Histone crosstalk between H2B monoubiquitination and H3 methylation mediated by COMPASS

COMPASS, the yeast homolog of the mammalian MLL complex, is a histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylase consisting of Set1 (KMT2) and seven other polypeptides, including Cps35, the only essential subunit. Histone H2B monoubiquitination by Rad6/Bre1 is required for both H3K4 methylation by COMPASS, and H3K79 methylation by Dot1. However, the molecular mechanism for such histone crosstalk is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that histone H2B monoubiquitination controls the binding of Cps35 with COMPASS complex. Cps 35 is required for COMPASS' catalytic activity in vivo, and the addition of exogenous purified Cps35 to COMPASS purified from a Deltarad6 background results in the generation of a methylation competent COMPASS. Cps35 associates with the chromatin of COMPASS-regulated genes in a H2BK123 monoubiquitination-dependent but Set1-independent manner. Cps35 is also required for proper H3K79 trimethylation. These findings offer insight into the molecular role of Cps35 in translating the H2B monoubiquitination signal into H3 methylation.

Neuralized-like 1 (Neurl1) targeted to the plasma membrane by N-myristoylation regulates the Notch ligand Jagged1

Notch signaling constitutes an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that mediates cell-cell interactions in various developmental processes. Numerous regulatory proteins interact with the Notch receptor and its ligands and control signaling at multiple levels. Ubiquitination and endocytosis followed by endosomal sorting of both the receptor and its ligands is essential for Notch-mediated signaling. The E3 ubiquitin ligases, Neuralized (Neur) and Mind Bomb (Mib1), are crucial for regulating the activity and stability of Notch ligands in Drosophila; however, biochemical evidence that the Notch ligands are directly targeted for ubiquitination by Neur and/or Mib1 has been lacking. In this report, we explore the function of Neurl1, a mouse ortholog of Drosophila Neur. We show that Neurl1 can function as an E3 ubiquitin ligase to activate monoubiquitination in vitro of Jagged1, but not other mammalian Notch ligands. Neurl1 expression decreases Jagged1 levels in cells and blocks signaling from Jagged1-expressing cells to neighboring Notch-expressing cells. We demonstrate that Neurl1 is myristoylated at its N terminus, and that myristoylation of Neurl1 targets it to the plasma membrane. Point mutations abolishing either Neurl1 myristoylation and plasma membrane localization or Neurl1 ubiquitin ligase activity impair its ability to down-regulate Jagged1 expression and to block signaling. Taken together, our results argue that Neurl1 at the plasma membrane can affect the signaling activity of Jagged1 by directly enhancing its ubiquitination and subsequent turnover.

The inhibition of polo kinase by matrimony maintains G2 arrest in the meiotic cell cycle

Many meiotic systems in female animals include a lengthy arrest in G2 that separates the end of pachytene from nuclear envelope breakdown (NEB). However, the mechanisms by which a meiotic cell can arrest for long periods of time (decades in human females) have remained a mystery. The Drosophila Matrimony (Mtrm) protein is expressed from the end of pachytene until the completion of meiosis I. Loss-of-function mtrm mutants result in precocious NEB. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments reveal that Mtrm physically interacts with Polo kinase (Polo) in vivo, and multidimensional protein identification technology mass spectrometry analysis reveals that Mtrm binds to Polo with an approximate stoichiometry of 1:1. Mutation of a Polo-Box Domain (PBD) binding site in Mtrm ablates the function of Mtrm and the physical interaction of Mtrm with Polo. The meiotic defects observed in mtrm/+ heterozygotes are fully suppressed by reducing the dose of polo+, demonstrating that Mtrm acts as an inhibitor of Polo. Mtrm acts as a negative regulator of Polo during the later stages of G2 arrest. Indeed, both the repression of Polo expression until stage 11 and the inactivation of newly synthesized Polo by Mtrm until stage 13 play critical roles in maintaining and properly terminating G2 arrest. Our data suggest a model in which the eventual activation of Cdc25 by an excess of Polo at stage 13 triggers NEB and entry into prometaphase.

Statistical similarities between transcriptomics and quantitative shotgun proteomics data

If the large collection of microarray-specific statistical tools was applicable to the analysis of quantitative shotgun proteomics datasets, it would certainly foster an important advancement of proteomics research. Here we analyze two large multidimensional protein identification technology datasets, one containing eight replicates of the soluble fraction of a yeast whole-cell lysate and one containing nine replicates of a human immunoprecipitate, to test whether normalized spectral abundance factor (NSAF) values share substantially similar statistical properties with transcript abundance values from Affymetrix GeneChip data. First we show similar dynamic range and distribution properties of these two types of numeric values. Next we show that the standard deviation (S.D.) of a protein's NSAF values was dependent on the average NSAF value of the protein itself, following a power law. This relationship can be modeled by a power law global error model (PLGEM), initially developed to describe the variance-versus-mean dependence that exists in GeneChip data. PLGEM parameters obtained from NSAF datasets proved to be surprisingly similar to the typical parameters observed in GeneChip datasets. The most important common feature identified by this approach was that, although in absolute terms the S.D. of replicated abundance values increases as a function of increasing average abundance, the coefficient of variation, a relative measure of variability, becomes progressively smaller under the same conditions. We next show that PLGEM parameters were reasonably stable to decreasing numbers of replicates. We finally illustrate one possible application of PLGEM in the identification of differentially abundant proteins that might potentially outperform standard statistical tests. In summary, we believe that this body of work lays the foundation for the application of microarray-specific tools in the analysis of NSAF datasets.

