STIM1 and calcium control the transcriptional networks regulating T-bet expression and Th1 differentiation
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ABSTRACT: The ER Ca2+ sensor STIM1 is critical for store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) through ORAI1 Ca2+ channels, which play important roles in nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) activation and T cell function. Loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in STIM1 or ORAI1 cause severe immunodeficiency with recurrent infections caused by viral and other pathogens. T helper 1 (Th1) cells, which express the transcription factor T-bet (encoded by TBX21) and produce interferon (IFN) g, are critical for immunity to intracellular pathogens. The role of STIM1 and SOCE in Th1 differentiation and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we report a patient with an intronic mutation in STIM1 that creates a de novo splice acceptor site, leads to STIM1 mRNA degradation and loss of STIM1 protein expression. STIM1 deficiency abolishes SOCE upon TCR stimulation and prevents the expression of Th1 cell-specific genes, including TBX21 and IFNG. Mechanistically, STIM1 controls the binding of NFAT to the distal region of the TBX21 enhancer. NFAT synergizes with signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), which is activated by IFN-g produced by activated T cells, to initiate the transcription of the TBX21 gene. Unexpectedly, STIM1 deficiency sensitizes T cells to interleukin 12 (IL-12) signaling by increasing the expression of IL-12 receptors, and exogenous IL-12 rescues TBX21 expression and Th1 differentiation in STIM1-deficient T cells. Our study reveals how the STIM1-SOCE-NFAT axis differentially regulates the transcriptional networks that control TBX21 expression and Th1 differentiation under IL-12-dependent and independent conditions.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE253187 | GEO | 2025/01/01
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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