51
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Zou YS, McGrann PS, Uphoff TS, Van Dyke DL. A case of mosaic supernumerary ring chromosome 15 with two copies of the segment 15p11.1-q14. Am J Med Genet A 2006; 140:1663-8. [PMID: 16830338 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Although supernumerary marker chromosomes derived from chromosome 15 (SMC(15)) are the most common marker chromosome in humans, ring SMC(15)s are rare. Here we report on a 16-month-old patient who has a ring SMC(15) with two copies of the segment 15p11.1-q14 region. She exhibits hypotonia, developmental delay, speech delay, microstomia, micrognathia, and other mild dysmorphic features. The ring was present in 22% of her peripheral blood lymphocyte cells. FISH study revealed that the ring was derived from chromosome 15, and had neither telomere sequence nor satellite III paracentromeric DNA. It had alpha satellite DNA, and two copies of the segment 15q11.2 to CTD 2125J1 (at 15q14, 2.2 Mbp telomeric of the common breakpoint 5). The ring-containing cells had four copies of 15p11.1-q14. The ring can be described as r(15)(::p11.1 --> q14::q14 --> p11.1::). Southern-blot analysis of the methylation pattern in the PW/AS critical region showed biparental inheritance, and the ring was maternally derived. This patient's phenotype was comparable to ring SMC(15) patients with three copies of the Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome (PWS/AS) critical region.
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52
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Feliciello I, Picariello O, Chinali G. Intra-specific variability and unusual organization of the repetitive units in a satellite DNA from Rana dalmatina: molecular evidence of a new mechanism of DNA repair acting on satellite DNA. Gene 2006; 383:81-92. [PMID: 16956734 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2006.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2006] [Revised: 07/06/2006] [Accepted: 07/13/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We have characterized the S1 satellite from eight European populations of Rana dalmatina by Southern blot, cloning and a new method that determines the sequence variability of repetitive units in the genome. This report completes our previous studies on this satellite DNA family, thus providing the first characterization of the overall variability of the structure and genomic organization of a satellite DNA within a species and among related species. The S1 satellite from R. dalmatina has a pericentromeric location on ten chromosome pairs and presents two homologous repeats S1a (494 bp) and S1b (332 bp), mostly organized as composite S1a-S1b repetitive units. In other brown frog species, both repeats have different sequences and locations, and are usually organized as separate arrays, although composite S1a-S1b repeats represent a minor, widely variable component in Rana italica. The average genomic sequences indicate that the species contains an enormous number of variants of each repeat derived from a unique, species-specific common sequence. The repeat variability is restricted to specific base changes in specific sequence positions in all population samples. Our data show that the structure and evolution of S1 satellite family is not due to crossing-over and gene conversion, but to a mechanism that maintains the ability of the satellite DNA to assemble in constitutive heterochromatin by replacing altered satellite segments with new arrays generated by rolling circle amplification. The mode of action of this repair process not only directly explains the intra- and inter-specific variability of the structure and organization of the S1 satellite repeats from European brown frogs, but also accounts for all general features of satellite DNA in eukaryotes, including its discontinuous evolution. This repair mechanism can maintain the satellite structure in a species indefinitely, but also promote a rapid generation of new variants or types of satellite DNA when environmental conditions favor the formation of new species.
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53
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Vassen L, Fiolka K, Möröy T. Gfi1b alters histone methylation at target gene promoters and sites of gamma-satellite containing heterochromatin. EMBO J 2006; 25:2409-19. [PMID: 16688220 PMCID: PMC1478184 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7601124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2005] [Accepted: 04/11/2006] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Gfi1b is a 37 kDa nuclear protein with six C2H2 zinc-finger domains that can silence transcription upon binding to specific target gene promoters. Here we show by using a chromatin immunoprecipitation and cloning protocol that Gfi1b also binds to gamma-satellite sequences that mainly occur in pericentric heterochromatin. Immuno-FISH experiments demonstrated that Gfi1b is localized at foci of pericentric heterochromatin identified by DAPI staining. Elevated levels of Gfi1b correlated with increased histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation at sites neighboring gamma-satellite sequences but also at Gfi1b target gene promoters. In Gfi1b-deficient cells, however, a decrease of histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation and a loss of heterochromatic structures was observed. Strikingly, we found that Gfi1b binds to both SUV39H1 and G9A histone methyl transferases, which provides a direct link between histone methylation and Gfi1b at heterochromatic and euchromatic sites. We propose that Gfi1b functions in heterochromatin formation and silencing of euchromatic transcription by recruiting histone methyl transferases to either gamma-satellite sequences or specific target gene promoters.
