The Saccharomyces cerevisiae histone H2A variant Htz1 is acetylated by NuA4

Activation of facultatively silenced Drosophila loci associates with increased acetylation of histone H2AvD

H2A.Z is an evolutionarily highly conserved non-allelic variant of histone H2A. H2A.Z and its homologues have been shown to involve in both chromatin silencing and activation. Although much of our knowledge of H2A.Z biological activity has come from studies on its yeast homologue Htz1, H2A.Z appears to have more complex and diverse functions in higher eukaryotes. To investigate the involvement of H2AvD, a Drosophila homologue of mammalian H2A.Z, in mechanisms of conditional activation of facultatively silenced genes, we generated transgenic Drosophila lines expressing H2AvD fused at the C- or N-terminus with the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Using heat shock-induced gene activation and polytene chromosome puff formation as an in vivo model system, we analyzed effects of H2AvD termini modifications on transcription. We found that N-terminally fused GFP inhibited H2AvD acetylation and impaired heat shock-induced puff formation and hsp70 gene activation. Our data suggest that the N-terminal region of H2AvD plays a pivotal role in transcriptional activation and that induction of transiently silenced Drosophila loci associates with increased acetylation of H2AvD.

Toxicity of nickel compounds mediated by HTZ1, histone variant H2A.Z, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Nickel compounds have toxic and carcinogenic effects. Several cellular targets have been identified and the toxicity is thought to be mediated by genetic and epigenetic factors. Gene expression from chromatin is regulated by posttranslational histone modifications, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, and the incorporation of histone variants. Nickel compounds decrease acetylation levels of all four histones and increase ubiquitylation of H2A and H2B and dimethylation of H3 lysine 9. Less attention has been focused on histone variants in nickel toxicity. Here we demonstrate that a null mutation of H2A.Z (HTZ1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae), a variant of H2A, decreases the sensitivity to soluble nickel compounds. In addition, we show that a mutation in the acetylatable residues in Htz1p does not alter the sensitivity to nickel compounds. Furthermore, sensitivity to nickel compounds of the null mutant of SWR1 encoding the catalytic subunit of the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex that specifically loads Htz1p into chromatin, was identical to that of the htz1 mutant. Taken together, these results reveal that the incorporation into chromatin, but not acetylation, of Htz1p is important to the toxicity of nickel compounds.

Histone H3 K56 acetylation, chromatin assembly, and the DNA damage checkpoint

The role of chromatin and its modulation during DNA repair has become increasingly understood in recent years. A number of histone modifications that contribute towards the cellular response to DNA damage have been identified, including the acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 56. H3 K56 acetylation occurs normally during S phase, but persists in the presence of DNA damage. In the absence of this modification, cellular survival following DNA damage is impaired. Two recent reports provide additional insights into how H3 K56 acetylation functions in DNA damage responses. In particular, this modification appears to be important for both normal replication-coupled nucleosome assembly as well as nucleosome assembly at sites of DNA damage following repair.

A comprehensive synthetic genetic interaction network governing yeast histone acetylation and deacetylation

Histone acetylation and deacetylation are among the principal mechanisms by which chromatin is regulated during transcription, DNA silencing, and DNA repair. We analyzed patterns of genetic interactions uncovered during comprehensive genome-wide analyses in yeast to probe how histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) protein complexes interact. The genetic interaction data unveil an underappreciated role of HDACs in maintaining cellular viability, and led us to show that deacetylation of the histone variant Htz1p at Lys 14 is mediated by Hda1p. Studies of the essential nucleosome acetyltransferase of H4 (NuA4) revealed acetylation-dependent protein stabilization of Yng2p, a potential nonhistone substrate of NuA4 and Rpd3C, and led to a new functional organization model for this critical complex. We also found that DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) result in local recruitment of the NuA4 complex, followed by an elaborate NuA4 remodeling process concomitant with Rpd3p recruitment and histone deacetylation. These new characterizations of the HDA and NuA4 complexes demonstrate how systematic analyses of genetic interactions may help illuminate the mechanisms of intricate cellular processes.

