Identification and characterization of flowering genes in kiwifruit : sequence conservation and role in kiwifruit flower development

Background Flower development in kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) is initiated in the first growing season, when undifferentiated primordia are established in latent shoot buds. These primordia can differentiate into flowers in the second growing season, after the winter dormancy period and upon accumulation of adequate winter chilling. Kiwifruit is an important horticultural crop, yet little is known about the molecular regulation of flower development. Results To study kiwifruit flower development, nine MADS-box genes were identified and functionally characterized. Protein sequence alignment, phenotypes obtained upon overexpression in Arabidopsis and expression patterns suggest that the identified genes are required for floral meristem and floral organ specification. Their role during budbreak and flower development was studied. A spontaneous kiwifruit mutant was utilized to correlate the extended expression domains of these flowering genes with abnormal floral development. Conclusions This study provides a description of flower development in kiwifruit at the molecular level. It has identified markers for flower development, and candidates for manipulation of kiwifruit growth, phase change and time of flowering. The expression in normal and aberrant flowers provided a model for kiwifruit flower development.

横断山区马先蒿属的形态分化与分子进化

半寄生植物马先蒿属（Pedicularis）是列当科（Orobanchaceae）中最大的属，也是北温带被子植物最大的属之一。该属至少有500种植物，主要分布在北半球的高山、亚高山地区或高纬度地区，其中超过一半的种类分布在东喜马拉雅至横断山区，构成该地区高山植物区系的主要成分。马先蒿属花部器官的强烈分化程度在被子植物中极为罕见，导致这种分化发生的机制仍是难解之谜。马先蒿属下系统非常混乱，迄今为止该属属下分类系统不下10个。关于该属的起源时间、地点及迁移散布过程只是基于一些间接证据的推测。针对以上问题，本文通过大量的标本查阅、野外考察、传粉生物学观察以及分子系统学研究，得出了一些初步的结果。 　　1．形态学 通过大量的野外考察及标本观察，发现马先蒿属花部器官变异非常复杂，是区分近缘种的主要性状依据，但是花部器官存在明显的平行进化现象，不适合作为划分群、组等属下高级分类单元的主要依据;而营养性状比较保守，可作为划分群、组的主要依据。通过考证，发现直管群万叶系的德钦马先蒿（P. deqinensis）实属轮枝群纤细系多枝马先蒿（P. ramosissima）的异名。同时发现一个新种，即折喙马先蒿（P. inflexirostris），该种属于直管群的万叶系。 　　2.传粉生物学 对27种马先蒿的昆虫传粉行为进行了初步的观察。发现横断山区的马先蒿主要靠熊蜂进行有效的传粉。昆虫的传粉方式有两种，即背触式（Nototribic）和腹触式（Sternotribic）。不同花冠类型的马先蒿属植物中，昆虫的传粉方式也有所区别。对短管、无喙、无花蜜的马先蒿，昆虫主要以腹触式完成传粉;对短管、无喙、具花蜜的马先蒿，昆虫既可以通过背触式也可以通过腹触式完成传粉;而对短管、具喙和长管、具喙的马先蒿，昆虫都以腹触式完成传粉。没有发现鳞翅目的昆虫访问长管类型的马先蒿。不同花冠类型传粉方式的不同说明马先蒿花部形态结构和传粉媒介的行为之间存在协同进化关系。 3.核rDNA ITS分析 对12个群的42种马先蒿的核rDNA ITS序列进行了分析。基于ITS序列构建的基因树和经典的属下分类系统很不一致，基因树上的大部分分支和经典系统中的高级分类单元不相吻合，原因可能是马先蒿属花部器官发生了平行进化，而经典的分类系统过于权重这些花部形态性状。此外，发现在横断山区这一相对狭小的地域范围内，nrDNA ITS序列在马先蒿种间存在很大差异。造成此差异的原因可能有两个方面：一方面是马先蒿属的起源和分化的时间可能较早，不同的支系从其他地域先后多次迁入横断山区;另一方面可能是由于半寄生植物马先蒿中快速的分子进化造成的。 4.叶绿体基因组trnT-F区序列分析 对8个群的11种马先蒿的trnT-F区序列进行了分析，发现种间存在大量的插入/缺失序列，其中甘肃马先蒿（P. kansuensis）和大王马先蒿（P. rex）分别在trnT-trnL（UAA）和trnL–trnF基因间区发生了长达228bp和303bp碱基序列缺失，说明半寄生植物的叶绿体基因组也可能存在大量基因丢失现象。 5. GLOBOSA-like MADS-box基因的研究 对11种马先蒿属植物（8个群）中控制花瓣发育的GLOBOSA（PGLO）基因的部分片段进行了分离、克隆和测序，发现该基因在种间发生了明显的分化，但是碱基的变异主要发生在非编码区或非结构域，基因的同义突变率远高于非同义突变率，说明PGLO基因的进化受到强烈的功能制约。PGLO基因在马先蒿种间的明显分化表明：在辐射分化类群中，调节基因也可能发生了快速分化。对11种马先蒿属植物的PGLO基因树、nrDNA ITS基因树以及trnT-F基因树的比较发现：三个树图在结构上既有一致、也有相互矛盾之处，推测可能是因为这些基因具有不同的遗传体系或经历了不同的进化历史所致，另一方面说明GLOBOSA基因在探讨近缘类群系统发育关系方面的价值有待进一步验证。

