Int J Biol Sci 2007; 3(4):225-236. doi:10.7150/ijbs.3.225 This issue Cite

Research Paper

MCEF is localized to the nucleus by protein sequences encoded within three distinct exons, where it represses HIV-1 Tat-transactivation of LTR-directed transcription

Maksymilian F. Niedzielski1 2, Robert Hopewell1, Zohra Ismail1, Mario C. Estable1 2

1. Ryerson University, Department of Chemistry & Biology, Toronto, Ontario, M5B2K3, Canada.
2. University of Guelph, Department of Chemistry, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Citation:
Niedzielski MF, Hopewell R, Ismail Z, Estable MC. MCEF is localized to the nucleus by protein sequences encoded within three distinct exons, where it represses HIV-1 Tat-transactivation of LTR-directed transcription. Int J Biol Sci 2007; 3(4):225-236. doi:10.7150/ijbs.3.225. https://www.ijbs.com/v03p0225.htm
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Abstract

Translocations between the human Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) and AF4 Family (AFF) member genes, are implicated in leukemia. Mutations to AFFs can disrupt lymphopoesis, CNS development and spermatogenesis. However, despite the growing list of pathologies linked to AFF members, their evolutionary relationship and the structure/function of individual members, remain to be elucidated. Here, we first report that database mining and phylogenetic analysis with AFF proteins from multiple species, revealed two monophyletic sister clades, suggesting a common Bilateria ancestor. We then examined the structure/function of the most recently discovered AFF member, MCEF (also known as AF5q31 or AFF4). In silico, the human MCEF gene was found to have 21 exons, and code for a protein with seven nuclear localization sequences (NLS). In HeLa cells, an MCEF-EGFP fusion protein, localized exclusively to the nucleus. Consequently, we made twenty constructs, expressing MCEF deletion mutants fused to EGFP and/or DsRed fluorescent proteins. Three distinct protein sequences, encoded by three separate MCEF exons, were found to mediate nuclear localization, only two of which were predicted in silico. Importantly, we also found that ectopic expression of MCEF, repressed HIV-1 LTR-directed RNA Polymerase II transcription, at the level of Tat-transactivation. We suggest that portions of MCEF could be exploited for chimeric transcription factor repression (CTFR) of HIV-1.

Keywords: Transcription, MCEF, AF5q31, AFF4, NLS, HIV, Tat


Citation styles

APA
Niedzielski, M.F., Hopewell, R., Ismail, Z., Estable, M.C. (2007). MCEF is localized to the nucleus by protein sequences encoded within three distinct exons, where it represses HIV-1 Tat-transactivation of LTR-directed transcription. International Journal of Biological Sciences, 3(4), 225-236. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.3.225.

ACS
Niedzielski, M.F.; Hopewell, R.; Ismail, Z.; Estable, M.C. MCEF is localized to the nucleus by protein sequences encoded within three distinct exons, where it represses HIV-1 Tat-transactivation of LTR-directed transcription. Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2007, 3 (4), 225-236. DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.3.225.

NLM
Niedzielski MF, Hopewell R, Ismail Z, Estable MC. MCEF is localized to the nucleus by protein sequences encoded within three distinct exons, where it represses HIV-1 Tat-transactivation of LTR-directed transcription. Int J Biol Sci 2007; 3(4):225-236. doi:10.7150/ijbs.3.225. https://www.ijbs.com/v03p0225.htm

CSE
Niedzielski MF, Hopewell R, Ismail Z, Estable MC. 2007. MCEF is localized to the nucleus by protein sequences encoded within three distinct exons, where it represses HIV-1 Tat-transactivation of LTR-directed transcription. Int J Biol Sci. 3(4):225-236.

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