Transcription factor

About: Transcription factor is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 82881 publications have been published within this topic receiving 5400448 citations. The topic is also known as: transcription factors.

Genome-wide analysis of Foxp3 target genes in developing and mature regulatory T cells

Abstract: Transcription factor Foxp3 (forkhead box P3), restricted in its expression to a specialized regulatory CD4+ T-cell subset (T(R)) with a dedicated suppressor function, controls T(R) lineage development. In humans and mice, Foxp3 deficiency results in a paucity of T(R) cells and a fatal breach in immunological tolerance, causing highly aggressive multi-organ autoimmune pathology. Here, through genome-wide analysis combining chromatin immunoprecipitation with mouse genome tiling array profiling, we identify Foxp3 binding regions for approximately 700 genes and for an intergenically encoded microRNA. We find that a large number of Foxp3-bound genes are up- or downregulated in Foxp3+ T cells, suggesting that Foxp3 acts as both a transcriptional activator and repressor. Foxp3-mediated regulation unique to the thymus affects, among others, genes encoding nuclear factors that control gene expression and chromatin remodelling. In contrast, Foxp3 target genes shared by the thymic and peripheral T(R) cells encode primarily plasma membrane proteins, as well as cell signalling proteins. Together, our studies suggest that distinct transcriptional sub-programmes implemented by Foxp3 establish T(R) lineage during differentiation and its proliferative and functional competence in the periphery.

Synergistic signaling in fetal brain by STAT3-Smad1 complex bridged by p300.

Abstract: The cytokines LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor) and BMP2 (bone morphogenetic protein-2) signal through different receptors and transcription factors, namely STATs (signal transducers and activators of transcription) and Smads. LIF and BMP2 were found to act in synergy on primary fetal neural progenitor cells to induce astrocytes. The transcriptional coactivator p300 interacts physically with STAT3 at its amino terminus in a cytokine stimulation-independent manner, and with Smad1 at its carboxyl terminus in a cytokine stimulation-dependent manner. The formation of a complex between STAT3 and Smad1, bridged by p300, is involved in the cooperative signaling of LIF and BMP2 and the subsequent induction of astrocytes from neural progenitors.

Engineering yeast transcription machinery for improved ethanol tolerance and production.

Abstract: Global transcription machinery engineering (gTME) is an approach for reprogramming gene transcription to elicit cellular phenotypes important for technological applications. Here we show the application of gTME to Saccharomyces cerevisiae for improved glucose/ethanol tolerance, a key trait for many biofuels programs. Mutagenesis of the transcription factor Spt15p and selection led to dominant mutations that conferred increased tolerance and more efficient glucose conversion to ethanol. The desired phenotype results from the combined effect of three separate mutations in the SPT15 gene [serine substituted for phenylalanine (Phe(177)Ser) and, similarly, Tyr(195)His, and Lys(218)Arg]. Thus, gTME can provide a route to complex phenotypes that are not readily accessible by traditional methods.

Molecular Control of Immune/Inflammatory Responses: Interactions Between Nuclear Factor-κB and Steroid Receptor-Signaling Pathways

Abstract: I. Introduction II. Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) A. Introduction B. NF-κB is a dimeric transcription factor C. The regulatory subunit IκB is an inhibitor of NF-κB D. Activation and function of NF-κB E. The transcription factor NF-κB interacts with multiple transcription factors and transcriptional co-factors F. Transgenic animals suggest a complex role for NF-κB family members in immunity and development III. Steroid Hormones/Receptors: Glucocorticoids and the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) A. General background B. Glucocorticoid mechanism of action: the GR C. Glucocorticoid physiology D. GR/NF-κB interactions E. GR interacts with other transcription factors and transcriptional cofactors IV. NF-κB and GR Antagonism: Physiological Significance? V. Interactions Between NF-κB and Other Steroid Hormone Receptors A. Androgen receptor (AR) B. Estrogen receptor (ER) C. Progesterone receptor (PR) VI. Summary/Conclusions

An interleukin-4-induced transcription factor: IL-4 Stat

Abstract: Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is an immunomodulatory cytokine secreted by activated T lymphocytes, basophils, and mast cells. It plays an important role in modulating the balance of T helper (Th) cell subsets, favoring expansion of the Th2 lineage relative to Th1. Imbalance of these T lymphocyte subsets has been implicated in immunological diseases including allergy, inflammation, and autoimmune disease. IL-4 may mediate its biological effects, at least in part, by activating a tyrosine-phosphorylated DNA binding protein. This protein has now been purified and its encoding gene cloned. Examination of the primary amino acid sequence of this protein indicates that it is a member of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stat) family of DNA binding proteins, hereby designated IL-4 Stat. Study of the inhibitory activities of phosphotyrosine-containing peptides derived from the intracellular domain of the IL-4 receptor provided evidence for direct coupling of receptor and transcription factor during the IL-4 Stat activation cycle. Such observations indicate that IL-4 Stat has the same functional domain for both receptor coupling and dimerization.