LHX3 interacts with inhibitor of histone acetyltransferase complex subunits LANP and TAF-1β to modulate pituitary gene regulation

PLoS One. 2013 Jul 4;8(7):e68898. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068898. Print 2013.

Abstract

LIM-homeodomain 3 (LHX3) is a transcription factor required for mammalian pituitary gland and nervous system development. Human patients and animal models with LHX3 gene mutations present with severe pediatric syndromes that feature hormone deficiencies and symptoms associated with nervous system dysfunction. The carboxyl terminus of the LHX3 protein is required for pituitary gene regulation, but the mechanism by which this domain operates is unknown. In order to better understand LHX3-dependent pituitary hormone gene transcription, we used biochemical and mass spectrometry approaches to identify and characterize proteins that interact with the LHX3 carboxyl terminus. This approach identified the LANP/pp32 and TAF-1β/SET proteins, which are components of the inhibitor of histone acetyltransferase (INHAT) multi-subunit complex that serves as a multifunctional repressor to inhibit histone acetylation and modulate chromatin structure. The protein domains of LANP and TAF-1β that interact with LHX3 were mapped using biochemical techniques. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that LANP and TAF-1β are associated with LHX3 target genes in pituitary cells, and experimental alterations of LANP and TAF-1β levels affected LHX3-mediated pituitary gene regulation. Together, these data suggest that transcriptional regulation of pituitary genes by LHX3 involves regulated interactions with the INHAT complex.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Line
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • Chromatin / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genes, Reporter
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Histone Acetyltransferases / genetics
  • Histone Acetyltransferases / metabolism*
  • Histones / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • Luciferases
  • Mice
  • Pituitary Gland / cytology
  • Pituitary Gland / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protein Subunits / genetics
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • TATA-Binding Protein Associated Factors / genetics
  • TATA-Binding Protein Associated Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factor TFIID / genetics
  • Transcription Factor TFIID / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Histones
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins
  • Lhx3 protein
  • Protein Subunits
  • TATA-Binding Protein Associated Factors
  • Transcription Factor TFIID
  • Transcription Factors
  • Luciferases
  • Histone Acetyltransferases
  • TATA-binding protein associated factor 250 kDa