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54
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Blattes R, Monod C, Susbielle G, Cuvier O, Wu JH, Hsieh TS, Laemmli UK, Käs E. Displacement of D1, HP1 and topoisomerase II from satellite heterochromatin by a specific polyamide. EMBO J 2006; 25:2397-408. [PMID: 16675949 PMCID: PMC1478169 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7601125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2005] [Accepted: 04/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions of DNA satellites of centric heterochromatin are difficult to assess with classical molecular biology tools. Using a chemical approach, we demonstrate that synthetic polyamides that specifically target AT-rich satellite repeats of Drosophila melanogaster can be used to study the function of these sequences. The P9 polyamide, which binds the X-chromosome 1.688 g/cm3 satellite III (SAT III), displaces the D1 protein. This displacement in turn results in a selective loss of HP1 and topoisomerase II from SAT III, while these proteins remain bound to the adjacent rDNA repeats and to other regions not targeted by P9. Conversely, targeting of (AAGAG)n satellite V repeats by the P31 polyamide results in the displacement of HP1 from these sequences, indicating that HP1 interactions with chromatin are sensitive to DNA-binding ligands. P9 fed to larvae suppresses the position-effect variegation phenotype of white-mottled adult flies. We propose that this effect is due to displacement of the heterochromatin proteins D1, HP1 and topoisomerase II from SAT III, hence resulting in stochastic chromatin opening and desilencing of the nearby white gene.
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55
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Sjöberg MK, Shestakova E, Mansuroglu Z, Maccioni RB, Bonnefoy E. Tau protein binds to pericentromeric DNA: a putative role for nuclear tau in nucleolar organization. J Cell Sci 2006; 119:2025-34. [PMID: 16638814 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.02907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-associated tau protein participates in the organization and integrity of the neuronal cytoskeleton. A nuclear form of tau has been described in neuronal and non-neuronal cells, which displays a nucleolar localization during interphase but is associated with nucleolar-organizing regions in mitotic cells. In the present study, based on immunofluorescence, immuno-FISH and confocal microscopy, we show that nuclear tau is mainly present at the internal periphery of nucleoli, partially colocalizing with the nucleolar protein nucleolin and human AT-rich alpha-satellite DNA sequences organized as constitutive heterochromatin. By using gel retardation, we demonstrate that tau not only colocalizes with, but also specifically binds to, AT-rich satellite DNA sequences apparently through the recognition of AT-rich DNA stretches. Here we propose a functional role for nuclear tau in relation to the nucleolar organization and/or heterochromatinization of a portion of RNA genes. Since nuclear tau has also been found in neurons from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), aberrant nuclear tau could affect the nucleolar organization during the course of AD. We discuss nucleolar tau associated with AT-rich alpha-satellite DNA sequences as a potential molecular link between trisomy 21 and AD.
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56
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Lam AL, Boivin CD, Bonney CF, Rudd MK, Sullivan BA. Human centromeric chromatin is a dynamic chromosomal domain that can spread over noncentromeric DNA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:4186-91. [PMID: 16537506 PMCID: PMC1449668 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0507947103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human centromeres are specialized chromatin domains containing the centromeric histone H3 variant CENP-A. CENP-A nucleosomes are interspersed with nucleosomes containing histone H3 dimethylated at lysine 4, distinguishing centromeric chromatin (CEN chromatin) from flanking heterochromatin that is defined by H3 lysine 9 methylation. To understand the relationship between chromatin organization and the genomic structure of human centromeres, we compared molecular profiles of three endogenous human centromeres, defined by uninterrupted higher-order alpha-satellite DNA, with human artificial chromosomes that contain discontinuous blocks of higher-order alpha-satellite DNA and noncentromeric DNA. The underlying sequence did not correlate with chromatin states, because both higher-order alpha-satellite DNA and noncentromeric DNA were enriched for modifications that define CEN chromatin, euchromatin, and heterochromatin. Human artificial chromosomes were also organized into distinct domains. CENP-A and heterochromatin were assembled over noncentromeric DNA, including the gene blasticidin, into nonoverlapping domains. Blasticidin transcripts were enriched at sites of CENP-A binding but not at H3 methylated at lysine 9, indicating that formation of CEN chromatin within a repetitive DNA environment does not preclude gene expression. Finally, we tested the role of centric heterochromatin as a centromeric boundary by increasing CENP-A dosage to expand the CEN domain. In response, H3 lysine 9 dimethylation, but not trimethylation, was markedly decreased at all centromeres examined. We propose that human centromere regions normally exist in a dynamic state in which a regional boundary, defined by H3 lysine 9 dimethylation, separates CEN chromatin from constitutive heterochromatin.