YY1 functions with INO80 to activate transcription

Ubiquitously expressed transcription factor Yin-Yang-1 (YY1) controls expression of many genes. YY1 is tightly associated with the human ATP-dependent INO80-like chromatin-remodeling complex (INO80). INO80 is recruited by YY1 to YY1-activated genes, where it functions as an essential coactivator. Binding of YY1 to its DNA sites in target genes requires INO80, suggesting that YY1 uses the INO80 complex not only to activate transcription but also to gain access to target promoters.

Evolutionarily conserved multisubunit RBL2/p130 and E2F4 protein complex represses human cell cycle-dependent genes in quiescence

The mammalian Retinoblastoma (RB) family including pRB, p107, and p130 represses E2F target genes through mechanisms that are not fully understood. In D. melanogaster, RB-dependent repression is mediated in part by the multisubunit protein complex Drosophila RBF, E2F, and Myb (dREAM) that contains homologs of the C. elegans synthetic multivulva class B (synMuvB) gene products. Using an integrated approach combining proteomics, genomics, and bioinformatic analyses, we identified a p130 complex termed DP, RB-like, E2F, and MuvB (DREAM) that contains mammalian homologs of synMuvB proteins LIN-9, LIN-37, LIN-52, LIN-54, and LIN-53/RBBP4. DREAM bound to more than 800 human promoters in G0 and was required for repression of E2F target genes. In S phase, MuvB proteins dissociated from p130 and formed a distinct submodule that bound MYB. This work reveals an evolutionarily conserved multisubunit protein complex that contains p130 and E2F4, but not pRB, and mediates the repression of cell cycle-dependent genes in quiescence.

Lentiviral Vpr usurps Cul4-DDB1[VprBP] E3 ubiquitin ligase to modulate cell cycle

The replication of viruses depends on the cell cycle status of the infected cells. Viruses have evolved functions that alleviate restrictions imposed on their replication by the host. Vpr, an accessory factor of primate lentiviruses, arrests cells at the DNA damage checkpoint in G2 phase of the cell cycle, but the mechanism underlying this effect has remained elusive. Here we report that Vpr proteins of both the human (HIV-1) and the distantly related simian (SIVmac) immunodeficiency viruses specifically associate with a protein complex comprising subunits of E3 ubiquitin ligase assembled on Cullin-4 scaffold (Cul4-DDB1[VprBP]). We show that Vpr binding to Cul4-DDB1[VprBP] leads to increased neddylation and elevated intrinsic ubiquitin ligase activity of this E3. This effect is mediated through the VprBP subunit of the complex, which recently has been suggested to function as a substrate receptor for Cul4. We also demonstrate that VprBP regulates G1 phase and is essential for the completion of DNA replication in S phase. Furthermore, the ability of Vpr to arrest cells in G2 phase correlates with its ability to interact with Cul4-DDB1[VprBP] E3 complex. Our studies identify the Cul4-DDB1[VprBP] E3 ubiquitin ligase complex as the downstream effector of lentiviral Vpr for the induction of cell cycle arrest in G2 phase and suggest that Vpr may use this complex to perturb other aspects of the cell cycle and DNA metabolism in infected cells.

Scm3 is essential to recruit the histone h3 variant cse4 to centromeres and to maintain a functional kinetochore

The kinetochore is a complex multiprotein structure located at centromeres that is essential for proper chromosome segregation. Budding-yeast Cse4 is an essential evolutionarily conserved histone H3 variant recruited to the centromere by an unknown mechanism. We have identified Scm3, an inner kinetochore protein that immunopurifies with Cse4. Scm3 is essential for viability and localizes to all centromeres. Construction of a conditional SCM3 allele reveals that depletion results in metaphase arrest, with duplicated spindle poles, short spindles, and unequal DNA distribution. The metaphase arrest is mediated by the mitotic spindle checkpoint being dependent on Mad1 and the Aurora kinase B homolog Ipl1. Scm3 interacts with both Ndc10 and Cse4 and is essential to establish centromeric chromatin after DNA replication. In addition, Scm3 is required to maintain kinetochore function throughout the cell cycle. We propose a model in which Ndc10/Scm3 binds to centromeric DNA, which is in turn essential for targeting Cse4 to centromeres.

An ortholog of the Ro autoantigen functions in 23S rRNA maturation in D. radiodurans

In both animal cells and the eubacterium Deinococcus radiodurans, the Ro autoantigen, a ring-shaped RNA-binding protein, associates with small RNAs called Y RNAs. In vertebrates, Ro also binds the 3' ends of misfolded RNAs and is proposed to function in quality control. However, little is known about the function of Ro and the Y RNAs in vivo. Here, we report that the D. radiodurans ortholog Rsr (Ro sixty related) functions with exoribonucleases in 23S rRNA maturation. During normal growth, 23S rRNA maturation is inefficient, resulting in accumulation of precursors containing 5' and 3' extensions. During growth at elevated temperature, maturation is efficient and requires Rsr and the exoribonucleases RNase PH and RNase II. Consistent with the hypothesis that Y RNAs inhibit Ro activity, maturation is efficient at all temperatures in cells lacking the Y RNA. In the absence of Rsr, 23S rRNA maturation halts at positions of potential secondary structure. As Rsr exhibits genetic and biochemical interactions with the exoribonuclease polynucleotide phosphorylase, Rsr likely functions in an additional process with this nuclease. We propose that Rsr functions as a processivity factor to assist RNA maturation by exoribonucleases. This is the first demonstration of a role for Ro and a Y RNA in vivo.

