ZBTB24 is a transcriptional regulator that coordinates with DNMT3B to control DNA methylation

Nucleic Acids Res. 2018 Nov 2;46(19):10034-10051. doi: 10.1093/nar/gky682.

Abstract

The interplay between transcription factors and epigenetic writers like the DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and the role of this interplay in gene expression, is being increasingly appreciated. ZBTB24, a poorly characterized zinc-finger protein, or the de novo methyltransferase DNMT3B, when mutated, cause Immunodeficiency, Centromere Instability, and Facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome, suggesting an underlying mechanistic link. Chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with loss-of-function approaches in model systems revealed common loci bound by ZBTB24 and DNMT3B, where they function to regulate gene body methylation. Genes coordinately regulated by ZBTB24 and DNMT3B are enriched for molecular mechanisms essential for cellular homeostasis, highlighting the importance of the ZBTB24-DNMT3B interplay in maintaining epigenetic patterns required for normal cellular function. We identify a ZBTB24 DNA binding motif, which is contained within the promoters of most of its transcriptional targets, including CDCA7, AXIN2, and OSTC. Direct binding of ZBTB24 at the promoters of these genes targets them for transcriptional activation. ZBTB24 binding at the promoters of RNF169 and CAMKMT, however, targets them for transcriptional repression. The involvement of ZBTB24 targets in diverse cellular programs, including the VDR/RXR and interferon regulatory pathways, suggest that ZBTB24's role as a transcriptional regulator is not restricted to immune cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Axin Protein / genetics
  • Centromere / genetics
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / genetics*
  • DNA Methylation / genetics*
  • DNA Methyltransferase 3B
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Humans
  • Methyltransferases / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nucleotide Motifs / genetics
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Binding / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Transcriptional Activation / genetics
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / genetics
  • Zinc Fingers / genetics

Substances

  • AXIN2 protein, human
  • Axin Protein
  • CDCA7 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • ZBTB24 protein, human
  • Methyltransferases
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases
  • calmodulin-lysine methyltransferase
  • RNF169 protein, human
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases