Zinc Finger Transcription Factor Research Articles

Metabolic landscape of human alveolar type II epithelial cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced directly by silica exposure

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an irreplaceable role in the development of silicosis. However, molecular mechanisms of EMT induced by silica exposure still remain to be addressed. Herein, metabolic profiles of human alveolar type II epithelial cells (A549 cells) exposed directly to silica were characterized using non-targeted metabolomic approaches. A total of 84 differential metabolites (DMs) were identified in silica-treated A549 cells undergoing EMT, which were mainly enriched in metabolisms of amino acids (e.g., glutamate, alanine, aspartate), purine metabolism, glycolysis, etc. The number of DMs identified in the A549 cells obviously increased with the elevated exposure concentration of silica. Remarkably, glutamine catabolism was significantly promoted in the silica-treated A549 cells, and the levels of related metabolites (e.g., succinate) and enzymes (e.g., α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) dehydrogenase) were substantially up-regulated, with a preference to α-KG pathway. Supplementation of glutamine into the cell culture could substantially enhance the expression levels of both EMT-related markers and Snail (zinc finger transcription factor). Our results suggest that the EMT of human alveolar epithelial cells directly induced by silica can be essential to the development of silicosis.

Casein kinase 2 phosphorylates and induces the SALL2 tumor suppressor degradation in colon cancer cells

Spalt-like proteins are Zinc finger transcription factors from Caenorhabditis elegans to vertebrates, with critical roles in development. In vertebrates, four paralogues have been identified (SALL1-4), and SALL2 is the family’s most dissimilar member. SALL2 is required during brain and eye development. It is downregulated in cancer and acts as a tumor suppressor, promoting cell cycle arrest and cell death. Despite its critical functions, information about SALL2 regulation is scarce. Public data indicate that SALL2 is ubiquitinated and phosphorylated in several residues along the protein, but the mechanisms, biological consequences, and enzymes responsible for these modifications remain unknown. Bioinformatic analyses identified several putative phosphorylation sites for Casein Kinase II (CK2) located within a highly conserved C-terminal PEST degradation motif of SALL2. CK2 is a serine/threonine kinase that promotes cell proliferation and survival and is often hyperactivated in cancer. We demonstrated that CK2 phosphorylates SALL2 residues S763, T778, S802, and S806 and promotes SALL2 degradation by the proteasome. Accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of CK2 with Silmitasertib (CX-4945) restored endogenous SALL2 protein levels in SALL2-deficient breast MDA-MB-231, lung H1299, and colon SW480 cancer cells. Silmitasertib induced a methuosis-like phenotype and cell death in SW480 cells. However, the phenotype was significantly attenuated in CRISPr/Cas9-mediated SALL2 knockout SW480 cells. Similarly, Sall2-deficient tumor organoids were more resistant to Silmitasertib-induced cell death, confirming that SALL2 sensitizes cancer cells to CK2 inhibition. We identified a novel CK2-dependent mechanism for SALL2 regulation and provided new insights into the interplay between these two proteins and their role in cell survival and proliferation.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the Dof gene family reveals their involvement in hormone response and abiotic stresses in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

DNA binding with one finger (Dof), plant-specific zinc finger transcription factors, can participate in various physiological and biochemical processes during the life of plants. As one of the most important oil crops in the world, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has significant economic and ornamental value. However, a systematic analysis of H. annuus Dof (HaDof) members and their functions has not been extensively conducted. In this study, we identified 50 HaDof genes that are unevenly distributed on 17 chromosomes of sunflower. We present a comprehensive overview of the HaDof genes, including their chromosome locations, phylogenetic analysis, and expression profile characterization. Phylogenetic analysis classified the 366 Dof members identified from 11 species into four groups (further subdivided into nine subfamilies). Segmental duplications are predominantly contributed to the expansion of sunflower Dof genes, and all segmental duplicate gene pairs are under purifying selection due to strong evolutionary constraints. Furthermore, we observed differential expression patterns for HaDof genes in normal tissues as well as under hormone treatment or abiotic stress conditions by analyzing RNA-seq data from previous studies and RT-qPCR data in our current study. The expression of HaDof04 and HaDof43 were not detected in any samples, which implied that they may be gradually undergoing pseudogenization process. Some HaDof genes, such as HaDof25 and HaDof30, showed responsiveness to exogenous plant hormones, such as kinetin, brassinosteroid, auxin or strigolactone, while others like HaDof15 and HaDof35 may participate in abiotic stress resistance of sunflower seedling. Our study represents the initial step towards understanding the phylogeny and expression characterization of sunflower Dof family genes, which may provide valuable reference information for functional studies on hormone response, abiotic stress resistance, and molecular breeding in sunflower and other species.

