The basic helix-loop-helix proteins differentiated embryo chondrocyte (DEC) 1 and DEC2 function as corepressors of retinoid X receptors

Yoshitake Cho, Mitsuhide Noshiro, Mihwa Choi, Kentaro Morita, Takeshi Kawamoto, Katsumi Fujimoto, Yukio Kato, Makoto Makishima

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

The basic helix-loop-helix proteins differentiated embryo chondrocyte 1 (DEC1) and DEC2 are involved in circadian rhythm control. Because the metabolism of dietary nutrients has been linked to circadian regulation, we examined the effect of DEC1 and DEC2 on the function of the metabolite-sensing nuclear receptors, ligand-dependent transcription factors, including retinoid X receptor (RXR) and liver X receptor (LXR). Transfection assays showed that DEC1 and DEC2 repressed ligand-dependent transactivation by RXR. Knockdown of endogenous DEC1 and DEC2 expression with small interfering RNAs augmented ligand-dependent RXRα transactivation. DEC1 and DEC2 interacted directly with RXRα, and ligand addition enhanced their association. DEC1 and DEC2 modified interaction of RXRα with cofactor proteins. Transfection assays using DEC1 and DEC2 mutants revealed that the C-terminal region of DEC2 is required for repression and that an LXXLL motif in DEC1 and DEC2 is necessary for RXRα repression. DEC1 and DEC2 repressed the induction of LXR target genes, associated with the promoter of an LXR target gene, and dissociated from the promoter with ligand treatment. Knockdown of endogenous DEC1 and DEC2 enhanced the LXR target gene expression in hepatocytes. Expression of Dec1, Dec2, and Srebp-1c showed a circadian rhythm in the liver of mice, whereas that of Lxrα, Lxrβ, and Rxrα was not rhythmic. DEC1 and DEC2 also repressed the transactivation of other RXR heterodimers, such as farnesoid X receptor, vitamin D receptor, and retinoic acid receptor. Thus, the repressor function of DEC1 and DEC2 may be extended to other RXR heterodimer nuclear receptors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1360-1369
Number of pages10
JournalMolecular Pharmacology
Volume76
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Pharmacology

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