Project description:Epigenetic factors are well established players in memory formation. Specifically, DNA methylation is necessary for the formation of long-term memory in multiple brain regions including the hippocampus. Despite the demonstrated role for DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) in memory formation whether individual Dnmts play unique or redundant functions in long-term memory formation is not well established. Furthermore, the downstream processes controlled by the Dnmts during the consolidation of memory are not investigated. In this study, we investigated the requirement for Dnmt3a1, the predominant Dnmt in the adult brain, in hippocampal long-term memory formation. Furthermore, we identified an activity-regulated Dnmt3a1-dependent genomic program. Our data showed that Dnmt3a1, similarly to its isoform Dnmt3a2, plays a critical role in memory formation. Furthermore, we uncovered Neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) as a downstream target of Dnmt3a1 during the formation of memory. Intriguingly, we found that Nrp1 expression is selectively regulated and a specific downstream effector of Dnmt3a1, but not Dnmt3a2. Taken together, our study uncovered a Dnmt3a isoform specific mechanism in memory formation and further highlighted the complex and highly regulated functions of distinct epigenetic regulators in brain function.
Project description:Epigenetic factors are well-established players in memory formation. Specifically, DNA methylation is necessary for the formation of long-term memory in multiple brain regions including the hippocampus. Despite the demonstrated role of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) in memory formation, it is unclear whether individual Dnmts have unique or redundant functions in long-term memory formation. Furthermore, the downstream processes controlled by Dnmts during memory consolidation have not been investigated. In this study, we demonstrated that Dnmt3a1, the predominant Dnmt in the adult brain, is required for long-term spatial object recognition and contextual fear memory. Using RNA sequencing, we identified an activity-regulated Dnmt3a1-dependent genomic program in which several genes were associated with functional and structural plasticity. Furthermore, we found that some of the identified genes are selectively dependent on Dnmt3a1, but not its isoform Dnmt3a2. Specifically, we identified Neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) as a downstream target of Dnmt3a1 and further demonstrated the involvement of Nrp1 in hippocampus-dependent memory formation. Importantly, we found that Dnmt3a1 regulates hippocampus-dependent memory via Nrp1. In contrast, Nrp1 overexpression did not rescue memory impairments triggered by reduced Dnmt3a2 levels. Taken together, our study uncovered a Dnmt3a-isoform-specific mechanism in memory formation, identified a novel regulator of memory, and further highlighted the complex and highly regulated functions of distinct epigenetic regulators in brain function.
Project description:To compare subpopulations of Treg cells in wild type mice based upon Nrp1 Expression, differentiating nTreg and iTreg Cells were FACS sorted based upon expression of CD4, Foxp3 and expression of Nrp1.
Project description:Obesity gives rise to metabolic complications by mechanisms that are poorly understood. While chronic inflammatory signaling in adipose tissue is typically associated with metabolic deficiencies linked to excessive weight gain, we identified a subset of NRP1-expressing myeloid cells that accumulate in adipose tissue and protect against obesity and metabolic syndrome. Ablation of NRP1 in macrophages compromised lipid uptake in these cells, which reduced substrates for fatty acid β-oxidation and shifted energy metabolism of these macrophages towards a more inflammatory glycolytic metabolism. Conditional deletion of NRP1 in LysM Cre-expressing cells lead to inadequate adipose vascularization, accelerated weight gain and reduced insulin sensitivity even independent of weight gain. Transfer of NRP1+ hematopoietic cells improved glucose homeostasis, resulting in the reversal of a prediabetic phenotype. Our findings suggest a pivotal role for adipose tissue resident NRP1+-expressing macrophages in driving healthy weight gain and maintaining glucose tolerance.
Project description:HIF1 is essential for regulation of the transcriptional response to hypoxia. Recently we showed that the transcriptional repressors E2F7 and E2F8 interact and transcriptionally cooperate with HIF1. Here we further explored this cooperation by performing genome-wide analysis, screening for novel HIF1-E2F7 targets. We show that specifically E2F7 is induced in hypoxia by HIF1. Furthermore, chip-sequencing for E2F7 and HIF1 revealed a large number of common targets of which a subset was also regulated by the complex as examined by microarray analysis. Our data show that the HIF1-E2F7 complex can function both as a repressor or activator. Notably, we identify neuropilin 1 (NRP1) as a novel HIF1-E2F7 target, which is repressed by HIF1-E2F7 in vitro and during zebrafish development, depending on E2F-binding sites present in the NRP1 promoter. In addition we show that regulation of NRP1 by the HIF1-E2F7 complex is required for normal axon guidance of spinal motorneurons in vivo. ChIP-seq analysis of HIF1a and E2F7 binding
Project description:HIF1 is essential for regulation of the transcriptional response to hypoxia. Recently we showed that the transcriptional repressors E2F7 and E2F8 interact and transcriptionally cooperate with HIF1. Here we further explored this cooperation by performing genome-wide analysis, screening for novel HIF1-E2F7 targets. We show that specifically E2F7 is induced in hypoxia by HIF1. Furthermore, chip-sequencing for E2F7 and HIF1 revealed a large number of common targets of which a subset was also regulated by the complex as examined by microarray analysis. Our data show that the HIF1-E2F7 complex can function both as a repressor or activator. Notably, we identify neuropilin 1 (NRP1) as a novel HIF1-E2F7 target, which is repressed by HIF1-E2F7 in vitro and during zebrafish development, depending on E2F-binding sites present in the NRP1 promoter. In addition we show that regulation of NRP1 by the HIF1-E2F7 complex is required for normal axon guidance of spinal motorneurons in vivo.
Project description:CD4+ memory T cells are central to long-lasting protective immunity and are involved in shaping the pathophysiology of chronic inflammation. While metabolic reprogramming is critical for the generation of memory T cells, the mechanisms controlling the redox metabolism in memory T cell formation remain unclear. We found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism changed dramatically in T helper-2 (Th2) cells during the contraction phase in the process of memory T cell formation. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip), a regulator of oxidoreductase, regulated apoptosis by scavenging ROS via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-biliverdin reductase B (Blvrb) pathway. Txnip regulated the pathology of chronic airway inflammation in the lung by controlling the generation of allergen-specific pathogenic memory Th2 cells in vivo. Thus, the Txnip-Nrf2-Blvrb axis directs ROS metabolic reprogramming in Th2 cells and is a potential therapeutic target for intractable chronic inflammatory diseases.