Myc 9aaTAD activation domain binds to mediator of transcription with superior high affinity.

The overexpression of MYC genes is frequently found in many human cancers, including adult and pediatric malignant brain tumors. Targeting MYC genes continues to be challenging due to their undruggable nature. Using our prediction algorithm, the nine-amino-acid activation domain (9aaTAD) has been identified in all four Yamanaka factors, including c-Myc.

Expansions of tumor-reactive Vdelta1 gamma-delta T cells in newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

Recent studies have underscored the importance of gamma-delta (γδ) T cells in mediating potent MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity in numerous malignancies. Here, we analyzed Vδ1 and Vδ2 γδ T cell subsets in newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients (n = 40) who had initiated tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy including imatinib (n = 22), nilotinib (n = 14) and dasatinib (n = 4). Patient peripheral blood samples were analyzed at diagnosis and monitored prospectively at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months post-TKI.

Cryptic inhibitory regions nearby activation domains.

Previously, the Nine amino acid TransActivation Domain (9aaTAD) was identified in the Gal4 region 862-870 (DDVYNYLFD). Here, we identified 9aaTADs in the distal Gal4 orthologs by our prediction algorithm and found their conservation in the family. The 9aaTAD function as strong activators was demonstrated.

Clozapine Reverses Dysfunction of Glutamatergic Neurons Derived From Clozapine-Responsive Schizophrenia Patients.

The cellular pathology of schizophrenia and the potential of antipsychotics to target underlying neuronal dysfunctions are still largely unknown. We employed glutamatergic neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) obtained from schizophrenia patients with known histories of response to clozapine and healthy controls to decipher the mechanisms of action of clozapine, spanning from molecular (transcriptomic profiling) and cellular (electrophysiology) levels to observed clinical effects in living patients. Glutamatergic neurons derived from schizophrenia patients exhibited deficits in intrinsic electrophysiological properties, synaptic function and network activity.

Blocking of EphA2 on Endometrial Tumor Cells Reduces Susceptibility to Vδ1 Gamma-Delta T-Cell-Mediated Killing.

Background: Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus causing chronic inflammation, severe pain, and infertility. However, the innate immunity of gamma-delta (γδ) T lymphocytes in endometriosis has not been characterized. Women with endometriosis present numerous endocrine and immune dysfunctions and elevated risk for endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancers.

Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Patients with MGUS and Multiple Myeloma.

Background: Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play prominent roles in mediating innate and adaptive immune responses. However, it is unclear how pDCs contribute to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment described in multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods: Newly diagnosed myeloma patients (MM, = 37) were analyzed to determine the pDC counts in comparison to peripheral blood (PB, = 53) and bone marrow (BM, = 10) samples of age-matched healthy donors (HD) using flow cytometry.

Universal two-point interaction of mediator KIX with 9aaTAD activation domains.

The nine-amino-acid activation domain (9aaTAD) is defined by a short amino acid pattern including two hydrophobic regions (positions p3-4 and p6-7). The KIX domain of mediator transcription CBP interacts with the 9aaTAD domains of transcription factors MLL, E2A, NF-kB, and p53. In this study, we analyzed the 9aaTADs-KIX interactions by nuclear magnetic resonance.

The evolution of the 9aaTAD domain in Sp2 proteins: inactivation with valines and intron reservoirs.

The universal nine-amino-acid transactivation domains (9aaTADs) have been identified in numerous transcription activators. Here, we identified the conserved 9aaTAD motif in all nine members of the specificity protein (SP) family. Previously, the Sp1 transcription factor has been defined as a glutamine-rich activator.

Nuclear hormone receptors: Ancient 9aaTAD and evolutionally gained NCoA activation pathways.

In higher metazoans, the nuclear hormone receptors activate transcription trough their specific adaptors, nuclear hormone receptor adaptors NCoA, which are absent in lower metazoans. The Nine amino acid TransActivation Domain, 9aaTAD, was reported for a large number of the transcription activators that recruit general mediators of transcription. In this study, we demonstrated that the 9aaTAD from NHR-49 receptor of nematode C.

