Biochemistry and Regulation of Gene Expression in Mammalian Cells
László Nagy, István Szatmári, Beáta Scholtz
Email: nagyl@med.unideb.hu
Gene expression can be regulated through activation or inactivation of proteins.
Direct binding to DNA.
Sequence-specific DNA binding (8-20 bp binding sites).
Modification of chromatin structure.
Regulation of the General Transcription Factor II (GTFII) and RNA Polymerase II complex.
Determine transcription initiation by stimulating or inhibiting the process.
Promoter: Regulates transcription.
Enhancer: Enhances transcription.
Silencer: Represses transcription.
Binding sites for transcription factors exist within these regions, which may include consensus sequences such as GAGGTGC or AAGGCGT found in different gene promoters.
Promoters are essential regulatory DNA sequences that are typically localized in the region approximately between -250 base pairs (bp) to +40 bp relative to the transcription start site (TSS). This region is crucial for the initiation of transcription, as it contains binding sites for general transcription factors (GTFs) and RNA polymerase II, which are necessary for the transcription process to begin. Additionally, larger upstream regions are often present, contributing to the overall control of transcriptional activity. These upstream elements can harbor various regulatory sequences that interact with transcription factors, influencing the binding affinity and activity of the promoter. Understanding the precise localization and structure of promoters is vital for elucidating the mechanisms of gene expression regulation in eukaryotic cells.
The minimal promoter (-40/+40 bp) contains the transcription start site and general transcription factor binding sites.
Distant regulatory regions are also essential for in vivo gene expression regulation.
A DNA region that regulates gene transcription, located primarily upstream from the gene and about 300 bp long.
Capable of binding repressor or activator transcription factors, but insufficient for proper regulation on its own.
Typically 200-300 bp long.
Can localize either upstream or downstream from the gene, even at considerable distances.
Contain transcription factor binding sites, acting cooperatively with promoters.
Distant regulatory regions can initiate bidirectional transcription, producing short, unstable RNAs with unknown functions.
Regulates gene (transcriptional) activity.
Positioned 5' or 3' from the transcription start site.
Binds repressor or activator transcription factors.
Acts in conjunction with the promoter for gene expression regulation.
Capable of long-distance action (> 10,000 bp).
Transcription factors, GTFs, RNA polymerase II, and DNA/chromatin loops facilitate long-range interaction between enhancers and their regulated promoters.
TADs are structural genome units formed through enhanced chromosome conformation capture methods, showing high chromatin looping but little interaction between domains.
Over 3000 TADs exist in the human genome, separated by insulators.
Covers topics such as:
Epigenetics
Nuclear hormone receptors
The RNA world (miRNA, siRNA)
Inherited gene expression
Diseases related to gene expression
Gene therapy
Refers to reversible and heritable changes in gene regulation without altering the DNA sequence.
In mammals, cellular identity is maintained during differentiation, stemming from embryonic stem cells, which undergo unique gene expression programs based on developmental cues.
Trans epigenetic signals (yellow circles) are transmitted during cell division, while cis signals (yellow flags) are inherited through chromosomal segregation.
Chromatin consists of DNA packaged around histones, with nucleosomes as its repeating subunit.
Each nucleosome contains 146 bp of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer, with extensive contact points providing stability under physiological conditions.
Evolutionary advancements led to the development of eukaryotic nucleosomes from the archaeal histone tetramer.
Overview of core histone proteins (H3, H4, H2A, H2B) and variants such as H1, highlighting the structural elements.
Highlights the states of chromatin during different phases of cell division: interphase and metaphase.
Euchromatin: Lighter staining, active transcription potential.
Heterochromatin: Darker staining, more compact, generally transcriptionally inactive.
Histone modifications (post-translational modifications)
Chromatin remodeling (nucleosome sliding and eviction)
Histone variant exchange
Histone modification
Nucleosome eviction
Histone variant exchange
Histones are targets for various post-translational modifications, primarily occurring on their N-terminal protruding regions.
Overview of well-characterized modifications on histones.
Acetylation neutralizes positive charge on lysine, enhancing transcription by allowing access to DNA for transcription factors.
HAT (histone acetyltransferase) vs HDAC (histone deacetylase), discussing the activation of transcription and formation of open chromatin.
Catalyzed by histone lysine methyltransferases, leading to mono-, di-, and trimethylation profiles, influencing transcription.
Activation: H3K4, H3K36; Repression: H3K9, H3K27.
Discusses the role of demethylases in regulation.
Explains how posttranslational modifications affect chromatin structure and function.
Key proteins involved in interpreting and modifying chromatin marks.
Illustration of coordinated histone modifications transitioning chromatin from euchromatic to heterochromatic states.
Discusses the role of EZH2 and S-phase transcription in maintaining epigenetic signatures during division.
Highlights the importance of histone modification, nucleosome eviction, and variant exchange.
