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Endothelin signaling activates neural crest gene expression via a MEF2C-dependent positive-feedback transcriptional mechanism

ABSTRACT: Endothelin signaling is one of the essential signaling pathways that control vertebrate development. Dysregulated Endothelin signaling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of human diseases such as Hirschsprung’s disease, pulmonary hypertension and cancer. However, the downstream transcriptional program and transcriptional factors of Endothelin signaling have been incompletely understood. Here, we used RNA-sequencing to identify the genes regulated by Endothelin signaling in the neural crest, where Endothelin signaling functions primarily during development. We further demonstrate that Endothelin induces gene expression through the de-repression of the MADS Box transcription factor MEF2C. Moreover, in the Mef2c gene locus, we identified an Endothelin responsive cis-regulatory element which functions as a central component of an Endothelin-MEF2C positive feedback transcriptional mechanism that regulates downstream gene expression.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE47919 | GEO | 2016/11/15

SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA208333

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is driven by leukemic stem cells (LSC) generated by mutations that confer (or maintain) self-renewal potential coupled to an aberrant differentiation program. Using retroviral mutagenesis, we identified genes that generate LSC in collaboration with genetic disruption of the gene encoding interferon response factor 8 (Irf8), which induces a myeloproliferation in vivo. Amongst the targeted genes, we identified Mef2c, encoding a MADS transcription factor, and confirmed that over-expression induced a myelomonocytic leukemia in cooperation with Irf8 deficiency. Strikingly, several of the genes identified in our screen have been reported to be upregulated in the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) subtype. High MEF2C expression levels were confirmed in AML patient samples with MLL gene disruptions, prompting an investigation of the causal interplay. Using a conditional mouse strain, we demonstrated that Mef2c deficiency does not impair the establishment nor maintenance of LSC generated in vitro by MLL/ENL fusion proteins â?? however, its loss led to compromised homing and invasiveness of the tumor cells. Mef2c-dependent targets included several genes encoding matrix metalloproteinases and chemokine ligands and receptors, providing a mechanistic link to increased homing and motility. Thus an early event in LSC generation may be responsible for the aggressive nature of this leukemia subtype. Experiment Overall Design: For gene expression profiling of M/E cells, RNA was isolated from M/E-Mef2c del/- cells infected with MYs-iPAC (empty vector) or MYs-pMef2cASR after puromycin selection at three different time points, pooled, and hybridized against the Agilent Whole Mouse Genome Microarray 4x44K using the one-color service of Miltenyi. Transcript levels were verified by real-time RT-PCR using the SYBRGreen Reaction Mix (Roche Mannheim) in a Roche Light-Cycler. cDNA levels were normalized against Hprt transcript levels. Primers and amplification conditions are available upon request.

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Endothelin signaling activates neural crest gene expression via a MEF2C-dependent positive-feedback transcriptional mechanism

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