p53 mediates target gene association with nuclear speckles for amplified RNA expression

Mol Cell. 2021 Apr 15;81(8):1666-1681.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.03.006. Epub 2021 Apr 5.

Abstract

Nuclear speckles are prominent nuclear bodies that contain proteins and RNA involved in gene expression. Although links between nuclear speckles and gene activation are emerging, the mechanisms regulating association of genes with speckles are unclear. We find that speckle association of p53 target genes is driven by the p53 transcription factor. Focusing on p21, a key p53 target, we demonstrate that speckle association boosts expression by elevating nascent RNA amounts. p53-regulated speckle association did not depend on p53 transactivation functions but required an intact proline-rich domain and direct DNA binding, providing mechanisms within p53 for regulating gene-speckle association. Beyond p21, a substantial subset of p53 targets have p53-regulated speckle association. Strikingly, speckle-associating p53 targets are more robustly activated and occupy a distinct niche of p53 biology compared with non-speckle-associating p53 targets. Together, our findings illuminate regulated speckle association as a mechanism used by a transcription factor to boost gene expression.

Keywords: chromosome architecture; gene activation; nuclear positioning; nuclear speckles; p21; p53; phase-separated nuclear bodies; transcription; transcription factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Nucleus / genetics*
  • DNA / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Intranuclear Inclusion Bodies / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Protein Binding / genetics
  • RNA / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics
  • Transcriptional Activation / genetics*
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics*

Substances

  • Nuclear Proteins
  • TP53 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • RNA
  • DNA