MOZ-TIF2 repression of nuclear receptor-mediated transcription requires multiple domains in MOZ and in the CID domain of TIF2

BACKGROUND: Fusion of the MOZ and TIF2 genes by an inv (8) (p11q13) translocation has been identified in patients with acute mixed-lineage leukemia. Characterization of the molecular structure of the MOZ-TIF2 fusion protein suggested that the fusion protein would effect on nuclear receptor signaling. RESULTS: A series of deletions from the N-terminus of the MOZ-TIF2 fusion protein demonstrated that the MOZ portion is essential for nuclear localization of the fusion protein. Transient expression of MOZ-TIF2 dramatically decreased both basal and estradiol inducible reporter gene activity in an estrogen receptor element (ERE) driven luciferase reporter system and decreased androgen-inducible reporter gene activity in an androgen receptor element (ARE) luciferase reporter system. Deletions in the MOZ portion of the MOZ-TIF2 fusion protein reduced the suppression in the ER reporter system. Stable expression of MOZ-TIF2 inhibited retinoic acid (RA) inducible endogenous CD11b and C/EBPβ gene response. The suppression of the reporter systems was released with either a CID domain deletion or with mutations of leucine-rich repeats in the TIF2 portion of MOZ-TIF2. The co-expression of TIF2, but not CBP, with MOZ-TIF2 partially restored the inhibition of the reporter systems. In addition, analysis of protein interactions demonstrated MOZ-TIF2 interaction with the C-terminus of CBP through both the MOZ and TIF2 portions of the fusion protein. CONCLUSION: MOZ-TIF2 inhibited nuclear receptor-mediated gene response by aberrant recruitment of CBP and both the MOZ and TIF2 portions are required for this inhibition.