Prolyl isomerase Pin1 regulates transcription factor LSF (TFCP2) by facilitating dephosphorylation at two serine-proline motifs

J Biol Chem. 2010 Oct 8;285(41):31139-47. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.078808. Epub 2010 Aug 3.

Abstract

Transcription factor LSF is essential for cell cycle progression, being required for activating expression of the thymidylate synthase (Tyms) gene at the G1/S transition. We previously established that phosphorylation of LSF in early G1 at Ser-291 and Ser-309 inhibits its transcriptional activity and that dephosphorylation later in G1 is required for its reactivation. Here we reveal the role of prolyl cis-trans isomerase Pin1 in activating LSF, by facilitating dephosphorylation at both Ser-291 and Ser-309. We demonstrate that Pin1 binds LSF both in vitro and in vivo. Using coimmunoprecipitation assays, we identify three SP/TP motifs in LSF (at residues Ser-291, Ser-309, and Thr-329) that are required and sufficient for association with Pin1. Co-expression of Pin1 enhances LSF transactivation potential in reporter assays. The Pin1-dependent enhancement of LSF activity requires residue Thr-329 in LSF, requires both the WW and PPiase domains of Pin1, and correlates with hypophosphorylation of LSF at Ser-291 and Ser-309. These findings support a model in which the binding of Pin1 at the Thr-329-Pro-330 motif in LSF permits isomerization by Pin1 of the peptide bonds at the nearby phosphorylated SP motifs (Ser-291 and Ser-309) to the trans configuration, thereby facilitating their dephosphorylation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Animals
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • NIMA-Interacting Peptidylprolyl Isomerase
  • Peptidylprolyl Isomerase / genetics
  • Peptidylprolyl Isomerase / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation / physiology
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • NIMA-Interacting Peptidylprolyl Isomerase
  • Tfcp2 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors
  • Peptidylprolyl Isomerase
  • Pin1 protein, mouse