Tumor suppressor bromodomain-containing protein 7 cooperates with Smads to promote transforming growth factor-β responses

Oncogene. 2017 Jan 19;36(3):362-372. doi: 10.1038/onc.2016.204. Epub 2016 Jun 6.

Abstract

Smad proteins are central mediators in the canonical transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway in mammalian cells. We report here that bromodomain-containing protein 7 (BRD7) functions as a novel transcription coactivator for Smads in TGF-β signaling. BRD7 forms a TGF-β inducible complex with Smad3/4 through its N-terminal Smad-binding domain. BRD7 simultaneously binds to acetylated histones to promote Smad-chromatin association, and associates with histone acetyltransferase p300 to enhance Smad transcriptional activity. Ectopic expression of BRD7, but not its mutants defective in Smad binding, enhances TGF-β transcriptional, tumor-suppressing and epithelial-mesenchymal transition responses. Conversely, depletion of BRD7 inhibits TGF-β responses. Thus, our study provides compelling evidence for a new function of BRD7 in fine-tuning TGF-β physiological responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Acetylation
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / chemistry
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Smad Proteins / genetics*
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / pharmacology*
  • p300-CBP Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • BRD7 protein, human
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Histones
  • Smad Proteins
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • p300-CBP Transcription Factors
  • p300-CBP-associated factor