Odd skipped-related 2 as a novel mark for labeling the proximal convoluted tubule within the zebrafish kidney

The proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) of the kidney is a crucial functional segment responsible for reabsorption, secretion, and the maintenance of electrolyte and water balance within the renal tubule. However, there is a lack of a well-defined endogenous transgenic line for studying PCT morphogenesis. By analyzing single-cell transcriptome data from the adult zebrafish kidney, we have identified the expression of odd-skipped-related 2 (osr2, which encodes an odd-skipped zinc-finger transcription factor) in the PCT. To gain insight into the role of osr2 in PCT morphogenesis, we have generated a transgenic zebrafish line Tg(osr2:EGFP), expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The EGFP expression pattern closely mirrors that of endogenous Osr2, faithfully recapitulating its native expression profile. During kidney development, we can use EGFP to track PCT development, which is also preserved in adult zebrafish. Additionally, osr2:EGFP-labeled zebrafish PCT fragments displayed short lengths with infrequent overlap, rendering them conducive for nephrons counting. The generation of Tg(osr2:EGFP) transgenic line is accompanied by simultaneous disruption of osr2 activity. Importantly, our findings demonstrate that osr2 inactivation had no discernible impact on the development and regeneration of Tg(osr2:EGFP) zebrafish nephrons. Overall, the establishment of this transgenic zebrafish line offers a valuable tool for both genetic and chemical analysis of PCT.

Haploinsufficiency of ZFHX3, encoding a key player in neuronal development, causes syndromic intellectual disability

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) result from impaired development and functioning of the brain. Here, we identify loss-of-function (LoF) variation in ZFHX3 as a cause for syndromic intellectual disability (ID). ZFHX3 is a zinc-finger homeodomain transcription factor involved in various biological processes, including cell differentiation and tumorigenesis. We describe 42 individuals with protein-truncating variants (PTVs) or (partial) deletions of ZFHX3, exhibiting variable intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, recurrent facial features, relative short stature, brachydactyly, and, rarely, cleft palate. ZFHX3 LoF associates with a specific methylation profile in whole blood extracted DNA. Nuclear abundance of ZFHX3 increases during human brain development and neuronal differentiation. ZFHX3 was found to interact with the chromatin remodeling BRG1/Brm-associated factor complex and the cleavage and polyadenylation complex, suggesting a function in chromatin remodeling and mRNA processing. Furthermore, ChIP-seq for ZFHX3 revealed that it predominantly binds promoters of genes involved in nervous system development. We conclude that loss-of-function variants in ZFHX3 are a cause of syndromic ID associating with a specific DNA methylation profile.

Roles of SP/KLF transcription factors in odontoblast differentiation: From development to diseases.

A zinc-finger transcription factor family comprising specificity proteins (SPs) and Krüppel-like factor proteins (KLFs) plays an important role in dentin development and regeneration. However, a systematic regulatory network involving SPs/KLFs in odontoblast differentiation has not yet been described. This review examined the expression patterns of SP/KLF gene family members and their current known functions and mechanisms in odontoblast differentiation, and discussed prospective research directions for further exploration of mechanisms involving the SP/KLF gene family in dentin development. Relevant literature on SP/KLF gene family members and dentin development was acquired from PubMed and Web of Science. We discuss the expression patterns, functions, and related mechanisms of eight members of the SP/KLF gene family in dentin development and genetic disorders with dental problems. We also summarize current knowledge about their complementary or synergistic actions. Finally, we propose future research directions for investigating the mechanisms of dentin development. The SP/KLF gene family plays a vital role in tooth development. Studying the complex complementary or synergistic interactions between SPs/KLFs is helpful for understanding the process of odontoblast differentiation. Applications of single-cell and spatial multi-omics may provide a more complete investigation of the mechanism involved in dentin development.

