SUMOylation controls the neurodevelopmental function of the transcription factor Zbtb20

ABSTRACT: SUMOylation is a dynamic post-translational protein modification that primarily takes place in cell nuclei, where it plays a key role in multiple DNA-related processes. In brain cells, and particularly in neurons, mostly nuclear proteins are SUMOylated, and the SUMOylation-dependent control of a subset of neuronal transcription factors is known to regulate various aspects of nerve cell differentiation, development, and function. In an unbiased screen for endogenous SUMOylation targets in the developing mouse brain, we previously identified the transcription factor Zbtb20 as a new SUMO1 conjugate. We show here that the three key SUMO paralogues SUMO1, SUMO2, and SUMO3 can all be conjugated to Zbtb20 in vitro, and we confirm the SUMOylation of Zbtb20 in vivo. Using primary hippocampal neurons as a model system, we then demonstrate that the expression of Zbtb20 is required for proper nerve cell development and neurite growth and branching. Furthermore, we show that the SUMOylation of Zbtb20 is essential for Zbtb20 function in this context, and provide evidence indicating that SUMOylation affects the Zbtb20-dependent transcriptional profile of neurons. Taken together, our data highlight the role of SUMOylation in the regulation of neuronal transcription factors that determine nerve cell development. Specifically, our data demonstrate that key functions of the transcription factor Zbtb20 in neuronal development and neurite growth are under the obligatory control of SUMOylation.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE143926 | GEO | 2021/01/06

REPOSITORIES: GEO