PARC and CUL7 form atypical cullin RING ligase complexes

CUL7 and the p53-associated, PARkin-like cytoplasmic protein (PARC) were previously reported to form homodimers and heterodimers, the first demonstration of cullin dimerization. Although a CUL7-based SKP1/CUL1/F-box (SCF)-like complex has been observed, little is known about the existence of a PARC-based SCF-like complex and how PARC interacts with CUL7-based complexes. To further characterize PARC-containing complexes, we examined the ability of PARC to form an SCF-like complex. PARC binds RBX1 and is covalently modified by NEDD8, defining PARC as a true cullin. However, PARC fails to bind SKP1 or F-box proteins, including the CUL7-associated FBXW8. To examine the assembly of PARC- and CUL7-containing complexes, tandem affinity purification followed by multidimensional protein identification technology were used. Multidimensional protein identification technology analysis revealed that the CUL7 interaction with FBXW8 was mutually exclusive of CUL7 binding to PARC or p53. Notably, although heterodimers of CUL7 and PARC bind p53, p53 is not required for the dimerization of CUL7 and PARC. The observed physical separation of FBXW8 and PARC is supported functionally by the generation of Parc-/-, Fbxw8-/- mice, which do not show exacerbation of the Fbxw8-/- phenotype. Finally, all of the PARC and CUL7 subcomplexes examined exhibit E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in vitro. Together, these findings indicate that the intricate assembly of PARC- and CUL7-containing complexes is highly regulated, and multiple subcomplexes may exhibit ubiquitin ligase activity.

Quantitative shotgun proteomics using a protease with broad specificity and normalized spectral abundance factors

Non-specific proteases are rarely used in quantitative shotgun proteomics due to potentially high false discovery rates. Yet, there are instances when application of a non-specific protease is desirable to obtain sufficient sequence coverage of otherwise poorly accessible proteins or structural domains. Using the non-specific protease, proteinase K, we analyzed Saccharomyces cerevisiae preparations grown in (14)N rich media and (15)N minimal media and obtained relative quantitation from the dataset using normalized spectral abundance factors (NSAFs). A critical step in using a spectral counting based approach for quantitative proteomics is ensuring the inclusion of high quality spectra in the dataset. One way to do this is to minimize the false discovery rate, which can be accomplished by applying different filters to a searched dataset. Natural log transformation of proteinase K derived NSAF values followed a normal distribution and allowed for statistical analysis by the t-test. Using this approach, we generated a dataset of 719 unique proteins found in each of the three independent biological replicates, of which 84 showed a statistically significant difference in expression levels between the two growth conditions.

Correlation of relative abundance ratios derived from peptide ion chromatograms and spectrum counting for quantitative proteomic analysis using stable isotope labeling

In this study, S. cerevisiae crude membrane fractions were prepared using the acid-labile detergent RapiGest from cells grown under rich and minimal media conditions using 14N and 15N ammonium sulfate as the sole nitrogen source. Four independent MudPIT analyses of 1:1 mixtures of sample were prepared and analyzed via quantitative multidimensional protein identification technology on a two-dimensional ion trap mass spectrometer. Using the method described in this study, low-abundance integral membrane proteins with up to 14 transmembrane domains were identified and their protein expression determined when sufficient spectrum counting and ion chromatogram information was generated. We demonstrate that spectrum counting and mass spectrometry derived ion chromatograms strongly correlate for determining quantitative changes in protein expression. Spectrum counting proved more reproducible and has a wider dynamic range contributing to the deviation of the two quantitative approaches from a perfect positive correlation.

Analyzing chromatin remodeling complexes using shotgun proteomics and normalized spectral abundance factors

Mass spectrometry-based approaches are commonly used to identify proteins from multiprotein complexes, typically with the goal of identifying new complex members or identifying post-translational modifications. However, with the recent demonstration that spectral counting is a powerful quantitative proteomic approach, the analysis of multiprotein complexes by mass spectrometry can be reconsidered in certain cases. Using the chromatography-based approach named multidimensional protein identification technology, multiprotein complexes may be analyzed quantitatively using the normalized spectral abundance factor that allows comparison of multiple independent analyses of samples. This study describes an approach to visualize multiprotein complex datasets that provides structure function information that is superior to tabular lists of data. In this method review, we describe a reanalysis of the Rpd3/Sin3 small and large histone deacetylase complexes previously described in a tabular form to demonstrate the normalized spectral abundance factor approach.

Identification and Characterization of a Schizosaccharomyces pombe RNA Polymerase II Elongation Factor with Similarity to the Metazoan Transcription Factor ELL

ELL family transcription factors activate the rate of transcript elongation by suppressing transient pausing by RNA polymerase II at many sites along the DNA. ELL-associated factors 1 and 2 (EAF1 and EAF2) bind stably to ELL family members and act as strong positive regulators of their transcription activities. Orthologs of ELL and EAF have been identified in metazoa, but it has been unclear whether such RNA polymerase II elongation factors are utilized in lower eukaryotes. Using bioinformatic and biochemical approaches, we have identified a new Schizosaccharomyces pombe RNA polymerase II elongation factor that is composed of two subunits designated SpELL and SpEAF, which share weak sequence similarity with members of the metazoan ELL and EAF families. Like mammalian ELL-EAF, SpELL-SpEAF stimulates RNA polymerase II transcription elongation and pyrophosphorolysis. In addition, like many yeast RNA polymerase II elongation factors, deletion of the SpELL gene renders S. pombe sensitive to the drug 6-azauracil. Finally, phylogenetic analyses suggest that the SpELL and SpEAF proteins are evolutionarily conserved in many fungi but not in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of distinct mammalian Mediator complexes using normalized spectral abundance factors

Components of multiprotein complexes are routinely determined by using proteomic approaches. However, this information lacks functional content except when new complex members are identified. To analyze quantitatively the abundance of proteins in human Mediator we used normalized spectral abundance factors generated from shotgun proteomics data sets. With this approach we define a common core of mammalian Mediator subunits shared by alternative forms that variably associate with the kinase module and RNA polymerase (pol) II. Although each version of affinity-purified Mediator contained some kinase module and RNA pol II, Mediator purified through F-Med26 contained the most RNA pol II and the least kinase module as demonstrated by the normalized spectral abundance factor approach. The distinct forms of Mediator were functionally characterized by using a transcriptional activity assay, where F-Med26 Mediator/RNA pol II was the most active. This method of protein complex visualization has important implications for the analysis of multiprotein complexes and assembly of protein interaction networks.

