Chromatin Modifier EP400 Regulates Oocyte Quality and Zygotic Genome Activation in Mice.

Epigenetic modifiers that accumulate in oocytes, play a crucial role in steering the developmental program of cleavage embryos and initiating life. However, the identification of key maternal epigenetic regulators remains elusive. In the findings, the essential role of maternal Ep400, a chaperone for H3.3, in oocyte quality and early embryo development in mice is highlighted. Depletion of Ep400 in oocytes resulted in a decline in oocyte quality and abnormalities in fertilization. Preimplantation embryos lacking maternal Ep400 exhibited reduced major zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and experienced developmental arrest at the 2-to-4-cell stage. The study shows that EP400 forms protein complex with NFYA, occupies promoters of major ZGA genes, modulates H3.3 distribution between euchromatin and heterochromatin, promotes transcription elongation, activates the expression of genes regulating mitochondrial functions, and facilitates the expression of rate-limiting enzymes of the TCA cycle. This intricate process driven by Ep400 ensures the proper execution of the developmental program, emphasizing its critical role in maternal-to-embryonic transition.

One-Step Affinity Purification of Leucine-Rich α2-Glycoproteins from Snake Sera and Characterization of Their Phospholipase A2-Inhibitory Activities as ß-Type Phospholipase A2 Inhibitors.

Snakes contain three types of phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-inhibitory proteins in their blood, PLIα, ß, and γ, which protect them from their own venom, PLA2. PLIß is the snake ortholog of leucine-rich α2 glycoprotein (LRG). Since autologous cytochrome c (Cyt c) serves as an endogenous ligand for LRG, in this study, we purified snake LRGs from various snake serum samples using Cyt c affinity chromatography. All purified snake LRGs were found to be dimers linked by disulfide bonds. Laticauda semifasciata and Naja kaouthia LRGs showed no inhibitory activity against L. semifasciata PLA2 and weak inhibitory activity against Gloydius brevicauda basic PLA2. Elaphe climacophora PLIß had weaker inhibitory activity against G. brevicauda basic PLA2 than G. brevicauda and Elaphe quadrivirgata PLIs, which are abundant in blood and known to neutralize G. brevicauda basic PLA2. Protobothrops flavoviridis LRG showed no inhibitory activity against basic venom PLA2, PL-X, or G. brevicauda basic PLA2. Binding analysis of P. flavoviridis LRG using surface plasmon resonance showed very strong binding to snake Cyt c, followed by that to horse Cyt c, weak binding to yeast Cyt c, and no binding to P. flavoviridis PL-X or BPI/II. We also deduced the amino acid sequences of L. semifasciata and P. flavoviridis LRG by means of cDNA sequencing and compared them with those of other known sequences of PLIs and LRGs. This study concluded that snake LRG can potentially inhibit basic PLA2, but, whether it actually functions as a PLA2-inhibitory protein, PLIß, depends on the snake.

A simple, rapid, and efficient method for generating multigene-knockout culture cells by the CRISPR/Cas9 system.

We evaluated the efficacy of simultaneous multiple-gene knockout in human culture cells. By simple co-transfection of HeLa cells with a mixture of pX330-based targeting plasmids together with a puromycin resistance plasmid, followed by transient selection of puromycin-resistant cells, Cas9/single-guide RNA (sgRNA)-transduced polyclonal cell populations were selected and grown. Western blot analyses revealed co-transfection of up to seven targeting plasmids for p38α, p38ß, JNK1, JNK2, Mnk1, ERK1, and mLST8 genes, drastically reduced protein expression of these genes in the polyclonal population. Analyses of a randomly isolated group of 25 clones revealed knockout efficiencies for the seven targeted genes ranging between 68% and 100%, and in six clones (24%), all targeted genes were disrupted. Deep sequencing analyses of the individual target sites revealed that, in most cases, Cas9/sgRNA-induced nonhomologous end joining resulted in deletion or insertion of only a few base pairs at the break points. These results demonstrate that simple co-transfection-based simultaneous targeting offers an easy, rapid, and efficient method to generate multiplex gene-knockout cell lines.

Redundant roles of extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2 in the G1-S transition and etoposide-induced G2/M checkpoint in HCT116 cells.

