Open AccessAjuba transactivates N‐cadherin expression in colorectal cancer cells through interaction with Twist
Author(s) -
Wu Zhaoxia,
Zou Xiuqun,
Xu Ying,
Zhou Fengli,
Kuai Rong,
Li Ji,
Yang Daming,
Chu Yimin,
Peng Haixia
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/jcmm.16731
Subject(s) - lim domain , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , twist , cadherin , transcription factor , zinc finger , coactivator , gene , cancer research , genetics , cell , geometry , mathematics
Ajuba is a multiple LIM domain‐containing protein and functions as a transcriptional coregulator to modulate many gene expressions in various cellular processes. Here, we describe that the LIM domain of Ajuba interacts with Twist, and the Twist box is a pivotal motif for the interaction. Biologically, Ajuba enhances transcription of target gene N‐cadherin as an obligate coactivator of Twist. The enhancement is achieved by binding to the E‐box element within N‐cadherin promoter as revealed by luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Mechanistic investigation demonstrates that Ajuba recruits CBP and Twist to form a ternary complex at the Twist target promoter region and concomitantly enhances histone acetylation at these sites. These findings identify that Twist is a new interacting protein of Ajuba and Ajuba/Twist/CBP ternary complex may be a potential treatment strategy for Twist‐related tumour metastasis.