Statistical analysis of membrane proteome expression changes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have devised an approach for analyzing shotgun proteomics datasets based on the normalized spectral abundance factor that can be used for quantitative proteomics analysis. Three biological replicates of samples enriched for plasma membranes were isolated from S. cerevisiae grown in 14N-rich media and 15N-minimal media and analyzed via quantitative multidimensional protein identification technology. The natural log transformation of NSAF values from S. cerevisiae cells grown in 14N YPD media and 15N-minimal media had a normal distribution. The t-test analysis demonstrated 221 of 1316 proteins were significantly overexpressed in one or the other growth conditions with a p value <0.05. Notably, amino acid transporters were among the 14 membrane proteins that were significantly upregulated in cells grown in minimal media, and we functionally validated these increases in protein expression with radioisotope uptake assays for selected proteins.

Ctk complex-mediated regulation of histone methylation by COMPASS

A comparative global proteomic screen identified factors required for COMPASS (complex of proteins associated with Set1)-mediated mono-, di-, and trimethylation of the fourth lysine of histone H3 (H3K4), which included components of a cyclin-dependent protein kinase (Ctk complex) that phosphorylates the C-terminal domain of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Our results indicate that histone H3K4 methylation levels are regulated by the Ctk1, Ctk2, and Ctk3 components of the Ctk complex. We show that loss of Ctk1 kinase activity results in reduced histone H3K4 monomethylation levels, followed by a global increase in histone H3K4 trimethylation levels on chromatin. Ctk1 loss does not appear to have a substantial effect on histone H2B monoubiquitination levels or COMPASS and Paf1 complex phosphorylation. Our chromatin immunoprecipitation studies demonstrate that histone H3 eviction during active transcription is decelerated in a CTK1 deletion strain in response to reduced levels of Pol II recruitment. Our in vitro studies show that the onset of monomethylation on an unmethylated histone H3 by COMPASS is virtually immediate, while the onset of trimethylation occurs upon extended time of association between the histone tail and COMPASS. Our study suggests a role for the Ctk complex in the regulation of the pattern of H3K4 mono-, di-, and trimethylation via COMPASS.

The essential gene wda encodes a WD40 repeat subunit of Drosophila SAGA required for histone H3 acetylation

Histone acetylation provides a switch between transcriptionally repressive and permissive chromatin. By regulating the chromatin structure at specific promoters, histone acetyltransferases (HATs) carry out important functions during differentiation and development of higher eukaryotes. HAT complexes are present in organisms as diverse as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, humans, and flies. For example, the well-studied yeast SAGA is related to three mammalian complexes. We previously identified Drosophila melanogaster orthologues of yeast SAGA components Ada2, Ada3, Spt3, and Tra1 and demonstrated that they associate with dGcn5 in a high-molecular-weight complex. To better understand the function of Drosophila SAGA (dSAGA), we sought to affinity purify and characterize this complex in more detail. A proteomic approach led to the identification of an orthologue of the yeast protein Ada1 and the novel protein encoded by CG4448, referred to as WDA (will decrease acetylation). Embryos lacking both alleles of the wda gene exhibited reduced levels of histone H3 acetylation and could not develop into adult flies. Our results point to a critical function of dSAGA and histone acetylation during Drosophila development.

Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis Using the ThermoFinnigan LCQ System

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol provides guidance for setting the parameters for a typical data-dependent MS/MS acquisition analysis using the ThermoFinnigan LCQ system. The method consists of a continual cycle beginning with one scan of MS (scan one), which records all of the m/z values of the ions present at that moment in the gradient, followed by two rounds of MS/MS. The initial MS/MS scan is of the first most-intense ion recorded from the MS scan. The second MS/MS scan is of the second most-intense ion recorded from scan one. Dynamic exclusion is activated to improve the protein identification capacity during the analysis.

Analysis of Complex Protein Mixtures Using Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology (MuDPIT)

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes the analysis of a proteome using multidimensional protein identification technology (MuDPIT), which couples 2D-LC to MS/MS, to resolve and identify peptides from complex mixtures. In this method, a pulled capillary microcolumn is packed with two independent chromatography phases: a strong cation exchanger and reversed-phase matrix material. Once a complex peptide mixture is loaded onto the system, no additional sample handling is required, because, as the peptides elute from the column, they are directed into the ESI ion-trap mass spectrometer, where they are ionized, mass-selected, and fragmented. Finally, advanced search algorithms match the fragmented peptides to their respective proteins in a database.

Analysis of Complex Protein Mixtures Using Nano-LC Coupled to MS/MS

INTRODUCTIONNanoliter-LC coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS/MS) permits the rapid and sensitive determination of protein-protein interactions. By using a specific purification technique such as coimmunoprecipitation or affinity purification in conjunction with nano-LC-MS/MS, not only are proteins identified, but specific protein-protein interactions are elucidated as well.

Digestion of Insoluble Protein Fractions for Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology (MuDPIT) Analysis

INTRODUCTIONProteins associated with insoluble particulate matter from a whole-cell lysate, or carefully prepared membrane samples, can be analyzed using MuDPIT analysis. However, the preliminary steps provided in this protocol are required to prepare a usable complex protein mixture from these types of samples.

