Neutralizing Gatad2a-Chd4-Mbd3/NuRD Complex Facilitates Deterministic Induction of Naive Pluripotency

Cell Stem Cell. 2018 Sep 6;23(3):412-425.e10. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.07.004. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

Abstract

Mbd3, a member of nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) co-repressor complex, was previously identified as an inhibitor for deterministic induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reprogramming, where up to 100% of donor cells successfully complete the process. NuRD can assume multiple mutually exclusive conformations, and it remains unclear whether this deterministic phenotype can be attributed to a specific Mbd3/NuRD subcomplex. Moreover, since complete ablation of Mbd3 blocks somatic cell proliferation, we aimed to explore functionally relevant alternative ways to neutralize Mbd3-dependent NuRD activity. We identify Gatad2a, a NuRD-specific subunit, whose complete deletion specifically disrupts Mbd3/NuRD repressive activity on the pluripotency circuitry during iPSC differentiation and reprogramming without ablating somatic cell proliferation. Inhibition of Gatad2a facilitates deterministic murine iPSC reprogramming within 8 days. We validate a distinct molecular axis, Gatad2a-Chd4-Mbd3, within Mbd3/NuRD as being critical for blocking reestablishment of naive pluripotency and further highlight signaling-dependent and post-translational modifications of Mbd3/NuRD that influence its interactions and assembly.

Keywords: CHD4; Gatad2a; Mbd3; NuRD; P66α; epigenetics; iPSCs; pluripotency; reprogramming.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA Helicases / metabolism*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Female
  • GATA Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mi-2 Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase Complex / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • GATA Transcription Factors
  • Gatad2a protein, mouse
  • Mbd3 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors
  • Mi-2 Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase Complex
  • Mi-2beta protein, mouse
  • DNA Helicases