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MESH Headings
- Autoantigens/chemistry
- Autoantigens/metabolism
- Cell Line
- Centromere/chemistry
- Centromere/genetics
- Centromere/metabolism
- Centromere Protein A
- Chromatin/chemistry
- Chromatin/metabolism
- Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/chemistry
- Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/metabolism
- Chromosomes, Artificial, Human/chemistry
- Chromosomes, Artificial, Human/genetics
- Chromosomes, Artificial, Human/metabolism
- Chromosomes, Human/chemistry
- Chromosomes, Human/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human/metabolism
- DNA/chemistry
- DNA/genetics
- DNA/metabolism
- DNA, Satellite/chemistry
- DNA, Satellite/genetics
- DNA, Satellite/metabolism
- Heterochromatin/chemistry
- Heterochromatin/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunoprecipitation
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Transcription, Genetic
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57
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Yan J, Xu L, Crawford G, Wang Z, Burgess SM. The forkhead transcription factor FoxI1 remains bound to condensed mitotic chromosomes and stably remodels chromatin structure. Mol Cell Biol 2006; 26:155-68. [PMID: 16354687 PMCID: PMC1317626 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.26.1.155-168.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2005] [Revised: 08/04/2005] [Accepted: 10/03/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
All forkhead (Fox) proteins contain a highly conserved DNA binding domain whose structure is remarkably similar to the winged-helix structures of histones H1 and H5. Little is known about Fox protein binding in the context of higher-order chromatin structure in living cells. We created a stable cell line expressing FoxI1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) or FoxI1-V5 fusion proteins under control of the reverse tetracycline-controlled transactivator doxycycline inducible system and found that unlike most transcription factors, FoxI1 remains bound to the condensed chromosomes during mitosis. To isolate DNA fragments directly bound by the FoxI1 protein within living cells, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation assays (ChIPs) with antibodies to either enhanced GFP or the V5 epitope and subcloned the FoxI1-enriched DNA fragments. Sequence analyses indicated that 88% (106/121) of ChIP sequences contain the consensus binding sites for all Fox proteins. Testing ChIP sequences with a quantitative DNase I hypersensitivity assay showed that FoxI1 created stable DNase I sensitivity changes in condensed chromosomes. The majority of ChIP targets and random targets increased in resistance to DNase I in FoxI1-expressing cells, but a small number of targets became more accessible to DNase I. Consistently, the accessibility of micrococcal nuclease to chromatin was generally inhibited. Micrococcal nuclease partial digestion generated a ladder in which all oligonucleosomes were slightly longer than those observed with the controls. On the basis of these findings, we propose that FoxI1 is capable of remodeling chromatin higher-order structure and can stably create site-specific changes in chromatin to either stably create or remove DNase I hypersensitive sites.
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58
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Heidari M, Rice KL, Phillips JK, Kees UR, Greene WK. The nuclear oncoprotein TLX1/HOX11 associates with pericentromeric satellite 2 DNA in leukemic T-cells. Leukemia 2005; 20:304-12. [PMID: 16357834 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2404071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
TLX1/HOX11, a DNA-binding homeodomain protein, was originally identified by virtue of its aberrant expression in T-cell leukemia and subsequently found to be crucial for normal spleen development. The precise mechanism of TLX1 function remains poorly understood, although it is known that it can act as both a transcriptional activator and repressor and can downregulate the Aldh1a1 gene in embryonic mouse spleen. Using a whole-genome PCR approach, we show here that TLX1 protein directly interacts with pericentromeric human satellite 2 DNA sequences. Such DNA is known to localize to heterochromatin, which among other roles has been implicated in gene silencing. The interaction was confirmed in vitro and in vivo by gel retardation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays involving satellite 2 DNA, which contained sequences resembling TLX1 binding sites. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, TLX1 demonstrated a punctate pattern of staining in the nuclei of leukemic T-cells (ALL-SIL). Double labelling indicated that TLX1 colocalized with the centromeric protein CENP-B, demonstrating that the TLX1 foci corresponded to clusters of centromeric DNA. The novel interaction of TLX1 with constitutive heterochromatin adds an additional level of complexity to the intracellular functions of this transcriptional regulator and may have relevance to its roles in transcriptional repression and T-cell immortalization.
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59
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Zhang YL, Chen T, Jiang Y, Zhong ZS, Liu SZ, Hou Y, Schatten H, Chen DY, Sun QY. Active demethylation of individual genes in intracytoplasmic sperm injection rabbit embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2005; 72:530-3. [PMID: 16161163 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as an assisted reproduction technique, has been widely used in animal and human. However, its possible effect on epigenetic changes has not been well studied. To investigate whether ICSI can induce aberrant DNA methylation changes in rabbit preimplantation embryos, we examined the methylation status of the SP-A promoter region and the satellite sequence Rsat IIE by bisulfite-sequencing technology. The SP-A promoter region was extensively demethylated before the first round of DNA replication commences, and the unmethylated status was maintained until morula when dynamic remethylation occurred. A similar but more moderate demethylation process was observed in satellite sequence Rsat IIE. These results are in contrast with the previous reports of no active demethylation in normal rabbit embryos, suggesting that the active demethylation we observed may be induced by ICSI.
