Long-Range Enhancer Associated with Chromatin Looping Allows AP-1 Regulation of the Peptidylarginine Deiminase 3 Gene in Differentiated Keratinocyte
2008

How a Distant Enhancer Regulates the PADI3 Gene in Skin Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Chavanas Stéphane, Adoue Véronique, Méchin Marie-Claire, Ying Shibo, Dong Sijun, Duplan Hélène, Charveron Marie, Takahara Hidenari, Serre Guy, Simon Michel

Primary Institution: UMR 5165, CNRS-Toulouse III University, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France

Hypothesis

The study investigates the role of a long-range enhancer in regulating the expression of the PADI3 gene in differentiated keratinocytes.

Conclusion

The study found that a distant enhancer, named PIE, significantly increases the expression of the PADI3 gene in response to calcium stimulation in keratinocytes.

Supporting Evidence

  • The enhancer PIE is located 86-kb from the PADI3 promoter and is essential for its regulation.
  • Calcium stimulation increases the physical proximity between PIE and the PADI3 promoter.
  • AP-1 factors c-Jun and c-Fos are required for the enhancer activity of PIE.

Takeaway

Scientists discovered a special DNA segment far from the PADI3 gene that helps control how much of the gene is used in skin cells, especially when the cells are told to grow up.

Methodology

The researchers used cell culture, luciferase assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation to study the enhancer's effects on gene expression.

Limitations

The study does not rule out potential non-specific effects of the AP-1 inhibitor used.

Participant Demographics

Normal human epidermal keratinocytes were used in the experiments.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003408

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