The genomic distribution and function of histone variant HTZ-1 during C. elegans embryogenesis

In all eukaryotes, histone variants are incorporated into a subset of nucleosomes to create functionally specialized regions of chromatin. One such variant, H2A.Z, replaces histone H2A and is required for development and viability in all animals tested to date. However, the function of H2A.Z in development remains unclear. Here, we use ChIP-chip, genetic mutation, RNAi, and immunofluorescence microscopy to interrogate the function of H2A.Z (HTZ-1) during embryogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans, a key model of metazoan development. We find that HTZ-1 is expressed in every cell of the developing embryo and is essential for normal development. The sites of HTZ-1 incorporation during embryogenesis reveal a genome wrought by developmental processes. HTZ-1 is incorporated upstream of 23% of C. elegans genes. While these genes tend to be required for development and occupied by RNA polymerase II, HTZ-1 incorporation does not specify a stereotypic transcription program. The data also provide evidence for unexpectedly widespread independent regulation of genes within operons during development; in 37% of operons, HTZ-1 is incorporated upstream of internally encoded genes. Fewer sites of HTZ-1 incorporation occur on the X chromosome relative to autosomes, which our data suggest is due to a paucity of developmentally important genes on X, rather than a direct function for HTZ-1 in dosage compensation. Our experiments indicate that HTZ-1 functions in establishing or maintaining an essential chromatin state at promoters regulated dynamically during C. elegans embryogenesis.

To fit within a cell's nucleus, DNA is wrapped around protein spools composed of the histones H3, H4, H2A, and H2B. One spool and the DNA wrapped around it are called a nucleosome, and all of the packaged DNA in a cell's nucleus is collectively called “chromatin.” Chromatin is important because it modulates access to information encoded in the underlying DNA. Spools with specialized functions can be created by replacing a typical histone component with a variant version of the histone protein. Here, we examine the distribution and function of the C. elegans histone H2A variant H2A.Z (called HTZ-1) during development. We demonstrate that HTZ-1 is required for proper development, and that embryos are dependent on a contribution of HTZ-1 from their mothers for survival. We mapped the location of HTZ-1 incorporation genome-wide and found that HTZ-1 binds upstream of 23% of genes, which tend to be genes that are essential for development and occupied by RNA polymerase. Fewer sites of HTZ-1 incorporation were found on the X chromosome, probably due to an under-representation of essential genes on X rather than a direct role for HTZ-1 in X-chromosome dosage compensation. Our study reveals how the genome is remodeled by HTZ-1 to allow the proper regulation of genes critical for development.

Acetylated lysine 56 on histone H3 drives chromatin assembly after repair and signals for the completion of repair

DNA damage causes checkpoint activation leading to cell cycle arrest and repair, during which the chromatin structure is disrupted. The mechanisms whereby chromatin structure and cell cycle progression are restored after DNA repair are largely unknown. We show that chromatin reassembly following double-strand break (DSB) repair requires the histone chaperone Asf1 and that absence of Asf1 causes cell death, as cells are unable to recover from the DNA damage checkpoint. We find that Asf1 contributes toward chromatin assembly after DSB repair by promoting acetylation of free histone H3 on lysine 56 (K56) via the histone acetyl transferase Rtt109. Mimicking acetylation of K56 bypasses the requirement for Asf1 for chromatin reassembly and checkpoint recovery, whereas mutations that prevent K56 acetylation block chromatin reassembly after repair. These results indicate that restoration of the chromatin following DSB repair is driven by acetylated H3 K56 and that this is a signal for the completion of repair.

Protein modifications in transcription elongation

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of proteins play essential roles in regulating signaling, protein-protein modifications and subcellular localization. In this review, we focus on posttranslational modification of histones and RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and their roles in gene transcription. A survey of the basic features of PTMs is provided followed by a more detailed account of how PTMs on histones and RNAPII regulate transcription in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We emphasize the interconnections between histone and RNAPII PTMs and speculate upon the larger role PTMs have in regulating protein function in the cell.

The role of histone H2A and H2B post-translational modifications in transcription: a genomic perspective

In eukaryotic cells, the genome is packaged with histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 to form nucleosomes. Each of the histone proteins is extensively post-translationally modified, particularly in the flexible N-terminal histone tail domains. Curiously, while post-translational modifications in histone H3 and H4 have been extensively studied, relatively little is known about post-translational modifications in the N-terminal domains of histone H2A and H2B. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge of post-translational modifications in the N-terminal domains of histone H2A and H2B, and the histone variant H2AZ. We will examine the distribution of these modifications in genomic chromatin, and the function of these modifications in transcription.

MYSTs mark chromatin for chromosomal functions

The MYST family of lysine acetyltransferases has been intensely studied because of its broad conservation and biological significance. In humans, there are multiple correlations between the enzymes and development and disease. In model organisms, genetic and biochemical studies have been particularly productive because of mechanistic insights they provide in defining substrate specificity, the complexes through which the enzymes function, and the sites of their activity within the genome. Established and emerging data from yeast reveal roles for the three MYST enzymes in diverse chromosomal functions. In particular, recent studies help explain how MYST complexes coordinate with other modifiers, the histone variant H2A.Z, and remodeling complexes to demarcate silent and active chromosomal domains, facilitate transcription, and enable repair of DNA damage.