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60
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Parker MJ, Licence S, Erlandsson L, Galler GR, Chakalova L, Osborne CS, Morgan G, Fraser P, Jumaa H, Winkler TH, Skok J, Mårtensson IL. The pre-B-cell receptor induces silencing of VpreB and lambda5 transcription. EMBO J 2005; 24:3895-905. [PMID: 16281060 PMCID: PMC1283949 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2005] [Accepted: 10/06/2005] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The pre-B-cell receptor (pre-BCR), composed of Ig heavy and surrogate light chain (SLC), signals pre-BII-cell proliferative expansion. We have investigated whether the pre-BCR also signals downregulation of the SLC genes (VpreB and lambda5), thereby limiting this expansion. We demonstrate that, as BM cells progress from the pre-BI to large pre-BII-cell stage, there is a shift from bi- to mono-allelic lambda5 transcription, while the second allele is silenced in small pre-BII cells. A VpreB1-promoter-driven transgene shows the same pattern, therefore suggesting that VpreB1 is similarly regulated and thereby defines the promoter as a target for transcriptional silencing. Analyses of pre-BCR-deficient mice show a temporal delay in lambda5 downregulation, thereby demonstrating that the pre-BCR is essential for monoallelic silencing at the large pre-BII-cell stage. Our data also suggest that SLP-65 is one of the signaling components important for this process. Furthermore, the VpreB1/lambda5 alleles undergo dynamic changes with respect to nuclear positioning and heterochromatin association, thereby providing a possible mechanism for their transcriptional silencing.
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61
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Susbielle G, Blattes R, Brevet V, Monod C, Käs E. Target practice: aiming at satellite repeats with DNA minor groove binders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 5:409-20. [PMID: 16101491 DOI: 10.2174/1568011054222355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Much progress has been made in recent years in developing small molecules that target the minor groove of DNA. Striking advances have led to the design of synthetic molecules that recognize specific DNA sequences with affinities comparable to those of eukaryotic transcription factors. This makes it feasible to modulate or inhibit DNA/protein interactions in vivo, a major step towards the development of general strategies of anti-gene therapy. Examples from anti-parasitic drugs also suggest that synthetic molecules can affect a variety of cellular functions crucial to cell viability by more generally targeting vast portions of genomes based on their biased base composition. This provides a rationale for developing approaches based on selective interactions with broad genomic targets such as satellite repeats that are associated with structural or architectural components of chromatin essential for cellular proliferation. Using examples drawn from the Drosophila melanogaster model system, we review here the use of synthetic polyamides or diamidines that bind the DNA minor groove and can be used as highly selective agents capable of interfering with specific protein/DNA interactions that occur in A+T-rich repeated sequences that constitute a significant portion of eukaryotic genomes. The satellite localization of cellular proteins that bind the minor groove of DNA via domains such as the AT hook motif is highly sensitive to these molecules. A major consequence of the competition between these proteins and their synthetic mimics is an alteration of the nuclear localization and function of proteins such as topoisomerase II, a major target of anti-cancer drugs.
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62
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Chen T, Jiang Y, Zhang YL, Liu JH, Hou Y, Schatten H, Chen DY, Sun QY. DNA hypomethylation of individual sequences in aborted cloned bovine fetuses. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2005; 10:3002-8. [PMID: 15970554 DOI: 10.2741/1756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cloned bovines have a much higher abortion rate than those derived in vivo. Available evidence indicates that inappropriate epigenetic reprogramming of donor nuclei is the primary cause of cloning failure. To gain a better understanding of the DNA methylation changes associated with the high abortion rate of cloned bovines, we examined the DNA methylation status of a repeated sequence (satellite I) and the promoter regions of two single-copy genes (interleukin 3/cytokeratin) in aborted cloned fetuses, aborted fetuses derived from artificial insemination (AI), cloned adults and AI adults by bisulfite sequencing and restriction enzyme analysis. Two of four aborted cloned fetuses show very low methylation levels in the two single-copy gene promoter regions. One of the two fetuses also showed undermethylated status in the satellite I sequence. The other two aborted cloned fetuses have similar methylation levels to those of aborted AI fetuses. However, no difference in methylation was observed between cloned adults and AI adults. Our results demonstrate for the first time the undermethylated status of individual sequences in aborted cloned fetuses. These findings suggest that aberrant DNA methylation may contribute to the developmental failure of cloned bovine fetuses.
