GEMC1 and MCIDAS interactions with SWI/SNF complexes regulate the multiciliated cell-specific transcriptional program

Multiciliated cells (MCCs) project dozens to hundreds of motile cilia from their apical surface to promote the movement of fluids or gametes in the mammalian brain, airway or reproductive organs. Differentiation of MCCs requires the sequential action of the Geminin family transcriptional activators, GEMC1 and MCIDAS, that both interact with E2F4/5-DP1. How these factors activate transcription and the extent to which they play redundant functions remains poorly understood. Here, we carried out a transcriptomic analysis to compare the relative influence of GEMC1 and MCIDAS on gene expression. HEK293T cells were transiently transfected with control FLAG vector, or FLAG-tagged GEMC1 or MCIDAS. Cells were harvested in Trizol 48 hours post-transfection for RNA purification and microarray analysis.