金粟兰花器官特征基因CsAP1、CsAP3和CsSEP3的结构、表达和进化研究

花是被子植物特有的繁殖器官。花的发育取决于一个复杂的涉及到多个基因和过程的调控体系，因此花的起源和多样化过程实际上可以理解为这个调控体系的进化过程。所以，要全面地理解花和被子植物的起源和多样化，就必须研究花发育基因的功能和进化。 金粟兰科（Chloranthaceae）是基部被子植物的代表类群之一。与研究得比较深入的模式植物（如真双子叶植物中的拟南芥、金鱼草和矮牵牛等，和单子叶植物中的水稻和玉米等）相比，该科植物的花比较简单。花被以及雄蕊或雌蕊的丢失使得该科一些类群（如草珊瑚属Sarcandra和金粟兰属Chloranthus）具有被子植物中最简单的两性花（仅含一枚雄蕊和一枚雌蕊），而另一些类群（如Ascarina和雪香兰属Hedyosmum）具有了被子植物中最简单的单性花（雄花仅由一枚雄蕊、雌花由一枚雌蕊构成）。因此，对金粟兰科植物中花发育基因的研究不仅有助于理解花的起源和早期分化机制，还将为认识花部构造简单化的机制提供资料。 本研究以金粟兰（Chloranthus spicatus）为研究材料，从它的花和花序中分离得到了六个可能与花被的发生和发育有关的MADS-box基因，分析了它们的序列结构、系统发育关系、表达式样和进化中所受到的选择压力，探讨了金粟兰花发育和花被缺失的分子机理。主要研究结果包括： 1. 构建了金粟兰的花和花序的cDNA文库。构建工作使用了Clontech公司的SMART试剂盒，并采用其中的LD PCR方法，还使用了Stratagene公司的包装蛋白。该文库的初始滴度大约为5 × 106 pfu，重组率大约是90%, 插入片断几乎均大于0.5 kb。因此该文库质量优良，为以后的研究工作奠定了基础。 2. 从金粟兰的花中分离出了CsAP1、CsAP1a、CsAP1b、CsAP1c、CsAP3和CsSEP3基因。氨基酸序列分析结果表明它们都是MIKCc型MADS-box基因。系统发育分析结果表明CsAP1、CsAP1a、CsAP1b和CsAP1c与AP1/SQUA类基因聚在一起，而CsAP3和CsSEP3分别与AP3/DEF类和SEP1/2/3/4类基因聚在一起。CsAP1b和CsAP1c可能与CsAP1a互为复制本。但是二者在序列上有异常之处，因此可能只有CsAP1a具有功能。从序列上看CsAP1和CsSEP3能够正常行使功能。CsAP3的C末端出现了一个由鸟嘌呤到胸腺嘧啶的点突变，因此paleoAP3基序不完整，这可能影响了它的功能。 3. 用原位杂交的方法分析了CsAP1、CsAP3和CsSEP3的表达式样。CsAP1在穗状花序分生组织（包括苞片原基）、花原基、雄蕊和心皮原基、雄蕊裂片、花粉囊、胚珠、珠被和胚囊中表达。CsAP3在穗状花序分生组织中不表达，在花原基上发生雄蕊的位置开始表达，进而在雄蕊原基、雄蕊药隔裂片和花粉囊中表达，却不在心皮原基和心皮上表达。CsSEP3在穗状花序分生组织中也不表达，而在花原基、雄蕊原基、药隔裂片、花粉囊、心皮原基和胚珠中表达。CsAP1的表达模式反映了A功能基因决定花分生组织特性的原始作用;CsAP3的表达模式体现了B功能基因在雄性器官中的固有表达，反映了该类基因在两性器官分化中的原始作用;CsSEP3的表达模式反映了E功能基因提供成花背景（floral context）的作用。 4. 分析了已知的金粟兰的花发育相关基因受到的选择压力。同大多数近缘同源基因相比，CsAP1、CsAP3、CsPI、CsAG1受到负选择并且其强度没有明显差异;CsAG2和CsSEP3受到了更强的负选择;CsAP1a则受到减轻了的负选择。该结果表明除了CsAP1a之外，其它基因的功能可能没有改变。 5. 综上所述，在无花被的金粟兰中，仍然存在着与花被发育相关的基因，并且它们的功能没有改变，这充分反映了花发育ABC模型的保守性。金粟兰中花被的缺失可能与这些基因的下游基因有关，也可能与其它途径相关。CsAP1的复制以及CsAP3的末端突变可能是花被缺失之后的结果，而不是花被缺失的原因。

