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Tetrault E, Aaronson B, Gilbert MC, Albertson RC. Foraging-induced craniofacial plasticity is associated with an early, robust and dynamic transcriptional response. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20240215. [PMID: 38654651 PMCID: PMC11040245 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of a single genotype to vary its phenotype in response to the environment. Plasticity of the skeletal system in response to mechanical input is widely studied, but the timing of its transcriptional regulation is not well understood. Here, we used the cichlid feeding apparatus to examine the transcriptional dynamics of skeletal plasticity over time. Using three closely related species that vary in their ability to remodel bone and a panel of 11 genes, including well-studied skeletal differentiation markers and newly characterized environmentally sensitive genes, we examined plasticity at one, two, four and eight weeks following the onset of alternate foraging challenges. We found that the plastic species exhibited environment-specific bursts in gene expression beginning at one week, followed by a sharp decline in levels, while the species with more limited plasticity exhibited consistently low levels of gene expression. This trend held across nearly all genes, suggesting that it is a hallmark of the larger plasticity regulatory network. We conclude that plasticity of the cichlid feeding apparatus is not the result of slowly accumulating gene expression difference over time, but rather is stimulated by early bursts of environment-specific gene expression followed by a return to homeostatic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Tetrault
- Molecular and Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Ben Aaronson
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Michelle C. Gilbert
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16802, USA
| | - R. Craig Albertson
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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2
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Tetrault E, Swenson J, Aaronson B, Marcho C, Albertson RC. The transcriptional state and chromatin landscape of cichlid jaw shape variation across species and environments. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:3922-3941. [PMID: 37160741 PMCID: PMC10524807 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive phenotypes are shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental forces, but how they interact remains poorly understood. Here, we utilize the cichlid oral jaw apparatus to better understand these gene-by-environment effects. First, we employed RNA-seq in bony and ligamentous tissues important for jaw opening to identify differentially expressed genes between species and across foraging environments. We used two Lake Malawi species adapted to different foraging habitats along the pelagic-benthic ecomorphological axis. Our foraging treatments were designed to force animals to employ either suction or biting/scraping, which broadly mimic pelagic or benthic modes of feeding. We found a large number of differentially expressed genes between species, and while we identified relatively few differences between environments, species differences were far more pronounced when they were challenged with a pelagic versus benthic foraging mode. Expression data carried the signature of genetic assimilation, and implicated cell cycle regulation in shaping the jaw across species and environments. Next, we repeated the foraging experiment and performed ATAC-seq procedures on nuclei harvested from the same tissues. Cross-referencing results from both analyses revealed subsets of genes that were both differentially expressed and differentially accessible. This reduced dataset implicated notable candidate genes including the Hedgehog effector, KIAA0586 and the ETS transcription factor, etv4, which connects environmental stress and craniofacial morphogenesis. Taken together, these data provide novel insights into the epigenetic, genetic and cellular bases of species- and environment-specific bone shapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Tetrault
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, 01003, U.S.A
| | - John Swenson
- Graduate Program in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, 01003, U.S.A
| | - Ben Aaronson
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, 01003, U.S.A
| | - Chelsea Marcho
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, 01003, U.S.A
| | - R. Craig Albertson
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, 01003, U.S.A
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3
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Peng AYT, Kolhe JA, Behrens LD, Freeman BC. Genome organization: Tag it, move it, place it. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2020; 68:90-97. [PMID: 33166737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomes are selectively organized within the nuclei of interphase cells reflecting the current fate of each cell and are reorganized in response to various physiological cues to maintain homeostasis. Although substantial progress is being made to establish the various patterns of genome architecture, less is understood on how chromosome folding/positioning is achieved. Here, we discuss recent insights into the cellular mechanisms dictating chromatin movements including the use of epigenetic modifications and allosterically regulated transcription factors, as well as a nucleoskeleton system comprised of actin, myosin, and actin-binding proteins. Together, these nuclear factors help coordinate the positioning of both general and cell-specific genomic architectural features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Yi Tyan Peng
