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Bansal P, Banda EC, Glatt-Deeley HR, Stoddard CE, Linsley JW, Arora N, Deleschaux C, Ahern DT, Kondaveeti Y, Massey RE, Nicouleau M, Wang S, Sabariego-Navarro M, Dierssen M, Finkbeiner S, Pinter SF. A dynamic in vitro model of Down syndrome neurogenesis with trisomy 21 gene dosage correction. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj0385. [PMID: 38848354 PMCID: PMC11160455 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj0385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Excess gene dosage from chromosome 21 (chr21) causes Down syndrome (DS), spanning developmental and acute phenotypes in terminal cell types. Which phenotypes remain amenable to intervention after development is unknown. To address this question in a model of DS neurogenesis, we derived trisomy 21 (T21) human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) alongside, otherwise, isogenic euploid controls from mosaic DS fibroblasts and equipped one chr21 copy with an inducible XIST transgene. Monoallelic chr21 silencing by XIST is near-complete and irreversible in iPSCs. Differential expression reveals that T21 neural lineages and iPSCs share suppressed translation and mitochondrial pathways and activate cellular stress responses. When XIST is induced before the neural progenitor stage, T21 dosage correction suppresses a pronounced skew toward astrogenesis in neural differentiation. Because our transgene remains inducible in postmitotic T21 neurons and astrocytes, we demonstrate that XIST efficiently represses genes even after terminal differentiation, which will empower exploration of cell type-specific T21 phenotypes that remain responsive to chr21 dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakhar Bansal
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Developmental Biology, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Erin C. Banda
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Heather R. Glatt-Deeley
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Christopher E. Stoddard
- Cell and Genome Engineering Core, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Jeremy W. Linsley
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Neha Arora
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cécile Deleschaux
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Darcy T. Ahern
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Developmental Biology, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Yuvabharath Kondaveeti
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Rachael E. Massey
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Developmental Biology, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Michael Nicouleau
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Shijie Wang
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Miguel Sabariego-Navarro
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Steven Finkbeiner
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stefan F. Pinter
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Developmental Biology, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
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2
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Du J, Su Y, Gao J, Tai Y. The expression and function of long noncoding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. CANCER INNOVATION 2023; 2:488-499. [PMID: 38125766 PMCID: PMC10730004 DOI: 10.1002/cai2.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
With the deepening of the genome project study, attention on noncoding RNAs is increasing. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have become a new research hotspot. A growing number of studies have revealed that lncRNAs are involved in tumorigenesis and tumor suppressor pathways. Aberrant expressions of lncRNAs have been found in a variety of human tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we provide a brief introduction to lncRNA and highlight recent research on the functions and clinical significance of lncRNAs in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingli Du
- Senior Department of TuberculosisThe 8th Medical Center of PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yue Su
- Senior Department of TuberculosisThe 8th Medical Center of PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jianzhi Gao
- Department of OncologyZhuozhou Hospital, ZhuozhouHebeiChina
| | - Yanhong Tai
- Department of PathologyThe 5th Medical Center of PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
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3
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Singh A, Rappolee DA, Ruden DM. Epigenetic Reprogramming in Mice and Humans: From Fertilization to Primordial Germ Cell Development. Cells 2023; 12:1874. [PMID: 37508536 PMCID: PMC10377882 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, advances in the understanding of epigenetic reprogramming from fertilization to the development of primordial germline cells in a mouse and human embryo are discussed. To gain insights into the molecular underpinnings of various diseases, it is essential to comprehend the intricate interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors during cellular reprogramming and embryonic differentiation. An increasing range of diseases, including cancer and developmental disorders, have been linked to alterations in DNA methylation and histone modifications. Global epigenetic reprogramming occurs in mammals at two stages: post-fertilization and during the development of primordial germ cells (PGC). Epigenetic reprogramming after fertilization involves rapid demethylation of the paternal genome mediated through active and passive DNA demethylation, and gradual demethylation in the maternal genome through passive DNA demethylation. The de novo DNA methyltransferase enzymes, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, restore DNA methylation beginning from the blastocyst stage until the formation of the gastrula, and DNA maintenance methyltransferase, Dnmt1, maintains methylation in the somatic cells. The PGC undergo a second round of global demethylation after allocation during the formative pluripotent stage before gastrulation, where the imprints and the methylation marks on the transposable elements known as retrotransposons, including long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE-1) and intracisternal A-particle (IAP) elements are demethylated as well. Finally, DNA methylation is restored in the PGC at the implantation stage including sex-specific imprints corresponding to the sex of the embryo. This review introduces a novel perspective by uncovering how toxicants and stress stimuli impact the critical period of allocation during formative pluripotency, potentially influencing both the quantity and quality of PGCs. Furthermore, the comprehensive comparison of epigenetic events between mice and humans breaks new ground, empowering researchers to make informed decisions regarding the suitability of mouse models for their experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Singh
- CS Mott Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (A.S.); (D.A.R.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Daniel A. Rappolee
- CS Mott Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (A.S.); (D.A.R.)
