Isl1 and Pou4f2 form a complex to regulate target genes in developing retinal ganglion cells

PLoS One. 2014 Mar 18;9(3):e92105. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092105. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Precise regulation of gene expression during biological processes, including development, is often achieved by combinatorial action of multiple transcription factors. The mechanisms by which these factors collaborate are largely not known. We have shown previously that Isl1, a Lim-Homeodomain transcription factor, and Pou4f2, a class IV POU domain transcription factor, co-regulate a set of genes required for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) differentiation. Here we further explore how these two factors interact to precisely regulate gene expression during RGC development. By GST pulldown assays, co-immunoprecipitation, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we show that Isl1 and Pou4f2 form a complex in vitro and in vivo, and identify the domains within these two proteins that are responsible for this interaction. By luciferase assay, in situ hybridization, and RNA-seq, we further demonstrate that the two factors contribute quantitatively to gene expression in the developing RGCs. Although each factor alone can activate gene expression, both factors are required to achieve optimal expression levels. Finally, we discover that Isl1 and Pou4f2 can interact with other POU and Lim-Homeodomain factors respectively, indicating the interactions between these two classes of transcription factors are prevalent in development and other biological processes.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Hedgehog Proteins / genetics
  • Hedgehog Proteins / metabolism
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Binding
  • Response Elements
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / cytology
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription Factor Brn-3B / genetics*
  • Transcription Factor Brn-3B / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins
  • Pou4f2 protein, mouse
  • Shh protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factor Brn-3B
  • Transcription Factors
  • insulin gene enhancer binding protein Isl-1