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Janhavi A Kolhe
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Lindsey D Behrens
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Brian C Freeman
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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4
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Zheng X, Weigert A, Reu S, Guenther S, Mansouri S, Bassaly B, Gattenlöhner S, Grimminger F, Pullamsetti S, Seeger W, Winter H, Savai R. Spatial Density and Distribution of Tumor-Associated Macrophages Predict Survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2020; 80:4414-4425. [PMID: 32699134 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The respective antitumoral and protumoral roles of M1 and M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) typify the complexity of macrophage function in cancer. In lung cancer, density and topology of distinct TAM phenotypes at the tumor center (TC) versus the invasive margin (IM) are largely unknown. Here, we investigated TAM subtype density and distribution between TC and IM in human lung cancer and TAM associations with overall survival. Macrophages isolated from adjacent nontumor tissue (NM), the TC (TC-TAM), and the IM (IM-TAM) were analyzed with RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Lung tumor tissue microarrays from 104 patient samples were constructed. M1 and M2 TAMs were identified using multiplex immunofluorescence staining and a tumor cell-TAM proximity analysis was performed. RNA-seq identified marked differences among NM, TC-TAM, and IM-TAM. On the basis of a panel of five selected markers (CD68, IL12, CCR7, CD163, and ALOX15), M2 predominance over M1 and M2 proximity to tumor cells was observed, especially at IM. Tumor cell proximity to TAM was linked with tumor cell survival and hypoxia was associated with accumulation of M2 TAM. Notably, lower density of M1 TC-TAM and higher proximity of tumor cells to M2 IM-TAM or lower proximity to M1 IM-TAM were linked with poor survival. In addition, three novel molecules (UBXN4, MFSD12, and ACTR6) from RNA-seq served as potential prognostic markers for lung cancer, and M2 predominance and juxtaposition of M2 TAM near tumor cells were associated with poor survival. Together, our results reveal the marked heterogeneity of TAM populations in different tumor regions, with M2 TAM predominance, particularly at IM. SIGNIFICANCE: This study underlines the significance of the density, spatial distribution, and gene expression of TAM phenotypes as prognostic factors for overall survival in lung cancer. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/20/4414/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zheng
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Reu
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Guenther
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Siavash Mansouri
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Birgit Bassaly
- Department of Pathology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Friedrich Grimminger
- Department of Internal Medicine, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Soni Pullamsetti
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Werner Seeger
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hauke Winter
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Translational Lung Research Center (TLRC) Thoraxklinik at the University Hospital Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, Germany. .,Department of Internal Medicine, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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5
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Klages-Mundt NL, Kumar A, Zhang Y, Kapoor P, Shen X. The Nature of Actin-Family Proteins in Chromatin-Modifying Complexes. Front Genet 2018; 9:398. [PMID: 30319687 PMCID: PMC6167448 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Actin is not only one of the most abundant proteins in eukaryotic cells, but also one of the most versatile. In addition to its familiar involvement in enabling contraction and establishing cellular motility and scaffolding in the cytosol, actin has well-documented roles in a variety of processes within the confines of the nucleus, such as transcriptional regulation and DNA repair. Interestingly, monomeric actin as well as actin-related proteins (Arps) are found as stoichiometric subunits of a variety of chromatin remodeling complexes and histone acetyltransferases, raising the question of precisely what roles they serve in these contexts. Actin and Arps are present in unique combinations in chromatin modifiers, helping to establish structural integrity of the complex and enabling a wide range of functions, such as recruiting the complex to nucleosomes to facilitate chromatin remodeling and promoting ATPase activity of the catalytic subunit. Actin and Arps are also thought to help modulate chromatin dynamics and maintain higher-order chromatin structure. Moreover, the presence of actin and Arps in several chromatin modifiers is necessary for promoting genomic integrity and an effective DNA damage response. In this review, we discuss the involvement of actin and Arps in these nuclear complexes that control chromatin remodeling and histone modifications, while also considering avenues for future study to further shed light on their functional importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeh L Klages-Mundt
- Science Park Research Division, Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,Program in Genetics & Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, United States
| | - Yuexuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Prabodh Kapoor