太行花TrMADS3基因的结构、功能和进化研究

休眠是温带多年生植物的特性之一。为了适应温带地区寒冷的冬季，多年生植物的分生组织通常在秋末冬初进入休眠状态，这样有利于它们在低温下的存活。因此，温带多年生植物的生长和开花具有季节性。植物的生长发育需要与季节的交替变化同步，才能适应环境，保证繁殖成功。多年生植物通过“生长－休眠－生长”的循环过程适应温带地区寒冷的冬季。休眠既有利于植物存活又可调节开花时间。因此，探索温带多年生植物休眠过程的分子调控机理具有重要的应用价值。 太行花（Taihangia rupestris）是蔷薇科仙女木族的一种多年生草本。它生长在海拔1000到1200米的温带山区。太行花需要两个生长季节才能开花，这一点与模式植物拟南芥、水稻不同。在第一个生长季节花芽诱导，花序发育到秋末冬初时进入休眠状态;过冬花序包裹在叶柄基部，接近土壤表面;到了第二个生长季节，花进一步发育完全，开花结果。休眠过程对太行花花序的存活以及来年的开花时间控制非常关键，对这个过程的调控基因的研究不仅有助于理解太行花休眠的分子机制，还将为其它经济植物在这个方面的研究提供资料。 本研究以太行花为研究材料，从它的过冬花序中分离得到了一个MADS-box基因，分析了它的序列结构、系统发育关系、表达式样和功能，探讨了FLC亚家族基因在太行花这种多年生植物和一年生、两年生植物之间发生的表达功能分化。主要研究结果包括： 1. 从太行花的过冬花序中分离出了TrMADS3基因。氨基酸序列分析结果表明它是MIKCc型MADS-box基因，系统发育分析结果表明TrMADS3与FLC类基因聚在一起。 2. 实时定量PCR和RT-PCR实验显示TrMADS3在冬季休眠期太行花的花序、根、叶中广泛表达。从十月底到一月底的冬季低温期户外太行花植株中TrMADS3表达量比同期温室植株的表达量高，也比夏季户外植株的表达量高。对温室植株进行低温处理能明显上调TrMADS3的表达量，而短光照、干旱、高盐和脱落酸（ABA）处理对TrMADS3的表达影响不明显。 3. 用原位杂交的方法分析了TrMADS3的表达式样。营养器官中，TrMADS3在营养顶端分生组织、叶原基、幼叶边缘细胞中表达量高;生殖器官中，TrMADS3在侧生分生组织、花序原基、花原基、幼苞片、萼片原基、花瓣原基、雄蕊原基、心皮原基、发育中的雄蕊、心皮中表达量高。TrMADS3的表达模式反映了TrMADS3调控营养生长和不同阶段的花序、花发育过程。 4. TrMADS3在拟南芥中异位表达不影响拟南芥开花时间。在高盐和干旱胁迫条件下，TrMADS3异位表达能够明显提高转基因拟南芥后熟种子的萌发率。 5. 建立了太行花的组培体系。 综上所述，TrMADS3属于FLC进化支，这一亚家族基因还未在多年生植物中报道。TrMADS3在太行花休眠期表达量很高。在实验控制条件下，一至两周低温能够明显促进TrMADS3表达量的上调。低温处理后回到生长温度的太行花在一月内依然保持较高的TrMADS3的表达。原位杂交实验显示TrMADS3在营养和生殖分生组织中表达量高。TrMADS3在拟南芥中异位表达促进后熟种子在高盐和干旱胁迫下萌发。因此，我们推测TrMADS3具有响应低温调节太行花休眠期营养和生殖分生组织活性的功能。在一、二年生植物中分离的FLC-like基因响应春化作用，具有抑制花芽诱导的保守功能，这些基因在营养器官中表达，受春化作用调节，对应一、二年生植物的成花诱导受春化作用促进的过程，但TrMADS3在太行花营养和生殖器官中均表达，对应太行花花芽诱导后营养和生殖器官均进入休眠状态的生理特性，因此，我们推测FLC-like基因有可能在太行花这种温带多年生植物和一、二年生植物之间发生功能分化。

The Arabidopsis RNA-binding protein FCA requires a lysine-specific demethylase 1 homolog to downregulate FLC.

A repressor of the transition to flowering in Arabidopsis is the MADS box protein FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). FCA, an RNA-binding protein, and FY, a homolog of the yeast RNA 3' processing factor Pfs2p, downregulate FLC expression and therefore promote flowering. FCA/FY physically interact and alter polyadenylation/3' processing to negatively autoregulate FCA. Here, we show that FCA requires FLOWERING LOCUS D (FLD), a homolog of the human lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) for FLC downregulation. FCA also partially depends on DICER-LIKE 3, involved in chromatin silencing. fca mutations increased levels of unspliced sense FLC transcript, altered processing of antisense FLC transcripts, and increased H3K4 dimethylation in the central region of FLC. These data support a close association of FCA and FLD in mediating H3K4 demethylation and thus transcriptional silencing of FLC and reveal roles for antisense RNA processing and DCL3 function in this regulation.

16q24.1 microdeletion in a premature newborn: Usefulness of array-based comparative genomic hybridization in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

