Project description:We demonstrate that actin interacts with essentially all transcribed genes and co-occupies most gene promoters together with RNA polymerase II (Pol II). On highly expressed genes, actin and Pol II can be found also on the gene bodies.
Project description:RNA microarray analyses revealed that nuclear actin activated many human transcription factor genes including OCT4, which is required for gene reprogramming. OCT4 is known to be activated by nuclear actin in Xenopus oocytes. Our findings imply that this process of OCT4 activation is conserved in vertebrates and among cell types, and could be used for gene reprogramming of human cells.
Project description:Nuclear actin participates in many essential cellular processes including gene transcription, chromatic remodelling and mRNA processing. Actin shuttles into and out the nucleus through the action of dedicated transport receptors importin-9 and exportin-6, but how this transport is regulated remains unclear. Here we show that RASSF1A is a novel regulator of actin nucleocytoplasmic trafficking and is required for the active maintenance of nuclear actin levels through supporting binding of exportin-6 (XPO6) to RAN GTPase. RASSF1A (Ras association domain family 1 isoform A) is a tumor suppressor gene frequently silenced by promoter hypermethylation in all major solid cancers. Specifically, we demonstrate that endogenous RASSF1A localizes to the nuclear envelope (NE) and is required for nucleo-cytoplasmic actin transport and the concomitant regulation of Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A), a coactivator of the transcription factor serum response factor (SRF). The RASSF1A/RAN/XPO6/nuclear actin pathway is aberrant in cancer cells where RASSF1A expression is lost and correlates with reduced MTRF/SRF activity leading to cell adhesion defects. Taken together, we have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which the nuclear actin pool is regulated and uncovered a previously unknown link of RASSF1A and MTRF/SRF in tumor suppression.
Project description:This SuperSeries is composed of the following subset Series: GSE23033: Polycomb function during oogenesis is required for mouse early embryonic development (germinal vesicle oocytes) GSE28710: Polycomb function during oogenesis is required for mouse early embryonic development (2-cell embryos) Refer to individual Series
Project description:T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling triggers selective cytokine expression to drive T cell proliferation and differentiation required for immune defense and surveillance. The nuclear signaling events responsible for specificity in cytokine gene expression upon T cell activation are largely unknown. Here, we uncover formation of a dynamic actin filament network in the nucleus that regulates cytokine expression for effector functions of CD4 T lymphocytes. TCR engagement triggers the rapid and transient formation of a nuclear actin filament network via nuclear Arp2/3 complex, induced by elevated nuclear Ca2+ levels and regulated via N-Wasp and NIK. Specific interference with TCR-induced formation of nuclear actin filaments impairs production of effector cytokines and prevents generation of antigen-specific antibodies, but does not interfere with immune synapse formation and cell proliferation. Ca2+-regulated actin polymerization in the nucleus allows CD4 T cells the rapid conversion of TCR signals into effector functions required for T cell help Identification of nuclear F-actin sensitive genes upon TCR signaling