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63
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Kang YK, Lee HJ, Shim JJ, Yeo S, Kim SH, Koo DB, Lee KK, Beyhan Z, First NL, Han YM. Varied patterns of DNA methylation change between different satellite regions in bovine preimplantation development. Mol Reprod Dev 2005; 71:29-35. [PMID: 15736134 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Global reduction of DNA methylation, a part of genome reprogramming processes, occurs in a gradual manner until before implantation and is recognized as a conserved process in mammals. Here, we reported that in bovine, satellite regions exhibited varied patterns of methylation changes when one-cell egg advanced to the blastocyst; a maintenance methylation was observed in satellite I sequences, a decrease in alpha satellites, and an increase in satellite II regions. Cloned embryos exhibited similar changes for DNA methylation in the satellite I and alpha. We also observed that the satellite I and alpha sequences were methylated more in inner cell mass region of the blastocyst whereas the satellite II showed selective demethylation in this region. Together, these findings point that individual satellite sequences carry their own methylation patterns under the pressure of global demethylation, suggesting that local methylation control system acts on the satellite regions in early bovine embryos.
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64
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Hall SE, Luo S, Hall AE, Preuss D. Differential rates of local and global homogenization in centromere satellites from Arabidopsis relatives. Genetics 2005; 170:1913-27. [PMID: 15937135 PMCID: PMC1449784 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.104.038208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Higher eukaryotic centromeres contain thousands of satellite repeats organized into tandem arrays. As species diverge, new satellite variants are homogenized within and between chromosomes, yet the processes by which particular sequences are dispersed are poorly understood. Here, we isolated and analyzed centromere satellites in plants separated from Arabidopsis thaliana by 5-20 million years, uncovering more rapid satellite divergence compared to primate alpha-satellite repeats. We also found that satellites derived from the same genomic locus were more similar to each other than satellites derived from disparate genomic regions, indicating that new sequence alterations were homogenized more efficiently at a local, rather than global, level. Nonetheless, the presence of higher-order satellite arrays, similar to those identified in human centromeres, indicated limits to local homogenization and suggested that sequence polymorphisms may play important functional roles. In two species, we defined more extensive polymorphisms, identifying physically separated and highly distinct satellite types. Taken together, these data show that there is a balance between plant satellite homogenization and the persistence of satellite variants. This balance could ultimately generate sufficient sequence divergence to cause mating incompatibilities between plant species, while maintaining adequate conservation within a species for centromere activity.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Arabidopsis/genetics
- Base Sequence
- Centromere/genetics
- Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
- Consensus Sequence
- DNA, Plant/analysis
- DNA, Satellite/genetics
- DNA, Satellite/metabolism
- Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct
- Fluorescent Dyes
- Genome, Plant
- Heterochromatin/metabolism
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
- Indoles
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Phylogeny
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
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65
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Luciani JJ, Depetris D, Missirian C, Mignon-Ravix C, Metzler-Guillemain C, Megarbane A, Moncla A, Mattei MG. Subcellular distribution of HP1 proteins is altered in ICF syndrome. Eur J Hum Genet 2005; 13:41-51. [PMID: 15470359 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Immunodeficiency, Centromeric instability, and Facial (ICF) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that results from mutations in the DNMT3B gene, encoding a DNA-methyltransferase that acts on GC-rich satellite DNAs. This syndrome is characterized by immunodeficiency, facial dysmorphy, mental retardation of variable severity and chromosomal abnormalities that essentially involve juxtacentromeric heterochromatin of chromosomes 1 and 16. These abnormalities demonstrate that hypomethylation of satellite DNA can induce alterations in the structure of heterochromatin. In order to investigate the effect of DNA hypomethylation on heterochromatin organization, we analyzed the in vivo distribution of HP1 proteins, essential components of heterochromatin, in three ICF patients. We observed that, in a large proportion of ICF G2 nuclei, all HP1 isoforms show an aberrant signal concentrated into a prominent bright focus that co-localizes with the undercondensed 1qh or 16qh heterochromatin. We found that SP100, SUMO-1 and other proteins from the promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (NBs) form a large body that co-localizes with the HP1 signal. This is the first description of altered nuclear distribution of HP1 proteins in the constitutional ICF syndrome. Our results show that satellite DNA hypomethylation does not prevent HP1 proteins from associating with heterochromatin. They suggest that, at G2 phase, HP1 proteins are involved in the heterochromatin condensation and may therefore remain concentrated at these sites until the condensation is complete. They also indicate that proteins from the NB could play a role in this process. Finally, satellite DNA length polymorphism could affect the efficiency of heterochromatin condensation and thus contribute to the variability of the ICF phenotype.