OBJECTIVE:: Report of a 16q24.1 deletion in a premature newborn, demonstrating the usefulness of array-based comparative genomic hybridization in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and multiple congenital malformations. DESIGN:: Descriptive case report. SETTING:: Genetic department and neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care children's hospital. INTERVENTIONS:: None. PATIENT:: We report the case of a preterm male infant, born at 26 wks of gestation. A cardiac malformation and bilateral hydronephrosis were diagnosed at 19 wks of gestation. Karyotype analysis was normal, and a 22q11.2 microdeletion was excluded by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. A cesarean section was performed due to fetal distress. The patient developed persistent pulmonary hypertension unresponsive to mechanical ventilation and nitric oxide treatment and expired at 16 hrs of life. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:: An autopsy revealed partial atrioventricular canal malformation and showed bilateral dilation of the renal pelvocaliceal system with bilateral ureteral stenosis and annular pancreas. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization analysis (Agilent oligoNT 44K, Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA) showed an interstitial microdeletion encompassing the forkhead box gene cluster in 16q24.1. Review of the pulmonary microscopic examination showed the characteristic features of alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins. Some features were less prominent due to the gestational age. CONCLUSIONS:: Our review of the literature shows that alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins is rare but probably underreported. Prematurity is not a usual presentation, and histologic features are difficult to interpret. In our case, array-based comparative genomic hybridization revealed a 16q24.1 deletion, leading to the final diagnosis of alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins. It emphasizes the usefulness of array-based comparative genomic hybridization analysis as a diagnostic tool with implications for both prognosis and management decisions in newborns with refractory persistent pulmonary hypertension and multiple congenital malformations.

TBX3-Mutationsanalysen und Konstruktion einer Zelllinie für TBX2-Inhibitorscreenings

Die nahe verwandten T-box Transkriptionsfaktoren TBX2 und TBX3 werden in zahlreichen humanen Krebsarten überexprimiert, insbesondere in Brustkrebs und Melanomen. Die Überexpression von TBX2 und TBX3 hat verschiedene zelluläre Effekte, darunter die Unterdrückung der Seneszenz, die Förderung der Epithelialen-Mesenchymalen Transition sowie invasive Zellmotilität. Im Gegensatz dazu führt ein Funktionsverlust von TBX3 und der meisten anderen humanen T-box-Gene zu haploinsuffizienten Entwicklungsdefekten. Durch Sequenzierung des Exoms von Brustkrebsproben identifizierten Stephens et al. fünf verschiedene