Schizosaccharomyces pombe histone acetyltransferase Mst1 (KAT5) is an essential protein required for damage response and chromosome segregation

Schizosaccharomyces pombe Mst1 is a member of the MYST family of histone acetyltransferases and is the likely ortholog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Esa1 and human Tip60 (KAT5). We have isolated a temperature-sensitive allele of this essential gene. mst1 cells show a pleiotropic phenotype at the restrictive temperature. They are sensitive to a variety of DNA-damaging agents and to the spindle poison thiabendazole. mst1 has an increased frequency of Rad22 repair foci, suggesting endogenous damage. Two-hybrid results show that Mst1 interacts with a number of proteins involved in chromosome integrity and centromere function, including the methyltransferase Skb1, the recombination mediator Rad22 (Sc Rad52), the chromatin assembly factor Hip1 (Sc Hir1), and the Msc1 protein related to a family of histone demethylases. mst1 mutant sensitivity to hydroxyurea suggests a defect in recovery following HU arrest. We conclude that Mst1 plays essential roles in maintenance of genome stability and recovery from DNA damage.

Chaperone control of the activity and specificity of the histone H3 acetyltransferase Rtt109

Acetylation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae histone H3 on K56 by the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) Rtt109 is important for repairing replication-associated lesions. Rtt109 purifies from yeast in complex with the histone chaperone Vps75, which stabilizes the HAT in vivo. A whole-genome screen to identify genes whose deletions have synthetic genetic interactions with rtt109Delta suggests Rtt109 has functions in addition to DNA repair. We show that in addition to its known H3-K56 acetylation activity, Rtt109 is also an H3-K9 HAT, and we show that Rtt109 and Gcn5 are the only H3-K9 HATs in vivo. Rtt109's H3-K9 acetylation activity in vitro is enhanced strongly by Vps75. Another histone chaperone, Asf1, and Vps75 are both required for acetylation of lysine 9 on H3 (H3-K9ac) in vivo by Rtt109, whereas H3-K56ac in vivo requires only Asf1. Asf1 also physically interacts with the nuclear Hat1/Hat2/Hif1 complex that acetylates H4-K5 and H4-K12. We suggest Asf1 is capable of assembling into chromatin H3-H4 dimers diacetylated on both H4-K5/12 and H3-K9/56.

H2A.Z: view from the top

For a couple of decades the chromatin field has endured undeserved neglect. Indeed, what could be so exciting about a monotonous repeating structure whose purpose in life was to package DNA? Chromatin glamour is triumphantly back, due to the realization that chromatin is a major player in the regulation of gene expression and other nuclear processes that occur on the DNA template. The dynamics of the structure that regulates transcription is itself regulated by a variety of complex processes, including histone postsynthetic modifications, chromatin remodeling, and the use of nonallelic histone variants. This review is an attempt to understand the mechanisms of action of the evolutionarily conserved variant H2A.Z, a player with a variety of seemingly unrelated, even contrary, functions. This attempt was prompted by the recent avalanche of genome-wide studies that provide insights that were unthinkable until very recently.

Catalytic-site mutations in the MYST family histone Acetyltransferase Esa1

Esa1 is the only essential histone acetyltransferase (HAT) in budding yeast. It is the catalytic subunit of at least two multiprotein complexes, NuA4 and Piccolo NuA4 (picNuA4), and its essential function is believed to be its catalytic HAT activity. To examine the role of Esa1 in DNA damage repair, we isolated viable esa1 mutants with a range of hypersensitivities to the toposide camptothecin. Here we show that the sensitivity of these mutants to a variety of stresses is inversely proportional to their level of histone H4 acetylation, demonstrating the importance of Esa1 catalytic activity for resistance to genotoxic stress. Surprisingly, individual mutations in two residues directly involved in catalysis were not lethal even though the mutant enzymes appear catalytically inactive both in vivo and in vitro. However, the double-point mutant is lethal, demonstrating that the essential function of Esa1 relies on residues within the catalytic pocket but not catalysis. We propose that the essential function of Esa1 may be to bind acetyl-CoA or lysine substrates and positively regulate the activities of NuA4 and Piccolo NuA4.

