A dual molecular analogue tuner for dissecting protein function in mammalian cells

Nat Commun. 2016 May 27:7:11742. doi: 10.1038/ncomms11742.

Abstract

Loss-of-function studies are fundamental for dissecting gene function. Yet, methods to rapidly and effectively perturb genes in mammalian cells, and particularly in stem cells, are scarce. Here we present a system for simultaneous conditional regulation of two different proteins in the same mammalian cell. This system harnesses the plant auxin and jasmonate hormone-induced degradation pathways, and is deliverable with only two lentiviral vectors. It combines RNAi-mediated silencing of two endogenous proteins with the expression of two exogenous proteins whose degradation is induced by external ligands in a rapid, reversible, titratable and independent manner. By engineering molecular tuners for NANOG, CHK1, p53 and NOTCH1 in mammalian stem cells, we have validated the applicability of the system and demonstrated its potential to unravel complex biological processes.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Checkpoint Kinase 1 / genetics
  • Checkpoint Kinase 1 / metabolism
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Profiling / methods*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics*
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics
  • HCT116 Cells
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Lentivirus / genetics
  • Nanog Homeobox Protein / genetics
  • Nanog Homeobox Protein / metabolism
  • Plant Growth Regulators / pharmacology
  • RNA Interference*
  • Receptor, Notch1 / genetics
  • Receptor, Notch1 / metabolism
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism

Substances

  • Nanog Homeobox Protein
  • Plant Growth Regulators
  • Receptor, Notch1
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Checkpoint Kinase 1