, which was abrogated by inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) or NADPH oxidase. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) induced by G-CSF inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059, or U0126. However, phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 was only partially inhibited by NAC, but not by PD98059 or U0126. Inhibition of the ERK pathway remarkably decreased OLFM4 expression and this inhibition required NF-kappaB transcription factor. Inhibition of ROS or the ERK pathway remarkably decreased G-CSF-induced OLFM4 expression. Our results suggest that G-CSF-induced expression of OLFM4 is regulated by the transcription factor NF-kappaB, and that this induction is mediated by the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway through PI3K-driven ROS production.

MicroRNAs can regulate human APP levels

A number of studies have shown that increased APP levels, resulting from either a genomic locus duplication or alteration in APP regulatory sequences, can lead to development of early-onset dementias, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, understanding how APP levels are regulated could provide valuable insight into the genetic basis of AD and illuminate novel therapeutic avenues for AD. Here we test the hypothesis that APP protein levels can be regulated by miRNAs, evolutionarily conserved small noncoding RNA molecules that play an important role in regulating gene expression. Utilizing human cell lines, we demonstrate that miRNAs hsa-mir-106a and hsa-mir-520c bind to their predicted target sequences in the APP 3'UTR and negatively regulate reporter gene expression. Over-expression of these miRNAs, but not control miRNAs, results in translational repression of APP mRNA and significantly reduces APP protein levels. These results are the first to demonstrate that levels of human APP can be regulated by miRNAs.

The bcl-2 major breakpoint region (mbr) possesses transcriptional regulatory function

The bcl-2 major breakpoint region (mbr), located within the 3′-UTR of the bcl-2 gene, is the site of the most common chromosomal translocation, t(14;18) (q32;q21), which occurs in follicular lymphoma. The mbr forms a triplex DNA structure under physiological conditions and the transcription factor special AT-rich sequence- binding protein 1 (SATB1) binds immediately downstream of the mbr. These observations raise the possibility that the mbr may be involved in regulation of bcl-2 gene expression. We investigated the role of the bcl-2 mbr on reporter gene activity and the relevance of SATB1 to this function in a variety of cell lines. We found that the mbr up-regulated reporter gene expression. Deletion of the 37-bp AT-rich SATB1 binding site abolished the bcl-2 mbr regulation of reporter gene expression. Overexpression of SATB1 enhanced bcl-2 mbr up-regulation of the reporter gene activity. Our data strongly demonstrated that the bcl-2 mbr possessed regulatory function that was related to SATB1.

Poxvirus phosphatase alters interferon gamma regulated gene expression in macrophages

Poxviruses including Variola (small pox), and Vaccinia, which is used to vaccinate against small pox have developed numerous methods for altering and/or evading an immune response. One such way is by the ability of the viral VH1 phosphatase to alter signaling cascades, which is vital for viral replication and may play a key role in the invasion of host defense during infection. Our studies focus on understanding if either the Vaccinia or Variola VH1 protein blocks interferon-gamma induced STAT1 regulated gene expression in macrophages. It is our hypothesis that the Variola protein will function more efficiently than Vaccinia in blocking STAT 1 function and may contribute to the pathogenicity of the smallpox virus. We first wanted to show that VH1 is present in the virus prior to infection. Results using RT-PCR showed that VH1 was expressed in Vaccinia virus that was used to infect cells. Next, a comparison of transfection reagents showed that Gene Porter 2 was optimal for our experiments in the macrophage cell P388D1. A series of co-transfection experiments showed that transfection of a VH1 expression plasmid reduced the STAT1 regulated reporter gene expression of the TAP-1 promoter. These data suggest that VH1 in the virus may prevent the induction of interferon-gamma regulated genes in macrophages during viral infection. Supported in part by NIH R25 GM067592-02 and P01 AI56097-02S1.

A Functionally Orthogonal Estrogen Receptor-Based Transcription Switch Specifically Induced by a Nonsteroid Synthetic Ligand

It is highly desirable to design ligand-dependent transcription regulation systems based on transactivators unresponsive to endogenous ligands but induced by synthetic small molecules unable to activate endogenous receptors. Using molecular modeling and yeast selection, we identified an estrogen receptor ligand binding domain double mutant (L384M, M421G) with decreased affinity to estradiol and enhanced binding to compounds inactive on estrogen receptors. Nonresponsiveness to estrogen was achieved by additionally adding the G521R substitution while introducing an "antagonistic-type" side chain in the compound, as in 4-hydroxytamoxifen. The triple-substituted ligand binding domain is insensitive to physiological concentrations of estradiol and has nanomolar affinity for the ligand. In this binary system, both receptor and ligand are, therefore, reciprocally specific. The mutated variant in the context of a chimeric transcription factor provides tight, ligand-dependent regulation of reporter gene expression.