Sall genes regulate hindlimb initiation in mouse embryos.

Vertebrate limbs start to develop as paired protrusions from the lateral plate mesoderm at specific locations of the body with forelimb buds developing anteriorly and hindlimb buds posteriorly. During the initiation process, limb progenitor cells maintain active proliferation to form protrusions and start to express Fgf10, which triggers molecular processes for outgrowth and patterning. Although both processes occur in both types of limbs, forelimbs (Tbx5), and hindlimbs (Isl1) utilize distinct transcriptional systems to trigger their development. Here, we report that Sall1 and Sall4, zinc finger transcription factor genes, regulate hindlimb initiation in mouse embryos. Compared to the 100% frequency loss of hindlimb buds in TCre; Isl1 conditional knockouts, Hoxb6Cre; Isl1 conditional knockout causes a hypomorphic phenotype with only approximately 5% of mutants lacking the hindlimb. Our previous study of SALL4 ChIP-seq showed SALL4 enrichment in an Isl1 enhancer, suggesting that SALL4 acts upstream of Isl1. Removing 1 allele of Sall4 from the hypomorphic Hoxb6Cre; Isl1 mutant background caused loss of hindlimbs, but removing both alleles caused an even higher frequency of loss of hindlimbs, suggesting a genetic interaction between Sall4 and Isl1. Furthermore, TCre-mediated conditional double knockouts of Sall1 and Sall4 displayed a loss of expression of hindlimb progenitor markers (Isl1, Pitx1, Tbx4) and failed to develop hindlimbs, demonstrating functional redundancy between Sall1 and Sall4. Our data provides genetic evidence that Sall1 and Sall4 act as master regulators of hindlimb initiation.

Prdm15 acts upstream of Wnt4 signaling in anterior neural development of Xenopus laevis.

Mutations in PRDM15 lead to a syndromic form of holoprosencephaly (HPE) known as the Galloway-Mowat syndrome (GAMOS). While a connection between PRDM15, a zinc finger transcription factor, and WNT/PCP signaling has been established, there is a critical need to delve deeper into their contributions to early development and GAMOS pathogenesis. We used the South African clawed frog Xenopus laevis as the vertebrate model organism and observed that prdm15 was enriched in the tissues and organs affected in GAMOS. Furthermore, we generated a morpholino oligonucleotide-mediated prdm15 knockdown model showing that the depletion of Prdm15 leads to abnormal eye, head, and brain development, effectively recapitulating the anterior neural features in GAMOS. An analysis of the underlying molecular basis revealed a reduced expression of key genes associated with eye, head, and brain development. Notably, this reduction could be rescued by the introduction of wnt4 RNA, particularly during the induction of the respective tissues. Mechanistically, our data demonstrate that Prdm15 acts upstream of both canonical and non-canonical Wnt4 signaling during anterior neural development. Our findings describe severe ocular and anterior neural abnormalities upon Prdm15 depletion and elucidate the role of Prdm15 in canonical and non-canonical Wnt4 signaling.

The Role of Bcl11 Transcription Factors in Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) comprise a diverse group of diseases, including developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). NDDs are caused by aberrant brain development due to genetic and environmental factors. To establish specific and curative therapeutic approaches, it is indispensable to gain precise mechanistic insight into the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of NDDs. Mutations of BCL11A and BCL11B, two closely related, ultra-conserved zinc-finger transcription factors, were recently reported to be associated with NDDs, including developmental delay, ASD, and ID, as well as morphogenic defects such as cerebellar hypoplasia. In mice, Bcl11 transcription factors are well known to orchestrate various cellular processes during brain development, for example, neural progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal migration, and the differentiation as well as integration of neurons into functional circuits. Developmental defects observed in both, mice and humans display striking similarities, suggesting Bcl11 knockout mice provide excellent models for analyzing human disease. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the cellular and molecular functions of Bcl11a and b and links experimental research to the corresponding NDDs observed in humans. Moreover, it outlines trajectories for future translational research that may help to better understand the molecular basis of Bcl11-dependent NDDs as well as to conceive disease-specific therapeutic approaches.

Cytotoxic Programming of CD4+ T Cells Is Regulated by Opposing Actions of the Related Transcription Factors Eos and Aiolos.