- Reproductive Stress Measurement, Mechanisms and Management, Corp., 135 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Douglas M. Ruden
- CS Mott Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (A.S.); (D.A.R.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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4
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Shevchenko AI, Rifel NA, Zakian SM, Zakharova IS. Constitutive heterochromatin propagation contributes to the X chromosome inactivation. Chromosome Res 2022; 30:289-307. [PMID: 35920963 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-022-09706-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Imprinted X chromosome inactivation (iXCI) balances the expression of X-linked genes in preimplantation embryos and extraembryonic tissues in rodents. Long noncoding Xist RNA drives iXCI, silencing genes and recruiting Xist-dependent chromatin repressors. Some domains on the inactive X chromosome include repressive modifications specific to constitutive heterochromatin, which show no direct link to Xist RNA. We explored the relationship between Xist RNA and chromatin silencing during iXCI in vole Microtus levis. We performed locus-specific activation of Xist transcription on the only active X chromosome using the dCas9-SAM system in XO vole trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), which allow modeling iXCI events to some extent. The artificially activated endogenous vole Xist transcript is truncated and restricted ~ 6.6 kb of the exon 1. Ectopic Xist RNA accumulates on the X chromosome and recruits Xist-dependent modifications during TSC differentiation, yet is incapable by itself repressing X-linked genes. Transcriptional silencing occurs upon ectopic Xist upregulation only when repressive marks spread from the massive telomeric constitutive heterochromatin to the X chromosome region containing genes. We hypothesize that the Xist RNA-induced propagation of repressive marks from the constitutive heterochromatin could be a mechanism involved in X chromosome inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I Shevchenko
- Federal Research Center, "Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences", Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,E.N. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Health Care of Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, 630055, Russia
| | - Nikita A Rifel
- Federal Research Center, "Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences", Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Suren M Zakian
- Federal Research Center, "Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences", Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,E.N. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Health Care of Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, 630055, Russia
| | - Irina S Zakharova
- Federal Research Center, "Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences", Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia. .,Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia. .,E.N. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Health Care of Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, 630055, Russia.
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5
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Trigiante G, Blanes Ruiz N, Cerase A. Emerging Roles of Repetitive and Repeat-Containing RNA in Nuclear and Chromatin Organization and Gene Expression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:735527. [PMID: 34722514 PMCID: PMC8552494 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.735527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic repeats have been intensely studied as regulatory elements controlling gene transcription, splicing and genome architecture. Our understanding of the role of the repetitive RNA such as the RNA coming from genomic repeats, or repetitive sequences embedded in mRNA/lncRNAs, in nuclear and cellular functions is instead still limited. In this review we discuss evidence supporting the multifaceted roles of repetitive RNA and RNA binding proteins in nuclear organization, gene regulation, and in the formation of dynamic membrane-less aggregates. We hope that our review will further stimulate research in the consolidating field of repetitive RNA biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Cerase
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Xu Y, Qiao H. A Hypothesis: Linking Phase Separation to Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation and Sex-Body Formation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:674203. [PMID: 34485277 PMCID: PMC8415632 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.674203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
During meiotic prophase I, X and Y chromosomes in mammalian spermatocytes only stably pair at a small homologous region called the pseudoautosomal region (PAR). However, the rest of the sex chromosomes remain largely unsynapsed. The extensive asynapsis triggers transcriptional silencing - meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). Along with MSCI, a special nuclear territory, sex body or XY body, forms. In the early steps of MSCI, DNA damage response (DDR) factors, such as BRCA1, ATR, and γH2AX, function as sensors and effectors of the silencing signals. Downstream canonical repressive histone modifications, including methylation, acetylation, ubiquitylation, and SUMOylation, are responsible for the transcriptional repression of the sex chromosomes. Nevertheless, mechanisms of the sex-body formation remain unclear. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) may drive the formation of several chromatin subcompartments, such as pericentric heterochromatin, nucleoli, inactive X chromosomes. Although several proteins involved in phase separation are found in the sex bodies, when and whether these proteins exert functions in the sex-body formation and MSCI is still unknown. Here, we reviewed recent publications on the mechanisms of MSCI and LLPS, pointed out the potential link between LLPS and the formation of sex bodies, and discussed its implications for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Huanyu Qiao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
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7
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Chromosome compartments on the inactive X guide TAD formation independently of transcription during X-reactivation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3499. [PMID: 34108480 PMCID: PMC8190187 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23610-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of chromosome organization is the partition into transcriptionally active A and repressed B compartments, and into topologically associating domains (TADs). Both structures were regarded to be absent from the inactive mouse X chromosome, but to be re-established with transcriptional reactivation and chromatin opening during X-reactivation. Here, we combine a tailor-made mouse iPSC reprogramming system and high-resolution Hi-C to produce a time course combining gene reactivation, chromatin opening and chromosome topology during X-reactivation. Contrary to previous observations, we observe A/B-like compartments on the inactive X harbouring multiple subcompartments. While partial X-reactivation initiates within a compartment rich in X-inactivation escapees, it then occurs rapidly along the chromosome, concomitant with downregulation of Xist. Importantly, we find that TAD formation precedes transcription and initiates from Xist-poor compartments. Here, we show that TAD formation and transcriptional reactivation are causally independent during X-reactivation while establishing Xist as a common denominator.