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MESH Headings
- Cell Nucleus/metabolism
- Centromere/genetics
- Child, Preschool
- Chromobox Protein Homolog 5
- Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/genetics
- Chromosome Aberrations
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16/genetics
- DNA Methylation
- DNA, Satellite/metabolism
- Face/abnormalities
- Female
- G2 Phase
- Heterochromatin/genetics
- Heterochromatin/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/genetics
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
- Infant
- Karyotyping
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/genetics
- Mutation/genetics
- Protein Isoforms
- Syndrome
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66
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Valgardsdottir R, Chiodi I, Giordano M, Cobianchi F, Riva S, Biamonti G. Structural and functional characterization of noncoding repetitive RNAs transcribed in stressed human cells. Mol Biol Cell 2005; 16:2597-604. [PMID: 15788562 PMCID: PMC1142408 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e04-12-1078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermal and chemical stresses induce the formation in human cells of novel and transient nuclear structures called nuclear stress bodies (nSBs). These contain heat shock factor 1 (HSF-1) and a specific subset of pre-mRNA processing factors. Nuclear stress bodies are assembled on specific pericentromeric heterochromatic domains containing satellite III (SatIII) DNA. In response to stress, these domains change their epigenetic status from heterochromatin to euchromatin and are transcribed in poly-adenylated RNAs that remain associated with nSBs. In this article, we describe the cloning, sequencing, and functional characterization of these transcripts. They are composed of SatIII repeats and originate from the transcription of multiple sites within the SatIII arrays. Interestingly, the level of SatIII RNAs can be down-regulated both by antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs (siRNA). Knockdown of SatIII RNA by siRNAs requires the activity of Argonaute 2, a component of the RNA-induced silencing complex. Down-regulation of satellite III RNAs significantly affects the recruitment of RNA processing factors to nSBs without altering the association of HSF-1 with these structures nor the presence of acetylated histones within nSBs. Thus, satellite III RNAs have a major role in the formation of nSBs.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Argonaute Proteins
- Cell Fusion
- Cell Nucleus/genetics
- Cell Nucleus/metabolism
- Cell Nucleus Structures/metabolism
- Coculture Techniques
- DNA, Satellite/chemistry
- DNA, Satellite/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Down-Regulation
- Euchromatin/genetics
- Euchromatin/metabolism
- Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2
- HeLa Cells
- Heat Shock Transcription Factors
- Heat-Shock Response
- Heterochromatin/genetics
- Heterochromatin/metabolism
- Humans
- Mice
- NIH 3T3 Cells
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Peptide Initiation Factors/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology
- RNA, Untranslated/chemistry
- RNA, Untranslated/genetics
- RNA, Untranslated/metabolism
- RNA-Induced Silencing Complex
- Sequence Analysis, RNA
- Stress, Physiological/genetics
- Stress, Physiological/metabolism
- Transcription Factors
- Transcription, Genetic
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67
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Metz A, Soret J, Vourc'h C, Tazi J, Jolly C. A key role for stress-induced satellite III transcripts in the relocalization of splicing factors into nuclear stress granules. J Cell Sci 2005; 117:4551-8. [PMID: 15331664 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.01329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure of cells to stressful conditions results in the rapid synthesis of a subset of specialized proteins termed heat shock proteins (HSPs) which function in protecting the cell against damage. The stress-induced activation of hsp genes is controlled by the heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1). At the cellular level, one of the most striking effects of stress is the rapid and reversible redistribution of HSF1 into a few nuclear structures termed nuclear stress granules which form primarily on the 9q12 locus in humans. Within these structures, HSF1 binds to satellite III repeated elements and drives the RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription of these sequences into stable RNAs which remain associated with the 9q12 locus for a certain time after synthesis. Other proteins, in particular splicing factors, were also shown to relocalize to the granules upon stress. Here, we investigated the role of stress-induced satellite III transcripts in the relocalization of splicing factors to the granules. We show that the recruitment of the two serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins SF2/ASF and SRp30c requires the presence of stress-induced satellite III transcripts. In agreement with these findings, we identified the second RNA-recognition motif (RRM2) of hSF2/ASF as the motif required for the targeting to the granules, and we showed by immunoprecipitation that the endogenous hSF2/ASF protein is present in a complex with satellite III transcripts in stressed cells in vivo. Interestingly, satellite III transcripts also immunoprecipitate together with small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) in vivo whereas the intronless hsp70 transcripts do not, supporting the proposal that these transcripts are subject to splicing. Altogether, these data highlight the central role for satellite III transcripts in the targeting and/or retention of splicing factors into the granules upon stress.