Mutationen in TBX3, welche allesamt die DNA-bindende T-box-Domäne betrafen. Die In-Frame-Deletion N212delN wurde zweimal gefunden. Aus der Anhäufung der Mutationen innerhalb der T-box-Domäne wurde geschlossen, dass TBX3 bei Brustkrebs ein Treibergen ist. Da Mutationen innerhalb der T-box-Domäne im Allgemeinen zu einem Funktionsverlust führen, aber die onkogene Aktivität von TBX3 meist auf eine Überexpression zurückzuführen ist, wurden die potentiellen Treibermutationen hinsichtlich einer verminderten oder gesteigerten TBX3-Funktion geprüft. Getestet wurden zwei In-Frame Deletionen, eine Missense- sowie eine Frameshift-Mutante bezüglich der DNA-Bindung in vitro und der Zielgen-Repression in Zellkultur. Zusätzlich wurde eine in silico Analyse der im The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) gelisteten somatischen TBX-Brustkrebsmutationen durchgeführt. Sowohl die experimentelle als auch die in silico Analyse zeigten, dass die untersuchten Mutationen vorwiegend zum Verlust der TBX3-Funktion führen. Um den Mechanismus der Genrepression durch TBX3 besser zu verstehen, wurden weitere TBX3-Mutanten bezüglich ihrer Wirkung auf die p21-Promotoraktivität (p21-Luc-Reporter und endogene p21-Expression) analysiert. Wildtypische p21-Luc-Repression zeigten die zwei Mutationen S674A (Phosphorylierung) und D275K (SUMOylierung), welche posttranslationale Modifikationen verhindern, sowie die Interaktion mit dem Tumorsuppressor Rb1 unterbindende M302A/V304A-Mutation. Erstaunlicherweise war die endogene p21-Repression dieser Mutanten stärker als die des wildtypischen TBX3-Proteins. Alle drei Mutationen führten zu einer Stabilisierung des TBX3-Proteins. Die ursprünglich in Patienten mit Ulna-Mamma Syndrom identifizierte, DNA-bindungsdefekte Y149S-Mutante konnte weder p21-Luc noch endogenes p21 reprimieren. Mutationen in potentiellen Interaktionsdomänen für die Bindung der Co-Repressoren Groucho und C-terminalem Bindeprotein zeigten sowohl auf p21-Luc als auch auf endogenes p21-Gen wildtypische Repressoraktivität, so dass diese Co-Repressoren in COS-7-Zellen wahrscheinlich nicht an der Repression dieses Gens beteiligt sind. Da TBX2 und TBX3 interessante Ziele zur direkten Krebsbekämpfung darstellen, sollte ein zelluläres Reportersystem zur Identifikation TBX2-inhibierender, pharmakologisch aktiver Substanzen etabliert werden. Dazu sollte eine stabile Zelllinie mit vom p21-Promotor reguliertem d2EGFP-Reporter und Doxyzyklin-induzierbarem TBX2-Protein erzeugt werden, da ektopische Expression von TBX2 genetische Instabilität und Toxizität induzieren kann. In dieser Zelllinie sollte die TBX2-Expression zur Reduktion der d2EGFP-Fluoreszenz führen. Zur Erzeugung der Zelllinie wurden die folgenden drei Konstrukte Schritt-für-Schritt stabil in das Genom der Zielzelllinie COS-7 integriert: pEF1alpha-Tet3G, pTRE3G-TBX2 und p21-d2EGFP. Während die Herstellung der doppelt stabilen COS-7-Zelllinie gelang, scheiterte die Herstellung der dreifach stabilen Zelllinie.