Eaf1 is the platform for NuA4 molecular assembly that evolutionarily links chromatin acetylation to ATP-dependent exchange of histone H2A variants

Eaf1 (for Esa1-associated factor 1) and Eaf2 have been identified as stable subunits of NuA4, a yeast histone H4/H2A acetyltransferase complex implicated in gene regulation and DNA repair. While both SWI3-ADA2-N-CoR-TF IIIB domain-containing proteins are required for normal cell cycle progression, their depletion does not affect the global Esa1-dependent acetylation of histones. In contrast to all other subunits, Eaf1 is found exclusively associated with the NuA4 complex in vivo. It serves as a platform that coordinates the assembly of functional groups of subunits into the native NuA4 complex. Eaf1 shows structural similarities with human p400/Domino, a subunit of the NuA4-related TIP60 complex. On the other hand, p400 also possesses an SWI2/SNF2 family ATPase domain that is absent from the yeast NuA4 complex. This domain is highly related to the yeast Swr1 protein, which is responsible for the incorporation of histone variant H2AZ in chromatin. Since all of the components of the TIP60 complex are homologous to SWR1 or NuA4 subunits, we proposed that the human complex corresponds to a physical merge of two yeast complexes. p400 function in TIP60 then would be accomplished in yeast by cooperation between SWR1 and NuA4. In agreement with such a model, NuA4 and SWR1 mutants show strong genetic interactions, NuA4 affects histone H2AZ incorporation/acetylation in vivo, and both preset the PHO5 promoter for activation. Interestingly, the expression of a chimeric Eaf1-Swr1 protein recreates a single human-like complex in yeast cells. Our results identified the key central subunit for the structure and functions of the NuA4 histone acetyltransferase complex and functionally linked this activity with the histone variant H2AZ from yeast to human cells.

Functional dissection of the NuA4 histone acetyltransferase reveals its role as a genetic hub and that Eaf1 is essential for complex integrity

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae NuA4 histone acetyltransferase complex catalyzes the acetylation of histone H4 and the histone variant Htz1 to regulate key cellular events, including transcription, DNA repair, and faithful chromosome segregation. To further investigate the cellular processes impacted by NuA4, we exploited the nonessential subunits of the complex to build an extensive NuA4 genetic-interaction network map. The map reveals that NuA4 is a genetic hub whose function buffers a diverse range of cellular processes, many not previously linked to the complex, including Golgi complex-to-vacuole vesicle-mediated transport. Further, we probe the role that nonessential subunits play in NuA4 complex integrity. We find that most nonessential subunits have little impact on NuA4 complex integrity and display between 12 and 42 genetic interactions. In contrast, the deletion of EAF1 causes the collapse of the NuA4 complex and displays 148 genetic interactions. Our study indicates that Eaf1 plays a crucial function in NuA4 complex integrity. Further, we determine that Eaf5 and Eaf7 form a subcomplex, which reflects their similar genetic interaction profiles and phenotypes. Our integrative study demonstrates that genetic interaction maps are valuable in dissecting complex structure and provides insight into why the human NuA4 complex, Tip60, has been associated with a diverse range of pathologies.

Myb proteins regulate expression of histone variant H2A.Z during thymocyte development

The c-myb gene encodes a transcription factor required for the normal development of T cells in the thymus, and for subsequent peripheral T-cell activation and survival. However, the profile of genes known to be transcriptionally regulated by c-Myb in T cells does not adequately explain the pleiotrophic nature of the effects of c-Myb. We present here a detailed molecular characterization of the regulation of a novel target gene, the histone variant H2A.Z. We show that c-Myb is able to bind to and activate the H2A.Z promoter in T cells both in vitro and in vivo, and present evidence that perturbation of Myb activity during T-cell development results in reduced H2A.Z expression. As H2A.Z is absolutely required for the early stages of mammalian development, and plays essential roles in the regulation of chromatin structure in gene promoters in yeast, its regulation by c-Myb is likely to be of some importance during T-cell development.

MYST opportunities for growth control: yeast genes illuminate human cancer gene functions

The MYST family of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) was initially defined by human genes with disease connections and by yeast genes identified for their role in epigenetic transcriptional silencing. Since then, many new MYST genes have been discovered through genetic and genomic approaches. Characterization of the complexes through which MYST proteins act, regions of the genome to which they are targeted and biological consequences when they are disrupted, all deepen the connections of MYST proteins to development, growth control and human cancers. Many of the insights into MYST family function have come from studies in model organisms. Herein, we review functions of two of the founding MYST genes, yeast SAS2 and SAS3, and the essential yeast MYST ESA1. Analysis of these genes in yeast has defined roles for MYST proteins in transcriptional activation and silencing, and chromatin-mediated boundary formation. They have further roles in DNA damage repair and nuclear integrity. The observation that MYST protein complexes share subunits with other HATs, histone deacetylases and other key nuclear proteins, many with connections to human cancers, strengthens the idea that coordinating distinct chromatin modifications is critical for regulation.