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, United States
| | - Xuetong Shen
- Science Park Research Division, Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,Program in Genetics & Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
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6
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Dai X, Bai Y, Zhao L, Dou X, Liu Y, Wang L, Li Y, Li W, Hui Y, Huang X, Wang Z, Qin Y. H2A.Z Represses Gene Expression by Modulating Promoter Nucleosome Structure and Enhancer Histone Modifications in Arabidopsis. MOLECULAR PLANT 2017; 10:1274-1292. [PMID: 28951178 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Deposition of the histone variant H2A.Z at gene bodies regulates transcription by modifying chromatin accessibility in plants. However, the role of H2A.Z enrichment at the promoter and enhancer regions is unclear, and how H2A.Z interacts with other mechanisms of chromatin modification to regulate gene expression remains obscure. Here, we mapped genome-wide H2A.Z, H3K4me3, H3K27me3, Pol II, and nucleosome occupancy in Arabidopsis inflorescence. We showed that H2A.Z preferentially associated with H3K4me3 at promoters, while it was found with H3K27me3 at enhancers, and that H2A.Z deposition negatively correlated with gene expression. In addition, we demonstrated that H2A.Z represses gene expression by establishing low gene accessibility at +1 nucleosome and maintaining high gene accessibility at -1 nucleosome. We further showed that the high measures of gene responsiveness correlate with the H2A.Z-associated closed +1 nucleosome structure. Moreover, we found that H2A.Z represses enhancer activity by promoting H3K27me3 and preventing H3K4me3 histone modifications. This study provides a framework for future studies of H2A.Z functions and opens up new aspects for decoding the interplay between chromatin modification and histone variants in transcriptional control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhuan Dai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Youhuang Bai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lihua Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xianying Dou
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yanhui Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yi Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Weimin Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yanan Hui
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xinyu Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zonghua Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Ocean Science, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
| | - Yuan Qin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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7
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Actin, actin-binding proteins, and actin-related proteins in the nucleus. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 145:373-88. [PMID: 26847179 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-015-1400-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Extensive research in the past decade has significantly broadened our view about the role actin plays in the life of the cell and added novel aspects to actin research. One of these new aspects is the discovery of the existence of nuclear actin which became evident only recently. Nuclear activities including transcriptional activation in the case of all three RNA polymerases, editing and nuclear export of mRNAs, and chromatin remodeling all depend on actin. It also became clear that there is a fine-tuned equilibrium between cytoplasmic and nuclear actin pools and that this balance is ensured by an export-import system dedicated to actin. After over half a century of research on conventional actin and its organizing partners in the cytoplasm, it was also an unexpected finding that the nucleus contains more than 30 actin-binding proteins and new classes of actin-related proteins which are not able to form filaments but had evolved nuclear-specific functions. The actin-binding and actin-related proteins in the nucleus have been linked to RNA transcription and processing, nuclear transport, and chromatin remodeling. In this paper, we attempt to provide an overview of the wide range of information that is now available about actin, actin-binding, and actin-related proteins in the nucleus.
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8
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The actin family protein ARP6 contributes to the structure and the function of the nucleolus. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 464:554-60. [PMID: 26164235 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The actin family members, consisting of actin and actin-related proteins (ARPs), are essential components of chromatin remodeling complexes. ARP6, one of the nuclear ARPs, is part of the Snf-2-related CREB-binding protein activator protein (SRCAP) chromatin remodeling complex, which promotes the deposition of the histone variant H2A.Z into the chromatin. In this study, we showed that ARP6 influences the structure and the function of the nucleolus. ARP6 is localized in the central region of the nucleolus, and its knockdown induced a morphological change in the nucleolus. We also found that in the presence of high concentrations of glucose ARP6 contributed to the maintenance of active ribosomal DNA (rDNA) transcription by placing H2A.Z into the chromatin. In contrast, under starvation, ARP6 was required for cell survival through the repression of rDNA transcription independently of H2A.Z. These findings reveal novel pleiotropic roles for the actin family in nuclear organization and metabolic homeostasis.