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2 intracellular signaling pathways play key roles in a variety of cellular processes, such as proliferation and differentiation. Dysregulation of ERK1/2 signaling has been implicated in many diseases, including cancer. Although ERK1/2 signaling pathways have been extensively studied, controversy remains as to whether ERK1 and ERK2 have specific or redundant functions. In this study, we examined the functional roles of ERK1 and ERK2 in cell proliferation and cell cycle progression using an auxin-inducible degron system combined with gene knockout technology. We found that ERK1/2 double depletion, but not ERK1 or ERK2 depletion, substantially inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 cells during G1-S transition. We further demonstrated that ERK1/2-double-depleted cells were much more tolerant to etoposide-induced G2/M arrest than ERK1 or ERK2 single-knockout cells. Together, these results strongly suggest the functional redundancy of ERK1 and ERK2 in both the G1-S transition under physiological conditions and the DNA damage-induced G2/M checkpoint. Our findings substantially advance understanding of the ERK1/2 pathways, which could have strong implications for future pharmacological developments.

Circadian activities of the brain MNK-eIF4E signalling axis contribute to diurnal rhythms of some cognitive functions.

Although it is well recognized that the circadian timing system profoundly influences cognitive performance, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly defined. Our previous work has found that the mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinase (MNK)-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) axis, a conserved cellular signalling pathway regulating mRNA translation, modulates the function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the master circadian clock. Here, with the use of a combination of genetic, biochemical and behavioural approaches, we investigated the distribution and temporal regulation of eIF4E phosphorylation in the brain and its role in regulating the diurnal oscillations of some aspects of cognition in mice. We found that activities of the MNK-eIF4E axis, as indicated by the level of eIF4E phosphorylation at Ser209, exhibited significant circadian oscillations in a variety of brain regions, including but not limited to the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, the amygdala and the cerebellum. Phosphorylated eIF4E was enriched in neurons but not in astrocytes or microglia. Mice lacking eIF4E phosphorylation (eIF4ES209A/S209A ) or the MNKs (Mnk1-/-,2-/- ), the kinases that phosphorylate eIF4E, exhibited impaired diurnal variations of novel object recognition, object location memory, Barnes maze learning and ambulatory activities. Together, these results suggest that circadian activities of the MNK-eIF4E axis contribute to the diurnal rhythms of some cognitive functions, highlighting a role for rhythmic translational control in circadian regulation of cognitive performance.

Chromatin remodeler Ep400 ensures oligodendrocyte survival and is required for myelination in the vertebrate central nervous system.

Differentiating oligodendrocytes generate myelin to ensure rapid saltatory conduction in the vertebrate central nervous system. Although oligodendroglial differentiation and myelination are accompanied by dramatic chromatin reorganizations, previously studied chromatin remodelers had only limited direct effects on the process. To study the functional significance of chromatin changes for myelination and identify relevant remodelers, we deleted Ep400, the central ATP-hydrolyzing subunit of the TIP60/EP400 complex, at defined times of mouse oligodendrocyte development. Whereas Ep400-deficient oligodendrocyte precursors develop normally, terminal differentiation and myelination are dramatically impaired. Mechanistically, Ep400 interacts with transcription factor Sox10, binds to regulatory regions of the Myrf gene and is required to induce this central transcriptional regulator of the myelination program. In addition to reduced and aberrant myelin formation, oligodendrocytes exhibit increased DNA damage and apoptosis so that numbers never reach wildtype levels during the short lifespan of Ep400-deficient mice. Ep400 deletion in already mature oligodendrocytes remains phenotypically inapparent arguing that Ep400 is dispensable for myelin maintenance. Given its essential function in myelin formation, modulation of Ep400 activity may be beneficial in conditions such as multiple sclerosis where this process is compromised.

Ep400 deficiency in Schwann cells causes persistent expression of early developmental regulators and peripheral neuropathy.

Schwann cells ensure efficient nerve impulse conduction in the peripheral nervous system. Their development is accompanied by defined chromatin changes, including variant histone deposition and redistribution. To study the importance of variant histones for Schwann cell development, we altered their genomic distribution by conditionally deleting Ep400, the central subunit of the Tip60/Ep400 complex. Ep400 absence causes peripheral neuropathy in mice, characterized by terminal differentiation defects in myelinating and non-myelinating Schwann cells and immune cell activation. Variant histone H2A.Z is differently distributed throughout the genome and remains at promoters of Tfap2a, Pax3 and other transcriptional regulator genes with transient function at earlier developmental stages. Tfap2a deletion in Ep400-deficient Schwann cells causes a partial rescue arguing that continued expression of early regulators mediates the phenotypic defects. Our results show that proper genomic distribution of variant histones is essential for Schwann cell differentiation, and assign importance to Ep400-containing chromatin remodelers in the process.

