The metal response element-binding transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor that plays a primary role in the regulation of a variety of genes involved in metal homeostasis, embryonic development, tumor progression, and oxidative stress or hypoxia signaling. The overall objective ofthis research is to characterize the overlapping role of MTF-1 with NRF2, the primary transcription factor for regulating the oxidative stress response, in development and transcriptional co-regulation of stress responsive genes.
The specific aims ofthis project are to (1) determine role of MTF-1 in zebrafish embryonic development, (2) determine phenotypic changes in expression of known stress response genes and identify novel target genes via MTF-1 and NRF2 'knockdowns', and (3) determine the interactive role of MTF-1 in coregulating transcriptional activation of NRF2 target genes. A variety of techniques and approaches will be employed to achieve these aims. These techniques will include development of transgenic zebrafish lines, morpholino knockdown of gene expression, gene expression profiling with oligonucleotide microarrays, and advanced bioinformatic techniques for microarray analysis and computational promoter analysis. A novel transgenic zebrafish strain that expresses a constitutively nuclear, dominant-negative MTF-1 isoform and three transgenic zebrafish lines that express green or yellow fluorescent protein in the gut, liver, pancreas and neurons will be used to visualize potential developmental phenotypes associated with the MTF-1 'knockdowns'. Second, oligonucleotide microarrays will be used to determine changes in gene expression after MTF-1 or NRF2 'knockdown'to discover novel target genes co-regulated by both transcription factors during development or in response to cadmium or tBHQ (oxidative stress). Third, the interactive role of MTF-1 with NRF2 in the transcriptional response to metals or oxidative stress will be further characterized by selecting target genes for computational promoter analysis to confirm the presence of MTF-1 and NRF2 recognition sites, and one gene will be selected for additional characterization by in vivo promoter analysis in response to cadmium or oxidative stress.

Public Health Relevance

MTF-1 and NRF2 are important transcription factors involved in regulating the cellular response to metal or oxidative stress. Characterization of MTF-1 and NRF1 co-regulation of these target genes will provide important insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in tumor progression, neurodegenerative diseases, DNA damage, ischemia, and amelioration of cellular stress.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Research Transition Award (R00)
Project #
4R00ES017044-03
Application #
7879781
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (NSS)
Program Officer
Heindel, Jerrold
Project Start
2009-09-03
Project End
2012-07-31
Budget Start
2009-09-03
Budget End
2010-07-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$240,708
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
045632635
City
Tuscaloosa
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35487
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Holowiecki, Andrew; O'Shields, Britton; Jenny, Matthew J (2016) Characterization of heme oxygenase and biliverdin reductase gene expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio): Basal expression and response to pro-oxidant exposures. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 311:74-87
O'Shields, Britton; McArthur, Andrew G; Holowiecki, Andrew et al. (2014) Inhibition of endogenous MTF-1 signaling in zebrafish embryos identifies novel roles for MTF-1 in development. Biochim Biophys Acta 1843:1818-33
Aluru, Neelakanteswar; Jenny, Matthew J; Hahn, Mark E (2014) Knockdown of a zebrafish aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRRa) affects expression of genes related to photoreceptor development and hematopoiesis. Toxicol Sci 139:381-95
Aluru, Neelakanteswar; Deak, Kristina L; Jenny, Matthew J et al. (2013) Developmental exposure to valproic acid alters the expression of microRNAs involved in neurodevelopment in zebrafish. Neurotoxicol Teratol 40:46-58
Timme-Laragy, Alicia R; Karchner, Sibel I; Franks, Diana G et al. (2012) Nrf2b, novel zebrafish paralog of oxidant-responsive transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2). J Biol Chem 287:4609-27
Jenny, Matthew J; Aluru, Neelakanteswar; Hahn, Mark E (2012) Effects of short-term exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on microRNA expression in zebrafish embryos. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 264:262-73