Functional Roles of the SWI/SNF ATPase Brahma Related Gene 1 (BRG1) and Special AT-Rich Binding Protein (SATB1) in Virus Response and Innate Immunity

• Main Author: Torti, Dax
• Other Authors: Bremner, Rod
• Language: en_ca
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: BRG1; SATB1; Interferon; Innate Immunity; 0307
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1807/32831

The innate immune response is a primary transcriptional defence network activated by interferons (IFNs) α/ β in response to viral infection. A cell must have the capability to detect the virus, activate signalling cascades, and engage transcriptional anti-viral networks. IFNs trigger the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) family, which in turn induce anti-viral gene expression. Recruitment of STATs to IFN stimulated gene (ISG) promoters and the ensuing gene induction requires Brahma Related Gene 1 (BRG1), the catalytic component of the SWI/ SNF chromatin remodelling (or BAF) complex. Cell lines with high BRG1 expression are hyper-responsive to IFN induced transcription, conversely BRG1 low cells exhibit impaired induction. However, BRG1 high cells that are resistant to Encephalomyocarditis virus infection did not require signalling through the IFN receptor complex for anti-viral immunity. This suggested 2F-BRG1 cells must rely on BRG1 dependent non-ISGs or an as yet uncharacterized subset of basally expressed BRG1-dependent ISGs that do not require IFN enhanced expression for anti-viral activity. Utilizing genome wide microarrays we identified five genes with potent anti-viral activity. These genes may restrict viral infection through alterations in integrin signalling, endosomal trafficking, and activation of host transcriptional responses. We also investigated the role of Special AT-Rich Binding Protein (SATB1) in regulation of IFN responsive genes. The loss of this chromatin binding protein is associated with transcriptional changes in the MHC locus that mimic IFNγ induced expression. Through microarray analysis we discovered a remarkable 47% of IFNα regulated genes were co-regulated by SATB1; 42% of IFNα induced genes were induced by SATB1 knock down, while 63% of IFNα repressed genes were SATB1 dependent. Functionally, knock down of SATB1 protected cells from EMCV induced cell death at low multiplicity of infection (MOI), and increased the cytoprotective effect of IFNα against EMCV at higher MOIs. Analysis of IFNα, SATB1 and BRG1 regulated genes revealed a subset of core genes regulated by all three factors that may be critical to robust anti-viral immunity. The potent immunosuppressive properties of SATB1 suggest this protein may be involved in complex immunopathologies. The immuno-modulatory properties of SATB1 and BRG1 established in this thesis provide substantive evidence for the development of pharmaceutical therapies targeting these proteins.