Overexpression nub-RB and Pdm2-RB
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ABSTRACT: The intricate regulation of gut homeostasis is dependent on a fine-tuned regulation of the host defense to avoid detrimental immune activation. We have previously applied Drosophila to show that mutants of the short isoform of the POU transcription factor Pdm1/nubbin (nub) have a constitutively active immune response, altered gut microbiota and shortened lifespan. Here, we studied the role of Nub-PB, the larger isoform derived from the nub gene. Both Nub protein isoforms contain the C-terminal POU and Homeo domains whereas Nub-PB encompasses a longer N-terminal end. Microarray analysis revealed that targeted misexpression of Nub-PB in immunocompetent organs triggers a strong and broad expression of immune genes in a comparable manner to Nub-PD mutants. The seemingly antagonistic functions of the two isoforms were confirmed by co-overexpression of both forms, which resulted in normal expression levels of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes. Cell line experiments demonstrated a synergistic activation of AMPs by the combined transfection with Nub-PB and NF-kB/Relish. In agreement with this finding, Relish was indispensable for Nub-PB-driven diptericin expression, suggesting that Nub-PB acts as a Relish co-activator. Moreover, Nub-PB triggered strong expression of gut-specific drosomycin-like genes in a JAK/STAT pathway-dependent manner. Using RNA interference, we found that Nub-PB influences antimicrobial peptide expression in gut but not fat body tissues. Moreover, Nub-PB expression levels in gut enterocytes correlated with the gut bacterial load as well as host lifespan, suggesting a profound role in host immunity. Surprisingly, Nub-PB-overexpression caused a hypersensitive infection phenotype as flies succumbed within 24 h to orally administered Erwinia carotovora carotovora 15. Nub-PB thus appears to be a central activator of gut immunity that requires tight control, executed at least in part, by isoform antagonism to maintain immune homeostasis.
ORGANISM(S): Drosophila melanogaster
PROVIDER: GSE100604 | GEO | 2018/03/10
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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