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9
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Kota SK, Roy Chowdhury D, Rao LK, Padmalatha V, Singh L, Bhadra U. Uncoupling of X-linked gene silencing from XIST binding by DICER1 and chromatin modulation on human inactive X chromosome. Chromosoma 2014; 124:249-62. [PMID: 25428210 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-014-0495-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, X-inactivation process is achieved by the cis-spreading of long noncoding Xist RNA over one of the female X chromosomes. The Xist binding accumulates histones H3 methylation and H4 hypoacetylation required for X inactivation that leads to proper dosage compensation of the X-linked genes. Co-transcription of Tsix, an antisense copy of Xist, blocks the Xist coating on the Xi. In mice ES cells, an RNase III enzyme Dicer1 disrupts Xist binding and methylated H3K27me3 accumulation on the Xi. Later, multiple reports opposed these findings raising a question regarding the possible role of Dicer1 in murine X silencing. Here, we show that reduction of DICER1 in human female cells increases XIST transcripts without compromising the binding of the XIST and histone tail modifications on the Xi. Moreover, DICER1-depleted cells show differential upregulation of many human X-linked genes by binding different amounts of acetylated histone predominantly on their active promoter sites. Therefore, X-linked gene silencing, which is thought to be coupled with the accumulation of XIST and heterochromatin markers on Xi can be disrupted in DICER1 depleted human cells. These results suggest that DICER1 has no apparent effect on the recruitment of heterochromatic markers on the Xi but is required for inactivation of differentially regulated genes for the maintenance of proper dosage compensation in differentiated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satya Keerthi Kota
- Functional Genomics and Gene Silencing Group, Centre For Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500 007, India
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10
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Weston L, Coutts AS, La Thangue NB. Actin nucleators in the nucleus: an emerging theme. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:3519-27. [PMID: 22935654 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.099523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Actin is an integral component of the cytoskeleton, forming a plethora of macromolecular structures that mediate various cellular functions. The formation of such structures relies on the ability of actin monomers to associate into polymers, and this process is regulated by actin nucleation factors. These factors use monomeric actin pools at specific cellular locations, thereby permitting rapid actin filament formation when required. It has now been established that actin is also present in the nucleus, where it is implicated in chromatin remodelling and the regulation of eukaryotic gene transcription. Notably, the presence of typical actin filaments in the nucleus has not been demonstrated directly. However, studies in recent years have provided evidence for the nuclear localisation of actin nucleation factors that promote cytoplasmic actin polymerisation. Their localisation to the nucleus suggests that these proteins mediate collaboration between the cytoskeleton and the nucleus, which might be dependent on their ability to promote actin polymerisation. The nature of this cooperation remains enigmatic and it will be important to elucidate the physiological relevance of the link between cytoskeletal actin networks and nuclear events. This Commentary explores the current evidence for the nuclear roles of actin nucleation factors. Furthermore, the implication of actin-associated proteins in relaying exogenous signals to the nucleus, particularly in response to cellular stress, will be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Weston
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
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11
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Maruyama EO, Hori T, Tanabe H, Kitamura H, Matsuda R, Tone S, Hozak P, Habermann FA, von Hase J, Cremer C, Fukagawa T, Harata M. The actin family member Arp6 and the histone variant H2A.Z are required for spatial positioning of chromatin in chicken cell nuclei. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:3739-43. [PMID: 22573822 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.103903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The spatial organization of chromatin in the nucleus contributes to genome function and is altered during the differentiation of normal and tumorigenic cells. Although nuclear actin-related proteins (Arps) have roles in the local alteration of chromatin structure, it is unclear whether they are involved in the spatial positioning of chromatin. In the interphase nucleus of vertebrate cells, gene-dense and gene-poor chromosome territories (CTs) are located in the center and periphery, respectively. We analyzed chicken DT40 cells in which Arp6 had been knocked out conditionally, and showed that the radial distribution of CTs was impaired in these knockout cells. Arp6 is an essential component of the SRCAP chromatin remodeling complex, which deposits the histone variant H2A.Z into chromatin. The redistribution of CTs was also observed in H2A.Z-deficient cells for gene-rich microchromosomes, but to lesser extent for gene-poor macrochromosomes. These results indicate that Arp6 and H2A.Z contribute to the radial distribution of CTs through different mechanisms. Microarray analysis suggested that the localization of chromatin to the nuclear periphery per se is insufficient for the repression of most genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Ohfuchi Maruyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Tsutsumidori-Amamiyamachi 1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-8555, Japan
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12
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Ahlenstiel CL, Lim HGW, Cooper DA, Ishida T, Kelleher AD, Suzuki K. Direct evidence of nuclear Argonaute distribution during transcriptional silencing links the actin cytoskeleton to nuclear RNAi machinery in human cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 40:1579-95. [PMID: 22064859 PMCID: PMC3287199 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian RNAi machinery facilitating transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) is the RNA-induced transcriptional gene silencing-like (RITS-like) complex, comprising of Argonaute (Ago) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) components. We have previously demonstrated promoter-targeted siRNA induce TGS in human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), which profoundly suppresses retrovirus replication via heterochromatin formation and histone methylation. Here, we examine subcellular co-localization of Ago proteins with promoter-targeted siRNAs during TGS of SIV and HIV-1 infection. Analysis of retrovirus-infected cells revealed Ago1 co-localized with siRNA in the nucleus, while Ago2 co-localized with siRNA in the inner nuclear envelope. Mismatched and scrambled siRNAs were observed in the cytoplasm, indicating sequence specificity. This is the first report directly visualizing nuclear compartment distribution of Ago-associated siRNA and further reveals a novel nuclear trafficking mechanism for RITS-like components involving the actin cytoskeleton. These results establish a model for elucidating mammalian TGS and suggest a fundamental mechanism underlying nuclear delivery of RITS-like components.
