Project description:It is currently unclear whether tissue changes surrounding multifocal epithelial tumors are a cause or consequence of cancer. Here, we provide evidence that loss of mesenchymal Notch/CSL signaling causes tissue alterations, including stromal atrophy and inflammation, which precede and are potent triggers for epithelial tumors. Mice carrying a mesenchymal-specific deletion of CSL/RBP-JK, a key Notch effector, exhibit spontaneous multifocal keratinocyte tumors that develop after dermal atrophy and inflammation. CSL-deficient dermal fibroblasts promote increased tumor cell proliferation through up-regulation of c-Jun and c-Fos expression and consequently higher levels of diffusible growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, and matrix remodeling enzymes. In human skin samples, stromal fields adjacent to cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas and multifocal premalignant actinic keratosis lesions exhibit decreased Notch/CSL signaling and associated molecular changes. Importantly, these changes in gene expression are also induced by UVA, a known environmental cause of cutaneous field cancerization and skin cancer. We used microarrays to detail the global changes in gene expression in dermal fibroblasts with in vivo and in vitro deletion of the RBP-Jk gene, compared to corresponding controls Global changes in gene expression in dermal fibroblasts with in vivo and in vitro deletion of the RBP-Jk gene were assessed, in parallel with the corresponding controls
Project description:It is currently unclear whether tissue changes surrounding multifocal epithelial tumors are a cause or consequence of cancer. Here, we provide evidence that loss of mesenchymal Notch/CSL signaling causes tissue alterations, including stromal atrophy and inflammation, which precede and are potent triggers for epithelial tumors. Mice carrying a mesenchymal-specific deletion of CSL/RBP-JK, a key Notch effector, exhibit spontaneous multifocal keratinocyte tumors that develop after dermal atrophy and inflammation. CSL-deficient dermal fibroblasts promote increased tumor cell proliferation through up-regulation of c-Jun and c-Fos expression and consequently higher levels of diffusible growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, and matrix remodeling enzymes. In human skin samples, stromal fields adjacent to cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas and multifocal premalignant actinic keratosis lesions exhibit decreased Notch/CSL signaling and associated molecular changes. Importantly, these changes in gene expression are also induced by UVA, a known environmental cause of cutaneous field cancerization and skin cancer. We used microarrays to detail the global changes in gene expression in dermal fibroblasts with in vivo and in vitro deletion of the RBP-Jk gene, compared to corresponding controls
Project description:Senescence of stromal fibroblasts has been linked to establishment of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) and aging-associated increase of tumors. However, in clinically occurring carcinomas, density and proliferation of CAFs are frequently increased rather than decreased. We previously showed that genetic deletion or down-modulation of the canonical Notch effector CSL/RBP-J-kappa in skin dermal fibroblasts is sufficient for CAF activation with consequent development of multifocal keratinocyte tumors. We now show that CSL deletion or knockdown induces senescence of primary fibroblasts derived from dermis, oral mucosa, breast and lung. CSL functions in these cells as a constitutive direct repressor of multiple senescence- and CAF-effector genes. At the same time, it physically interacts with p53, repressing its activity, with p53 activation providing a failsafe mechanism against compromised CSL function. Concomitant loss of CSL and p53 overcomes fibroblasts senescence, enhances CAF effector gene expression and, in vivo, promotes stromal and cancer cell expansion. Together, these findings support a CAF activation/stromal evolution model under convergent CSL/p53 control. We used microarrays to detail the global changes in gene expression in human dermal fibroblasts after CSL silencing
