Ketting/Barau/Burger

PhD project: TFs to TEs: the emergence of novel regulatory networks from the antagonistic interaction between transcription  factors and transposable elements
We propose to generate a framework to understand how TE-derived contributions to the evolution of gene regulation can evolve from the parasitic relationship TEs have with genomes. We will use mass spectrometry to identify the TFs potentially binding to TE bait sequences in germ cell extracts from vertebrate species, the archetypal context where selfish, antagonistic TF-TE interactions occur. We will then look for signatures of positive selection in TE promoter sequences and cognate TF DNA binding domains, focusing on validating the changes in motif preference and how this impacts the range of DNA targets. We will finally expand to explore predicted targets with potential regulatory function outside of the genetic conflict context of germ cells, and attempt to characterize stabilizing or antagonizing epigenetic mechanisms that may enable these as novel genome regulatory mechanisms. Previously using similar approaches, we have identified NAIF1³, a TF that evolved from a coopted Harbinger transposon, is conserved in vertebrates and whose DNA binding is dependent on epigenetic modifications of its cognate binding motif. We will use NAIF1 as a key example of TE-sequence binding protein and use a combination of mouse and zebrafish molecular and developmental biology to uncover its roles in development. Project execution will involve 3 major steps (Figure1):
1. Vertebrate-focused discovery of TE promoter binding proteins in collaboration with Dr. Falk Butter. Select and validate candidate-species interactions by ChIP or CUT&RUN in target species. This part of the project will involve efforts from both the Barau and Ketting labs related to material collection, processing, and analysis.
2. Study the patterns of molecular evolution of the DNA binding domains and their cognate motifs in silico and in vitro. Select and validate candidates in vitro or in tissue culture experiments when possible. This part of the project will take place in the Barau lab and involve a collaboration with the IMB protein expression core facility.
3. Study selected candidates for potential function of the uncovered interactions in gene regulation and development (focus on mouse & zebrafish). This part of the project will involve both the Barau (mouse) and Ketting (Zebrafish) labs. As an outlook, we would like to use the knowledge about the experimentally observed patterns of co-evolution between TFs and motifs at TEs to computationally mine modern and ancient available hominid genomes for similar signatures of evolution across predicted TF binding sites at TEs and the coding sequences of their cognate DNA binding domains encoded in the TF genes. This part will benefit from co-supervision of Prof. Dr. Joachim Burger.