The dystonia gene DYT1 is repressed by the transcription factor THAP1 (DYT6)

Ann Neurol. 2010 Oct;68(4):554-9. doi: 10.1002/ana.22157.

Abstract

Mutations in THAP1 have been associated with dystonia 6. THAP1 encodes a transcription factor with mostly unknown targets. We tested the hypothesis that THAP1 regulates the expression of DYT1 (TOR1A), another dystonia-causing gene. After characterization of the TOR1A promoter, we demonstrate that THAP1 binds to the core promoter of TOR1A. Further, we report that wild type THAP1 represses the expression of TOR1A, whereas dystonia 6-associated mutant THAP1 results in decreased repression of TOR1A. Our data demonstrate that THAP1 regulates the transcription of TOR1A, suggesting transcriptional dysregulation as a cause of dystonia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / genetics
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation / methods
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Dystonic Disorders / genetics*
  • Dystonic Disorders / pathology
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Chaperones / genetics*
  • Molecular Chaperones / metabolism
  • Mutation, Missense / genetics
  • Neuroblastoma / pathology
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology
  • Transfection / methods

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Molecular Chaperones
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • THAP1 protein, human
  • TOR1A protein, human