Mnk1 is a novel acinar cell-specific kinase required for exocrine pancreatic secretion and response to pancreatitis in mice.

OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic acinar cell maturation is dependent on the activity of the pancreas transcription factor 1 (PTF1) complex. Induction of pancreatitis leads to MAP kinase activation and transient suppression of the acinar differentiation programme. We investigated the role of MAP kinase-interacting kinase 1 (Mnk1) in mouse exocrine pancreas development and in the response to secretagogue-induced pancreatitis. DESIGN: Mnk1 expression was analysed using immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and western blotting. Ptf1a binding to Mnk1 was assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and qPCR. Acute pancreatitis was induced in wild type and Mnk1(-/-) mice by 7 h intraperitoneal injections of caerulein. In vitro amylase secretion and trypsinogen activation were assessed using freshly isolated acinar cells. In vivo secretion was quantified by secretin-stimulated MRI. RESULTS: Mnk1 is expressed at the highest levels in pancreatic acinar cells and is a direct PTF1 target. Mnk1 is activated upon induction of pancreatitis and is indispensable for eIF4E phosphorylation. The pancreas of Mnk1(-/-) mice is histologically normal. Digestive enzyme content is significantly increased and c-Myc and Ccnd1 levels are reduced in Mnk1(-/-) mice. Upon induction of acute pancreatitis, Mnk1(-/-) mice show impaired eIF4E phosphorylation, activation of c-Myc and downregulation of zymogen content. Acinar cells show defective relocalisation of digestive enzymes, polarity defects and impaired secretory response in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Mnk1 is a novel pancreatic acinar cell-specific stress response kinase that regulates digestive enzyme abundance and eIF4E phosphorylation. It is required for the physiological secretory response of acinar cells and for the homeostatic response to caerulein administration during acute pancreatitis.

Two-stage translational control of dentate gyrus LTP consolidation is mediated by sustained BDNF-TrkB signaling to MNK.

BDNF signaling contributes to protein-synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity, but the dynamics of TrkB signaling and mechanisms of translation have not been defined. Here, we show that long-term potentiation (LTP) consolidation in the dentate gyrus of live rodents requires sustained (hours) BDNF-TrkB signaling. Surprisingly, this sustained activation maintains an otherwise labile signaling pathway from TrkB to MAP-kinase-interacting kinase (MNK). MNK activity promotes eIF4F translation initiation complex formation and protein synthesis in mechanistically distinct early and late stages. In early-stage translation, MNK triggers release of the CYFIP1/FMRP repressor complex from the 5'-mRNA cap. In late-stage translation, MNK regulates the canonical translational repressor 4E-BP2 in a synapse-compartment-specific manner. This late stage is coupled to MNK-dependent enhanced dendritic mRNA translation. We conclude that LTP consolidation in the dentate gyrus is mediated by sustained BDNF signaling to MNK and MNK-dependent regulation of translation in two functionally and mechanistically distinct stages.

Regulatory effects of a Mnk2-eIF4E feedback loop during mTORC1 targeting of human medulloblastoma cells.

The mTOR pathway controls mRNA translation of mitogenic proteins and is a central regulator of metabolism in malignant cells. Development of malignant cell resistance is a limiting factor to the effects of mTOR inhibitors, but the mechanisms accounting for such resistance are not well understood. We provide evidence that mTORC1 inhibition by rapamycin results in engagement of a negative feedback regulatory loop in malignant medulloblastoma cells, involving phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation-initiation factor eIF4E. This eIF4E phosphorylation is Mnk2- mediated, but Mnk1-independent, and acts as a survival mechanism for medulloblastoma cells. Pharmacological targeting of Mnk1/2 or siRNA-mediated knockdown of Mnk2 sensitizes medulloblastoma cells to mTOR inhibition and promotes suppression of malignant cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. Altogether, these findings provide evidence for the existence of a Mnk2-controlled feedback loop in medulloblastoma cells that accounts for resistance to mTOR inhibitors, and raise the potential for combination treatments of mTOR and Mnk inhibitors for the treatment of medulloblastoma.

Interplay between chromatin-modifying enzymes controls colon cancer progression through Wnt signaling.

