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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Cell-Specific Paired Interrogation of the Mouse Ovarian Epigenome and Transcriptome
Published on: February 24, 2023
Cell-type-selective induction of c-jun by TAF4b directs ovarian-specific transcription networks
Kenneth G Geles1, Richard N Freiman, Wei-Li Liu
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, 16 Barker Hall, #3204, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
Abstract:
Cell-type-selective expression of the TFIID subunit TAF(II)105 (renamed TAF4b) in the ovary is essential for proper follicle development. Although a multitude of signaling pathways required for folliculogenesis have been identified, downstream transcriptional integrators of these signals remain largely unknown. Here, we show that TAF4b controls the granulosa-cell-specific expression of the proto-oncogene c-jun, and together they regulate transcription of ovary-selective promoters. Instead of using cell-type-specific activators, our findings suggest that the coactivator TAF4b regulates the expression of tissue-specific genes, at least in part, through the cell-type-specific induction of c-jun, a ubiquitous activator. Importantly, the loss of TAF4b in ovarian granulosa cells disrupts cellular morphologies and interactions during follicle growth that likely contribute to the infertility observed in TAF4b-null female mice. These data highlight a mechanism for potentiating tissue-selective functions of the basal transcription machinery and reveal intricate networks of gene expression that orchestrate ovarian-specific functions and cell morphology.
Insights
The TFIID subunit TAF4b is crucial for ovarian follicle development by regulating c-jun expression in granulosa cells. Loss of TAF4b disrupts cell morphology and interactions, leading to infertility in mice.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Folliculogenesis requires numerous signaling pathways, but downstream transcriptional regulators are poorly understood.
- TAF4b (formerly TAF(II)105) exhibits cell-type-specific expression in the ovary, indicating a key role in reproductive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of TAF4b as a downstream transcriptional integrator in ovarian signaling pathways.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which TAF4b regulates tissue-specific gene expression in the ovary.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of TAF4b's role in regulating c-jun expression in ovarian granulosa cells.
- Investigation of the functional consequences of TAF4b loss on follicle development and cellular morphology in mice.
Main Results:
- TAF4b controls granulosa-cell-specific expression of the proto-oncogene c-jun.
- TAF4b and c-jun together regulate transcription of ovary-selective promoters.
- Loss of TAF4b in granulosa cells disrupts ovarian follicle growth, cellular morphology, and cell interactions, leading to infertility in TAF4b-null mice.
Conclusions:
- TAF4b acts as a coactivator that induces tissue-specific gene expression, such as c-jun, in a cell-type-specific manner.
- This mechanism highlights how basal transcription machinery can achieve tissue-selective functions.
- TAF4b plays a critical role in orchestrating ovarian gene expression networks essential for cell morphology and function.
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