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8
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Bansal P, Ahern DT, Kondaveeti Y, Qiu CW, Pinter SF. Contiguous erosion of the inactive X in human pluripotency concludes with global DNA hypomethylation. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109215. [PMID: 34107261 PMCID: PMC8267460 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Female human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) routinely undergo inactive X (Xi) erosion. This progressive loss of key repressive features follows the loss of XIST expression, the long non-coding RNA driving X inactivation, and causes reactivation of silenced genes across the eroding X (Xe). To date, the sporadic and progressive nature of erosion has obscured its scale, dynamics, and key transition events. To address this problem, we perform an integrated analysis of DNA methylation (DNAme), chromatin accessibility, and gene expression across hundreds of hPSC samples. Differential DNAme orders female hPSCs across a trajectory from initiation to terminal Xi erosion. Our results identify a cis-regulatory element crucial for XIST expression, trace contiguously growing reactivated domains to a few euchromatic origins, and indicate that the late-stage Xe impairs DNAme genome-wide. Surprisingly, from this altered regulatory landscape emerge select features of naive pluripotency, suggesting that its link to X dosage may be partially conserved in human embryonic development. Reactivation of the silenced X in human female iPSC/ESCs compromises their utility. Bansal et al. perform an integrated genomics analysis to reveal a prevalent X erosion trajectory that they validate in long-term culture. Starting with XIST loss, this trajectory indicates that reactivation may spread contiguously from escapees to silenced genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakhar Bansal
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Developmental Biology, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA; Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Darcy T Ahern
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Developmental Biology, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA; Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Yuvabharath Kondaveeti
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Catherine W Qiu
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Stefan F Pinter
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Developmental Biology, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA; Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA; Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA.
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9
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Cerase A, Young AN, Ruiz NB, Buness A, Sant GM, Arnold M, Di Giacomo M, Ascolani M, Kumar M, Hierholzer A, Trigiante G, Marzi SJ, Avner P. Chd8 regulates X chromosome inactivation in mouse through fine-tuning control of Xist expression. Commun Biol 2021; 4:485. [PMID: 33859315 PMCID: PMC8050208 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01945-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Female mammals achieve dosage compensation by inactivating one of their two X chromosomes during development, a process entirely dependent on Xist, an X-linked long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). At the onset of X chromosome inactivation (XCI), Xist is up-regulated and spreads along the future inactive X chromosome. Contextually, it recruits repressive histone and DNA modifiers that transcriptionally silence the X chromosome. Xist regulation is tightly coupled to differentiation and its expression is under the control of both pluripotency and epigenetic factors. Recent evidence has suggested that chromatin remodelers accumulate at the X Inactivation Center (XIC) and here we demonstrate a new role for Chd8 in Xist regulation in differentiating ES cells, linked to its control and prevention of spurious transcription factor interactions occurring within Xist regulatory regions. Our findings have a broader relevance, in the context of complex, developmentally-regulated gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cerase
- EMBL-Rome, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy.
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Alexander N Young
- EMBL-Rome, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Nerea Blanes Ruiz
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Andreas Buness
- EMBL-Rome, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy
- Core Unit for Bioinformatics Data Analysis Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gabrielle M Sant
- EMBL-Rome, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Biology gGmbH (IMB), Mainz, Germany
| | - Mirjam Arnold
- EMBL-Rome, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Otto Warburg Laboratory, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Michela Ascolani
- EMBL-Rome, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Manish Kumar
- EMBL-Rome, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy
- Department of Allied Health Science, Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, BLDE, Vijaypura, Karnataka, India
| | - Andreas Hierholzer
- EMBL-Rome, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Trigiante
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Sarah J Marzi
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Philip Avner
- EMBL-Rome, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy.
