Activation of a T-box-Otx2-Gsc gene network independent of TBP and TBP-related factors
DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Gazdag, Emese; Jacobi, Ulrike G.; van Kruijsbergen, Ila; Weeks, Daniel L.; Veenstra, Gert Jan C.
Abstract
Embryonic development relies on activating and repressing regulatory influences that are faithfully integrated at the core promoter of individual genes. In vertebrates, the basal machinery recognizing the core promoter includes TATA-binding protein (TBP) and two TBP-related factors. In Xenopus embryos, the three TBP family factors are all essential for development and are required for expression of distinct subsets of genes. Here, we report on a non-canonical TBP family-insensitive (TFI) mechanism of transcription initiation that involves mesoderm and organizer gene expression. Using TBP family single- and triple-knockdown experiments, a-amanitin treatment, transcriptome profiling and chromatin immunoprecipitation, we found that TFI gene expression cannot be explained by functional redundancy, is supported by active transcription and shows normal recruitment of the initiating form of RNA polymerase II to the promoter. Strikingly, recruitment of Gcn5 (also known as Kat2a), a co-activator that has been implicated in transcription initiation, to TFI gene promoters is increased upon depletion of TBP family factors. TFI genes are part of a densely connected TBP family-insensitive T-box-Otx2-Gsc interaction network. The results indicate that this network of genes bound by Vegt, Eomes, Otx2 and Gsc utilizes a novel, flexible and non-canonical mechanism of transcription that does not require TBP or TBP-related factors.
Developmental Relationships of Four Exhausted CD8(+) T Cell Subsets Reveals Underlying Transcriptional and Epigenetic Landscape Control Mechanisms
IMMUNITY
Authors: Beltra, Jean-Christophe; Manne, Sasikanth; Abdel-Hakeem, Mohamed S.; Kurachi, Makoto; Giles, Josephine R.; Chen, Zeyu; Casella, Valentina; Ngiow, Shin Foong; Khan, Omar; Huang, Yinghui Jane; Yan, Patrick; Nzingha, Kito; Xu, Wei; Amaravadi, Ravi K.; Xu, Xiaowei; Karakousis, Giorgos C.; Mitchell, Tara C.; Schuchter, Lynn M.; Huang, Alexander C.; Wherry, E. John
Abstract
CD8(+) T cell exhaustion is a major barrier to current anti-cancer immunotherapies. Despite this, the developmental biology of exhausted CD8(+) T cells (Tex) remains poorly defined, restraining improvement of strategies aimed at "re-invigorating'' Tex cells. Here, we defined a four-cell-stage developmental framework for Tex cells. Two TCF1(+) progenitor subsets were identified, one tissue restricted and quiescent and one more blood accessible, that gradually lost TCF1 as it divided and converted to a third intermediate Tex subset. This intermediate subset re-engaged some effector biology and increased upon PD-L1 blockade but ultimately converted into a fourth, terminally exhausted subset. By using transcriptional and epigenetic analyses, we identified the control mechanisms underlying subset transitions and defined a key interplay between TCF1, T-bet, and Tox in the process. These data reveal a four-stage developmental hierarchy for Tex cells and define the molecular, transcriptional, and epigenetic mechanisms that could provide opportunities to improve cancer immunotherapy.