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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Identification of MyoD Interactome Using Tandem Affinity Purification Coupled to Mass Spectrometry
Published on: May 17, 2016
Codependent activators direct myoblast-specific MyoD transcription
Ping Hu1, Kenneth G Geles, Ji-Hye Paik
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
FoxO3 and Pax3/7 transcription factors form a partnership to activate MyoD, crucial for muscle cell fate. This link is vital for normal muscle regeneration, highlighting their roles in cell differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Transcription factors FoxO and Pax proteins are critical for cell fate determination.
- A functional or physical link between FoxO and Pax proteins in regulating common target genes was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional relationship between FoxO3 and Pax3/7 in myoblasts.
- To identify common target genes regulated by FoxO3 and Pax3/7.
- To elucidate the mechanism of MyoD gene regulation by these transcription factors.
Main Methods:
- Cell-based assays in myoblasts.
- In vitro biochemical studies.
- Analysis of FoxO3 null mice for muscle regeneration defects.
Main Results:
- MyoD, a key regulator of myogenesis, was identified as a direct target of FoxO3 and Pax3/7.
- FoxO3 and Pax3/7 form a codependent partnership to activate MyoD transcription.
- This partnership involves the coordinated recruitment of RNA polymerase II to form a preinitiation complex (PIC).
- FoxO3 deficiency in mice led to defects in muscle regeneration due to MyoD downregulation.
Conclusions:
- A functional link and mutual interdependence between FoxO3 and Pax3/7 in regulating MyoD transcription were established.
- These transcription factors act as signaling sensors and regulators of cell fate commitment.
- The findings provide new insights into the coordinated regulation of tissue-specific gene transcription during myogenesis.
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