A novel role for the Bombyx Slbo homologue, BmC/EBP, in insect choriogenesis

One previously unidentified cDNA clone coding for a C/EBP factor, BmC/EBP, was isolated from Bombyx mori follicular cells. This is the first time that a C/EBP factor has been isolated and characterized in Lepidoptera. We provide information concerning structural features and developmental specificity, as well as in vitro interaction properties with chorion gene promoter modules. BmC/EBP was capable of effectively recognizing homologous binding sites from chorion gene promoters derived from flies and other moths, despite significant diversity of chorion structure, gene organization, and gene expression profiles. We propose that the relative concentration of BmC/EBP, in relation to its differential binding affinity for promoter cis-elements, results in activation or repression of silkmoth chorion gene expression.     

BmCbZ, an insect-specific factor featuring a composite DNA-binding domain, interacts with BmC/EBPgamma

A novel factor featuring a composite AT hook/basic region-leucine zipper DNA-binding domain was isolated from Bombyx mori follicular cells. Screening of EST databases derived from a variety of metazoans revealed the exclusive presence of BmCbZ homologues in insect species. BmCbZ characteristic features and gene organization are discussed, in comparison to other known bZIP factors. We concordantly propose that this factor establishes a new insect-specific bZIP family. We further present the isolation of the silkmoth homologue of mammalian C/EBPgamma, BmC/EBPgamma, and in vitro evidence for its interaction with BmCbZ. The formation of a BmCbZ-BmC/EBPgamma heterodimer is a prerequisite for binding to specific C/EBP recognition sites on chorion gene promoters, most probably via both major and minor groove interactions.     

In vitro analysis of Bombyx mori early chorion gene regulation: stage specific expression involves interactions with C/EBP-like and GATA factors

This is the first attempt to identify regulatory elements that are involved in early choriogenesis of the silkworm Bombyx mori. A new cis element in the promoter region of five early chorion genes was identified. The consensus sequence of this element matches the consensus of the C/EBP DNA binding site. Moreover, this sequence interacts with a 70 kD protein (pX2) present in follicular nuclear extracts and complex formation exhibits early developmental specificity. There is strong evidence that this factor belongs to the C/EBP family. Surprisingly, the same protein binds with the same developmental specificity to a similar sequence of a late chorion gene promoter, which has been previously defined as the binding site for a putative late specific factor, BCFII. The possibility that pX2 and BCFII are isoforms or modifications of the same protein factor, which is presumably able to bind to the highly similar sequence elements of both early and late genes, is discussed. A hypothesis involving protein-protein interactions between C/EBP (pX2/BCFII) and GATA during choriogenesis is presented to explain the temporal specificity of chorion genes.     

A modified chromatin-immunoprecipitation protocol for silkmoth ovarian follicular cells reveals C/EBP and GATA binding modes on an early chorion gene promoter

Standard Chromatin immunoprecipitation protocols have been designed to suit studies performed on cell line cultures or yeast cells growing in liquid cultures. In these cases cross-linking/fixation takes place directly in the growing medium of the cells by the addition of a general fixation reagent. When applied on whole isolated silkmoth follicles, this procedure results in poor release of follicular cells from the basal membrane and lower yield of cross-linked chromatin. We present a modification to the standard protocol, where detachment of follicular cells from the basal membrane of the egg and nuclei isolation precedes formaldehyde-mediated cross-linking. We also discuss application of the modified method for the identification of distinct BmC/EBP and BmGATAβ binding modes on a chorion gene promoter from the Er1.A/B early gene pair.