Transcriptional regulation of RET by Nkx2-1, Phox2b, Sox10, and Pax3.

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Leon TY, Ngan ES, Poon HC, So MT, Lui VC, Tam PK, Garcia-Barcelo MM

Transcriptional regulation of RET by Nkx2-1, Phox2b, Sox10, and Pax3.

J Pediatr Surg. 2009 Oct;44(10):1904-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2008.11.055.

PubMed ID
19853745 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

BACKGROUND: The rearranged during transfection (RET) gene encodes a single-pass receptor whose proper expression and function are essential for the development of enteric nervous system. Mutations in RET regulatory regions are also associated with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) (aganglionosis of the colon). We previously showed that 2 polymorphisms in RET promoter are associated with the increased risk of HSCR. These single nucleotide polymorphisms overlap with the NK2 homeobox 1 (Nkx2-1) binding motif interrupting the physical interaction of NKX2-1 with the RET promoter and result in reduced RET transcription. In this study, we further delineated Nkx2-1-mediated RET Transcription. METHODS AND RESULTS: First, we demonstrated that PHOX2B, like SOX10 and NKX2-1, is expressed in the mature enteric ganglions of human gut by immunohistochemistry. Second, subsequent dual-luciferase-reporter studies indicated that Nkx2-1 indeed works coordinately with Phox2b and Sox10, but not Pax3, to mediate RET transcription. In addition, identification of Phox2b responsive region in RET promoter further provides solid evidence of the potential functional interaction between Phox2b and RET. CONCLUSION: In sum, Phox2b and Sox10 act together with Nkx2.1 to modify RET signaling and this interaction may also contribute to HSCR susceptibility.

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Polypeptides
NameUniProt ID
Proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase receptor RetP07949Details