Proteasome recruitment and activation of the Uch37 deubiquitinating enzyme by Adrm1

Uch37 is one of the three principal deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), and the only ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase (UCH)-family protease, that is associated with mammalian proteasomes. We show that Uch37 is responsible for the ubiquitin isopeptidase activity in the PA700 (19S) proteasome regulatory complex. PA700 isopeptidase disassembles Lys 48-linked polyubiquitin specifically from the distal end of the chain, a property that may be used to clear poorly ubiquitinated or unproductively bound substrates from the proteasome. To better understand Uch37 function and the mechanism responsible for its specificity, we investigated how Uch37 is recruited to proteasomes. Uch37 binds through Adrm1, a previously unrecognized orthologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rpn13p, which in turn is bound to the S1 (also known as Rpn2) subunit of the 19S complex. Adrm1 (human Rpn13, hRpn13) binds the carboxy-terminal tail of Uch37, a region that is distinct from the UCH catalytic domain, which we show inhibits Uch37 activity. Following binding, Adrm1 relieves Uch37 autoinhibition, accelerating the hydrolysis of ubiquitin-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin (ubiquitin-AMC). However, neither Uch37 alone nor the Uch37-Adrm1 or Uch37-Adrm1-S1 complexes can hydrolyse di-ubiquitin efficiently; rather, incorporation into the 19S complex is required to enable processing of polyubiquitin chains.

A role for Yin Yang-1 (YY1) in the assembly of snRNA transcription complexes

The RNA polymerase (pol) II and III human small nuclear RNA (snRNA) genes have very similar promoters and recruit a number of common factors. In particular, both types of promoters utilize the small nuclear RNA activating protein complex (SNAP(c)) and the TATA box binding protein (TBP) for basal transcription, and are activated by Oct-1. We find that SNAP(c) purified from cell lines expressing tagged SNAP(c) subunits is associated with Yin Yang-1 (YY1), a factor implicated in both activation and repression of transcription. Recombinant YY1 accelerates the binding of SNAP(c) to the proximal sequence element, its target within snRNA promoters. Moreover, it enhances the formation of a complex on the pol III U6 snRNA promoter containing all the factors (SNAP(c), TBP, TFIIB-related factor 2 (Brf2), and B double prime 1 (Bdp1)) that are sufficient to direct in vitro U6 transcription when complemented with purified pol III, as well as that of a subcomplex containing TBP, Brf2, and Bdp1. YY1 is found on both the RNA polymerase II U1 and the RNA polymerase III U6 promoters as determined by chromatin immunoprecipitations. Thus, YY1 represents a new factor that participates in transcription complexes formed on both pol II and III promoters.

Proteomic analysis by multidimensional protein identification technology

Multidimensional chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry is an emerging technique for the analysis of complex protein mixtures. One approach in this general category, multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT), couples biphasic or triphasic microcapillary columns to high-performance liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry, and database searching. The integration of each of these components is critical to the implementation of MudPIT in a laboratory. MudPIT can be used for the analysis of complex peptide mixtures generated from biofluids, tissues, cells, organelles, or protein complexes. The information described in this chapter will provide researchers with details for sample preparation, column assembly, and chromatography parameters for complex peptide mixture analysis.

Purification of a human SRCAP complex that remodels chromatin by incorporating the histone variant H2A.Z into nucleosomes

The Snf-2-related CREB-binding protein activator protein (SRCAP) serves as a coactivator for a number of transcription factors known to interact with CBP. Swr1, the closest Saccharomyces cerevisiae ortholog of SRCAP, is a component of the chromatin remodeling complex SWR-C, which catalyzes exchange of the histone variant H2A.Z into nucleosomes. In this report, we use a combination of conventional chromatography and anti-SRCAP immunoaffinity chromatography to purify a native human SRCAP complex with a polypeptide composition similar to that of SWR-C, and we show for the first time that this SRCAP-containing complex supports ATP-dependent exchange of histone dimers containing H2B and H2A.Z into mononucleosomes reconstituted with recombinant H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. Our findings, together with previous evidence implicating H2A.Z in transcriptional regulation, suggest that SRCAP's coactivator function may depend on its ability to promote incorporation of H2A.Z into chromatin.

Mnd1/Hop2 facilitates Dmc1-dependent interhomolog crossover formation in meiosis of budding yeast

During meiosis, each chromosome must pair with its homolog and undergo meiotic crossover recombination in order to segregate properly at the first meiotic division. Recombination in meiosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae relies on two Escherichia coli recA homologs, Rad51 and Dmc1, as well as the more recently discovered heterodimer Mnd1/Hop2. Meiotic recombination in S. cerevisiae mnd1 and hop2 single mutants is initiated via double-strand breaks (DSBs) but does not progress beyond this stage; heteroduplex DNA, joint molecules, and crossovers are not detected. Whereas hop2 and mnd1 single mutants are profoundly recombination defective, we show that mnd1 rad51, hop2 rad51, and mnd1 rad17 double mutants are able to carry out crossover recombination. Interestingly, noncrossover recombination is absent, indicating a role for Mnd1/Hop2 in the designation of DSBs for noncrossover recombination. We demonstrate that in the rad51 mnd1 double mutant, recombination is more likely to occur between repetitive sequences on nonhomologous chromosomes. Our results support a model in which Mnd1/Hop2 is required for DNA-DNA interactions that help ensure Dmc1-mediated stable strand invasion between homologous chromosomes, thereby preserving genomic integrity.