Describes histone variant incorporation's role in active genes and maintaining transcriptionally competent states.
Suggests active transcriptional start sites are generally found within nucleosome-free regions.
TFIID binds to TATA-box.
TFIIB complex binds.
TFIIE, TFIIH, TFIIF/RNA pol II bind.
Phosphorylation of RNA pol II's C-terminal tail initiates transcription.
Illustration depicting how nucleosome eviction creates these regions critical for transcription.
Occurs mainly at CG dinucleotides, critical for gene silencing and cellular identity.
Discusses structural impact and implications of methyl groups in base pairing.
Explains the roles of de novo and maintenance methyltransferases in establishing and maintaining methylation patterns.
Discusses how DNMT1 maintains methylation patterns during DNA replication.
Highlights the significance of DNA methylation as a stable epigenetic mark.
Correlates DNA methylation with transcriptional repression and gene silencing.
Discusses how MeCP2 is involved in methylation-dependent repression.
Examines altered methylation profiles in cancer cells.
Discusses modifications of methylated cytosines to various hydroxymethylated forms via Tet proteins.
Compares methods of demethylation through passive dilution and active conversion.
Highlights the significance of demethylation during early developmental stages.
Depicts cell specification and developmental pathways as ridges between valleys.
Discusses the possibility of reprogramming differentiated cells back into stem cells.
Led by Shinya Yamanaka, the development of iPS cells highlights the restoration of pluripotency in adult cells.
iPS technology enables modeling of human diseases and potential for regenerative therapies.
Overview of applications in disease modeling and cell therapy using iPS cells.
Transcription mechanisms: chromatin roles.
Epigenetics: histone and DNA modifications.
Chromatin remodeling processes.
Epigenetics.
Hormone receptors.
RNA world components.
Gene expression inheritance.
Gene expression-related diseases.
Gene therapy techniques.
Examples of how transcription factors are activated.
Ligands (e.g., steroid hormones).
Coactivators and corepressors.
Receptor structure and DNA response elements.
DBD: DNA Binding Domain.
LBD: Ligand Binding Domain.
Additional details on receptor domains and their functions.
DBD is highlighted as the most conserved part of hormone receptors.
Describes the presence of zinc fingers within DBD, crucial for DNA binding.
Overview and examples of distinct regulatory elements in hormone signaling.
Categorizes receptors based on their affinity and nature (endocrine, orphan).
Further breakdown and examples of receptor types.
Inactive receptors complex with heat-shock proteins and activate upon ligand binding.
Detailed view of the interaction between glucocorticoid receptors and heat shock proteins.
Inhibition of prostaglandins.
Induction of annexin-1/lipocortin.
COX-2 expression inhibition.
Interference in NFkB signaling.
Corepressors and coactivators' role in transcription activation/inhibition.
Describes the receptor's conformational shifts following ligand binding.
PPAR alpha, beta, and gamma functions in lipid metabolism and regulation.
Discusses the roles of subtypes and their synthetic ligands for treating metabolic conditions.
Key aspects of receptor classification and mechanisms.
Ligand effects and orphan receptor concepts.
Hormonal action influence.
Epigenetics and its implications in gene regulation.
The role of different types of nuclear hormone receptors.
Discusses the binary nature of proteins being activated or inactivated.
Capping at the 5’ End:
The 5’ cap is a methylated guanine nucleotide added to the 5’ end of mRNA transcripts.
This modification protects mRNA from degradation by exonucleases.
It is also crucial for the recognition by ribosomes during translation initiation, facilitating efficient protein synthesis.
Splicing:
Splicing is a process that removes non-coding sequences (introns) from pre-mRNA and joins the coding sequences (exons) together.
The splicing process is facilitated by a complex known as the spliceosome, composed of snRNPs (small nuclear ribonucleoproteins) and various protein factors.
Alternative splicing allows a single pre-mRNA to produce multiple mRNA variants by including or excluding specific exons, thus significantly increasing the diversity of proteins that can be encoded.
Polyadenylation at the 3’ End:
Polyadenylation involves the addition of a poly(A) tail (a sequence of adenine nucleotides) to the 3’ end of mRNA.
This modification enhances mRNA stability in the cytoplasm and regulates its translation by assisting in the export of mRNA from the nucleus.
The poly(A) tail is crucial for initiating the translation process, as it interacts with initiation factors and the ribosome.
Transport of mRNA:
After maturation, mRNA is transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm through nuclear pore complexes.
This transport is facilitated by proteins that recognize the mature mRNA and bind to the mRNA cap structure and the poly(A) tail, ensuring that only properly processed mRNA is exported to the cytoplasm for translation.
Transport is vital for the proper functioning of gene expression, as it ensures that mRNA is available in the cytoplasm for ribosomal translation into proteins.