In contrast to the "helper" activities of most CD4+ T effector subsets, CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD4-CTLs) perform functions normally associated with CD8+ T and NK cells. Specifically, CD4-CTLs secrete cytotoxic molecules and directly target and kill compromised cells in an MHC class II-restricted fashion. The functions of these cells have been described in diverse immunological contexts, including their ability to provide protection during antiviral and antitumor responses, as well as being implicated in autoimmunity. Despite their significance to human health, the complete mechanisms that govern their programming remain unclear. In this article, we identify the Ikaros zinc finger transcription factor Eos (Ikzf4) as a positive regulator of CD4-CTL differentiation during murine immune responses against influenza virus infection. We find that the frequency of Eos+ cells is elevated in lung CD4-CTL populations and that the cytotoxic gene program is compromised in Eos-deficient CD4+ T cells. Consequently, we observe a reduced frequency and number of lung-residing, influenza virus-responsive CD4-CTLs in the absence of Eos. Mechanistically, we determine that this is due, at least in part, to reduced expression of IL-2 and IL-15 cytokine receptor subunits on the surface of Eos-deficient CD4+ T cells, both of which support the CD4-CTL program. Finally, we find that Aiolos, a related Ikaros family member and known CD4-CTL antagonist, represses Eos expression by antagonizing STAT5-dependent activation of the Ikzf4 promoter. Collectively, our findings reveal a mechanism wherein Eos and Aiolos act in opposition to regulate cytotoxic programming of CD4+ T cells.

The regulatory pathway of transcription factor MYB36 from Trichoderma asperellum Tas653 resistant to poplar leaf blight pathogen Alternaria alternata Aal004

In fungi, MYB transcription factors (TFs) mainly regulate growth, development, and resistance to stress. However, as major disease-resistance TFs, they have rarely been studied in biocontrol fungi. In this study, MYB36 of Trichoderma asperellum Tas653 (Ta) was shown to respond strongly to the stress caused by Alternaria alternata Aa1004. Compared with wild-type Ta (Ta-Wt), the inhibition rate of the MYB36 knockout strain (Ta-Kn) on Aa1004 decreased by 11.06%; the superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities decreased by 82.15 U/g, 0.19 OD470/min/g, and 1631.2 μmol/min/g, respectively. The MYB36 overexpression strain (Ta-Oe) not only enhanced hyperparasitism on Aa1004, caused its hyphae to swell, deform, or even rupture, but also reduced the incidence rate of poplar leaf blight. MYB36 regulates downstream (TFs, detoxification genes, defense genes, and other antifungal-related genes by binding to the cis-acting elements “ACAT” and “ATCG”. Zinc finger TFs, as the main antifungal TFs, account for 90% of the total TFs, and Zn37.5 (23.24-) and Zn83.7 (23.18-fold) showed the greatest expression difference when regulated directly by MYB36. The detoxification genes mainly comprised 11 major major facilitator superfamily (MFS) genes, among which MYB36 directly increased the expression levels of three genes by more than 2−3.44-fold. The defense genes mainly encoded cytochrome P450 (P450) and hydrolases. e.g., P45061.3 (2−10.95-), P45060.2 (2−7.07-), and Hyd44.6 (2−2.30-fold). This study revealed the molecular mechanism of MYB36 regulation of the resistance of T. asperellum to A. alternata and provides theoretical guidance for the biocontrol of poplar leaf blight and the anti-disease mechanism of biocontrol fungi.

KLF4 interacts with TXNIP to modulate the pyroptosis in ulcerative colitis via regulating NLRP3 signaling.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the most common diseases in the gastrointestinal tract related to abnormal inflammation. Pyroptosis, which is characterized by the formation of inflammasome, activation of caspase-1, and separation of N- and C-terminus of gasdermin D (GSDMD), and may be involved in the pathogenesis of IBD. Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a zinc finger transcription factor expressed in differentiated epithelial cells. KLF4 mediates proinflammatory signaling in macrophages. Here, we tested whether KLF4 is functional in pyroptosis of UC. In human UC tissues and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP) stimulation human colon epithelial cells, KLF4, TXNIP, Cleave-Caspase-1, and GSDMD expression were detected through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemical and western blot assay. Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We successfully constructed a KLF4-silenced colon epithelial cell line using an adenovirus vector. We apply the UCSC and JASPAR to predict the KLF4 binding sites in the promoter region of TXNIP. In human UC tissues and/or LPS/ATP stimulation human colon epithelial cells, KLF4, TXNIP, Caspase-1, and GSDMD expression level were significantly elevated via quantitative reverse transcription PCR, immunohistochemical and western blot assay. Moreover, We identified that there is an interaction between KLF4 and TXNIP through Yeast double hybrid assay and CO-IP assay. We successfully constructed a KLF4-silenced human intestinal epithelial cell line. In LPS/ATP stimulation KLF4-silenced human intestinal epithelial cells, KLF4, TXNIP, Cleave Caspase-1, ASC, and GSDMD expression level were significantly decreased via quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Our results confirm that KLF4 can positively regulate the expression of TXNIP and regulate the pyroptosis process of UC through the TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway.

