TAZ, a transcriptional modulator of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation

Science. 2005 Aug 12;309(5737):1074-8. doi: 10.1126/science.1110955.

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a pluripotent cell type that can differentiate into several distinct lineages. Two key transcription factors, Runx2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), drive MSCs to differentiate into either osteoblasts or adipocytes, respectively. How these two transcription factors are regulated in order to specify these alternate cell fates remains a pivotal question. Here we report that a 14-3-3-binding protein, TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif), coactivates Runx2-dependent gene transcription while repressing PPARgamma-dependent gene transcription. By modulating TAZ expression in model cell lines, mouse embryonic fibroblasts, and primary MSCs in culture and in zebrafish in vivo, we observed alterations in osteogenic versus adipogenic potential. These results indicate that TAZ functions as a molecular rheostat that modulates MSC differentiation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Acyltransferases
  • Adipocytes / cytology*
  • Animals
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / pharmacology
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Line
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / physiology
  • Mice
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense
  • Osteoblasts / cytology*
  • Osteocalcin / genetics
  • Osteogenesis
  • PPAR gamma / metabolism
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Proteins / physiology*
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*
  • Transcriptional Activation
  • Transfection
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / pharmacology
  • Zebrafish
  • Zebrafish Proteins / genetics
  • Zebrafish Proteins / physiology

Substances

  • BMP2 protein, human
  • Bmp2 protein, mouse
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense
  • PPAR gamma
  • Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Zebrafish Proteins
  • Osteocalcin
  • Acyltransferases
  • tafazzin protein, mouse
  • TAFAZZIN protein, human