Structure/function analysis of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase domain of yeast tra1

Tra1 is an essential component of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAGA and NuA4 complexes. Using targeted mutagenesis, we identified residues within its C-terminal phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) domain that are required for function. The phenotypes of tra1-P3408A, S3463A, and SRR3413-3415AAA included temperature sensitivity and reduced growth in media containing 6% ethanol or calcofluor white or depleted of phosphate. These alleles resulted in a twofold or greater change in expression of approximately 7% of yeast genes in rich media and reduced activation of PHO5 and ADH2 promoters. Tra1-SRR3413 associated with components of both the NuA4 and SAGA complexes and with the Gal4 transcriptional activation domain similar to wild-type protein. Tra1-SRR3413 was recruited to the PHO5 promoter in vivo but gave rise to decreased relative amounts of acetylated histone H3 and histone H4 at SAGA and NuA4 regulated promoters. Distinct from other components of these complexes, tra1-SRR3413 resulted in generation-dependent telomere shortening and synthetic slow growth in combination with deletions of a number of genes with roles in membrane-related processes. While the tra1 alleles have some phenotypic similarities with deletions of SAGA and NuA4 components, their distinct nature may arise from the simultaneous alteration of SAGA and NuA4 functions.

The chromatin remodeling protein, SRCAP, is critical for deposition of the histone variant H2A.Z at promoters

Studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicate the histone variant H2A.Z is deposited at promoters by the chromatin remodeling protein Swr1 and plays a critical role in the regulation of transcription. In higher eukaryotes, however, little is known about the distribution, method of deposition, and function of H2A.Z at promoters. Using biochemical studies, we demonstrated previously that SRCAP (SNF-2-related CREB-binding protein activator protein), the human ortholog of Swr1, could catalyze deposition of H2A.Z into nucleosomes. To address whether SRCAP directs H2A.Z deposition in vivo, promoters targeted by SRCAP were identified by a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-on-chip assay. ChIP assays on a subset of these promoters confirmed the presence of SRCAP on inactive and active promoters. The highest levels of SRCAP were observed on the active SP-1, G3BP, and FAD synthetase promoters. Detailed analyses of these promoters indicate sites of SRCAP binding overlap or occur adjacent to the sites of H2A.Z deposition. Knockdown of SRCAP levels using siRNA resulted in loss of SRCAP at these promoters, decreased deposition of H2A.Z and acetylated H2A.Z, and a decrease in levels of SP-1, G3BP, and FAD synthetase mRNA. Thus, these studies provide the first evidence that SRCAP is recruited to promoters and is critical for the deposition of H2A.Z.

NuA4-directed chromatin transactions throughout the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome

Two of the major histone acetyltransferases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae are NuA4 and SAGA, which acetylate histones H4 and H3, respectively. Acetylated H3 and H4 tails have been implicated in binding bromodomain proteins, including Bdf1. Bdf1 interacts with the general transcription factor TFIID, which might promote preinitiation complex (PIC) assembly. Bdf1 also interacts with the SWR complex (SWR-C). SWR-C is responsible for the deposition of the histone H2A variant H2A.Z. The placement of these interactions into a connected pathway of PIC assembly has not been fully established. Moreover, it is not known how widespread and how variable such a pathway might be on a genomic scale. Here we provide genomic evidence for S. cerevisiae that PIC assembly (TFIID occupancy) and chromatin remodeling (SWR-C and H2A.Z occupancy) are linked in large part to NuA4-directed H4 acetylation and subsequent Bdf1 binding, rather than through SAGA-directed H3 acetylation. Bdf1 and its homolog Bdf2 tend to have distinct locations in the genome. However, the deletion of BDF1 leads to the accumulation of Bdf2 at Bdf1-vacated sites. Thus, while Bdf1 and Bdf2 are at least partially redundant in function, their functions in the genome are geographically distinct.

INO80 subfamily of chromatin remodeling complexes

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes contain ATPases of the Swi/Snf superfamily and alter DNA accessibility of chromatin in an ATP-dependent manner. Recently characterized INO80 and SWR1 complexes belong to a subfamily of these chromatin remodelers and are characterized by a split ATPase domain in the core ATPase subunit and the presence of Rvb proteins. INO80 and SWR1 complexes are evolutionarily conserved from yeast to human and have been implicated in transcription regulation, as well as DNA repair. The individual components, assembly patterns, and molecular mechanisms of the INO80 class of chromatin remodeling complexes are discussed in this review.