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13
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14
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Oma Y, Harata M. Actin-related proteins localized in the nucleus: from discovery to novel roles in nuclear organization. Nucleus 2011; 2:38-46. [PMID: 21647298 PMCID: PMC3104808 DOI: 10.4161/nucl.2.1.14510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2010] [Revised: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The actin family consists of conventional actin and actin-related proteins (ARPs), and the members show moderate similarity and share the same basal structure. Following the finding of various ARPs in the cytoplasm in the 1990s, multiple subfamilies that are localized predominantly in the nucleus were identified. Consistent with these cytological observations, subsequent biochemical analyses revealed the involvement of the nuclear ARPs in ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling and histone acetyltransferase complexes. In addition to their contribution to chromatin remodeling, recent studies have shown that nuclear ARPs have roles in the organization of the nucleus that are independent of the activity of the above-mentioned complexes. Therefore, nuclear ARPs are recognized as novel key regulators of genome function, and affect not only the remodeling of chromatin but also the spatial arrangement and dynamics of chromatin within the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukako Oma
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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15
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Abstract
Genetic screens in Drosophila have been instrumental in distinguishing approximately 390 loci involved in position effect variegation and heterochromatin stabilization. Most of the identified genes [so-called Su(var) and E(var) genes] are also conserved in mammals, where more than 50 of their gene products are known to localize to constitutive heterochromatin. From these proteins, approximately 12 core heterochromatin components can be inferred. In addition, there are approximately 30 additional Su(var) and 10 E(var) factors that can, under distinct developmental options, interchange with constitutive heterochromatin and participate in the partitioning of the genome into repressed and active chromatin domains. A significant fraction of the Su(var) and E(var) factors are enzymes that respond to environmental and metabolic signals, thereby allowing both the variation and propagation of epigenetic states to a dynamic chromatin template. Moreover, the misregulation of human SU(VAR) and E(VAR) function can advance cancer and many other human diseases including more complex disorders. As such, mammalian Su(var) and E(var) genes and their products provide a rich source of novel targets for diagnosis of and pharmaceutical intervention in many human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barna D Fodor
- Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology, D-79108 Freiburg, Germany.
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16
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Castano E, Philimonenko VV, Kahle M, Fukalová J, Kalendová A, Yildirim S, Dzijak R, Dingová-Krásna H, Hozák P. Actin complexes in the cell nucleus: new stones in an old field. Histochem Cell Biol 2010; 133:607-26. [PMID: 20443021 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-010-0701-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Actin is a well-known protein that has shown a myriad of activities in the cytoplasm. However, recent findings of actin involvement in nuclear processes are overwhelming. Actin complexes in the nucleus range from very dynamic chromatin-remodeling complexes to structural elements of the matrix with single partners known as actin-binding proteins (ABPs). This review summarizes the recent findings of actin-containing complexes in the nucleus. Particular attention is given to key processes like chromatin remodeling, transcription, DNA replication, nucleocytoplasmic transport and to actin roles in nuclear architecture. Understanding the mechanisms involving ABPs will definitely lead us to the principles of the regulation of gene expression performed via concerting nuclear and cytoplasmic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Castano
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR, Prague, Czech Republic
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17
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Yoshida T, Shimada K, Oma Y, Kalck V, Akimura K, Taddei A, Iwahashi H, Kugou K, Ohta K, Gasser SM, Harata M. Actin-related protein Arp6 influences H2A.Z-dependent and -independent gene expression and links ribosomal protein genes to nuclear pores. PLoS Genet 2010; 6:e1000910. [PMID: 20419146 PMCID: PMC2855322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2009] [Accepted: 03/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin-related proteins are ubiquitous components of chromatin remodelers and are conserved from yeast to man. We have examined the role of the budding yeast actin-related protein Arp6 in gene expression, both as a component of the SWR1 complex (SWR-C) and in its absence. We mapped Arp6 binding sites along four yeast chromosomes using chromatin immunoprecipitation from wild-type and swr1 deleted (swr1Delta) cells. We find that a majority of Arp6 binding sites coincide with binding sites of Swr1, the catalytic subunit of SWR-C, and with the histone H2A variant Htz1 (H2A.Z) deposited by SWR-C. However, Arp6 binding detected at centromeres, the promoters of ribosomal protein (RP) genes, and some telomeres is independent of Swr1 and Htz1 deposition. Given that RP genes and telomeres both show association with the nuclear periphery, we monitored the ability of Arp6 to mediate the localization of chromatin to nuclear pores. Arp6 binding is sufficient to shift a randomly positioned locus to nuclear periphery, even in a swr1Delta strain. Arp6 is also necessary for the pore association of its targeted RP promoters possibly through cell cycle-dependent factors. Loss of Arp6, but not Htz1, leads to an up-regulation of these RP genes. In contrast, the pore-association of GAL1 correlates with Htz1 deposition, and loss of Arp6 reduces both GAL1 activation and peripheral localization. We conclude that Arp6 functions both together with the nucleosome remodeler Swr1 and also without it, to mediate Htz1-dependent and Htz1-independent binding of chromatin domains to nuclear pores. This association is shown to have modulating effects on gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Yoshida