Cancer progression is associated with epigenetic alterations, such as changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications or variants incorporation. The p400 ATPase, which can incorporate the H2A.Z variant, and the Tip60 histone acetyltransferase are interacting chromatin-modifying proteins crucial for the control of cell proliferation. We demonstrate here that Tip60 acts as a tumor suppressor in colon, since mice heterozygous for Tip60 are more susceptible to chemically induced preneoplastic lesions and adenomas. Strikingly, heterozygosity for p400 reverses the Tip60-dependent formation of preneoplastic lesions, uncovering for the first time pro-oncogenic functions for p400. By genome-wide analysis and using a specific inhibitor in vivo, we demonstrated that these effects are dependent on Wnt signaling which is antagonistically impacted by p400 and Tip60: p400 directly favors the expression of a subset of Wnt-target genes and regulators, whereas Tip60 prevents ß-catenin acetylation and activation. Taken together, our data underline the physiopathological importance of interplays between chromatin-modifying enzymes in the control of cancer-related signaling pathways.

Mnk1 and 2 are dispensable for T cell development and activation but important for the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

T cell development and activation are usually accompanied by expansion and production of numerous proteins that require active translation. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binds to the 5' cap structure of mRNA and is critical for cap-dependent translational initiation. It has been hypothesized that MAPK-interacting kinase 1 and 2 (Mnk1/2) promote cap-dependent translation by phosphorylating eIF4E at serine 209 (S209). Pharmacologic studies using inhibitors have suggested that Mnk1/2 have important roles in T cells. However, genetic evidence supporting such conclusions is lacking. Moreover, the signaling pathways that regulate Mnk1/2 in T cells remain unclear. We demonstrate that TCR engagement activates Mnk1/2 in primary T cells. Such activation is dependent on Ras-Erk1/2 signaling and is inhibited by diacylglycerol kinases α and ζ. Mnk1/2 double deficiency in mice abolishes TCR-induced eIF4E S209 phosphorylation, indicating their absolute requirement for eIF4E S209 phosphorylation. However, Mnk1/2 double deficiency does not affect the development of conventional αß T cells, regulatory T cells, or NKT cells. Furthermore, T cell activation, in vivo primary and memory CD8 T cell responses to microbial infection, and NKT cell cytokine production were not obviously altered by Mnk1/2 deficiency. Although Mnk1/2 deficiency causes decreased IL-17 and IFN-γ production by CD4 T cells following immunization of mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide in complete Freund's adjuvant, correlating with milder experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis scores, it does not affect Th cell differentiation in vitro. Together, these data suggest that Mnk1/2 has a minimal role in T cell development and activation but may regulate non-T cell lineages to control Th1 and Th17 differentiation in vivo.

Sprouty proteins are negative regulators of interferon (IFN) signaling and IFN-inducible biological responses.

Interferons (IFNs) have important antiviral and antineoplastic properties, but the precise mechanisms required for generation of these responses remain to be defined. We provide evidence that during engagement of the Type I IFN receptor (IFNR), there is up-regulation of expression of Sprouty (Spry) proteins 1, 2, and 4. Our studies demonstrate that IFN-inducible up-regulation of Spry proteins is Mnk kinase-dependent and results in suppressive effects on the IFN-activated p38 MAP kinase (MAPK), the function of which is required for transcription of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Our data establish that ISG15 mRNA expression and IFN-dependent antiviral responses are enhanced in Spry1,2,4 triple knock-out mouse embryonic fibroblasts, consistent with negative feedback regulatory roles for Spry proteins in IFN-mediated signaling. In other studies, we found that siRNA-mediated knockdown of Spry1, Spry2, or Spry4 promotes IFN-inducible antileukemic effects in vitro and results in enhanced suppressive effects on malignant hematopoietic progenitors from patients with polycythemia vera. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that Spry proteins are potent regulators of Type I IFN signaling and negatively control induction of Type I IFN-mediated biological responses.

Essential role for Mnk kinases in type II interferon (IFNgamma) signaling and its suppressive effects on normal hematopoiesis.

IFNγ exhibits potent antitumor effects and plays important roles in the innate immunity against cancer. However, the mechanisms accounting for the antiproliferative effects of IFNγ still remain to be elucidated. We examined the role of Mnk1 (MAPK-interacting protein kinase 1) in IFNγ signaling. Our data demonstrate that IFNγ treatment of sensitive cells results in engagement of Mnk1, activation of its kinase domain, and downstream phosphorylation of the cap-binding protein eIF4E on Ser-209. Such engagement of Mnk1 plays an important role in IFNγ-induced IRF-1 (IFN regulatory factor 1) gene mRNA translation/protein expression and is essential for generation of antiproliferative responses. In studies aimed to determine the role of Mnk1 in the induction of the suppressive effects of IFNs on primitive hematopoietic progenitors, we found that siRNA-mediated Mnk1/2 knockdown results in partial reversal of the suppressive effects of IFNγ on human CD34+-derived myeloid (CFU-GM) and erythroid (BFU-E) progenitors. These findings establish a key role for the Mnk/eIF4E pathway in the regulatory effects of IFNγ on normal hematopoiesis and identify Mnk kinases as important elements in the control of IFNγ-inducible ISG mRNA translation.

