EGFR signaling attenuates Groucho-dependent repression to antagonize Notch transcriptional output

Nat Genet. 2005 Jan;37(1):101-5. doi: 10.1038/ng1486. Epub 2004 Dec 12.

Abstract

Crosstalk between signaling pathways is crucial for the generation of complex and varied transcriptional networks. Antagonism between the EGF-receptor (EGFR) and Notch pathways in particular is well documented, although the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. The global corepressor Groucho (Gro) and its transducin-like Enhancer-of-split (TLE) mammalian homologs mediate repression by a myriad of repressors, including effectors of the Notch, Wnt (Wg) and TGF-beta (Dpp) signaling cascades. Given that there are genetic interactions between gro and components of the EGFR pathway (ref. 9 and P.H. et al., unpublished results), we tested whether Gro is at a crossroad between this and other pathways. Here we show that phosphorylation of Gro in response to MAPK activation weakens its repressor capacity, attenuating Gro-dependent transcriptional silencing by the Enhancer-of-split proteins, effectors of the Notch cascade. Thus, Gro is a new junction between signaling pathways, enabling EGFR signaling to antagonize transcriptional output by Notch and potentially other Gro-dependent pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Notch
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Wings, Animal / abnormalities
  • Wings, Animal / growth & development
  • ras Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • N protein, Drosophila
  • Receptors, Notch
  • Repressor Proteins
  • gro protein, Drosophila
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Ras85D protein, Drosophila
  • ras Proteins