Identification of a new type of PBX1 partner that contains zinc finger motifs and inhibits the binding of HOXA9-PBX1 to DNA

Mech Dev. 2007 May;124(5):364-76. doi: 10.1016/j.mod.2007.01.008. Epub 2007 Feb 8.

Abstract

PBX1 belongs to the TALE-class of homeodomain protein and has a wide functional diversity during development. Indeed, PBX1 is required for haematopoiesis as well as for multiple developmental processes such as skeletal patterning and organogenesis. It has furthermore been shown that PBX1 functions as a HOX cofactor during development. More recent data suggest that PBX1 may act even more broadly by modulating the activity of non-homeodomain transcription factors. To better understand molecular mechanisms triggered by PBX1 during female genital tract development, we searched for additional PBX1 partners that might be involved in this process. Using a two hybrid screen, we identified a new PBX1 interacting protein containing several zinc finger motifs that we called ZFPIP for Zinc Finger PBX1 Interacting Protein. We demonstrated that ZFPIP is expressed in embryonic female genital tract but also in other PBX1 expression domains such as the developing head and the limb buds. We further showed that ZFPIP is able to bind physically and in vivo to PBX1 and moreover, that it prevents the binding of HOXA9/PBX complexes to their consensus DNA site. We suggest that ZFPIP is a new type of PBX1 partner that could participate in PBX1 function during several developmental pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • COS Cells
  • Cattle
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Genitalia, Female / embryology
  • Genitalia, Female / metabolism
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Pre-B-Cell Leukemia Transcription Factor 1
  • Protein Binding
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transfection
  • Two-Hybrid System Techniques
  • Zinc Fingers / genetics

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Pbx1 protein, mouse
  • Pre-B-Cell Leukemia Transcription Factor 1
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • homeobox protein HOXA9
  • PBX1 protein, human
  • DNA