The Role of pRB and Co-repressors in Transcriptional Regulation

New York University School Of Medicine, New York NY

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Cellular differentiation is tightly coordinated with, and dependent upon, permanent cell cycle exit. The tumor suppressor pRB prevents tumorigenesis by virtue of its ability to suppress proliferation. It is clear that the pRB tumor family, which is comprised of pRB and the related proteins, p107 and p130 (also known as pocket proteins), is recruited to promoters through the E2F transcription factor. Once recruited, pocket proteins coordinate changes in gene expression with cell cycle progression and cell cycle exit, during transient growth arrest (quiescence) and permanent growth arrest that occurs upon cellular differentiation. Pocket proteins play a role in recruiting a cadre of co-repressors, such as Sin3-HDAC and histone methyltransferases, that modify chromatin and silence gene expression. Yet the mechanisms underlying the pRB-dependent changes in gene expression are not well understood. It is important to unravel these mechanisms, since they are likely to shed light on transcriptional controls associated with normal cell growth and tumor suppressive mechanisms. It is also unclear what transcriptional controls distinguish cells progressing through the M/G1 phase transition from those observed in cells re-emerging from growth arrest (the G0/G1 phase transition) and how differences in factor recruitment and chromatin modifications dictate transient growth arrest versus permanent cell cycle exit. We have found that pRB and the Sin3 co-repressor play a role in both settings. In this proposal, we seek to build upon results of the previous funding period and explore answers to these fundamental issues in the following Aims: (1) We will examine the role of E2F, pocket proteins, and Sin3 isoforms in factor recruitment, chromatin modification, and nucleosome remodeling during permanent cell cycle exit in muscle cells. (2) We will determine whether Sin3A and Sin3B isoforms can specifically regulate target gene transcription and purify endogenous complexes. (3) We will investigate the phenotype of Sin3 conditional knock-outs and attempt to unravel a role for Sin3 isoforms in maintaining cell cycle arrest in an animal model.