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kenji Shimada
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yukako Oma
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Véronique Kalck
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kazumi Akimura
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Angela Taddei
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Institut Curie-Section de Recherche, Paris, France
| | - Hitoshi Iwahashi
- Human Stress Signal Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuto Kugou
- Shibata Distinguished Senior Laboratory, RIKEN Discovery Research Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Ohta
- Shibata Distinguished Senior Laboratory, RIKEN Discovery Research Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Susan M. Gasser
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Masahiko Harata
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- * E-mail:
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18
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Dion V, Shimada K, Gasser SM. Actin-related proteins in the nucleus: life beyond chromatin remodelers. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2010; 22:383-91. [PMID: 20303249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2010.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2010] [Revised: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Since their discovery in the mid-1990s, nuclear actin-related proteins (ARPs) have gained attention for their roles as structural components of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complexes. These remodelers can move nucleosomes along the DNA, evict them from chromatin, and exchange histone variants to alter chromatin states locally. Chromatin-remodeling facilitates DNA-templated processes such as transcription regulation, DNA replication, and repair. Consistent with a role for ARPs in shaping chromatin structure, recent genetic studies show that they affect developmental and cell-type specific transcriptional programming. Here, we focus on recent results that suggest a specific contribution of ARPs to long-range interactions in the nucleus, and review evidence indicating that some ARPs may act independently of chromatin-remodeling machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Dion
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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19
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Gieni RS, Hendzel MJ. Actin dynamics and functions in the interphase nucleus: moving toward an understanding of nuclear polymeric actin. Biochem Cell Biol 2009; 87:283-306. [PMID: 19234542 DOI: 10.1139/o08-133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin exists as a dynamic equilibrium of monomers and polymers within the nucleus of living cells. It is utilized by the cell for many aspects of gene regulation, including mRNA processing, chromatin remodelling, and global gene expression. Polymeric actin is now specifically linked to transcription by RNA polymerase I, II, and III. An active process, requiring both actin polymers and myosin, appears to drive RNA polymerase I transcription, and is also implicated in long-range chromatin movement. This type of mechanism brings activated genes from separate chromosomal territories together, and then participates in their compartmentalization near nuclear speckles. Nuclear speckle formation requires polymeric actin, and factors promoting polymerization, such as profilin and PIP2, are concentrated there. A review of the literature shows that a functional population of G-actin cycles between the cytoplasm and the nucleoplasm. Its nuclear concentration is dependent on the cytoplasmic G-actin pool, as well as on the activity of import and export mechanisms and the availability of interactions that sequester it within the nucleus. The N-WASP-Arp2/3 actin polymer-nucleating mechanism functions in the nucleus, and its mediators, including NCK, PIP2, and Rac1, can be found in the nucleoplasm, where they likely influence the kinetics of polymer formation. The actin polymer species produced are tightly regulated, and may take on conformations not easily recognized by phalloidin. Many of the factors that cleave F-actin in the cytoplasm are present at high levels in the nucleoplasm, and are also likely to affect actin dynamics there. The absolute and relative G-actin content in the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm of a cell contains information about the homeostatic state of that cell. We propose that the cycling of G-actin between the nucleus and cytoplasm represents a signal transduction mechanism that can function through both extremes of global cellular G-actin content. MAL signalling within the serum response factor pathway, when G-actin levels are low, represents a well-studied example of actin functioning in signal transduction. The translocation of NCK into the nucleus, along with G-actin, during dissolution of the cytoskeleton in response to DNA damage represents another instance of a unique signalling mechanism operating when G-actin levels are high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall S Gieni
