Project description:C2H2 zinc finger proteins represent the largest and most enigmatic class of human transcription factors. Their C2H2-ZF arrays are highly variable, indicating that most will have unique DNA binding motifs. However, most of the binding motifs have not been directly determined. In addition, little is known about whether or how these proteins regulate transcription. Most of the ∼700 human C2H2-ZF proteins also contain at least one KRAB, SCAN, BTB, or SET domain, suggesting that they may have common interacting partners and/or effector functions. Here, we report a multifaceted functional analysis of 131 human C2H2-ZF proteins, encompassing DNA binding sites, interacting proteins, and transcriptional response to genetic perturbation. We confirm the expected diversity in DNA binding motifs and genomic binding sites, and provide motif models for 78 previously uncharacterized C2H2-ZF proteins, most of which are unique. Surprisingly, the diversity in protein-protein interactions is nearly as high as diversity in DNA binding motifs: Most C2H2-ZF proteins interact with a unique spectrum of co-activators and co-repressors. Thus, multiparameter diversification likely underlies the evolutionary success of this large class of human proteins.
Project description:We have identified protein protein interactions of 118 C2H2 zinc finger proteins by AP-MS using GFP-tagged constructs in order to understand their role in transcription regulation.
Project description:C2H2 zinc finger proteins represent the largest and most enigmatic class of human transcription factors. Their C2H2 arrays are highly variable, indicating that most will have unique DNA binding motifs. However, most of the binding motifs have not been directly determined. We have determined the binding sites and motifs of 119 C2H2 zinc finger proteins and the expression pattern of 80 cell lines overexpressing C2H2 zinc finger proteins in order to study the role of C2H2 zinc finger proteins in gene regulation. We expressed GFP-tagged C2H2-ZF proteins in stable transgenic HEK293 cells. Total RNA was isolated using Trizol and sequencing libraries were constructed using TruSeq Stranded Total RNA Library Prep Kit with Ribo-Zero Gold or TruSeq RNA Library Preparation Kit v2.
Project description:C2H2 zinc finger proteins represent the largest and most enigmatic class of human transcription factors. Their C2H2 arrays are highly variable, indicating that most will have unique DNA binding motifs. However, most of the binding motifs have not been directly determined. We have determined the binding sites and motifs of 119 C2H2 zinc finger proteins and the expression pattern of 80 cell lines overexpressing C2H2 zinc finger proteins in order to study the role of C2H2 zinc finger proteins in gene regulation.
Project description:A ZAS gene encodes a large protein with two separate C2H2 zinc finger pairs that independently bind to specific DNA sequences, including the kappaB motif. Three paralogous mammalian genes, ZAS1, ZAS2, and ZAS3, and a related Drosophila gene, Schnurri, have been cloned and characterized. The ZAS genes encode transcriptional proteins that activate or repress the transcription of a variety of genes involved in growth, development, and metastasis. In addition, ZAS3 associates with a TNF receptor-associated factor to inhibit NF-kappaB- and JNK/ SAPK-mediated signaling of TNF-alpha. Genetic experiments show that ZAS3 deficiency leads to proliferation of cells and tumor formation in mice. The data suggest that ZAS3 is important in controlling cell growth, apoptosis, and inflammation. The potent vasoactive hormone endothelin and transcription factor AP2 gene families also each consist of three members. The ZAS, endothelin, and transcription factor AP2 genes form several linkage groups. Knowledge of the chromosomal locations of these genes provides valuable clues to the evolution of the vertebrate genome.