Host cell factor and an uncharacterized SANT domain protein are stable components of ATAC, a novel dAda2A/dGcn5-containing histone acetyltransferase complex in Drosophila

Gcn5 is a conserved histone acetyltransferase (HAT) found in a number of multisubunit complexes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mammals, and flies. We previously identified Drosophila melanogaster homologues of the yeast proteins Ada2, Ada3, Spt3, and Tra1 and showed that they associate with dGcn5 to form at least two distinct HAT complexes. There are two different Ada2 homologues in Drosophila named dAda2A and dAda2B. dAda2B functions within the Drosophila version of the SAGA complex (dSAGA). To gain insight into dAda2A function, we sought to identify novel components of the complex containing this protein, ATAC (Ada two A containing) complex. Affinity purification and mass spectrometry revealed that, in addition to dAda3 and dGcn5, host cell factor (dHCF) and a novel SANT domain protein, named Atac1 (ATAC component 1), copurify with this complex. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that these proteins associate with dGcn5 and dAda2A, but not with dSAGA-specific components such as dAda2B and dSpt3. Biochemical fractionation revealed that ATAC has an apparent molecular mass of 700 kDa and contains dAda2A, dGcn5, dAda3, dHCF, and Atac1 as stable subunits. Thus, ATAC represents a novel histone acetyltransferase complex that is distinct from previously purified Gcn5/Pcaf-containing complexes from yeast and mammalian cells.

Host cell factor and an uncharacterized SANT domain protein are stable components of ATAC, a novel dAda2A/dGcn5-containing histone acetyltransferase complex in Drosophila

Gcn5 is a conserved histone acetyltransferase (HAT) found in a number of multisubunit complexes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mammals, and flies. We previously identified Drosophila melanogaster homologues of the yeast proteins Ada2, Ada3, Spt3, and Tra1 and showed that they associate with dGcn5 to form at least two distinct HAT complexes. There are two different Ada2 homologues in Drosophila named dAda2A and dAda2B. dAda2B functions within the Drosophila version of the SAGA complex (dSAGA). To gain insight into dAda2A function, we sought to identify novel components of the complex containing this protein, ATAC (Ada two A containing) complex. Affinity purification and mass spectrometry revealed that, in addition to dAda3 and dGcn5, host cell factor (dHCF) and a novel SANT domain protein, named Atac1 (ATAC component 1), copurify with this complex. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that these proteins associate with dGcn5 and dAda2A, but not with dSAGA-specific components such as dAda2B and dSpt3. Biochemical fractionation revealed that ATAC has an apparent molecular mass of 700 kDa and contains dAda2A, dGcn5, dAda3, dHCF, and Atac1 as stable subunits. Thus, ATAC represents a novel histone acetyltransferase complex that is distinct from previously purified Gcn5/Pcaf-containing complexes from yeast and mammalian cells.

Histone H3 methylation by Set2 directs deacetylation of coding regions by Rpd3S to suppress spurious intragenic transcription

Yeast Rpd3 histone deacetylase plays an important role at actively transcribed genes. We characterized two distinct Rpd3 complexes, Rpd3L and Rpd3S, by MudPIT analysis. Both complexes shared a three subunit core and Rpd3L contains unique subunits consistent with being a promoter targeted corepressor. Rco1 and Eaf3 were subunits specific to Rpd3S. Mutants of RCO1 and EAF3 exhibited increased acetylation in the FLO8 and STE11 open reading frames (ORFs) and the appearance of aberrant transcripts initiating within the body of these ORFs. Mutants in the RNA polymerase II-associated SET2 histone methyltransferase also displayed these defects. Set2 functioned upstream of Rpd3S and the Eaf3 methyl-histone binding chromodomain was important for recruitment of Rpd3S and for deacetylation within the STE11 ORF. These data indicate that Pol II-associated Set2 methylates H3 providing a transcriptional memory which signals for deacetylation of ORFs by Rpd3S. This erases transcription elongation-associated acetylation to suppress intragenic transcription initiation.

The HIR corepressor complex binds to nucleosomes generating a distinct protein/DNA complex resistant to remodeling by SWI/SNF

The histone regulatory (HIR) and histone promoter control (HPC) repressor proteins regulate three of the four histone gene loci during the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell cycle. Here, we demonstrate that Hir1, Hir2, Hir3, and Hpc2 proteins form a stable HIR repressor complex. The HIR complex promotes histone deposition onto DNA in vitro and constitutes a novel nucleosome assembly complex. The HIR complex stably binds to DNA and nucleosomes. Furthermore, HIR complex binding to nucleosomes forms a distinct protein/DNA complex resistant to remodeling by SWI/SNF. Thus, the HIR complex is a novel nucleosome assembly complex which functions with SWI/SNF to regulate transcription.

Molecular regulation of histone H3 trimethylation by COMPASS and the regulation of gene expression

The Set1-containing complex COMPASS, which is the yeast homolog of the human MLL complex, is required for mono-, di-, and trimethylation of lysine 4 of histone H3. We have performed a comparative global proteomic screen to better define the role of COMPASS in histone trimethylation. We report that both Cps60 and Cps40 components of COMPASS are required for proper histone H3 trimethylation, but not for proper regulation of telomere-associated gene silencing. Purified COMPASS lacking Cps60 can mono- and dimethylate but is not capable of trimethylating H3(K4). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies indicate that the loss subunits of COMPASS required for histone trimethylation do not affect the localization of Set1 to chromatin for the genes tested. Collectively, our results suggest a molecular requirement for several components of COMPASS for proper histone H3 trimethylation and regulation of telomere-associated gene expression, indicating multiple roles for different forms of histone methylation by COMPASS.

