An evolutionary, structural and functional overview of the mammalian TEAD1 and TEAD2 transcription factors.

TEAD proteins constitute a family of highly conserved transcription factors, characterized by a DNA-binding domain called the TEA domain and a protein-binding domain that permits association with transcriptional co-activators. TEAD proteins are unable to induce transcription on their own. They have to interact with transcriptional cofactors to do so.

From vestigial to vestigial-like: the Drosophila gene that has taken wing.

The members of the vestigial-like gene family have been identified as homologs of the Drosophila vestigial, which is essential to wing formation. All members of the family are characterized by the presence of the TONDU domain, a highly conserved sequence that mediates their interaction with the transcription factors of the TEAD family. Mammals possess four vestigial-like genes that can be subdivided into two classes, depending on the number of Tondu domains present.

Molecular analyses of juvenile granulosa cell tumors bearing AKT1 mutations provide insights into tumor biology and therapeutic leads.

Juvenile granulosa cell tumors (JGCTs) of the ovary are pediatric neoplasms representing 5% of all granulosa cell tumors (GCTs). Most GCTs are of adult type (AGCTs) and bear a mutation in the FOXL2 gene. The molecular basis of JGCTs is poorly understood, although mutations in the GNAS gene have been reported.

The transcription factor FOXL2 mobilizes estrogen signaling to maintain the identity of ovarian granulosa cells.

FOXL2 is a lineage determining transcription factor in the ovary, but its direct targets and modes of action are not fully characterized. In this study, we explore the targets of FOXL2 and five nuclear receptors in murine primary follicular cells. We found that FOXL2 is required for normal gene regulation by steroid receptors, and we show that estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) is the main vector of estradiol signaling in these cells.

The Hippo kinase promotes Scalloped cytoplasmic localization independently of Warts in a CRM1/Exportin1-dependent manner in Drosophila.

Scalloped (SD) is a transcription factor characterized by a TEA/ATTS DNA binding domain. To activate transcription, SD must interact with its coactivators, including Yorkie (YKI) or Vestigial (VG). YKI is the downstream effector of the Hippo signaling pathway that plays a key role in the control of tissue growth.

Alteration of TEAD1 expression levels confers apoptotic resistance through the transcriptional up-regulation of Livin.

Background: TEA domain (TEAD) proteins are highly conserved transcription factors involved in embryonic development and differentiation of various tissues. More recently, emerging evidences for a contribution of these proteins towards apoptosis and cell proliferation regulation have also been proposed. These effects appear to be mediated by the interaction between TEAD and its co-activator Yes-Associated Protein (YAP), the downstream effector of the Hippo tumour suppressor pathway.

Integration of differentiation signals during indirect flight muscle formation by a novel enhancer of Drosophila vestigial gene.

The gene vestigial (vg) plays a key role in indirect flight muscle (IFM) development. We show here that vg is controlled by the Notch anti-myogenic signaling pathway in myoblasts and is regulated by a novel 822 bp enhancer during IFM differentiation. Interestingly, this muscle enhancer is activated in developing fibers and in a small number of myoblasts before the fusion of myoblasts with the developing muscle fibers.

SCALLOPED interacts with YORKIE, the nuclear effector of the hippo tumor-suppressor pathway in Drosophila.

In Drosophila, SCALLOPED (SD) belongs to a family of evolutionarily conserved proteins characterized by the presence of a TEA/ATTS DNA-binding domain [1, 2]. SD physically interacts with the product of the vestigial (vg) gene, where the dimer functions as a master gene controlling wing formation [3, 4]. The VG-SD dimer activates the transcription of several specific wing genes, including sd and vg themselves [5, 6].

Drosophila Lipid Storage Droplet 2 gene (Lsd-2) is expressed and controls lipid storage in wing imaginal discs.

Lipid droplets are the major neutral lipid storage organelles in higher eukaryotes. The PAT domain proteins (Perilipin, ADRP [adipose differentiation related protein], and TIP47 [tail-interacting 47-kDa protein]) are associated with these structures. Perilipin and ADRP are involved in the regulation of lipid storage and metabolism in mammals.

Interaction between apterous and early expression of vestigial in formation of the dorso-ventral compartments in the Drosophila wing disc.

Background: Compartment formation is a developmental process that requires the existence of barriers against intermixing between cell groups. In the Drosophila wing disc, the dorso-ventral (D/V) compartment boundary is defined by the expression of the apterous (ap) selector gene in the dorsal compartment. AP activity is under control of dLMO which destabilizes the formation of the AP-CHIP complex.

Suppressors of the vestigial mutant phenotype increase the level of expression of the gene.

Suppressor genes of the vestigial phenotype have been isolated in a wild-type population. These suppressors have an effect on different wing mutants and are allele-specific in the case of vestigial. In a vg background they produced overgrowth of the imaginal wing disc.