Project description:Gene expression programs depend on sequence-specific DNA binding transcription factors, but the mechanisms that control the selective binding of these factors in a chromosomal and genomic context remain enigmatic. Here, we show that two master regulators of B-cell fate, namely EBF1 and RBP-jk, show variable genome-wide chromosome distribution in two related B-lymphocyte lines carrying different forms of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) latency. The latency-type specific EBV-encoded EBNA2 colocalized with RBP-jk and EBF1 at induced binding sites. Colocalization of EBF1, RBP-jk, and EBNA2 correlated with transcriptional activation. Conditional expression or repression of EBNA2 lead to a rapid alteration in RBP-jk and EBF1 binding. Biochemical and shRNA depletion studies provide evidence for cooperative assembly at co-occupied sites. These findings reveal that non-DNA binding cofactors can facilitate combinatorial interactions to induce new patterns of transcription factor occupancy and gene programming Examination of EBNA2/EBF1/EBP-jk binding in MutuI and LCL cell lines
Project description:Interaction of the Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) Rta protein with the cellular Notch signaling effector, Recombination Signaling Protein (RBP)-Jk (aka CSL and CBF-1), is essential for viral reactivation from latency. We previously showed that Rta binds to a DNA motif repeated in the viral Mta promoter (called “CANT” or Rta-c) to stimulate RBP-Jk DNA binding, and distinguished Rta from the activated Notch-1 protein. To determine whether Rta’s mechanism would apply generally to other viral promoters, we employed chromatin immunoprecipitation/deep sequencing (ChIP/Seq) to identify Rta and RBP-Jk binding sites across the KSHV genome. We show that RBP-Jk binds nearly exclusively to unique genome sites during latency and reactivation. Many, but not all, reactivation-specific RBP-Jk peaks were associated with Rta bound to single Rta-c motifs. Other motifs that were over-represented with stimulated RBP-Jk DNA binding including those for the cellular DNA binding proteins BCL11A, MNT, MAF B, and TCF12. Four of the top seven motifs that were most over-represented with inhibition of RBP-Jk DNA binding were putative binding sites for the Pit/Oct/Unc (POU) family of proteins, including POU3F3 (Oct-8) and POU5F1 (Oct-4). Interestingly, two other POU motifs, including one for the POU2F1 (Oct-1) protein, are associated with inhibition of RBP-Jk DNA binding unless Rta bound to a nearby Rta-c motif. The relative distances between the Rta-c, POU, and RBP-Jk motifs were conserved at reactivation-specific RBP-Jk peaks in three promoters that Rta transactivated, and the Rta-c and Oct-1 motifs overlapped in two of those. The proximity of the Rta-c/Oct-1 motif to an RBP-Jk motif is critical for Rta transactivation of the ORF50AS/KbZIP promoter, and knockdown of Oct-1 protein debilitated reactivation and production of infectious virus. Our data suggest a broad role for POU proteins in regulating DNA binding of RBP-Jk and its associated transactivators.
Project description:Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). All PEL cell lines are infected with KSHV, and 70% are co-infected with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). KSHV reactivation from latency requires promoter-specific transactivation by the KSHV Rta protein through interactions with RBP-Jk (CSL), the cellular DNA binding component of the Notch signal transduction pathway. EBV transformation of primary B cells requires EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA)-2 to interact with RBP-Jk to direct the latent viral and cellular gene expression program. Although KSHV Rta and EBV EBNA-2 both require RBP-Jk for transactivation, previous studies have suggested that RBP-Jk-dependent transactivators do not function identically. We have found that the EBV latent protein LMP-1 is expressed in less than 5% of KSHV+/EBV+ PEL cells, but is induced in an Rta-dependent fashion when KSHV reactivates. KSHV Rta transactivates the EBV latency promoters in an RBP-Jk-dependent fashion and forms a ternary complex with RBP-Jk on the promoters. In B cells that are conditionally transformed by EBV alone, we show that KSHV Rta complements a short-term EBNA2 growth deficiency in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Complementaton of EBNA2-deficiency by Rta depends on RBP-Jk and LMP-1, and Rta transactivation is required for optimal growth of KSHV+/EBV+ PEL lines. Our data suggest that Rta can contribute to EBV-driven cellular growth by transactivating RBP-Jk-dependent EBV latency genes. However, our data also suggest that EBNA2 and Rta induce distinct alterations in the cellular proteomes that contribute to growth of infected cells.