Actin-related protein Arp4 functions in kinetochore assembly

The actin-related proteins (Arps) comprise a conserved protein family. Arp4p is found in large multisubunits of the INO80 and SWR1 chromatin remodeling complexes and in the NuA4 histone acetyltransferase complex. Here we show that arp4 (arp4S23A/D159A) temperature-sensitive cells are defective in G2/M phase function. arp4 mutants are sensitive to the microtubule depolymerizing agent benomyl and arrest at G2/M phase at restrictive temperature. Arp4p is associated with centromeric and telomeric regions throughout cell cycle. Ino80p, Esa1p and Swr1p, components of the INO80, NuA4 and SWR1 complexes, respectively, also associate with centromeres. The association of many kinetochore components including Cse4p, a component of the centromere nucleosome, Mtw1p and Ctf3p is partially impaired in arp4 cells, suggesting that the G2/M arrest of arp4 mutant cells is due to a defect in formation of the chromosomal segregation apparatus.

The Tup1 corepressor directs Htz1 deposition at a specific promoter nucleosome marking the GAL1 gene for rapid activation

The SWR1 complex (SWR1-C)-dependent deposition of the histone variant Htz1 on promoter nucleosomes is typical of Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes whose expression is frequently reprogrammed. Although this epigenetic marking is of significant physiological importance, the determinants of Htz1 deposition, the conditions that set off SWR1-C occupancy, and the implications of Htz1 in transcriptional initiation are issues that remain unresolved. In this report, we addressed these questions by investigating the GAL1 promoter. We show that Htz1 is required for efficient Mediator recruitment and transcription only when the GAL1 promoter is under the influence of the Tup1 corepressor. In fact, we show that it is Tup1 that specifies Htz1 deposition for the promoter nucleosome covering the transcription start site. This deposition occurs rapidly following transcriptional repression, and it correlates with a Tup1-independent transient recruitment of the SWR1 complex. We propose that Tup1 cooperates with SWR1-C and specifies Htz1 deposition at GAL1, thereby marking the promoter for rapid neutralization from its repressive effects.

Chromatin remodeling in DNA double-strand break repair

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes use ATP hydrolysis to remodel nucleosomes and have well-established functions in transcription. However, emerging lines of evidence suggest that chromatin remodeling complexes are important players in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair as well. The INO80 and SWI2 subfamilies of chromatin remodeling complexes have been found to be recruited to the double-strand lesions and to function directly in both homologous recombination and non-homologous end-joining, the two major conserved DSB repair pathways. Improperly repaired DSBs are implicated in cancer development in higher organisms. Understanding how chromatin remodeling complexes contribute to DSB repair should provide new insights into the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and might suggest new targets for cancer treatment.

Transcriptional regulation by chromatin disassembly and reassembly

The packaging of the eukaryotic genome into chromatin severely restricts the access of the transcriptional machinery to the DNA. Recent studies reveal that histones are removed and replaced to enable or restrict, respectively, access of the transcription machinery to regulate transcription. Chromatin disassembly at promoters enables transcriptional activation, whereas promoter chromatin reassembly represses transcription. Histone loss also occurs within transcription units to enable passage of the RNA polymerase, but in this case the histones are rapidly replaced, sometimes by 'variant' histones with specific properties that might serve as a memory of transcriptional competence. Furthermore, the ultimate goal of some epigenetic modifications might well turn out to be the regulation of histone occupancy on the DNA.

The ins and outs of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling in budding yeast: biophysical and proteomic perspectives

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling is performed by multi-subunit protein complexes. Over the last years, the identity of these factors has been unveiled in yeast and many parallels have been drawn with animal and plant systems, indicating that sophisticated chromatin transactions evolved prior to their divergence. Here we review current knowledge pertaining to the molecular mode of action of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, from single molecule studies to genome-wide genetic and proteomic studies. We focus on the budding yeast versions of SWI/SNF, RSC, DDM1, ISWI, CHD1, INO80 and SWR1.

Histone modifications in response to DNA damage

The packaging of the eukaryotic genome into highly condensed chromatin makes it inaccessible to the factors required for gene transcription, DNA replication, recombination and repair. Eukaryotes have developed intricate mechanisms to overcome this repressive barrier imposed by chromatin. Histone modifying enzymes and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes play key roles here as they regulate many nuclear processes by altering the chromatin structure. Significantly, these activities are integral to the process of DNA repair where histone modifications act as signals and landing platforms for various repair proteins. This review summarizes the recent developments in our understanding of histone modifications and their role in the maintenance of genome integrity.

