Id-related genes encoding helix-loop-helix proteins are required for G1 progression and are repressed in senescent human fibroblasts.

Three complete cDNA clones encoding Id-related helix-loop-helix (HLH) proteins lacking a basic region were isolated from a pcD2 cDNA expression library prepared from TIG-3 human diploid fibroblasts (HDF). Of these cDNAs (Id-1H, Id-1H', and Id-2H), two (Id-1H and Id-1H') appeared to be derived by alternative RNA splicing. Id-1H and Id-2H seem to be human homologues of mouse Id-1 and Id-2, respectively, and have potential to encode 154 and 135 amino acid proteins. The Id-1H and Id-2H mRNAs were barely detectable in quiescent early passage HDF; serum coordinately induced both mRNAs, with two peaks of expression, in early and late in G1. Antisense oligomers complementary to Id-1H and Id-2H mRNA prevented early passage HDF from entering the S phase of the cell cycle. The treatment of serum-stimulated early passage cells with the antisense Id-1H oligomer completely abolished Id-1H. In senescent cells, serum barely induced the Id-1H and Id-2H mRNAs, although the levels of c-myc expression induced were similar in early passage and senescent cells. The expression levels of these Id genes vary among immortal human cell lines. Both genes were overexpressed in VA4 SV40-transformed lung fibroblasts and EJ-1 bladder carcinoma cells, while these genes were expressed at a very low level in SVts8 cells derived from SV40 tsA-transformed TIG-3 cells. SVts8 cells may acquire some function redundant to Id proteins. HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells expressed the Id-1H gene but not the Id-2H gene, suggesting these Id genes may subserve redundant functions.