The zinc finger proteins ZXDA and ZXDC form a complex that binds CIITA and regulates MHC II gene transcription

J Mol Biol. 2007 Jun 22;369(5):1175-87. doi: 10.1016/j.jmb.2007.04.033. Epub 2007 Apr 19.

Abstract

The transcription of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) genes depends critically upon the activity of the class II trans-activator (CIITA) protein. We previously described a novel CIITA-binding protein named zinc finger X-linked duplicated family member C (ZXDC) that contributes to the activity of CIITA and the transcription of MHC II genes. Here, we examined the contribution of a closely related family member of ZXDC, the ZXDA protein, to MHC II gene transcription. ZXDA has a domain organization similar to ZXDC, containing ten zinc fingers and a transcriptional activation domain. Knockdown and overexpression of ZXDA demonstrated its importance in the transcriptional activation of MHC II genes. We found that ZXDA and ZXDC can self-associate, and also form a complex with each other. The regions of the two proteins that contain zinc fingers mediate these interactions. Importantly, we found that the ZXDA-ZXDC complex interacts with CIITA, rather than either protein alone. Given our additional finding that ZXDC is present at MHC II promoters in HeLa cells, prior to and after treatment with IFN-gamma, it appears that ZXDA and ZXDC form an important regulatory complex for MHC II gene transcription.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Gene Silencing
  • HLA-DR Antigens / genetics
  • HLA-DR alpha-Chains
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / genetics*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / pharmacology
  • Multigene Family
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Trans-Activators / genetics
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Zinc Fingers*

Substances

  • HLA-DR Antigens
  • HLA-DR alpha-Chains
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • MHC class II transactivator protein
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors
  • ZXDA protein, human
  • ZXDC protein, human
  • Interferon-gamma