Arabidopsis DELLA and two HD-ZIP transcription factors regulate GA signalling in the epidermis through the L1 cis-element

Gibberellins (GAs) are plant hormones that affect plant growth and regulate gene expression differentially across tissues. To study the molecular mechanisms underlying GA signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana, we focused on a GDSL lipase gene (LIP1) induced by GA and repressed by DELLA proteins. LIP1 contains an L1 box promoter sequence, conserved in the promoters of epidermis-specific genes, that is bound by ATML1, an HD-ZIP transcription factor required for epidermis specification. In this study, we demonstrate that LIP1 is specifically expressed in the epidermis and that its L1 box sequence mediates GA-induced transcription. We show that this sequence is overrepresented in the upstream regulatory regions of GA-induced and DELLA-repressed transcriptomes and that blocking GA signaling in the epidermis represses the expression of L1 box–containing genes and negatively affects seed germination. We show that DELLA proteins interact directly with ATML1 and its paralogue PDF2 and that silencing of both HD-ZIP transcription factors inhibits epidermal gene expression and delays germination. Our results indicate that, upon seed imbibition, increased GA levels reduce DELLA protein abundance and release ATML1/PDF2 to activate L1 box gene expression, thus enhancing germination potential.

Effect of disrupted SOX18 transcription factor function on tumor growth, vascularization, and endothelial development

Background. The growth of solid tumors depends on establishing blood supply; thus, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis has been a long-term goal in cancer therapy. The SOX18 transcription factor is a key regulator of murine and human blood vessel formation. Methods: We established allograft melanoma tumors in wild-type mice, Sox18-null mice, and mice expressing a dominant-negative form of Sox18 (Sox18RaOp) (n = 4 per group) and measured tumor growth and microvessel density by immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies to the endothelial marker CD31 and the pericyte marker NG2. We also assessed the affects of disrupted SOX18 function on MCF-7 human breast cancer and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation by measuring BrdU incorporation and by MTS assay, cell migration using Boyden chamber assay, and capillary tube formation in vitro. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: Allograft tumors in Sox18-null and Sox18RaOp mice grew more slowly than those in wild-type mice (tumor volume at day 14, Sox18 null, mean = 486 mm(3), 95% confidence interval [CI] = 345 mm(3) to 627 mm(3), p = .004; Sox18RaOp, mean = 233 mm(3), 95% CI = 73 mm(3) to 119 mm(3), p < .001; versus wild-type, mean = 817 mm(3), 95% CI = 643 mm(3) to 1001 mm(3)) and had fewer CD31- and NG2-expressing vessels. Expression of dominant-negative Sox18 reduced the proliferation of MCF-7 cells (BrdU incorporation: MCF-7(Ra) = 20%, 95% CI = 15% to 25% versus MCF-7 = 41%, 95% CI = 35% to 45%; P = .013) and HUVECs (optical density at 490 nm, empty vector, mean = 0.46 versus SOX18 mean = 0.29; difference = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.19; P = .001) compared with control subjects. Overexpression of wild-type SOX18 promoted capillary tube formation of HUVECs in vitro, whereas expression of dominant-negative SOX18 impaired tube formation of HUVECs and the migration of MCF-7 cells via the disruption of the actin cytoskeleton. Conclusions: SOX18 is a potential target for antiangiogenic therapy of human cancers.