- Cross Cancer Institute and Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, ABT6G1Z2, Canada
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20
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Kitayama K, Kamo M, Oma Y, Matsuda R, Uchida T, Ikura T, Tashiro S, Ohyama T, Winsor B, Harata M. The human actin-related protein hArp5: nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling and involvement in DNA repair. Exp Cell Res 2009; 315:206-17. [PMID: 19014934 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2008.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2008] [Revised: 09/23/2008] [Accepted: 10/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Certain actin-related proteins (Arps) of budding yeast are localized in the nucleus, and have essential roles as stoichiometric components of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and chromatin remodeling complexes. On the other hand, identification of vertebrate nuclear Arps and their functional analyses are just beginning. We show that human Arp5 (hArp5) proteins are localized in the nucleus, and that arp5Delta yeast cells are partially complemented by hArp5. Thus, hArp5 is a novel member of the nuclear Arps of vertebrates, which possess evolutionarily conserved functions from yeast to humans. We show here that hArp5 shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Furthermore, after the induction of DNA double strand breaks (DSB), cell growth and the accumulation of phosphorylated histone H2AX (gamma-H2AX) are impaired by hArp5 depletion. Association of hArp5 with the hIno80 chromatin remodeling enzyme and decrease of chromatin-bound hIno80 by hArp5-depletion indicate that hArp5 may have a role in the recruitment of the hINO80 complex to chromatin. Overexpression of hArp5 and hIno80 enhanced gamma-H2AX accumulation. These observations suggest that hArp5 is involved in the process of DSB repair through the regulation of the chromatin remodelling machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumiko Kitayama
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Tsutsumidori-Amamiyamachi 1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-8555, Japan
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21
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Meagher RB, Kandasamy MK, McKinney EC, Roy E. Chapter 5. Nuclear actin-related proteins in epigenetic control. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 277:157-215. [PMID: 19766970 PMCID: PMC2800988 DOI: 10.1016/s1937-6448(09)77005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear actin-related proteins (ARPs) share overall structure and low-level sequence homology with conventional actin. They are indispensable subunits of macromolecular machines that control chromatin remodeling and modification leading to dynamic changes in DNA structure, transcription, and DNA repair. Cellular, genetic, and biochemical studies suggest that the nuclear ARPs are essential to the epigenetic control of the cell cycle and cell proliferation in all eukaryotes, while in plants and animals they also exert epigenetic controls over most stages of multicellular development including organ initiation, the switch to reproductive development, and senescence and programmed cell death. A theme emerging from plants and animals is that in addition to their role in controlling the general compaction of DNA and gene silencing, isoforms of nuclear ARP-containing chromatin complexes have evolved to exert dynamic epigenetic control over gene expression and different phases of multicellular development. Herein, we explore this theme by examining nuclear ARP phylogeny, activities of ARP-containing chromatin remodeling complexes that lead to epigenetic control, expanding developmental roles assigned to several animal and plant ARP-containing complexes, the evidence that thousands of ARP complex isoforms may have evolved in concert with multicellular development, and ARPs in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Meagher
- Department of Genetics, Davison Life Sciences Building, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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22
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Chromatin remodelling and actin organisation. FEBS Lett 2008; 582:2041-50. [PMID: 18442483 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2008] [Revised: 04/15/2008] [Accepted: 04/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin remodelling is a prerequisite for nuclear processes, and cells have several different ways of remodelling the chromatin structure. The ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complexes are large multiprotein complexes that use ATP to change DNA-histone contacts. These complexes are classified into 4 sub-families depending on the central ATPase. The switch mating type/sucrose non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) complexes are mainly involved in transcriptional regulation, and this means that they are involved in many processes, such as the formation of actin filaments in the cytoplasm. SWI/SNF complexes are involved in the regulation of genes expressing cell adhesion proteins and extracellular matrix proteins. Actin is also present in the nucleus, affecting transcription, RNA processing and export. In addition, actin and actin-related proteins are subunits of SWI/SNF complexes and the INO80-containing complexes, another subfamily of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complexes. Not all functions of the actin and actin-related proteins in the complexes are yet clear: it is known that they play important roles in maintaining the stability of the proteins, possibly by bridging subunits and recruiting the complexes to chromatin.
