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Identification of SWI.SNF complex subunit BAF60a as a determinant of the transactivation potential of Fos/Jun dimers

T Ito1, M Yamauchi, M Nishina

  • 1Department of Gene Regulation, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|October 29, 2000
PubMed

Insights

BAF60a, a SWI.SNF chromatin remodeling complex subunit, determines Fos/Jun dimer transactivation potential. Specific dimers recruit SWI.SNF via BAF60a to initiate transcription of AP-1 regulated genes.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Gene Regulation
  • Chromatin Remodeling

Background:

  • Fos and Jun proteins form heterodimers that regulate gene expression via AP-1 binding sites.
  • The precise mechanisms governing dimer specificity and transactivation remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the molecular determinants of Fos/Jun dimer specificity in transactivation.
  • To elucidate the role of chromatin remodeling complexes in AP-1 mediated transcription.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the interaction between BAF60a and various Fos/Jun heterodimers.
  • Assessed the ability of different heterodimers to induce AP-1 regulated genes in the presence of the SWI.SNF complex.

Main Results:

  • BAF60a, a SWI.SNF subunit, acts as a specificity determinant for Fos/Jun dimer transactivation.
  • BAF60a binds differentially to c-Fos/c-Jun and Fra-2/JunD heterodimers.
  • Only Fos/Jun dimers with high affinity for BAF60a, in conjunction with a functional SWI.SNF complex, can induce AP-1 regulated genes like collagenase and c-met.

Conclusions:

  • BAF60a is a key factor mediating the transcriptional activity of specific Fos/Jun heterodimers.
  • The recruitment of the SWI.SNF complex via BAF60a is essential for initiating transcription of AP-1 target genes.

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