Osr1-mediated mesothelial transition of liver mesenchymal cells exacerbates fibrotic liver damage

In chronic liver diseases, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are induced to form the myofibroblasts responsible for scar formation, leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing with in vivo lineage tracing in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model mice reveals a subpopulation of HSCs transitioning back to a state resembling their developmental precursors, mesothelial cells (MCs), after liver injury. These damage-associated intermediates between HSCs and MCs (DIHMs) can be traced with a dual recombinase system by labeling Krt19-expressing cells within pre-labeled Pdgfrb-positive HSCs, and DIHMs highly express inflammation- and fibrosis-associated genes. Cre and Dre-inducible depletion of DIHMs by administering diphtheria toxin reduces liver fibrosis and alleviates liver damage in NASH model mice. Importantly, knockdown of Osr1, a zinc finger transcription factor of the OSR gene family, can block DIHM induction in vitro. Conditional knockout Osr1 in Pdgfrb-expressing mesenchymal cells in NASH model mice can reduce liver fibrosis in vivo. Our study collectively uncovers an injury-induced developmental reversion process wherein HSCs undergo what we term a mesenchymal-to-mesothelial transition (MMesoT), which can be targeted to develop interventions to treat chronic liver diseases.

ZNF148 inhibits HBV replication by downregulating RXRα transcription

BackgroundProgressive hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can result in cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer, and chronic hepatitis. While antiviral drugs that are now on the market are efficient in controlling HBV infection, finding a functional cure is still quite difficult. Identifying host factors involved in regulating the HBV life cycle will contribute to the development of new antiviral strategies. Zinc finger proteins have a significant function in HBV replication, according to earlier studies. Zinc finger protein 148 (ZNF148), a zinc finger transcription factor, regulates the expression of various genes by specifically binding to GC-rich sequences within promoter regions. The function of ZNF148 in HBV replication was investigated in this study.MethodsHepG2-Na+/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (HepG2-NTCP) cells and Huh7 cells were used to evaluate the function of ZNF148 in vitro. Northern blotting and real-time PCR were used to quantify the amount of viral RNA. Southern blotting and real-time PCR were used to quantify the amount of viral DNA. Viral protein levels were elevated, according to the Western blot results. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to examine the transcriptional activity of viral promoters. ZNF148’s impact on HBV in vivo was investigated using an established rcccDNA mouse model.ResultsZNF148 overexpression significantly decreased the levels of HBV RNAs and HBV core DNA in HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells and Huh7 cells expressing prcccDNA. Silencing ZNF148 exhibited the opposite effects in both cell lines. Furthermore, ZNF148 inhibited the activity of HBV ENII/Cp and the transcriptional activity of cccDNA. Mechanistic studies revealed that ZNF148 attenuated retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRα) expression by binding to the RXRα promoter sequence. RXRα binding site mutation or RXRα overexpression abolished the suppressive effect of ZNF148 on HBV replication. The inhibitory effect of ZNF148 was also observed in the rcccDNA mouse model.ConclusionsZNF148 inhibited HBV replication by downregulating RXRα transcription. Our findings reveal that ZNF148 may be a new target for anti-HBV strategies.

