Biology subjects

Ulukaya, G.

Publications and source records attributed to Ulukaya, G..

5 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Distinct functions of Nup93 paralogs in tumor growth and Polycomb-mediated repression of JAK/STAT signaling

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are nuclear envelope (NE)-embedded protein assemblies that mediate nucleocytoplasmic exchange and interact with the genome, including binding of an NPC component Nup93 to Polycomb chromatin domains. Here, we investigated the in vivo relevance of this relationship in Drosophila, which unusually contains two distinct paralogs of Nup93. Interestingly, we identified a Nup93-2-specific tumorigenic phenotype in larval wings, where depletion of Nup93-2, but not Nup93-1, led to tumor-like overgrowth, reminiscent of Polycomb mutations. Consistently, our transcriptomic analysis revealed a wide-spread loss of gene silencing in Nup93-2-depleted wings, particularly in a Nup93-bound Polycomb domain spanning genes for activators of JAK/STAT signaling. Nup93 paralogs were not found to differ in their effect on NPC biogenesis but strikingly, showed differences in subnuclear localization patterns. While Nup93-1 co-localized exclusively with fully assembled NPCs, Nup93-2 exhibited only partial co-localization and was found at additional NE locations in a tissue-specific manner. Together, our results identify an in vivo silencing role of a Nup93 paralog and suggest that Nup93-2 may form a unique NE-associated complex that targets a subset of Polycomb domains containing growth-promoting genes.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2025

TORC1-driven translation of Nucleoporin 44A promotes chromatin remodeling and germ cell-to-maternal transition in Drosophila

Oocyte specification is a critical developmental transition that requires the coordinated repression of germ cell-specific genes and activation of the maternal program to support embryogenesis. In Drosophila, the timely repression of germ cell and early oogenesis genes is essential for this transition, yet the mechanisms that coordinate this process remain unclear. Here, we uncover an unexpected translation-chromatin axis, where transient Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1)-driven translation triggers chromatin remodeling, ensuring irreversible oocyte fate commitment. Through a screen, we identified ribosome biogenesis regulators, including Zinc finger protein RP-8 (Zfrp8) and TORC1 components, as key mediators of gene silencing. We show that TORC1 activity increases during oocyte specification, and disrupting ribosome biogenesis, translation, or TORC1 function prevents proper heterochromatin formation, leading to epigenetic instability. Polysome-seq analysis of zfrp8-depleted ovaries revealed that Zfrp8 is required for the translation of Nucleoporin 44A (Nup44A), a key nuclear pore complex (NPC) component. Given the role of the NPC in chromatin organization, independent disruption of Nup44A results in defective silencing of the germ cell and early oogenesis genes. Our findings reveal a mechanism in which translation-driven NPC remodeling coordinates heterochromatin establishment, facilitating the germ cell-to-maternal transition and ensuring proper oocyte fate commitment.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2023

A Mutation-driven oncofetal regression fuels phenotypic plasticity in colorectal cancer

Targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) is crucial for effective cancer treatment1. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to LGR5+ CSCs depletion in colorectal cancer (CRC)2,3 remain largely elusive. Here, we unveil the existence of a primitive cell state dubbed the oncofetal (OnF) state, which works in tandem with the LGR5+ stem cells (SCs) to fuel tumor evolution in CRC. OnF cells emerge early during intestinal tumorigenesis and exhibit features of lineage plasticity. Normally suppressed by the Retinoid X Receptor (RXR) in mature SCs, the OnF program is triggered by genetic deletion of the gatekeeper APC. We demonstrate that diminished RXR activity unlocks an epigenetic circuity governed by the cooperative action of YAP and AP1, leading to OnF reprogramming. This high-plasticity state is inherently resistant to conventional chemotherapies and its adoption by LGR5+ CSCs enables them to enter a drug-tolerant state. Furthermore, through phenotypic tracing and ablation experiments, we uncover a functional redundancy between the OnF and stem cell (SC) states and show that targeting both cellular states is essential for sustained tumor regression in vivo. Collectively, these findings establish a mechanistic foundation for developing effective combination therapies with enduring impact on CRC treatment.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2023

A nuclear architecture screen in Drosophila identifies Stonewall as a link between chromatin position at the nuclear periphery and germline stem cell fate

The association of genomic loci to the nuclear periphery is proposed to facilitate cell-type specific gene repression and influence cell fate decisions. However, the interplay between gene position and expression remains incompletely understood, in part because the proteins that position genomic loci at the nuclear periphery remain unidentified. Here, we used an Oligopaint-based HiDRO screen targeting [~]1000 genes to discover novel regulators of nuclear architecture in Drosophila cells. We identified the heterochromatin-associated protein, Stonewall (Stwl), as a factor promoting perinuclear chromatin positioning. In female germline stem cells (GSCs), Stwl binds and positions chromatin loci, including GSC differentiation genes, at the nuclear periphery. Strikingly, Stwl-dependent perinuclear positioning is associated with transcriptional repression, highlighting a likely mechanism for Stwls known role in GSC maintenance and ovary homeostasis. Thus, our study identifies perinuclear anchors in Drosophila and demonstrates the importance of gene repression at the nuclear periphery for cell fate.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Genome organization regulates nuclear pore complex formation and promotes differentiation during Drosophila oogenesis

Genome organization can regulate gene expression and promote cell fate transitions. The differentiation of germline stem cells (GSCs) to oocytes in Drosophila involves changes in genome organization mediated by heterochromatin and the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Heterochromatin represses germ-cell genes during differentiation and NPCs anchor these silenced genes to the nuclear periphery, maintaining silencing to allow for oocyte development. Surprisingly, we find that genome organization also contributes to NPC formation, mediated by the transcription factor Stonewall (Stwl). As GSCs differentiate, Stwl accumulates at boundaries between silenced and active gene compartments. Stwl at these boundaries plays a pivotal role in transitioning germ-cell genes into a silenced state and activating a group of oocyte genes and Nucleoporins (Nups). The upregulation of these Nups during differentiation is crucial for NPC formation and further genome organization. Thus, crosstalk between genome architecture and NPCs is essential for successful cell fate transitions.

developmental biology↗