Biology subjects

Ben-dor, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Ben-dor, S..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

IRF1 Tunes Basal Immunity and Antiviral Readiness in a Context-Dependent Manner

Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 (IRF1) plays a pivotal role in interferon (IFN) signaling, yet its context-dependent regulatory functions remain incompletely understood. Here, we dissect the impact of IRF1 on gene regulation in HeLa cells, by targeted knockout (KO) or overexpression (OE) of IRF1. IRF1 KO did not impair interferon stimulated gene (ISG) expression regulation upon IFN-{beta} stimulation, but partially diminished IFN-{psi} induced gene regulation. IRF1 KO did show a homeostatic role in basal gene abundance, including increasing the abundance of some antiviral genes. RNA-seq analysis showed altered expression of both ISGs and immune signaling genes, implicating IRF1 as a dual regulator that fine-tunes gene abundance through both activation and repression. IRF1 OE induced potent antiviral protection in the absence of exogenous IFN, mediated by type I IFN secretion, particularly of IFN- subtypes. This paracrine effect was confirmed by transcriptomics, cytokine profiling, and mass spectrometry, and was functional even in JAK1-deficient or Ruxolitinib-treated cells but not type I IFN receptor KO cells, suggesting the involvement of non-canonical signaling pathways. Hierarchical clustering of RNA-seq data revealed distinct IFN-independent gene clusters activated or repressed by IRF1, including pathways related to adaptive immunity and T cell function. Using protein-binding microarrays and predictive modeling, we mapped IRF1 binding across promoters and validated functional motifs in the IFIT2 gene promoter by a reporter assay. Our integrative approach establishes IRF1 as a central regulator of antiviral immunity, capable of shaping gene expression both through cytokine signaling and direct promoter binding.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2025

Mapping the transcriptional landscape of algal resistance to viral infection reveals a core expression program

O_LIAlgal blooms and their demise by viruses drive global-scale ecological processes in the ocean. These blooms form the foundation of marine food webs, regulate microbial communities, and shape biogeochemical cycles. Although algal populations are constantly infected by viruses, resistant subpopulations frequently emerge after the infection. Yet, antiviral molecular mechanisms of marine microalgae are underexplored. C_LIO_LIWe used a model system of the ubiquitous microalga Emiliania huxleyi and its giant virus, E. huxleyi virus (EhV), to study how resistant populations evolve and to identify their transcriptional programs. We generated a detailed temporal transcriptomic dataset during a viral infection, covering the stages of lysis and the recovery of a resistant subpopulation. C_LIO_LIViral infection triggered prominent transcriptome changes to support viral propagation, followed by a unique transcriptional response in resistant cells. Both infected and resistant cells highly expressed innate immune response genes, notably those with Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain. Additionally, resistant cells expressed genes involved in membrane-bound glycan remodeling, sphingolipid metabolism, and nutrient uptake. C_LIO_LIUsing comparative transcriptomics across diverse resistant E. huxleyi strains, we identified a core group of resistance-related genes, providing a set of gene markers to detect this rare phenotype during the host-virus arms race in algal blooms. C_LI

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Production of Hyaluronan by the Trophectoderm is a Prerequisite for Mouse Blastocyst Attachment

Embryo implantation requires execution of highly synchronized processes at the feto-maternal interface, initiated by blastocyst attachment to the endometrial epithelium. Hyaluronan is a major ECM component known to regulate adhesion-associated biological processes in various physiological settings. We hypothesized that hyaluronan may facilitate blastocyst attachment. In order to test our hypothesis, we characterized the blastocyst expression of hyaluronan synthesizing and degrading enzymes, as well as the expression of hyaluronan receptors during attachment. The functional impact of hyaluronan was challenged by the use of mouse transgenic blastocysts, in which genes encoding for hyaluronan synthesizing enzymes were deleted using lentiviral incorporation of Cas-9 endonuclease alongside specific short-guide RNAs into the embryonic trophectoderm. Embryos with transgenic trophectoderm were tested for their attachment in vitro, or assessed for implantation in vivo, upon transfer to foster dams. Deletion of the trophectoderm hyaluronan biosynthesis significantly reduced the number of blastocysts attached to human uterine epithelium cells in vitro. Reduced attachment was also observed in vivo, in pregnant mice carrying blastocysts with hyaluronan-depleted trophectoderm. In agreement, trophectoderm expression of osteopontin, was downregulated upon depletion of hyaluronan. MRI measurements revealed a decrease in uterine blood vessels permeability. Uterine expression of VEGF-A, PTGS-2 and uterine osteopontin, which constitute the immediate response to blastocyst attachment was also reduced. Furthermore, impaired implantation, associated with a decrease in hyaluronan synthesis in the mural trophectoderm, obtained upon tamoxifen treatment, has been recovered by LIF administration. These results demonstrate that estrogen-regulated hyaluronan-synthesis in the trophectoderm is indispensable for mouse blastocysts attachment to the uterine epithelium.

developmental biology↗