Caracterização estrutural e funcional da subfamília gênica ARR-tipo B em macieira

A produtividade de pomares de macieira está estritamente relacionada ao processo de superação da dormência, o qual se caracteriza pela inabilidade do crescimento meristemático mesmo sob condições favoráveis. Embora eventos fisiológicos deste processo tenham sido elucidados, aspectos moleculares ainda são pouco compreendidos. A busca por elementos cis de regulação em genes DAM (Dormancy Associated MADS-box) de macieira revelou a presença de sítios de ligação a fatores de transcrição denominados Arabidopsis Response Regulators (ARR)?tipo B. Estes fatores fazem parte da via de sinalização de citocininas e seu papel na dormência ainda não foi elucidado. Pelo presente trabalho, temos por objetivo compreender a estrutura e a função dos elementos cis e trans associados aos fatores ARR-tipo B de macieira e avaliar se os mesmos podem estar atuando como possíveis repressores do estado dormente da planta.

Mutations in cardiac T-Box Factor gene TBX20 are associated with diverse cardiac pathologies, including defects of septation and valvulogenesis and cardiomyopathy

The T-box family transcription factor gene TBX20 acts in a conserved regulatory network, guiding heart formation and patterning in diverse species. Mouse Tbx20 is expressed in cardiac progenitor cells, differentiating cardiomyocytes, and developing valvular tissue, and its deletion or RNA interference-mediated knockdown is catastrophic for heart development. TBX20 interacts physically, functionally, and genetically with other cardiac transcription factors, including NKX2-5, GATA4, and TBX5, mutations of which cause congenital heart disease (CHD). Here, we report nonsense (Q195X) and missense (I152M) germline mutations within the T-box DNA-binding domain of human TBX20 that were associated with a family history of CHD and a complex spectrum of developmental anomalies, including defects in septation, chamber growth, and valvulogenesis. Biophysical characterization of wild-type and mutant proteins indicated how the missense mutation disrupts the structure and function of the TBX20 T-box. Dilated cardiomyopathy was a feature of the TBX20 mutant phenotype in humans and mice, suggesting that mutations in developmental transcription factors can provide a sensitized template for adult-onset heart disease. Our findings are the first to link TBX20 mutations to human pathology. They provide insights into how mutation of different genes in an interactive regulatory circuit lead to diverse clinical phenotypes, with implications for diagnosis, genetic screening, and patient follow-up.

Hepatocyte nuclear factors 1α/4α and forkhead box A2 regulate the solute carrier 2A2 (Slc2a2) gene expression in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats

