Dataset Information

Removal of Hsf4 leads to cataract development in mice through down-regulation of gamma S-crystallin and Bfsp expression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Heat-shock transcription factor 4 (HSF4) mutations are associated with autosomal dominant lamellar cataract and Marner cataract. Disruptions of the Hsf4 gene cause lens defects in mice, indicating a requirement for HSF4 in fiber cell differentiation during lens development. However, neither the relationship between HSF4 and crystallins nor the detailed mechanism of maintenance of lens transparency by HSF4 is fully understood.

Results

In an attempt to determine how the underlying biomedical and physiological mechanisms resulting from loss of HSF4 contribute to cataract formation, we generated an Hsf4 knockout mouse model. We showed that the Hsf4 knockout mouse (Hsf4-/-) partially mimics the human cataract caused by HSF4 mutations. Q-PCR analysis revealed down-regulation of several cataract-relevant genes, including gamma S-crystallin (Crygs) and lens-specific beaded filament proteins 1 and 2 (Bfsp1 and Bfsp2), in the lens of the Hsf4-/- mouse. Transcription activity analysis using the dual-luciferase system suggested that these cataract-relevant genes are the direct downstream targets of HSF4. The effect of HSF4 on gamma S-crystallin is exemplified by the cataractogenesis seen in the Hsf4-/-,rncat intercross. The 2D electrophoretic analysis of whole-lens lysates revealed a different expression pattern in 8-week-old Hsf4-/- mice compared with their wild-type counterparts, including the loss of some alpha A-crystallin modifications and reduced expression of gamma-crystallin proteins.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that HSF4 is sufficiently important to lens development and disruption of the Hsf4 gene leads to cataracts via at least three pathways: 1) down-regulation of gamma-crystallin, particularly gamma S-crystallin; 2) decreased lens beaded filament expression; and 3) loss of post-translational modification of alpha A-crystallin.

SUBMITTER: Shi X

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2653017 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Removal of Hsf4 leads to cataract development in mice through down-regulation of gamma S-crystallin and Bfsp expression.

Shi Xiaohe X Cui Bin B Wang Zhugang Z Weng Lin L Xu Zhongping Z Ma Jinjin J Xu Guotong G Kong Xiangyin X Hu Landian L

BMC molecular biology 20090219

<h4>Background</h4>Heat-shock transcription factor 4 (HSF4) mutations are associated with autosomal dominant lamellar cataract and Marner cataract. Disruptions of the Hsf4 gene cause lens defects in mice, indicating a requirement for HSF4 in fiber cell differentiation during lens development. However, neither the relationship between HSF4 and crystallins nor the detailed mechanism of maintenance of lens transparency by HSF4 is fully understood.<h4>Results</h4>In an attempt to determine how the u ...[more]

PMID: 19224648

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Project description:PURPOSE: To identify the underlying genetic defect in a north Indian family with seven members in three-generations affected with bilateral congenital cataract. METHODS: Detailed family history and clinical data were recorded. Linkage analysis using fluorescently labeled microsatellite markers for the already known candidate gene loci was performed in combination with mutation screening by bidirectional sequencing. RESULTS: Affected individuals had bilateral congenital cataract. Cataract was of opalescent type with the central nuclear region denser than the periphery. Linkage was excluded for the known cataract candidate gene loci at 1p34-36, 1q21-25 (gap junction protein, alpha 8 [GJA8]), 2q33-36 (crystallin, gamma A [CRYGA], crystallin, gamma B [CRYGB], crystallin, gamma C [CRYGC], crystallin, gamma D [CRYGD], crystallin, beta A2 [CRYBA2]), 3q21-22 (beaded filament structural protein 2, phakinin [BFSP2]), 12q12-14 (aquaporin 0 [AQP0]), 13q11-13 (gap junction protein, alpha 3 [GJA3]), 15q21-22, 16q22-23 (v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog [MAF], heat shock transcription factor 4 [HSF4]), 17q11-12 (crystallin, beta A1 [CRYBA1]), 17q24, 21q22.3 (crystallin, alpha A [CRYAA]), and 22q11.2 (crystallin, beta B1 [CRYBB1], crystallin, beta B2 [CRYBB2], crystallin, beta B3 [CRYBB3], crystallin, beta A4 [CRYBA4]). Crystallin, alpha B (CRYAB) at chromosome 11q23-24 was excluded by sequence analysis. However, sequencing the candidate gene, crystallin, gamma S (CRYGS), at chromosome 3q26.3-qter showed a heterozygous c.176G-->A change that resulted in the replacement of a structurally highly conserved valine by methionine at codon 42 (p.V42M). This sequence change was not observed in unaffected family members or in the 100 ethnically matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: We report a novel missense mutation, p.V42M, in CRYGS associated with bilateral congenital cataract in a family of Indian origin. This is the third report of a mutation in this exceptional member of the beta-/gamma-crystallin superfamily and further substantiates the genetic and clinical heterogeneity of autosomal dominant cataract.

Dataset Information

Removal of Hsf4 leads to cataract development in mice through down-regulation of gamma S-crystallin and Bfsp expression.

Background

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Removal of Hsf4 leads to cataract development in mice through down-regulation of gamma S-crystallin and Bfsp expression.

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