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Mechanisms of TWIST bHLH Transcription Factors Binding to Functional Target Regions

Award Number: SC1GM139706
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2021
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2026

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Mechanisms of TWIST bHLH Transcription Factors Binding to Functional Target Regions - PROJECT SUMMARY Development of the head and face constitutes one of the most complex events during embryonic development, requiring a network of transcription factors and signaling molecules together with proteins conferring cell polarity and cell-cell interactions. Craniofacial abnormalities are among the most common findings in birth defects. Transcription factors (TFs) of the helix-loop-helix (HLH) family have important roles during human development. Mutations in the Twist subfamily of bHLH TFs result in genetic disorders that impact the formation of mesodermal derivatives during vertebrate embryogenesis. The basic HLH (bHLH) subfamily members can act as repressors or activators, depending on their dimerization partner. The long-term goal of the proposed work is to determine the molecular mechanisms by which TWIST bHLH proteins decode genomic information, and how genetic variation modulates TWIST1/2-genome interactions that impact craniofacial development. Mutations in TWIST1 have been shown to cause the Saethre-Chotzen (SCS), Robinow-Sorauf (RSS), Sweeney-Cox (SwCS) Syndromes and Craniosynostosis-1 (CRS1), while mutations in TWIST2 cause Setleis (SS), Barber Say (BSS) and Ablepharon Macrostomia (AMS) Syndromes, all genetic disorders that impact the development of the head and facial structures. Mutations that affect a highly conserved Glutamate (E75 and E117 in TWIST2 and TWIST1, respectively) in the basic region of bHLH proteins, which is responsible for nucleotide binding in both class I and II groups, cause the most severe syndromes. The E75Q and E75A mutations have been suggested to alter the DNA-binding activity of TWIST2, leading to both dominant-negative and gain-of-function effects. In Specific Aim 1, we will determine the binding affinities of TWIST1/2 and selected mutant proteins found in patients by EMSAs, biolayer interferometry and structural studies via methods such as circular dichroism, X-ray Crystallography, etc. In Specific Aim 2, we will determine the DNA-sequence specificity of TWIST1 and TWIST2 complexes (as homodimers or heterodimers with E12 as partner). We will use in vivo (ChIP) and in vitro (SELEX) DNA binding assays combined with DNA sequencing to determine the DNA-binding specificity of these complexes and the role that specific histone modifications (both activating and inactivating marks) and chromatin structure (using ATAC-Seq). Bioinformatic analyses will be performed in order to interpret changes in gene targets between wild-type and mutant proteins and determine the TWIST binding site sequences used to regulate gene expression of target genes. With this approach we will determine the sequences of TWIST2 binding sites used to regulate gene expression of target genes, since there is published evidence that missense mutations in the DNA-binding domain of TWIST2 results in altered DNA-binding. Bioinformatics analyses will be performed in order to predict changes in gene targets between wild-type and mutant proteins. This project will contribute to our understanding of how genetic variation contributes to normal craniofacial development and to the craniofacial diseases caused by mutations in TWIST1 and TWIST2 at the molecular level.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2025	2024	UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MEDICAL SCIENCES CAMPUS	B622 MAIN BUILDING FLR 6	SAN JUAN	PR	00935	SAN JUAN	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	4	8/6/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $375,000 )
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MEDICAL SCIENCES CAMPUS	B622 MAIN BUILDING FLR 6	SAN JUAN	PR	00935	SAN JUAN	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	4	6/26/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$375,000
														Subtotal = $375,000

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $375,000 )
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MEDICAL SCIENCES CAMPUS	B622 MAIN BUILDING FLR 6	SAN JUAN	PR	00935	SAN JUAN	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	3	6/8/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$375,000
														Subtotal = $375,000

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $375,000 )
2022	2022	UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MEDICAL SCIENCES CAMPUS	MAIN BLDG FLR 6 B-622	SAN JUAN	PR	00935	SAN JUAN	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	002	2	6/13/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$375,000
2022	2021	UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MEDICAL SCIENCES CAMPUS	MAIN BLDG FLR 6 B-622	SAN JUAN	PR	00935	SAN JUAN	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	1	2/1/2022	NEW	-$365,000
2022	2021	UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MEDICAL SCIENCES CAMPUS	MAIN BLDG FLR 6 B-622	SAN JUAN	PR	00935	SAN JUAN	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	001	1	2/3/2022	NEW	$365,000
														Subtotal = $375,000

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $365,000 )
2021	2021	UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MEDICAL SCIENCES CAMPUS	MAIN BLDG FLR 6 B-622	SAN JUAN	PR	00935	SAN JUAN	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	1	5/5/2021	NEW	$365,000
														Subtotal = $365,000

Grand Total All Awards = $1,490,000

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Mechanisms of TWIST bHLH Transcription Factors Binding to Functional Target Regions

Award Number: SC1GM139706

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2021

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2026

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