Mechanisms of ATP dependent chromatin remodeling

The inter-relationship between DNA repair and ATP dependent chromatin remodeling has begun to become very apparent with recent discoveries. ATP dependent remodeling complexes mobilize nucleosomes along DNA, promote the exchange of histones, or completely displace nucleosomes from DNA. These remodeling complexes are often categorized based on the domain organization of their catalytic subunit. The biochemical properties and structural information of several of these remodeling complexes are reviewed. The different models for how these complexes are able to mobilize nucleosomes and alter nucleosome structure are presented incorporating several recent findings. Finally the role of histone tails and their respective modifications in ATP-dependent remodeling are discussed.

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors and DNA damage repair

The organization of eukaryotic DNA into chromatin poses a barrier to all processes that require access of enzymes and regulatory factors to their sites of action. While the majority of studies in this area have concentrated on the role of chromatin in the regulation of transcription, there has been a recent emphasis on the relationship of chromatin to DNA damage repair. In this review, we focus on the role of chromatin in nucleotide excision repair (NER) and double-strand break (DSB) repair. NER and DSB repair use very different enzymatic machineries, and these two modes of DNA damage repair are also differentially affected by chromatin. Only a small number of nucleosomes are likely to be involved in NER, while a more extensive region of chromatin is involved in DSB repair. However, a key feature of both NER and DSB repair pathways is the participation of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors at various points in the repair process. We discuss recent data that have identified roles for SWI/SNF-related chromatin remodeling factors in the two repair pathways.

GammaH2AX and its role in DNA double-strand break repair

One of the earliest responses to a DNA double-strand break (DSB) is the carboxy-terminal phosphorylation of budding yeast H2A (metazoan histone H2AX) to create gammaH2A (or gammaH2AX). This chromatin modification stretches more than tens of kilobases around the DSB and has been proposed to play numerous roles in break recognition and repair, although it may not be the primary signal for many of these events. Studies suggest that gammaH2A(X) has 2 more direct roles: (i) to recruit cohesin around the DSB, and (ii) to maintain a checkpoint arrest. Recent work has identified other factors, including chromatin remodelers and protein phosphatases, which target gammaH2A(X) and regulate DSB repair/recovery.

Is histone loss a common feature of DNA metabolism regulation?

Chromatin modifications play a crucial role in regulating DNA metabolism. Chromatin structures can be remodeled by covalently modifying histones, by shifting nucleosomes along the DNA, and by changing the histone composition of nucleosomes. Lately, nucleosome displacement has been extensively described within transcribed genes and DNA breaks. This review focuses on recently published work that describes the relationships between histone modification/exchange and nucleosome displacement.

SAS-mediated acetylation of histone H4 Lys 16 is required for H2A.Z incorporation at subtelomeric regions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The yeast SAS (Something About Silencing) complex and the histone variant H2A.Z have both previously been linked to an antisilencing function at the subtelomeric regions. SAS is an H4 Lys 16-specific histone acetyltransferase complex. Here we demonstrate that the H4 Lys 16 acetylation by SAS is required for efficient H2A.Z incorporation near telomeres. The presence of H4 Lys 16 acetylation and H2A.Z synergistically prevent the ectopic propagation of heterochromatin. Overall, our data suggest a novel antisilencing mechanism near telomeres.

Nucleosome displacement in transcription

Recent reports reinforce the notion that nucleosomes are highly dynamic in response to the process of transcription. Nucleosomes are displaced at promoters during gene activation in a process that involves histone modification, ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling complexes, histone chaperones and perhaps histone variants. During transcription elongation nucleosomes are acetylated and transferred behind RNA polymerase II where they are required to suppress spurious transcription initiation within the body of the gene. It is becoming increasingly clear that the eukaryotic transcriptional machinery is adapted to exploit the presence of nucleosomes in very sophisticated ways.

Isw1 functions in parallel with the NuA4 and Swr1 complexes in stress-induced gene repression

The packaging of DNA into chromatin allows eukaryotic cells to organize and compact their genomes but also creates an environment that is generally repressive to nuclear processes that depend upon DNA accessibility. There are several classes of enzymes that modulate the primary structure of chromatin to regulate various DNA-dependent processes. The biochemical activities of the yeast Isw1 ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling enzyme have been well characterized in vitro, but little is known about how these activities are utilized in vivo. In this work, we sought to discern genetic backgrounds that require Isw1 activity for normal growth. We identified a three-way genetic interaction among Isw1, the NuA4 histone acetyltransferase complex, and the Swr1 histone replacement complex. Transcription microarray analysis revealed parallel functions for these three chromatin-modifying factors in the regulation of TATA-containing genes, including the repression of a large number of stress-induced genes under normal growth conditions. In contrast to a recruitment-based model, we find that the NuA4 and Swr1 complexes act throughout the genome while only a specific subset of the genome shows alterations in transcription.