A New Benzo[6,7]oxepino[3,2-b] Pyridine Derivative Induces Apoptosis in Canine Mammary Cancer Cell Lines

CMC is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and one of the leading causes of death in non-spayed female dogs. Exploring novel therapeutic agents is necessary to increase the survival rate of dogs with CMC. MPOBA is a BZOP derivative that has a significant anticancer effect in a human cell line. The main goal of this study was to investigate the anticancer properties of MPOBA against two CMC cell lines (REM134 and CMGT071020) using a 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, a wound healing assay, a transwell migration assay, an Annexin V-FITC apoptosis assay with a flow cytometry analysis, a mRNA expression analysis using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and an immunohistochemistry (IHC). According to the accumulated studies, MPOBA caused significant concentration- and time-dependent reductions in cell proliferation and cell migration and induced apoptosis in both CMC cell lines. In gene expression analysis, nine canine genes, including TP53, BCL-2, BAX, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), snail transcription factor (SNAIL), snail-related zinc-finger transcription factor (SLUG), TWIST, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin, were investigated. The mRNA expression results revealed that MPOBA induced upregulation of TP53 and overexpression of the pro-apoptotic gene BAX, together with an inhibition of BCL-2. Moreover, MPOBA also suppressed the mRNA expression levels of SNAIL, EGFR, and N-cadherin and induced upregulation of E-cadherin, crucial genes related to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, there was no significant difference in the IHC results of the expression patterns of vimentin (VT) and cytokeratin (CK) between MPOBA-treated and control CMC cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that MPOBA exhibited significant anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis in both CMCs via upregulation of TP53 and BAX and downregulation of BCL-2 relative mRNA expression. MPOBA may prove to be a potential candidate drug to be further investigated as a therapeutic agent for CMC.

Rreb1 is a key transcription factor in Sertoli cell maturation and function and spermatogenesis in mouse.

Spermatogenesis is a developmental process driven by interactions between germ cells and Sertoli cells. This process depends on appropriate gene expression, which might be regulated by transcription factors. This study focused on Rreb1, a zinc finger transcription factor, and explored its function and molecular mechanisms in spermatogenesis in a mouse model. Our results showed that RREB1 was predominantly expressed in the Sertoli cells of the testis. The decreased expression of RREB1 following injection of siRNA caused impaired Sertoli cell development, which was characterized using a defective blood-testis barrier structure and decreased expression of Sertoli cell functional maturity markers; its essential trigger might be SMAD3 destabilization. The decreased expression of RREB1 in mature Sertoli cells influenced the cell structure and function, which resulted in abnormal spermatogenesis, manifested as oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, and we believe RREB1 plays this role by regulating the transcription of Fshr and Wt1. RREB1 has been reported to activate Fshr transcription, and we demonstrated that the knockdown of Rreb1 caused a reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in the testis, which could be the cause of the increased sperm malformation. Furthermore, we confirmed that RREB1 directly activates Wt1 promoter activity, and RREB1 downregulation induced the decreased expression of Wt1 and its downstream polarity-associated genes Par6b and E-cadherin, which caused increased germ-cell death and reduced sperm number and motility. In conclusion, RREB1 is a key transcription factor essential for Sertoli cell development and function and is required for normal spermatogenesis.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the C2H2-zinc finger transcription factor gene family and screening of candidate genes involved in floral development in Coptis teeta Wall. (Ranunculaceae).

Background: C2H2-zinc finger transcription factors comprise one of the largest and most diverse gene superfamilies and are involved in the transcriptional regulation of flowering. Although a large number of C2H2 zinc-finger proteins (C2H2-ZFPs) have been well characterized in a number of model plant species, little is known about their expression and function in Coptis teeta. C. teeta displays two floral phenotypes (herkogamy phenotypes). It has been proposed that the C2H2-zinc finger transcription factor family may play a crucial role in the formation of floral development and herkogamy observed in C. teeta. As such, we performed a genome-wide analysis of the C2H2-ZFP gene family in C. teeta. Results: The complexity and diversity of C. teeta C2H2 zinc finger proteins were established by evaluation of their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, exon-intron structure, and conserved motifs. Chromosome localization showed that 95 members of the C2H2 zinc-finger genes were unevenly distributed across the nine chromosomes of C. teeta, and that these genes were replicated in tandem and segmentally and had undergone purifying selection. Analysis of cis-acting regulatory elements revealed a possible involvement of C2H2 zinc-finger proteins in the regulation of phytohormones. Transcriptome data was then used to compare the expression levels of these genes during the growth and development of the two floral phenotypes (F-type and M-type). These data demonstrate that in groups A and B, the expression levels of 23 genes were higher in F-type flowers, while 15 genes showed higher expressions in M-type flowers. qRT-PCR analysis further revealed that the relative expression was highly consistent with the transcriptome data. Conclusion: These data provide a solid basis for further in-depth studies of the C2H2 zinc finger transcription factor gene family in this species and provide preliminary information on which to base further research into the role of the C2H2 ZFPs gene family in floral development in C. teeta.

