Many genes involved in cell cycle control have promoters that bind the heterotrimeric transcription factor NF-Y. Several minor-groove binding drugs have been shown to block interactions of transcription factors with cognate DNA-binding sequences. We showed previously that noncovalent minor-groove binding agents block interactions of NF-Y with the promoter of topoisomerase IIalpha (topo IIalpha). In this study, we investigated the ability of GWL-78, a pyrrolobenzodiazepine-poly(N-methylpyrrole) conjugate, to inhibit the binding of NF-Y to DNA. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that GWL-78 could displace NF-Y bound to several CCAAT motifs within promoters of genes involved in cell cycle progression. DNase I footprinting of the topo IIalpha promoter confirmed binding of GWL-78 to AT-rich sequences corresponding to the preferred binding site of NF-Y. Incubation with GWL-78 resulted in displacement of NF-Y binding to DNA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays on the topo IIalpha promoter showed that GWL-78 was able to enter the nucleus and interact with specific DNA sequences. Treatment of NIH3T3 cells with GWL-78 resulted in a block of cell cycle progression, which did not involve activation of p53. Thus, agents such as GWL-78 may be useful in modulating transcription and blocking cellular proliferation.
Titolo: | Inhibition of DNA binding of the NF-Y transcription factor by the pyrrolobenzodiazepine-polyamide conjugate GWL-78 |
Autori: | |
Settore Scientifico Disciplinare: | Settore BIO/18 - Genetica |
Data di pubblicazione: | 2008 |
Rivista: | |
Tipologia: | Article (author) |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-07-0475 |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 01 - Articolo su periodico |