Chromatin remodeling and repair of DNA double-strand breaks

Eukaryotic cells have developed conserved mechanisms to efficiently sense and repair DNA damage that results from constant chromosomal lesions. DNA repair has to proceed in the context of chromatin, and both histone-modifiers and ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers have been implicated in this process. Here, we review the current understanding and new hypotheses on how different chromatin-modifying activities function in DNA repair in yeast and metazoan cells.

Tip60 in DNA damage response and growth control: many tricks in one HAT

The Tip60 histone acetyltransferase is part of an evolutionarily conserved multisubunit complex, NuA4, which is recruited by many transcription factors to their target promoters, where it is thought to participate in histone acetylation and transcriptional activation. These transcription factors include tumor promoters and also tumor suppressors, such as p53, which links Tip60 to DNA damage responses. Tip60 also has transcription-independent roles in DNA damage responses. First, independently from NuA4, Tip60 binds the kinases ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and participates in their activation by DNA double-strand breaks. Second, NuA4 is recruited to the chromatin surrounding the breaks and, through a series of chromatin modifications, contributes to the dynamics of DNA repair. These molecular activities might endow Tip60 with multiple and potentially antagonistic biological functions.

Temporal regulation of foregut development by HTZ-1/H2A.Z and PHA-4/FoxA

The histone variant H2A.Z is evolutionarily conserved and plays an essential role in mice, Drosophila, and Tetrahymena. The essential function of H2A.Z is unknown, with some studies suggesting a role in transcriptional repression and others in activation. Here we show that Caenorhabditis elegans HTZ-1/H2A.Z and the remodeling complex MYS-1/ESA1–SSL-1/SWR1 synergize with the FoxA transcription factor PHA-4 to coordinate temporal gene expression during foregut development. We observe dramatic genetic interactions between pha-4 and htz-1, mys-1, and ssl-1. A survey of transcription factors reveals that this interaction is specific, and thus pha-4 is acutely sensitive to reductions in these three proteins. Using a nuclear spot assay to visualize HTZ-1 in living embryos as organogenesis proceeds, we show that HTZ-1 is recruited to foregut promoters at the time of transcriptional onset, and this recruitment requires PHA-4. Loss of htz-1 by RNAi is lethal and leads to delayed expression of a subset of foregut genes. Thus, the effects of PHA-4 on temporal regulation can be explained in part by recruitment of HTZ-1 to target promoters. We suggest PHA-4 and HTZ-1 coordinate temporal gene expression by modulating the chromatin environment.

During development, a single fertilized egg gives rise to the different cell types within an embryo. These different cell types are characterized by the different genes that they express. A critical question in biology is how embryonic cells activate genes at the appropriate time and place to generate the different cell types. In this paper, the authors explore temporal regulation of gene expression during formation of an organ, namely the Caenorhabditis elegans foregut. They have discovered that foregut genes require a variant of the canonical H2A histone for the onset of transcription. This variant, called H2A.Z, or htz-1 in C. elegans, promotes transcription by modifying how DNA is packaged within cells. Their data suggest that a key regulator of foregut development, the transcription factor PHA-4, recruits HTZ-1 to pharyngeal promoters, and this association contributes to their timely activation.

Reuniting the contrasting functions of H2A.ZThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 27th International West Coast Chromatin and Chromosome Conference, and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process

It is now well established that cells modify chromatin to set transcriptionally active or inactive regions. Such control of chromatin structure is essential for proper development of organisms. In addition to the growing number of histone post-translational modifications, cells can exchange canonical histones with different variants that can directly or indirectly change chromatin structure. Moreover, enzymatic complexes that can exchange specific histone variants within the nucleosome have now been identified. One such variant, H2A.Z, has recently been the focus of many studies. H2A.Z is highly conserved in evolution and has many different functions, while defining both active and inactive chromatin in different contexts. Advanced molecular techniques, such as genome-wide binding assays (chromatin immunoprecipitation on chip) have recently given researchers many clues as to how H2A.Z is targeted to chromatin and how it affects nuclear functions. We wish to review the recent literature and summarize our understanding of the mechanisms and functions of H2A.Z.