Chronic nickel exposure alters extracellular vesicles to mediate cancer progression via sustained NUPR1 expression

Cancer cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that participate in altering the proximal tumor environment and distal tissues to promote cancer progression. Chronic exposure to nickel (Ni), a human group I carcinogen, results in epigenetic changes that promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cells that undergo EMT demonstrate various molecular changes, including elevated levels of the mesenchymal cadherin N-cadherin (N-CAD) and the transcription factor Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1). Moreover, the molecular changes following EMT induce changes in cellular behavior, including anchorage-independent growth, which contributes to cancer cells detaching from tumor bulk during the metastatic process. Here, we present data demonstrating that EVs from Ni-exposed cells induce EMT in recipient BEAS-2B cells in the absence of Ni. Moreover, we show evidence that the EVs from Ni-altered cells package the transcription factor nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1), a transcription factor associated with Ni exposure and cancer progression. Moreover, our data demonstrates that the NUPR1 in the EVs becomes part of the recipient cell proteomic milieu and carry the NUPR1 to the nuclear space of the recipient cell. Interestingly, knockdown of NUPR1 in Ni-transformed cells suppressed NUPR1 packaging in the EVs, and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) demonstrated decreased EV release. Reduction of NUPR1 in EVs resulted in diminished EMT capacity that resulted in decreased anchorage independent growth. This study is the first to demonstrate the role of NUPR1 in extracellular vesicle-mediate cancer progression.

GATA-3-dependent Gene Transcription is Impaired upon HDAC Inhibition.

Many peripheral and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) subtypes are poorly responsive to conventional chemotherapeutic agents and associated with dismal outcomes. The zinc finger transcription factor GATA-3 and the transcriptional program it instigates are oncogenic and highly expressed in various T-cell neoplasms. Posttranslational acetylation regulates GATA-3 DNA binding and target gene expression. Given the widespread use of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) in relapsed/refractory CTCL, we sought to examine the extent to which these agents attenuate the transcriptional landscape in these lymphomas. Integrated GATA-3 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing analyses were performed in complementary cell line models and primary CTCL specimens treated with clinically available HDACi. We observed that exposure to clinically available HDACi led to significant transcriptional reprogramming and increased GATA-3 acetylation. HDACi-dependent GATA-3 acetylation significantly impaired both its ability to bind DNA and transcriptionally regulate its target genes, thus leading to significant transcriptional reprogramming in HDACi-treated CTCL. Beyond shedding new light on the mechanism of action associated with HDACi in CTCL, these findings have significant implications for their use, both as single agents and in combination with other novel agents, in GATA-3-driven lymphoproliferative neoplasms.

Disrupted odontoblast differentiation and dentin dysplasia in Epiprofin-deficient mice.

Tooth formation is a process tightly regulated by reciprocal interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. These epithelial-mesenchyme interactions regulate the expression of target genes via transcription factors. Among the regulatory elements governing this process, Epiprofin/Sp6 is a zinc finger transcription factor which is expressed in the embryonic dental epithelium and in differentiating pre-odontoblasts. Epiprofin knockout (Epfn-/-) mice present severe dental abnormalities, such as supernumerary teeth and enamel hypoplasia. Here, we describe dentin defects in molars and incisors of Epfn-/- mice. We observed that in the absence of Epfn, markers of early odontoblast differentiation, such as alkaline phosphatase activity, Dsp/Dpp expression, and Collagen Type I deposition, are downregulated. In addition, the expression of tight and gap junction proteins was severely impaired in the predontoblastic cell layer of developing Epfn-/- molars. Altogether, our data shows that Epfn is crucial for the proper differentiation of dental mesenchymal cells towards functional odontoblasts and subsequent dentin-matrix deposition.