Splicing (including alternative splicing).
Polyadenylation at the 3’ end.
Transports mRNA.
Factors Affecting RNA Stability in the Cellular Environment
RNA stability is crucial for regulating gene expression and ensuring the proper functionality of RNA molecules within the cell. Several factors influence the lifespan and degradation of RNA, including:
RNA Structure: The secondary and tertiary structures of RNA can affect its stability. Stable structures formed by secondary base pairing can protect RNA from degradation by ribonucleases, while unstable structures may lead to faster degradation. The presence of single-stranded regions can also make RNA more susceptible to enzymatic cleavage.
Post-transcriptional Modifications:
5' Capping: The addition of a 5' cap (a modified guanine nucleotide) protects mRNA from exonucleases and assists in ribosome recognition during translation initiation.
Polyadenylation: The addition of a poly(A) tail to the 3' end of mRNA enhances stability by protecting against degradation and facilitating mRNA export from the nucleus. Poly(A) binding proteins also play a role in stabilizing the mRNA in the cytoplasm.
Methylation: Methylation modifications can occur at various sites within RNA, affecting its interaction with binding proteins and ultimately influencing stability.
RNA Binding Proteins: Specific RNA binding proteins can have stabilizing or destabilizing effects on RNA. For instance, some proteins may bind to RNA and aid in its stabilization by preventing degradation, while others may target RNA for degradation by recruiting ribonucleases.
Cellular Environment: The presence of ions, temperature, and pH in the cellular environment can impact RNA stability. For example, fluctuations in temperature may influence RNA folding, while extreme pH levels can denature RNA, leading to accelerated degradation.
Cellular Stress Responses: During stress conditions (e.g., oxidative stress, nutrient deprivation), cells may alter the expression of RNA stabilizing or degrading factors. This dynamic regulation helps to selectively stabilize or degrade specific RNA species in response to changing cellular needs.
miRNA and siRNA Interaction: Small regulatory RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), can bind to target mRNAs, leading to their degradation or translational repression. The degree of complementarity between small RNAs and their target mRNAs will impact the efficacy of silencing and the stability of the mRNA.
Metabolic Factors: Cellular metabolic states can influence RNA metabolism. For instance, nutrient availability can dictate the levels of certain RNA-modifying enzymes and binding proteins, ultimately impacting RNA stability.
Understanding these factors is critical for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of gene expression and can provide insights into disease processes where RNA stability may be compromised, such as cancer or neurodegenerative disorders.
Explains how RNA binding proteins can influence protein synthesis.
Their role in mRNA stability and translation regulation.
Cytosolic aconitase as an IRP binding to IREs, affecting translation and stabilization of ferritin and transferrin receptor mRNA. **Regulation of Iron Utilization by IRP** Cytosolic aconitase acts as an Iron Regulatory Protein (IRP) and plays a crucial role in iron homeostasis by binding to Iron Response Elements (IREs) found in the untranslated regions of specific mRNAs. When iron levels are low, cytosolic aconitase binds to IREs, inhibiting the translation of ferritin mRNA while stabilizing transferrin receptor mRNA. This mechanism ensures that cellular iron levels remain balanced: - **Ferritin** is responsible for iron storage and release, and its reduced synthesis during low iron conditions helps to prevent excessive iron accumulation, which can be toxic. - **Transferrin receptor** (TfR) mRNA stabilization leads to increased synthesis of transferrin receptors, enhancing cellular uptake of iron from the extracellular environment. This IRP-IRE interaction is fundamental for maintaining cellular iron levels and contributes to broader physiological processes including erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation) and cellular metabolism. Furthermore, dysregulation of this system can lead to disorders such as anemia of chronic disease or conditions associated with iron overload, highlighting the importance of IRP functionality in iron metabolism.
Overview of different types of regulatory RNAs including tRNAs, rRNAs, snoRNAs, and miRNAs.
Short regulatory RNAs participate in gene expression control through mRNA degradation and interference in translation.
Mechanisms of RNAi:The two primary classes of small RNA molecules involved in RNA interference are small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs):
Small Interfering RNAs (siRNAs):
Origin: siRNAs are typically derived from long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) precursors.
Function: When incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), siRNAs guide the complex to complementary mRNA molecules, promoting their degradation. This results in a decrease in the translation of the target mRNA into protein.
Role in Pathogen Defense: This mechanism is particularly important in defending against viral infections, as siRNAs help to degrade viral mRNA, thereby hindering the replication of viruses.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs):
Origin: miRNAs are produced from primary miRNA transcripts that undergo processing by the Drosha and Dicer enzymes.
Function: Similar to siRNAs, miRNAs associate with RISC. Unlike siRNAs, miRNAs often have partial complementarity to their target mRNAs, leading to translational repression rather than degradation. This allows a single miRNA to regulate multiple mRNA targets, thus influencing various developmental and physiological processes.
