Cell-type-selective induction of c-jun by TAF4b directs ovarian-specific transcription networks

Kenneth G. Geles, Richard N. Freiman, Wei Li Liu, Shuang Zheng, Ekaterina Voronina, Robert Tjian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cell-type-selective expression of the TFIID subunit TAFII105 (renamed TAF4b) in the ovary is essential for proper follicle development. Although a multitude of signaling pathways required for folliculogenesis have been identified, downstream transcriptional integrators of these signals remain largely unknown. Here, we show that TAF4b controls the granulosa-cell-specific expression of the proto-oncogene c-jun, and together they regulate transcription of ovary-selective promoters. Instead of using cell-type-specific activators, our findings suggest that the coactivator TAF4b regulates the expression of tissue-specific genes, at least in part, through the cell-type-specific induction of c-jun, a ubiquitous activator. Importantly, the loss of TAF4b in ovarian granulosa cells disrupts cellular morphologies and interactions during follicle growth that likely contribute to the infertility observed in TAF4b-null female mice. These data highlight a mechanism for potentiating tissue-selective functions of the basal transcription machinery and reveal intricate networks of gene expression that orchestrate ovarian-specific functions and cell morphology.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2594-2599
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume103
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 21 2006

Keywords

  • Chromatin immunoprecipitation
  • Granulosa cells
  • Ovary
  • Short interfering RNA
  • TFIID

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