Stable incorporation of sequence specific repressors Ash1 and Ume6 into the Rpd3L complex

Histone deacetylation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rpd3 represses genes regulated by the Ash1 and Ume6 DNA-binding proteins. Rpd3 exists in a small 0.6 MDa (Rpd3S) and large 1.2 MDa (Rpd3L) corepressor complex. In this report, we identify by mass spectrometry and MudPIT the subunits of the Rpd3L complex. These included Rpd3, Sds3, Pho23, Dep1, Rxt2, Sin3, Ash1, Ume1, Sap30, Cti6, Rxt3 and Ume6. Dep1 and Sds3, unique components of Rpd3L, were required for Rpd3L integrity and HDAC activity. Similar to RPD3, deletion of DEP1 enhanced telomeric silencing and derepressed INO1. Two sequence-specific repressors, Ash1 and Ume6, were stably associated with Rpd3L. While both of these proteins localized to the INO1 and HO promoters, the repression of these genes were dependent only on Ume6 and Ash1, respectively. Thus, the Rpd3L complex is directly recruited to specific promoters through multiple integral DNA-binding proteins.

A mammalian chromatin remodeling complex with similarities to the yeast INO80 complex

The mammalian Tip49a and Tip49b proteins belong to an evolutionarily conserved family of AAA+ ATPases. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, orthologs of Tip49a and Tip49b, called Rvb1 and Rvb2, respectively, are subunits of two distinct ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, SWR1 and INO80. We recently demonstrated that the mammalian Tip49a and Tip49b proteins are integral subunits of a chromatin remodeling complex bearing striking similarities to the S. cerevisiae SWR1 complex (Cai, Y., Jin, J., Florens, L., Swanson, S. K., Kusch, T., Li, B., Workman, J. L., Washburn, M. P., Conaway, R. C., and Conaway, J. W. (2005) J. Biol. Chem. 280, 13665-13670). In this report, we identify a new mammalian Tip49a- and Tip49b-containing ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex, which includes orthologs of 8 of the 15 subunits of the S. cerevisiae INO80 chromatin remodeling complex as well as at least five additional subunits unique to the human INO80 (hINO80) complex. Finally, we demonstrate that, similar to the yeast INO80 complex, the hINO80 complex exhibits DNA- and nucleosome-activated ATPase activity and catalyzes ATP-dependent nucleosome sliding.

The continuing evolution of shotgun proteomics

Shotgun proteomics has emerged as a powerful approach for the analysis of complex protein mixtures, including biofluids, tissues, cells, organelles or protein complexes. Having evolved from the integration of chromatography and mass spectrometry, innovations in sample preparation, multidimensional chromatography, mass spectrometry and proteomic informatics continually facilitate, enable and challenge shotgun proteomics. As a result, shotgun proteomics continues to evolve and enable new areas of biological research, and is beginning to impact human disease diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.

Proteomic analysis of chromatin-modifying complexes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae identifies novel subunits

Epigenetics is the alteration of phenotype without affecting the genotype. An underlying molecular mechanism of epigenetics is the changes of chromatin structure by covalent histone modifications and nucleosome reorganization. In the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two of the most well-studied macromolecular complexes that perform these epigenetic changes are the ATP-dependent Swi/Snf chromatin-remodelling complex and the SAGA histone acetyltransferase complex. To understand fully the mechanism by which these large protein complexes perform their functions in the cell, it is crucial that all the subunits of these complexes are identified. In an attempt to identify new subunits associated with SAGA and Swi/Snf, we used tandem affinity purification, followed by a multidimensional protein identification technology to analyse the subunit composition. Our analysis identified two novel proteins, one associated with SAGA, YPL047W (Sgf11), and another associated with Swi/Snf, Rtt102.

The Mammalian YL1 Protein Is a Shared Subunit of the TRRAP/TIP60 Histone Acetyltransferase and SRCAP Complexes

The multiprotein mammalian TRRAP/TIP60-containing histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complex performs critical functions in a variety of cellular processes including transcriptional activation, double strand DNA break repair, and apoptosis. We previously isolated the TRRAP/TIP60 complex from HeLa cells (Cai, Y., Jin, J., Tomomori-Sato, C., Sato, S., Sorokina, I., Parmely, T. J., Conaway, R. C., and Conaway, J. W. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 42733-42736). Analysis of proteins present in preparations of the TRRAP/TIP60 complex led to the identification of several new subunits, as well as several potential subunits including the YL1 protein. Here we present evidence that the YL1 protein is a previously unrecognized subunit of the TRRAP/TIP60 HAT complex. In addition, we present evidence that YL1 is also a component of a novel mammalian multiprotein complex that includes the SNF2-related helicase SRCAP and resembles the recently described Saccharomyces cerevisiae SWR1 chromatin remodeling complex. Taken together, our findings identify the YL1 protein as a new subunit of the TRRAP/TIP60 HAT complex, and they suggest that YL1 plays multiple roles in chromatin modification and remodeling in cells.

The mammalian Mediator complex

The multiprotein Mediator (Med) complex is an evolutionarily conserved transcriptional regulator that plays important roles in activation and repression of RNA polymerase II transcription. Prior studies identified a set of more than twenty distinct polypeptides that compose the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mediator. Here we discuss efforts to characterize the subunit composition and associated activities of the mammalian Med complex.

