Regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level plays an indispensable role during TGFbeta-induced EMT and metastasis. This regulation involves a transcript-selective translational regulatory pathway in which a ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) complex, consisting of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein E1 (hnRNP E1) and eukaryotic elongation factor 1A1 (eEF1A1), binds to a 3-UTR regulatory BAT (TGF activated translation) element and silences translation of Dab2 and ILEI mRNAs, two transcripts which are involved in mediating EMT. TGFbeta activates a kinase cascade terminating in the phosphorylation of hnRNP E1, by isoform-specific stimulation of protein kinase B/Akt2, inducing the release of the mRNP complex from the 3-UTR element, resulting in the reversal of translational silencing and increased expression of Dab2 and ILEI transcripts.
Establishment of a TGFβ-induced post-transcriptional EMT gene signature.
Specimen part
View SamplesIn this study that was specifically designed to identify early stages of glaucoma in DBA/2J mice, we used genome-wide expression profiling and a series of computational methods. Our methods successfully subdivided eyes with no detectable glaucoma by conventional assays into molecularly defined stages of disease. These stages represent a temporally ordered sequence of glaucoma states. Using an array of tools, we then determined networks and biological processes that are altered at these early stages. Our strategy proved very sensitive, suggesting that similar approaches will be valuable for uncovering early processes in other complex, later-onset diseases. Early changes included upregulation of both the complement cascade and endothelin system, and so we tested the therapeutic value of separately inhibiting them. Mice with a mutation in the complement component 1a gene (C1qa) were robustly protected from glaucoma with the protection being among the greatest reported. Similarly, inhibition of the endothelin system was strongly protective. Since EDN2 is potently vasoconstrictive and was produced by microglial/macrophages, our data provide a novel link between these cell types and vascular dysfunction in glaucoma. Targeting early events such as the upregulation of the complement and endothelin pathways may provide effective new treatments for human glaucoma.
Molecular clustering identifies complement and endothelin induction as early events in a mouse model of glaucoma.
Sex, Age, Specimen part
View Samples