TGF-β signals the formation of a unique NF1/Smad4-dependent transcription repressor-complex in human diploid fibroblasts

We earlier reported the formation of a unique nuclear NF1/Smad complex in serum-restricted fibroblasts that acts as an NF1-dependent repressor of the human adenine nucleotide translocase-2 gene (ANT2) [K. Luciakova, G. Kollarovic, P. Barath, B.D. Nelson, Growth-dependent repression of human adenine nucleotide translocator-2 (ANT2) transcription: evidence for the participation of Smad and Sp family proteins in the NF1-dependent repressor complex, Biochem. J. 412 (2008) 123–130]. In the present study, we show that TGF-β, like serum-restriction: (a) induces the formation of NF1/Smad repressor complexes, (b) increases binding of the complexes to the repressor elements (Go elements) in the ANT2 promoter, and (c) inhibits ANT2 expression. Repression of ANT2 by TGF-β is eliminated by mutating the NF1 binding sites in the Go repressor elements. All of the above responses to TGF-β are prevented by inhibitors of TGF-β RI and MAPK p38. These inhibitors also prevent NF1/Smad4 repressor complex formation and repression of ANT2 expression in serum-restricted cells, suggesting that similar signaling pathways are initiated by TGF-β and serum-restriction. The present finding that NF1/Smad4 repressor complexes are formed through TGF-β signaling pathways suggests a new, but much broader, role for these complexes in the initiation or maintenance of the growth-inhibited state.

► TGF-β induces the formation of unique nuclear NF1/Smad4 complexes that repress expression of the ANT-2 gene.
► Repression is mediated through an NF1-dependent repressor element in the promoter.
► The formation of NF1/Smad4 complexes and the repression of ANT2 are prevented by inhibitors of p38 kinase and TGF-β RI.
► NF1/Smad complexes implicate novel role for NF1 and Smad proteins in the regulation of growth.