The deubiquitylation activity of Ubp8 is dependent upon Sgf11 and its association with the SAGA complex

Covalent modifications of the histone tails and the cross talk between these modifications are hallmark features of gene regulation. The SAGA histone acetyltransferase complex is one of the most well-characterized complexes involved in these covalent modifications. The recent finding that the removal of the ubiquitin group from H2B is performed by a component of SAGA, Ubp8, is intriguing as it assigns two posttranslation modification processes to one complex. In this work, we characterize the association of Ubp8 with SAGA and the effect that acetylation and deubiquitylation have on one another in vitro and in vivo. We found not only that Ubp8 is a part of the SAGA complex, but also that its deubiquitylation activity requires Ubp8's association with SAGA. Furthermore, we found that the Ubp8 association with SAGA requires Sgf11 and that this requirement is reciprocal. We also found that the acetylation and deubiquitylation activities of SAGA are independent of one another. However, we found that preacetylating histone H2B inhibited subsequent deubiquitylation. Additionally, we found that increasing the ubiquitylation state of H2B inhibited the expression of the ARG1 gene, whose repression was previously shown to require the RAD6 ubiquitin ligase. Taken together, these data indicate that the expression of some genes, including ARG1, is regulated by a balance of histone H2B ubiquitylation in the cell.

Utilisation of proteomics datasets generated via multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT)

Technological developments in proteomics have had a dramatic impact on biology in recent years. One of these developments--named multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT)--couples two-dimensional chromatography of peptides in mass spectrometry-compatible solutions directly to tandem mass spectrometry, allowing for the identification of proteins from highly complex mixtures. Since the initial descriptions of MudPIT, this approach has been implemented in the analysis of whole proteomes, organelles and protein complexes. Key aspects of many of the analyses are the validation of MudPIT datasets with alternate strategies and the integration of MudPIT datasets with other biochemical, cell biology or molecular biology approaches. This paper presents strategies for validating MudPIT datasets and incorporating these datasets into biologically driven experimental design.

Characterization of the yeast trimeric-SAS acetyltransferase complex

The yeast SAS2 (Something About Silencing 2) gene encodes a member of the MYST protein family of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and is involved in transcriptional silencing at all silent loci (HML, HMR, telomeres, and rDNA) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sas2 is the catalytic subunit of a yeast histone acetyltransferase complex termed SAS complex. The enzymatic activity of SAS complex on free histones has been reported, but nucleosomal HAT activity has not yet been documented. Here we show that the native yeast SAS complex is a small trimeric protein complex composed solely of Sas2, Sas4, and Sas5 with a molecular mass of about 125 kDa. It is capable of acetylating both free histones and nucleosomes, although the nucleosomal HAT activity of SAS complex is very weak when compared with that of NuA4, the other member of MYST HAT complex. We also demonstrate that the putative acetyl CoA binding motif in Sas2 is essential for both the in vivo silencing function and the enzymatic activity of SAS complex. Unlike NuA4, which acetylates all four available lysines at the N-terminal tail of histone H4, SAS complex exclusively acetylates lysine 16 of histone H4 in vitro and is required for the bulk of H4 lysine 16 acetylation in vivo. This specific lysine preference corresponds to the role of SAS complex in antagonizing the spreading of Sir proteins at silent loci in S. cerevisiae.

Acetylation by Tip60 is required for selective histone variant exchange at DNA lesions

Phosphorylation of the human histone variant H2A.X and H2Av, its homolog in Drosophila melanogaster, occurs rapidly at sites of DNA double-strand breaks. Little is known about the function of this phosphorylation or its removal during DNA repair. Here, we demonstrate that the Drosophila Tip60 (dTip60) chromatin-remodeling complex acetylates nucleosomal phospho-H2Av and exchanges it with an unmodified H2Av. Both the histone acetyltransferase dTip60 as well as the adenosine triphosphatase Domino/p400 catalyze the exchange of phospho-H2Av. Thus, these data reveal a previously unknown mechanism for selective histone exchange that uses the concerted action of two distinct chromatin-remodeling enzymes within the same multiprotein complex.

A set of consensus mammalian mediator subunits identified by multidimensional protein identification technology

The Mediator is a multiprotein transcriptional coactivator that is expressed ubiquitously in eukaryotes from yeast to mammals and is required for induction of RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcription by DNA binding transcription factors. In the work described here, we exploit multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT) to carry out a proteomic analysis of the subunit composition of the mammalian Mediator complex. By comparing MudPIT data sets obtained from six independent Mediator preparations immunoaffinity purified through their Nut2 (MED10), Med25 (MED9), Intersex (MED29), LCMR1 (MED19), AK007855 (MED28), or CRSP70 (MED26) subunits, we identify a set of consensus mammalian Mediator subunits. In addition, we identify as Mediator-associated proteins the CDK8-like cyclin-dependent kinase CDK11 and the TRAP240-like KIAA1025 protein (MED13L), which is mutated in patients with the congenital heart defect transposition of the great arteries (TGA).

A Mammalian Mediator Subunit that Shares Properties with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mediator Subunit Cse2

The multiprotein Mediator complex is a coactivator required for activation of RNA polymerase II transcription by DNA bound transcription factors. We previously identified and partially purified a mammalian Mediator complex from rat liver nuclei (Brower, C.S., Sato, S., Tomomori-Sato, C., Kamura, T., Pause, A., Stearman, R., Klausner, R.D., Malik, S., Lane, W.S., Sorokina, I., Roeder, R.G., Conaway, J.W., and Conaway, R.C. (2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 99, 10353-10358). Analysis by tandem mass spectrometry of proteins present in the most highly purified rat Mediator fractions led to the identification of a collection of new mammalian Mediator subunits, as well as several potential Mediator subunits including a previously uncharacterized protein encoded by the FLJ10193 open reading frame. In this study, we present direct biochemical evidence that the FLJ10193 protein, which we designate Med25, is a bona fide subunit of the mammalian Mediator complex. In addition, we present evidence that Med25 shares structural and functional properties with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mediator subunit Cse2 and may be a mammalian Cse2 ortholog. Taken together, our findings identify a novel mammalian Mediator subunit and shed new light on the architecture of the mammalian Mediator complex.