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68
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Stempak JM, Sohn KJ, Chiang EP, Shane B, Kim YI. Cell and stage of transformation-specific effects of folate deficiency on methionine cycle intermediates and DNA methylation in an in vitro model. Carcinogenesis 2005; 26:981-90. [PMID: 15695236 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgi037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Folate is an essential co-factor in the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine, thereby ensuring the supply of S-adenosylmethionine, the methyl group donor for most biological methylations, including that of DNA. Aberrant patterns and dysregulation of DNA methylation are consistent events in carcinogenesis and hence, DNA methylation is considered to be mechanistically related to the development of cancer. Folate deficiency appears to increase the risk of several malignancies, and aberrant DNA methylation has been considered to be a leading mechanism by which folate deficiency enhances carcinogenesis. Although diets deficient in methyl group donors (choline, folate, methionine and vitamin B12) have been consistently observed to induce DNA hypomethylation, the effect of an isolated folate deficiency on DNA methylation remains highly controversial and unresolved. Whether or not isolated folate deficiency can modulate DNA methylation is an important issue because it would establish a mechanistic link between folate deficiency and cancer. We examined the effects of isolated folate deficiency on methionine cycle intermediates, genomic and site-specific DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferase in an in vitro model of folate deficiency, using untransformed NIH/3T3 and CHO-K1 cells, and human HCT116 and Caco-2 colon cancer cells. Our data demonstrate that the effect of folate deficiency on the methionine cycle pathway and DNA methylation in these cells is highly complex and appears to depend on the cell type and stage of transformation, and may be gene and site-specific. The direction of changes of methionine cycle intermediates in response to folate deficiency is not uniformly consistent with the known biochemical effect of folate on the methionine cycle pathway. Moreover, the effect of folate deficiency on DNA methylation appears to be mediated by both methionine cycle intermediate-dependent and independent pathways.
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69
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Enukashvily N, Donev R, Sheer D, Podgornaya O. Satellite DNA binding and cellular localisation of RNA helicase P68. J Cell Sci 2005; 118:611-22. [PMID: 15657085 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.01605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We purified a 68-kDa protein from the mouse nuclear matrix using ion exchange and affinity chromatography. Column fractions were tested for specific binding to mouse minor satellite DNA using a gel mobility shift assay. The protein was identified by mass spectrometry as RNA helicase P68. In fixed cells, P68 was found to shuttle in and out of SC35 domains, forming fibres and granules in a cell-cycle dependent manner. Analysis of the P68 sequence revealed a short potential coiled-coil domain that might be involved in the formation of P68 fibres. Contacts between centromeres and P68 granules were observed during all phases of the cycle but they were most prominent in mitosis. At this stage, P68 was found in both the centromeric regions and the connections between chromosomes. Direct interaction of P68/DEAD box RNA helicase with satellite DNAs in vitro has not been demonstrated for any other members of the RNA helicase family.
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70
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Martens JHA, O'Sullivan RJ, Braunschweig U, Opravil S, Radolf M, Steinlein P, Jenuwein T. The profile of repeat-associated histone lysine methylation states in the mouse epigenome. EMBO J 2005; 24:800-12. [PMID: 15678104 PMCID: PMC549616 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 512] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2004] [Accepted: 12/13/2004] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone lysine methylation has been shown to index silenced chromatin regions at, for example, pericentric heterochromatin or of the inactive X chromosome. Here, we examined the distribution of repressive histone lysine methylation states over the entire family of DNA repeats in the mouse genome. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation in a cluster analysis representing repetitive elements, our data demonstrate the selective enrichment of distinct H3-K9, H3-K27 and H4-K20 methylation marks across tandem repeats (e.g. major and minor satellites), DNA transposons, retrotransposons, long interspersed nucleotide elements and short interspersed nucleotide elements. Tandem repeats, but not the other repetitive elements, give rise to double-stranded (ds) RNAs that are further elevated in embryonic stem (ES) cells lacking the H3-K9-specific Suv39h histone methyltransferases. Importantly, although H3-K9 tri- and H4-K20 trimethylation appear stable at the satellite repeats, many of the other repeat-associated repressive marks vary in chromatin of differentiated ES cells or of embryonic trophoblasts and fibroblasts. Our data define a profile of repressive histone lysine methylation states for the repetitive complement of four distinct mouse epigenomes and suggest tandem repeats and dsRNA as primary triggers for more stable chromatin imprints.
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71
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Basu J, Stromberg G, Compitello G, Willard HF, Van Bokkelen G. Rapid creation of BAC-based human artificial chromosome vectors by transposition with synthetic alpha-satellite arrays. Nucleic Acids Res 2005; 33:587-96. [PMID: 15673719 PMCID: PMC548352 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gki207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient construction of BAC-based human artificial chromosomes (HACs) requires optimization of each key functional unit as well as development of techniques for the rapid and reliable manipulation of high-molecular weight BAC vectors. Here, we have created synthetic chromosome 17-derived alpha-satellite arrays, based on the 16-monomer repeat length typical of natural D17Z1 arrays, in which the consensus CENP-B box elements are either completely absent (0/16 monomers) or increased in density (16/16 monomers) compared to D17Z1 alpha-satellite (5/16 monomers). Using these vectors, we show that the presence of CENP-B box elements is a requirement for efficient de novo centromere formation and that increasing the density of CENP-B box elements may enhance the efficiency of de novo centromere formation. Furthermore, we have developed a novel, high-throughput methodology that permits the rapid conversion of any genomic BAC target into a HAC vector by transposon-mediated modification with synthetic alpha-satellite arrays and other key functional units. Taken together, these approaches offer the potential to significantly advance the utility of BAC-based HACs for functional annotation of the genome and for applications in gene transfer.