Protein phosphatase 2A negatively regulates eukaryotic initiation factor 4E phosphorylation and eIF4F assembly through direct dephosphorylation of Mnk and eIF4E.

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is frequently overexpressed in human cancers and is associated with cellular transformation, tumorigenesis, and metastatic progression. It is known that Mnks can phosphorylate eIF4E. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) functions as a tumor suppressor, and it was previously suggested to regulate eIF4E phosphorylation. However, how PP2A regulates eIF4E phosphorylation has not been fully addressed. In this study, we have not only validated the role of PP2A in regulation of eIF4E phosphorylation but also demonstrated the mechanism underlying this process. Inhibition of PP2A using either okadaic acid or PP2A small interfering RNA (siRNA) increased eIF4E phosphorylation, which could be abolished by the presence of the Mnk inhibitor CGP57380 or deficiency of Mnk genes. Thus, Mnks are involved in PP2A-mediated regulation of eIF4E phosphorylation. Moreover, a dephosphorylation assay revealed that PP2A could directly dephosphorylate Mnk1 and eIF4E. m(7)GTP pull-down assay detected more eIF4G and phospho-eIF4E and less 4EBP-1 in PP2A siRNA-transfected cells than in control siRNA-transfected cells, indicating an increased cap binding of eIF4F complex. Accordingly, okadaic acid treatment or PP2A knockdown increased the levels of c-Myc and Mcl-1, which are proteins known to be regulated by a cap-dependent translation mechanism. Taken together, we conclude that PP2A negatively regulates eIF4E phosphorylation and eIF4F complex assembly through dephosphorylation of Mnk and eIF4E, thus suggesting a novel mechanism by which PP2A exerts its tumor-suppressive function.

Combined deficiency for MAP kinase-interacting kinase 1 and 2 (Mnk1 and Mnk2) delays tumor development.

MAP kinase-interacting kinase 1 and 2 (Mnk1 and Mnk2) are protein-serine/threonine kinases that are activated by ERK or p38 and phosphorylate eIF4E, which is involved in cap-dependent translation initiation. However, Mnk1/2 double knockout (Mnk-DKO) mice show normal cell growth and development despite an absence of eIF4E phosphorylation. Here we show that the tumorigenesis occurring in the Lck-Pten mouse model (referred to here as tPten(-/-) mice) can be suppressed by the loss of Mnk1/2. Phosphorylation of eIF4E was greatly enhanced in lymphomas of parental tPten(-/-) mice compared with lymphoid tissues of wild-type mice, but was totally absent in lymphomas of tPten(-/-); Mnk-DKO mice. Notably, stable knockdown of Mnk1 in the human glioma cell line U87MG resulted in dramatically decreased tumor formation when these cells were injected into athymic nude mice. Our data demonstrate an oncogenic role for Mnk1/2 in tumor development, and highlight these molecules as potential anticancer drug targets that could be inactivated with minimal side effects.

Negative regulatory effects of Mnk kinases in the generation of chemotherapy-induced antileukemic responses.

Mnk kinases are downstream effectors of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and mediate phosphorylation of the eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF4E), a protein that plays a key role in the regulation of mRNA translation and is up-regulated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We determined the effects of chemotherapy (cytarabine) on the activation status of Mnk in AML cells and its role in the generation of antileukemic responses. A variety of experimental approaches were used, including immunoblotting, apoptosis assays, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of proteins, and clonogenic hematopoietic progenitor assays in methylcellulose. Cytarabine induced phosphorylation/activation of Mnk and Mnk-mediated phosphorylation of eIF4E on Ser209, as evidenced by studies involving pharmacological inhibition of Mnk or experiments using cells with targeted disruption of Mnk1 and Mnk2 genes. To assess the functional relevance of cytarabine-inducible engagement of Mnk/eIF4E pathway, the effects of pharmacological inhibition of Mnk on cytarabine-mediated suppression of primitive leukemic progenitors [leukemic colony forming unit (CFU-L)] were examined. Concomitant treatment of cells with a pharmacological inhibitor of Mnk or siRNA-mediated knockdown of Mnk1/2 strongly enhanced the suppressive effects of low cytarabine concentrations on CFU-L. It is noteworthy that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin also induced phosphorylation of eIF4E in a Mnk-dependent manner, whereas inhibition strongly enhanced its antileukemic effects. These data demonstrate that Mnk kinases are activated in a negative-feedback regulatory manner in response to chemotherapy and impair the generation of antileukemic responses. They also identify this pathway as a novel target for the design of new approaches to enhance the antileukemic effects of chemotherapy or mTOR inhibitors in AML.

