PLP/DM20 ratio is regulated by hnRNPH and F and a novel G-rich enhancer in oligodendrocytes

Nucleic Acids Res. 2007;35(12):4164-78. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkm387. Epub 2007 Jun 12.

Abstract

Alternative splicing of competing 5' splice sites is regulated by enhancers and silencers in the spliced exon. We have characterized sequences and splicing factors that regulate alternative splicing of PLP and DM20, myelin proteins produced by oligodendrocytes (OLs) by selection of 5' splice sites in exon 3. We identify a G-rich enhancer (M2) of DM20 5' splice site in exon 3B and show that individual G triplets forming M2 are functionally distinct and the distal group plays a dominant role. G-rich M2 and a G-rich splicing enhancer (ISE) in intron 3 share similarities in function and protein binding. The G-rich sequences are necessary for binding of hnRNPs to both enhancers. Reduction in hnRNPH and F expression in differentiated OLs correlates temporally with increased PLP/DM20 ratio. Knock down of hnRNPH increased PLP/DM20 ratio, while hnRNPF did not. Silencing hnRNPH and F increased the PLP/DM20 ratio more than hnRNPH alone, demonstrating a novel synergistic effect. Mutation of M2, but not ISE reduced the synergistic effect. Replacement of M2 and all G runs in exon 3B abolished it almost completely. We conclude that developmental changes in hnRNPH/F associated with OLs differentiation synergistically regulate PLP alternative splicing and a G-rich enhancer participates in the regulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alternative Splicing*
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Exons
  • Guanine / analysis
  • Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Group F-H / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Group F-H / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Myelin Proteolipid Protein / genetics*
  • Myelin Proteolipid Protein / metabolism
  • Oligodendroglia / metabolism*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA Splice Sites
  • Regulatory Sequences, Ribonucleic Acid*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Group F-H
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Myelin Proteolipid Protein
  • PLP1 protein, human
  • RNA Splice Sites
  • Regulatory Sequences, Ribonucleic Acid
  • Guanine