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23
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Drosophila sticky/citron kinase is a regulator of cell-cycle progression, genetically interacts with Argonaute 1 and modulates epigenetic gene silencing. Genetics 2008; 178:1311-25. [PMID: 18245345 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.107.082511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The sticky/citron kinase protein is a conserved regulator of cell-cycle progression from invertebrates to humans. While this kinase is essential for completion of cytokinesis, sticky/citron kinase phenotypes disrupting neurogenesis and cell differentiation suggest additional non-cell-cycle functions. However, it is not known whether these phenotypes are an indirect consequence of sticky mutant cell-cycle defects or whether they define a novel function for this kinase. We have isolated a temperature-sensitive allele of the Drosophila sticky gene and we show that sticky/citron kinase is required for histone H3-K9 methylation, HP1 localization, and heterochromatin-mediated gene silencing. sticky genetically interacts with Argonaute 1 and sticky mutants exhibit context-dependent Su(var) and E(var) activity. These observations indicate that sticky/citron kinase functions to regulate both actin-myosin-mediated cytokinesis and epigenetic gene silencing, possibly linking cell-cycle progression to heterochromatin assembly and inheritance of gene expression states.
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24
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Aoyama N, Oka A, Kitayama K, Kurumizaka H, Harata M. The actin-related protein hArp8 accumulates on the mitotic chromosomes and functions in chromosome alignment. Exp Cell Res 2007; 314:859-68. [PMID: 18163988 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2007.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2007] [Revised: 10/30/2007] [Accepted: 11/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The actin family consists of conventional actin and various actin-related proteins (Arps). Some of these Arps are localized in the nucleus, and a fraction of each of these nuclear Arps is functionally involved in chromatin remodeling and histone acetyltransferase complexes. On the other hand, in mitotic cells, the localization and function of the nuclear Arps are largely unknown. Human Arp8 (hArp8), an ortholog of yeast nuclear Arp8, was recently found to be associated with the hINO80-chromatin remodeling complex along with hArp5. Here we report that hArp8, but not hArp5, accumulates on mitotic chromosomes. This is the first example where a member of the actin family is found to be associated with mitotic chromosomes. Expression of truncated hArp8 proteins and depletion of endogenous hArp8 by RNA interference caused misalignment of mitotic chromosomes, suggesting that chromosome-associated hArp8 has a role in chromosome behavior. In contrast, depletion of hIno80 and hArp5 did not cause misalignment of chromosomes, suggesting that the role of hArp8 at mitotic chromosomes is independent of the activity of hINO80 complexes. These findings provide the first insight into a novel function of actin family members in mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Aoyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Tsutsumidori-Amamiyamachi 1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-8555, Japan
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25
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Chen M, Shen X. Nuclear actin and actin-related proteins in chromatin dynamics. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2007; 19:326-30. [PMID: 17467255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2007.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2007] [Accepted: 04/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Conventional actin and actin-related proteins (Arps) are members of the actin superfamily and are conserved throughout evolution. Although the cytoskeletal functions of cytoplasmic actin and Arps have been characterized extensively, the functions and mechanisms of nuclear actin and Arps are not yet well understood. Emerging evidence suggest that nuclear actin and Arps are involved in many nuclear processes, such as transcription and chromatin remodeling. Actin and Arps are subunits of multiple chromatin modifying complexes, and functionally contribute to chromatin modifications. Recent progress has been made in understanding nuclear actin and Arps in the context of chromatin regulation, suggesting potential mechanisms for their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Chen
- Department of Carcinogenesis, Science Park Research Division, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas 78957, USA
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26
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Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhe Bao
- Department of Carcinogenesis, Science Park Research Division, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas 78957
| | - Xuetong Shen
- Department of Carcinogenesis, Science Park Research Division, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas 78957
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27
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Hizume K, Yoshimura SH, Kumeta M, Takeyasu K. Structural organization of dynamic chromatin. Subcell Biochem 2007; 41:3-28. [PMID: 17484121 DOI: 10.1007/1-4020-5466-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kohji Hizume
- Laboratory of Plasma Membrane and Nuclear Signaling, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
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