AIMS: Solute carrier 2a2 (Slc2a2) gene codifies the glucose transporter GLUT2, a key protein for glucose flux in hepatocytes and renal epithelial cells of proximal tubule. In diabetes mellitus, hepatic and tubular glucose output has been related to Slc2a2/GLUT2 overexpression; and controlling the expression of this gene may be an important adjuvant way to improve glycemic homeostasis. Thus, the present study investigated transcriptional mechanisms involved in the diabetes-induced overexpression of the Slc2a2 gene. MAIN METHODS: Hepatocyte nuclear factors 1α and 4α (HNF-1α and HNF-4α), forkhead box A2 (FOXA2), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and the CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPβ) mRNA expression (RT-PCR) and binding activity into the Slc2a2 promoter (electrophoretic mobility assay) were analyzed in the liver and kidney of diabetic and 6-day insulin-treated diabetic rats. KEY FINDINGS: Slc2a2/GLUT2 expression increased by more than 50% (P<0.001) in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats, and 6-day insulin treatment restores these values to those observed in non-diabetic animals. Similarly, the mRNA expression and the binding activity of HNF-1α, HNF-4α and FOXA2 increased by 50 to 100% (P<0.05 to P<0.001), also returning to values of non-diabetic rats after insulin treatment. Neither the Srebf1 and Cebpb mRNA expression, nor the SREBP-1c and C/EBP-β binding activity was altered in diabetic rats. SIGNIFICANCE: HNF-1α, HNF-4α and FOXA2 transcriptional factors are involved in diabetes-induced overexpression of Slc2a2 gene in the liver and kidney. These data point out that these transcriptional factors are important targets to control GLUT2 expression in these tissues, which can contribute to glycemic homeostasis in diabetes.

Characterization of the MLC box: A conserved {\it cis\/}-acting DNA element present in the chicken MLC1s/1c gene

The slow/cardiac alkali myosin light chain (MLC1s/1c) is a member of a multigene family whose protein products are essential for activation of the myosin ATPase. In the adult, the MLC1s/1c isoform is expressed in both cardiac and slow-twitch skeletal muscles, while it is expressed by all skeletal muscles during development.^ To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the transcriptional regulation of MLC1s/1c gene expression, the immediate 5$\sp\prime$ flanking region of the gene was isolated and shown to be capable of directing reporter gene expression. Analysis of this region revealed a 110 bp muscle-specific enhancer that includes a myocyte-specific enhancer-binding factor 2 (MEF-2) site, E-boxes, which are potential binding sites for the basic-helix-loop-helix proteins such as MyoD, and a MLC box. The focus of the thesis was to identify the role of the MLC box in expression of the MLC1s/1c gene.^ The MLC box is a member of the family of CArG box containing cis-acting DNA elements. Mutagenesis showed that the MLC box is necessary, but not sufficient, for the expression of a reporter gene linked to the 5$\sp\prime$ flanking region of the MLC1s/1c gene. Linker scanner and site-directed mutagenesis identified a number of potential sites within the 110 bp muscle-specific enhancer that may cooperate with the MLC box. These are the MEF-2 site, the E-box site, and a 10 bp element located upstream of the MEF-2 site that does not have sequence similarity with any known cis-acting element. The MLC box is capable of binding to factors present in muscle nuclear extracts, as well as to human recombinant serum response factor (SRF). Binding of SRF to the MLC box was correlated with the ability of the 5$\sp\prime$ flanking region of the MLC1s/1c gene to drive reporter gene expression. Results suggest a model in which binding of SRF to the MLC box activates expression of the MLC1s/1c gene while binding of the factors present in the nuclear extracts suppresses the expression of the gene. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.) ^

Architectural specificity in chromatin structure at the TATA box in vivo: Nucleosome displacement upon β-phaseolin gene activation

Extensive studies of the β-phaseolin (phas) gene in transgenic tobacco have shown that it is highly active during seed embryogenesis but is completely silent in leaf and other vegetative tissues. In vivo footprinting revealed that the lack of even basal transcriptional activity in vegetative tissues is associated with the presence of a nucleosome that is rotationally positioned with base pair precision over three phased TATA boxes present in the phas promoter. Positioning is sequence-dependent because an identical rotational setting is obtained upon nucleosome reconstitution in vitro. A comparison of DNase I and dimethyl sulfate footprints in vivo and in vitro strongly suggests that this repressive chromatin architecture is remodeled concomitant with gene activation in the developing seed. This leads to the disruption of histone-mediated DNA wrapping and the assembly of the TATA boxes into a transcriptionally competent nucleoprotein complex.