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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2023.02.07.527523

Planarian LDB and SSDP proteins scaffold transcriptional complexes for regeneration and patterning

Medlock-Lanier, T.·Clay, K. B.·Roberts-Galbraith, R. H.
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Abstract

Sequence-specific transcription factors often function as components of large regulatory complexes. LIM-domain binding protein (LDB) and single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSDP) function as core scaffolds of transcriptional complexes in animals and plants. Little is known about potential partners and functions for LDB/SSDP complexes in the context of tissue regeneration. In this work, we find that planarian LDB1 and SSDP2 promote tissue regeneration, with a particular function in mediolateral polarity reestablishment. We find that LDB1 and SSDP2 interact with one another and with characterized planarian LIM-HD proteins Arrowhead, Islet1, and Lhx1/5-1. SSDP2 and LDB1 also function with islet1 in polarity reestablishment and with lhx1/5-1 in serotonergic neuron maturation. Finally, we show new roles for LDB1 and SSDP2 in regulating gene expression in the planarian intestine and parenchyma; these functions may be LIM-HD-independent. Together, our work provides insight into LDB/SSDP complexes in a highly regenerative organism. Further, our work provides a strong starting point for identifying and characterizing potential binding partners of LDB1 and SSDP2 and for exploring roles for these proteins in diverse aspects of planarian physiology.

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Medlock-Lanier, T., Clay, K. B., Roberts-Galbraith, R. H.. 2023-02-08. Planarian LDB and SSDP proteins scaffold transcriptional complexes for regeneration and patterning. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.02.07.527523

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