Here we report that the transcription factor cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein H (CREB-H, encoded by CREB3L3) is required for the maintenance of normal plasma triglyceride concentrations. Show more
Here we report that the transcription factor cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein H (CREB-H, encoded by CREB3L3) is required for the maintenance of normal plasma triglyceride concentrations. CREB-H-deficient mice showed hypertriglyceridemia secondary to inefficient triglyceride clearance catalyzed by lipoprotein lipase (Lpl), partly due to defective expression of the Lpl coactivators Apoc2, Apoa4 and Apoa5 (encoding apolipoproteins C2, A4 and A5, respectively) and concurrent augmentation of the Lpl inhibitor Apoc3. We identified multiple nonsynonymous mutations in CREB3L3 that produced hypomorphic or nonfunctional CREB-H protein in humans with extreme hypertriglyceridemia, implying a crucial role for CREB-H in human triglyceride metabolism. Show less
Craniofacial anomalies (CFAs) are the most frequently occurring human congenital disease, and a major cause of infant mortality and childhood morbidity. Although CFAs seems to arise from a combination Show more
Craniofacial anomalies (CFAs) are the most frequently occurring human congenital disease, and a major cause of infant mortality and childhood morbidity. Although CFAs seems to arise from a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences, the underlying gene defects and pathophysiological mechanisms for most CFAs are currently unknown. Here we reveal a role for the E3 ubiquitin ligase Wwp2 in regulating craniofacial patterning. Mice deficient in Wwp2 develop malformations of the craniofacial region. Wwp2 is present in cartilage where its expression is controlled by Sox9. Our studies demonstrate that Wwp2 influences craniofacial patterning through its interactions with Goosecoid (Gsc), a paired-like homeobox transcription factor that has an important role in craniofacial development. We show that Wwp2-associated Gsc is a transcriptional activator of the key cartilage regulatory protein Sox6. Wwp2 interacts with Gsc to facilitate its mono-ubiquitylation, a post-translational modification required for optimal transcriptional activation of Gsc. Our results identify for the first time a physiological pathway regulated by Wwp2 in vivo, and also a unique non-proteolytic mechanism through which Wwp2 controls craniofacial development. Show less