Essential role of p400/mDomino chromatin-remodeling ATPase in bone marrow hematopoiesis and cell-cycle progression.

p400/mDomino is an ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling protein that catalyzes the deposition of histone variant H2A.Z into nucleosomes to regulate gene expression. We previously showed that p400/mDomino is essential for embryonic development and primitive hematopoiesis. Here we generated a conditional knock-out mouse for the p400/mDomino gene and investigated the role of p400/mDomino in adult bone marrow hematopoiesis and in the cell-cycle progression of embryonic fibroblasts. The Mx1-Cre- mediated deletion of p400/mDomino resulted in an acute loss of nucleated cells in the bone marrow, including committed myeloid and erythroid cells as well as hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells. A hematopoietic colony assay revealed a drastic reduction in colony-forming activity after the deletion of p400/mDomino. Moreover, the loss of p400/mDomino in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) resulted in strong growth inhibition. Cell-cycle analysis revealed that the mDomino-deficient MEFs exhibited a pleiotropic cell-cycle defect at the S and G(2)/M phases, and polyploid and multi-nucleated cells with micronuclei emerged. DNA microarray analysis revealed that the p400/mDomino deletion from MEFs caused the impaired expression of many cell-cycle-regulatory genes, including G(2)/M-specific genes targeted by the transcription factors FoxM1 and c-Myc. These results indicate that p400/mDomino plays a key role in cellular proliferation by controlling the expression of cell-cycle-regulatory genes.

The E1A-associated p400 protein modulates cell fate decisions by the regulation of ROS homeostasis.

The p400 E1A-associated protein, which mediates H2A.Z incorporation at specific promoters, plays a major role in cell fate decisions: it promotes cell cycle progression and inhibits induction of apoptosis or senescence. Here, we show that p400 expression is required for the correct control of ROS metabolism. Depletion of p400 indeed increases intracellular ROS levels and causes the appearance of DNA damage, indicating that p400 maintains oxidative stress below a threshold at which DNA damages occur. Suppression of the DNA damage response using a siRNA against ATM inhibits the effects of p400 on cell cycle progression, apoptosis, or senescence, demonstrating the importance of ATM-dependent DDR pathways in cell fates control by p400. Finally, we show that these effects of p400 are dependent on direct transcriptional regulation of specific promoters and may also involve a positive feedback loop between oxidative stress and DNA breaks since we found that persistent DNA breaks are sufficient to increase ROS levels. Altogether, our results uncover an unexpected link between p400 and ROS metabolism and allow deciphering the molecular mechanisms largely responsible for cell proliferation control by p400.

Type I interferon (IFN)-dependent activation of Mnk1 and its role in the generation of growth inhibitory responses.

We provide evidence for the existence of an IFN-regulated cellular pathway involving the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-integrating kinase (Mnk) 1. Our data demonstrate that type I (alpha, beta) IFNs induce phosphorylation/activation of Mnk1, which, in turn, regulates phosphorylation of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) on Ser-209. Such Mnk activation depends on upstream engagement of Jak1, and requires downstream activation of the Mek/Erk MAPK pathway. In studies using double Mnk1-/-Mnk2-/- knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), we found that engagement of Mnk kinases is essential for mRNA translation of the Isg15 and Isg54 genes, suggesting an important role for this pathway in mRNA translation of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Importantly, our data demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of Mnk kinases or siRNA-mediated knockdown of Mnk1 and Mnk2 results in partial reversal of the suppressive effects of IFNalpha on normal and leukemic hematopoietic progenitors, establishing a key role for this pathway in the generation of the growth inhibitory effects of type I IFNs. Together, our findings establish that the Mnk/eIF4E kinase pathway is activated in an IFN-inducible manner and plays important roles in mRNA translation for ISGs and generation of IFN-inducible anti-proliferative responses.