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72
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Petrova NV, Iarovaia OV, Verbovoy VA, Razin SV. Specific radial positions of centromeres of human chromosomes X, 1, and 19 remain unchanged in chromatin-depleted nuclei of primary human fibroblasts: Evidence for the organizing role of the nuclear matrix. J Cell Biochem 2005; 96:850-7. [PMID: 16149066 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.20592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Radial positions of centromeres of human chromosomes X, 1, and 19 were determined in the nuclei of primary fibroblasts before and after removal of 60%-80% of chromatin. It has been demonstrated that the specific radial positions of these centromeres (more central for the chromosome 19 centromere and more peripheral for the centromeres of chromosomes 1 and X) remain unchanged in chromatin-depleted nuclei. Additional digestion of nuclear RNA did not influence this specific distribution. These results strongly suggest that the characteristic organization of interphase chromosomes is supported by the proteinous nuclear matrix and is not maintained by simple repulsing of negatively charged chromosomes.
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73
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Marchal JA, Martínez S, Acosta MJ, Bullejos M, Díaz de la Guardia R, Sánchez A. Characterization of an EcoRI family of satellite DNA from two species of the genus Eptesicus (Vespertilionidae; Chiroptera). Genetica 2004; 122:303-10. [PMID: 15609553 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-004-2220-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have cloned and sequenced a 321 bp band of repetitive DNA from Eptesicus fuscus and E. serotinus observed after gel electrophoresis of EcoRI digested genomic DNA in both species. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA (from both species) digested with the same enzyme showed the existence of a ladder pattern indicating that the repetitive DNA is arrayed in tandem. The repetitive sequences have a monomer unit of 321 bp which is composed of two subunits of 160 bp, suggested by the existence of a 160 bp band in the ladder of E. fuscus and by the presence of some direct repeats found in the analysis of the consensus sequence. Analysis of the methylation status demonstrated that cytosines in CCGG sequences in this satellite DNA are methylated in E. fuscus but not in the E. serotinus. Alignment of the sequenced clones showed that several nucleotide positions are diagnostic species-specific and consequently the phylogenetic analysis grouped the monomer units from both species in two clearly separated groups.
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74
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Chen T, Zhang YL, Jiang Y, Liu SZ, Schatten H, Chen DY, Sun QY. The DNA methylation events in normal and cloned rabbit embryos. FEBS Lett 2004; 578:69-72. [PMID: 15581618 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2004.10.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2004] [Revised: 10/28/2004] [Accepted: 10/28/2004] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
To study the DNA methylation events in normal and cloned rabbit embryos, we investigated the methylation status of a satellite sequence and the promoter region of a single-copy gene using bisulfite-sequencing technology. During normal rabbit embryo development, both sequences maintained hypermethylation status until the 8- to 16-cell stage when progressive demethylation took place. In cloned embryos, the single-copy gene promoter sequence was rapidly demethylated and precociously de novo methylated, while the satellite sequence maintained the donor-type methylation status in all examined stages. Our results indicate that unique sequences as well as satellite sequences may have aberrant methylation patterns in cloned embryos.
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75
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Kiryanov GI, Kintsurashvili LN, Isaeva LV, Zakharova MG. Positioning of a nucleosome on mouse satellite DNA inserted into a yeast plasmid is determined by its DNA sequence and an adjacent nucleosome. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2004; 69:1044-50. [PMID: 15521819 DOI: 10.1023/b:biry.0000043547.86807.d4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
It has earlier been shown that multiple positioning of nucleosomes on mouse satellite DNA is determined by its nucleotide sequence. To clarify whether other factors, such as boundary ones, can affect the positionings, we modified the environment of satellite DNA monomer by inserting it into a yeast plasmid between inducible GalCyc promoter and a structural region of the yeast FLP gene. We have revealed that the positions of nucleosomes on satellite DNA are identical to those detected upon reconstruction in vitro. The positioning signal (GAAAAA sequence) of satellite DNA governs nucleosome location at the adjacent nucleotide sequence as well. Upon promoter induction the nucleosome, translationally positioned on the GalCyc promoter, transfers to the satellite DNA and its location follows the positioning signal of the latter. Thus, the alternatives of positioning of a nucleosome on satellite DNA are controlled by its nucleotide sequence, though the choice of one of them is determined by the adjacent nucleosome.
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