The inositol phosphatase SHIP2 enables sustained ERK activation downstream of FGF receptors by recruiting Src kinases.

Sustained activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) drives pathologies caused by mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs). We previously identified the inositol phosphatase SHIP2 (also known as INPPL1) as an FGFR-interacting protein and a target of the tyrosine kinase activities of FGFR1, FGFR3, and FGFR4. We report that loss of SHIP2 converted FGF-mediated sustained ERK activation into a transient signal and rescued cell phenotypes triggered by pathologic FGFR-ERK signaling.

The 9aaTAD Is Exclusive Activation Domain in Gal4.

The Gal4 protein is a well-known prototypic acidic activator that has multiple activation domains. We have previously identified a new activation domain called the nine amino acid transactivation domain (9aaTAD) in Gal4 protein. The family of the 9aaTAD activators currently comprises over 40 members including p53, MLL, E2A and other members of the Gal4 family; Oaf1, Pip2, Pdr1 and Pdr3.

The 9aaTAD Transactivation Domains: From Gal4 to p53.

The family of the Nine amino acid Transactivation Domain, 9aaTAD family, comprises currently over 40 members. The 9aaTAD domains are universally recognized by the transcriptional machinery from yeast to man. We had identified the 9aaTAD domains in the p53, Msn2, Pdr1 and B42 activators by our prediction algorithm.

Do human B-lymphocytes avoid aging until 60 years?

Broad changes in human innate and adaptive immunity are associated with advanced age. The age-related alteration of gene expression was reported for both T and B lymphocytes. We analysed the genome-wide expression profiles (n=20) of naive and whole B cell populations from young and early aged healthy donors under 60 years.

Shared structural features of the 9aaTAD family in complex with CBP.

A number of transactivation domains for transcription factors including p53, E2A/HEB, MLL, cMyb, CREB, FOXO3, Gcn4, Oaf1 and Pdr1 have been reported to interact with the KIX domain of general transcriptional mediators CBP, p300 or MED15. Most of those factors belong to the already established Nine amino acid Transactivation Domain (9aaTAD) family. By using available structural data, we found binding analogy for the 9aaTAD in the MLL-KIX and also E2A/HEB-KIX complexes.

Functionally suppressive CD8 T regulatory cells are increased in patients with multiple myeloma: a cause for immune impairment.

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy frequently associated with impaired immune cell numbers and functions. In MM, several studies have previously shown that CD4 regulatory T (Treg) cells hamper effector T cell functions and enhance immune dysfunction. In this study, we aimed to prove the presence of functionally suppressive Treg cells expressing CD8 phenotype (CD8 Treg cells) in MM.

Conditional knockdown of hMRS2 results in loss of mitochondrial Mg(2+) uptake and cell death.

The human gene MRS2L encodes a mitochondrial protein distantly related to CorA Mg(2+) transport proteins. Constitutive shRNA-mediated knockdown of hMRS2 in human HEK-293 cell line was found here to cause death. To further study its role in Mg(2+) transport, we have established stable cell lines with conditionally expressing shRNAs directed against hMRS2L.

A novel 9-amino-acid transactivation domain in the C-terminal part of Sox18.

Sox transcription factors are members of the Sry-related protein family that play multiple roles mainly during development. Sox18 has been implicated in the development of hair follicles as well as the blood and lymphatic vasculature, due to the identification of mutations that result in the ragged phenotype in mice, and in the hypotrichosis lymphedema telangiectasia syndrome in humans. Sox18 consists of an N-terminal high-mobility group DNA binding and a central transactivation domain, followed by a C-terminal region of unknown function.

Nine-amino-acid transactivation domain: establishment and prediction utilities.

Here we describe the establishment and prediction utilities for a novel nine-amino-acid transactivation domain, 9aa TAD, that is common to the transactivation domains of a large number of yeast and animal transcription factors. We show that the 9aa TAD motif is required for the function of the transactivation domain of Gal4 and the related transcription factors Oaf1 and Pip2. The 9aa TAD possesses an autonomous transactivation activity in yeast and mammalian cells.