Project description:Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). All PEL cell lines are infected with KSHV, and 70% are co-infected with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). KSHV reactivation from latency requires promoter-specific transactivation by the KSHV Rta protein through interactions with RBP-Jk (CSL), the cellular DNA binding component of the Notch signal transduction pathway. EBV transformation of primary B cells requires EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA)-2 to interact with RBP-Jk to direct the latent viral and cellular gene expression program. Although KSHV Rta and EBV EBNA-2 both require RBP-Jk for transactivation, previous studies have suggested that RBP-Jk-dependent transactivators do not function identically. We have found that the EBV latent protein LMP-1 is expressed in less than 5% of KSHV+/EBV+ PEL cells, but is induced in an Rta-dependent fashion when KSHV reactivates. KSHV Rta transactivates the EBV latency promoters in an RBP-Jk-dependent fashion and forms a ternary complex with RBP-Jk on the promoters. In B cells that are conditionally transformed by EBV alone, we show that KSHV Rta complements a short-term EBNA2 growth deficiency in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Complementaton of EBNA2-deficiency by Rta depends on RBP-Jk and LMP-1, and Rta transactivation is required for optimal growth of KSHV+/EBV+ PEL lines. Our data suggest that Rta can contribute to EBV-driven cellular growth by transactivating RBP-Jk-dependent EBV latency genes. However, our data also suggest that EBNA2 and Rta induce distinct alterations in the cellular proteomes that contribute to growth of infected cells. EREB2-5 cells were transfected and grown in the presence or absence of β-estradiol, as described. Seven days post-transfection, protein extracts were prepared, and 200 ugs. of each were analyzed using the RayBio Human Apoptosis Antibody Array Kit (RayBiotech) as per manufacturers suggestions. The membranes were exposed to autoradiography film for different times to detect the chemiluminescent signals. Images with signals in linear range were quantitated using the program ImageJ [59]. For each membrane, signals from the negative control spots were averaged, and then subtracted from each of the other spots. A signal was considered valid if its value exceeded both its average local background, and the average of all valid negative control values. Valid signals were normalized using the positive control spots (for cellular BID protein). Fold change in signals for each spot were quantitated by dividing by the valid signals for each corresponding spot on the minus β-estradiol membrane. Average fold change, and standard deviation, were calculated for each protein.
Project description:Senescence of stromal fibroblasts has been linked to establishment of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) and aging-associated increase of tumors. However, in clinically occurring carcinomas, density and proliferation of CAFs are frequently increased rather than decreased. We previously showed that genetic deletion or down-modulation of the canonical Notch effector CSL/RBP-J? in skin dermal fibroblasts is sufficient for CAF activation with consequent development of multifocal keratinocyte tumors. We now show that CSL deletion or knockdown induces senescence of primary fibroblasts derived from dermis, oral mucosa, breast and lung. CSL functions in these cells as a constitutive direct repressor of multiple senescence- and CAF-effector genes. At the same time, it physically interacts with p53, repressing its activity, and p53 activation provides a failsafe mechanism against compromised CSL function. Concomitant loss of CSL and p53 overcomes fibroblast senescence, enhances expression of CAF effector genes and, in vivo, promotes tumour and stromal cell expansion. Together, the findings support a CAF activation/stromal evolution model under convergent CSL/p53 control. Examination of genome-wide CSL binding sites in primary human dermal fibroblasts usinf two different antibodies against CSL
Project description:Senescence of stromal fibroblasts has been linked to establishment of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) and aging-associated increase of tumors. However, in clinically occurring carcinomas, density and proliferation of CAFs are frequently increased rather than decreased. We previously showed that genetic deletion or down-modulation of the canonical Notch effector CSL/RBP-Jκ in skin dermal fibroblasts is sufficient for CAF activation with consequent development of multifocal keratinocyte tumors. We now show that CSL deletion or knockdown induces senescence of primary fibroblasts derived from dermis, oral mucosa, breast and lung. CSL functions in these cells as a constitutive direct repressor of multiple senescence- and CAF-effector genes. At the same time, it physically interacts with p53, repressing its activity, and p53 activation provides a failsafe mechanism against compromised CSL function. Concomitant loss of CSL and p53 overcomes fibroblast senescence, enhances expression of CAF effector genes and, in vivo, promotes tumour and stromal cell expansion. Together, the findings support a CAF activation/stromal evolution model under convergent CSL/p53 control. Human Dermal Fibroblasts were transfected with two different siRNA against CSL in parallel with a control siRNA. Total RNA was extracted 3 days post-transfection, followed by RNA-Seq analysis.