Hes-1 regulates the excitatory fate of neural progenitors through modulation of Tlx3 (HOX11L2) expression

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2012 Feb;69(4):611-27. doi: 10.1007/s00018-011-0765-8. Epub 2011 Jul 9.

Abstract

Tlx3 (HOX11L2) is regarded as one of the selector genes in excitatory versus inhibitory fate specification of neurons in distinct regions of the nervous system. Expression of Tlx3 in a post-mitotic immature neuron favors a glutamatergic over GABAergic fate. The factors that regulate Tlx3 have immense importance in the fate specification of glutamatergic neurons. Here, we have shown that Notch target gene, Hes-1, negatively regulates Tlx3 expression, resulting in decreased generation of glutamatergic neurons. Down-regulation of Hes-1 removed the inhibition on Tlx3 promoter, thus promoting glutamatergic differentiation. Promoter-protein interaction studies with truncated/mutated Hes-1 protein suggested that the co-repressor recruitment mediated through WRPW domain of Hes-1 has contributed to the repressive effect. Our results clearly demonstrate a new and unique role for canonical Notch signaling through Hes-1, in neurotransmitter/subtype fate specification of neurons in addition to its known functional role in proliferation/maintenance of neural progenitors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Line
  • DNA / metabolism
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Glutamic Acid / pharmacology
  • Homeodomain Proteins / chemistry
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neural Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Neural Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription Factor HES-1
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / pharmacology

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Hes1 protein, mouse
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Tlx3 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factor HES-1
  • Glutamic Acid
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • DNA