Regulatory Roles: miRNAs play significant roles in regulating diverse biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and have been implicated in various diseases, including cancer.
Experimental Applications of RNAi:RNA interference has emerged as a powerful tool in molecular biology and biotechnology for gene silencing. Researchers leverage the specificity of siRNAs and miRNAs to knock down genes of interest in various organisms, facilitating the study of gene function. Furthermore, RNAi technology has potential therapeutic applications, including the development of targeted therapies for diseases characterized by the overexpression of specific genes.
Conclusion:The mechanisms of siRNA and miRNA-mediated gene silencing underscore the intricate regulatory networks that govern gene expression in biological systems. Understanding the rules governing RNA interference will further enable advancements in therapeutic strategies to combat genetic diseases and regulate gene expression effectively.
Describes the activation and function of siRNAs in gene silencing via RISC complex.
Highlights the function of AGO proteins in RISC, focusing on structural domains crucial for activities in gene silencing.
Pathway from primary to mature miRNA and its incorporation into RISC to regulate gene expression.
Differences between plant and mammalian miRNA actions on gene regulation.
Discusses partial complementarity in how miRNAs bind to mRNA, usually at 3’ UTR regions.
Explains how a single miRNA can regulate multiple mRNAs due to partial binding capabilities.
Involvement of miRNAs in maintaining pluripotency and differentiation in T- and B-cells.
Investigates the association between miRNA dysregulation and cancer progression, with examples such as breast cancer.
Factors determining mRNA stability.
Paths and mechanisms for gene silencing through miRNAs and siRNAs.
Development roles of RNA and gene regulation.
Epigenetics profound roles.
Hormonal pathways.
Disturbances in gene expression regulation and their outcomes.
Emphasizes DNA methylation as the most stable heritable epigenetic mark influencing gene regulation.
Discusses the concept of X chromosome inactivation during the blastocyst stage.
Describes the functional role of XIST in X inactivation processes.
Reviews the implications of Xist in inducing repressive histone marks and DNA methylation across chromatin.
Discusses the inheritance of gene expression status based on parental origin.
Explains the active role of maternal chromosomes in genomic imprinting.
Describes the process of genomic imprinting, highlighting developmental roles of specific imprinted genes.
Reiterate key aspects of gene imprints and their significance in gene expression regulation.
Categorizes changes in epigenetic codes and possible genetic abnormalities affecting transcription vice factors.
Discusses the implications of promoter methylation in suppressor gene inactivity in cancer.
Overview of Fragile X as a repeat expansion disorder.
Examines how CGG repeat expansions impact gene silencing in Fragile X syndrome patients.
Highlights Prader-Willi and Angelman syndrome as disorders linked to imprinting anomalies.
Lists symptoms including hyperphagia, obesity, and behavioral traits.
Illustrates gene expression variance between parental chromosomes impacting Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes.
Explains the variance in gene expression between paternal and maternal chromosomes.
Discusses the consequences of gene expression discrepancies in terms of paternal and maternal contributions.
Outlines mechanisms involved in the PWS-AS related syndromes.
Underlines the genetic abnormalities affecting imprinting on paternal and maternal chromosomes.
Highlights epigenetic code changes affecting gene expression regulation.
Discusses the disorder's characteristics and implications on phenotypes.
Outlines CBP's activity in transcriptional coactivation and its implications in Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome.
Details genetic mutations in p53 related to cancer predisposition and tumor suppression mechanisms.
Examines the consequences of p53 mutations on protein stability and functionality.
Reviews chromosomal translocations and fusion proteins involved in APL pathogenesis.
Lists clinical manifestations associated with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia such as granules and Auer rods.
Discusses how fusion proteins mediate the inhibition of differentiation.
Evaluates the response of APL to retinoic acid as a treatment option and its limitations.
Explores corepressor and coactivator interactions under varying ligand conditions.
Examines how dosage levels of retinoic acid affect the transcription activation process.
Epigenetics, hormonal responses, and RNA mechanisms.
Gene therapy implications and methods employed.
Germline vs. somatic gene therapy and their implications in treatment methodologies.
Highlights intentions of gene therapy, such as gene augmentation and targeted gene silencing.
Discusses methods of gene delivery such as ex vivo and in vivo techniques.
Mentions successful applications in genetic disorders and treatments demonstrated in clinical contexts.
Compares retroviral and lentiviral vectors noting advantages and limitations in gene delivery.
Discusses successful gene therapy trials and the challenges posed by viral integration issues and oncogenesis.
Explores gene editing advancements and corrections for disorders within endogenous regulatory elements.
Discusses the utility of gene expression regulatory principles in developing SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
Infect. Drug. Res 2021j
Front Cell Dev Biol 2021
Goals include gene augmentation and silencing along with highlighting gene delivery strategy approaches.