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Published on: November 29, 2013
The basic helix-loop-helix/PAS factor Sim is associated with hsp90. Implications for regulation by interaction with
J McGuire1, P Coumailleau, M L Whitelaw
1Department of Medical Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden.
Abstract:
Sim is a Drosophila developmental basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor containing a Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) region of homology. Here we demonstrate that Sim, in analogy to the structurally related bHLH/PAS dioxin receptor, was stably associated with the molecular chaperone hsp90. In the case of the dioxin receptor, release of hsp90 and derepression of receptor function appear to be regulated by ligand binding and dimerization with Arnt, a non-hsp90-associated bHLH/PAS factor. Dimerization with Arnt very efficiently disrupted Sim-hsp90 interaction, a process that required both the bHLH and PAS dimerization motifs of Arnt. Moreover, hsp90 was also released upon dimerization of Sim with the Drosophila PAS factor Per, whereas the hsp90-associated dioxin receptor failed to interact with Sim. These results indicate that hsp90 may play a role in conditional regulation of Sim function, and that Per and possibly bHLH/PAS partner factors may activate Sim by inducing release of hsp90 during the dimerization process.
Insights
Sim, a Drosophila transcription factor, associates with the molecular chaperone hsp90. Dimerization with partners like Arnt or Per releases hsp90, potentially regulating Sim
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sim is a Drosophila developmental transcription factor with a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) and Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain.
- The bHLH/PAS dioxin receptor, structurally similar to Sim, is regulated by the chaperone hsp90 and dimerization with Arnt.
- Understanding Sim's regulation is crucial for deciphering developmental pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association of Sim with the molecular chaperone hsp90.
- To determine the role of dimerization partners, Arnt and Per, in regulating Sim-hsp90 interaction.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which hsp90 influences Sim function.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical assays to demonstrate Sim-hsp90 association.
- Dimerization studies using Sim with Arnt and Per.
- Analysis of hsp90 release upon Sim dimerization.
Main Results:
- Sim was found to be stably associated with hsp90, similar to the dioxin receptor.
- Dimerization of Sim with Arnt efficiently disrupted the Sim-hsp90 interaction, requiring Arnt's bHLH and PAS domains.
- Dimerization with Per also led to hsp90 release from Sim.
- The dioxin receptor did not interact with Sim.
Conclusions:
- Hsp90 likely plays a role in the conditional regulation of Sim's function.
- Per and other bHLH/PAS factors may activate Sim by inducing hsp90 release during dimerization.
- This mechanism highlights a novel regulatory pathway for developmental transcription factors.
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