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10
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Dixon-McDougall T, Brown CJ. Independent domains for recruitment of PRC1 and PRC2 by human XIST. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009123. [PMID: 33750950 PMCID: PMC8016261 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
XIST establishes inactivation across its chromosome of origin, even when expressed from autosomal transgenes. To identify the regions of human XIST essential for recruiting heterochromatic marks we generated a series of overlapping deletions in an autosomal inducible XIST transgene present in 8p of the HT1080 male fibrosarcoma cell line. We examined the ability of each construct to enrich its unified XIST territory with the histone marks established by PRC1 and PRC2 as well as the heterochromatin factors MacroH2A and SMCHD1. Chromatin enrichment of ubH2A by PRC1 required four distinct regions of XIST, and these were completely distinct from the two domains crucial for enrichment of H3K27me3 by PRC2. Both the domains required, as well as the impact of PRC1 and PRC2 inhibitors, suggest that PRC1 is required for SMCHD1 while PRC2 function is necessary for MacroH2A recruitment, although incomplete overlap of regions implicates roles for additional factors. This cooperativity between factors contributes to the requirement for multiple separate domains being required for each feature examined. The independence of the PRC1/PRC2 pathways was observed when XIST was expressed both autosomally or from the X chromosome suggesting that these observations are not purely a result of the context in which XIST operates. Although independent domains were required for the PRC1 and PRC2 pathways overall all regions tested were important for some aspect of XIST functionality, demonstrating both modularity and cooperativity across the XIST lncRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dixon-McDougall
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carolyn J. Brown
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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11
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Kumar S, Gonzalez EA, Rameshwar P, Etchegaray JP. Non-Coding RNAs as Mediators of Epigenetic Changes in Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3657. [PMID: 33291485 PMCID: PMC7762117 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are untranslated RNA molecules that regulate gene expressions. NcRNAs include small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), transfer RNAs (tRNAs), circular RNAs (cRNAs) and piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). This review focuses on two types of ncRNAs: microRNAs (miRNAs) or short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). We highlight the mechanisms by which miRNAs and lncRNAs impact the epigenome in the context of cancer. Both miRNAs and lncRNAs have the ability to interact with numerous epigenetic modifiers and transcription factors to influence gene expression. The aberrant expression of these ncRNAs is associated with the development and progression of tumors. The primary reason for their deregulated expression can be attributed to epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic alterations can cause the misregulation of ncRNAs. The experimental evidence indicated that most abnormally expressed ncRNAs impact cellular proliferation and apoptotic pathways, and such changes are cancer-dependent. In vitro and in vivo experiments show that, depending on the cancer type, either the upregulation or downregulation of ncRNAs can prevent the proliferation and progression of cancer. Therefore, a better understanding on how ncRNAs impact tumorigenesis could serve to develop new therapeutic treatments. Here, we review the involvement of ncRNAs in cancer epigenetics and highlight their use in clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhasree Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (S.K.); (E.A.G.)
| | - Edward A. Gonzalez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (S.K.); (E.A.G.)
| | - Pranela Rameshwar
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Etchegaray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (S.K.); (E.A.G.)
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12
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Abstract
The interaction between polycomb-repressive complexes 1/2 (PRC1/2) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), such as the X inactive specific transcript Xist and the HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR), has been the subject of intense debate. While cross-linking, immuno-precipitation and super-resolution microscopy argue against direct interaction of Polycomb with some lncRNAs, there is increasing evidence supporting the ability of both PRC1 and PRC2 to functionally associate with RNA. Recent data indicate that these interactions are in most cases spurious, but nonetheless crucial for a number of cellular activities. In this review, we suggest that while PRC1/2 recruitment by HOTAIR might be direct, in the case of Xist, it might occur indirectly and, at least in part, through the process of liquid-liquid phase separation. We present recent models of lncRNA-mediated PRC1/2 recruitment to their targets and describe potential RNA-mediated roles in the three-dimensional organization of the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cerase
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 23 Passeig Lluis Companys, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biology 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163, Genoa, Italy
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13
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Bansal P, Kondaveeti Y, Pinter SF. Forged by DXZ4, FIRRE, and ICCE: How Tandem Repeats Shape the Active and Inactive X Chromosome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 7:328. [PMID: 32076600 PMCID: PMC6985041 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent efforts in mapping spatial genome organization have revealed three evocative and conserved structural features of the inactive X in female mammals. First, the chromosomal conformation of the inactive X reveals a loss of topologically associated domains (TADs) present on the active X. Second, the macrosatellite DXZ4 emerges as a singular boundary that suppresses physical interactions between two large TAD-depleted "megadomains." Third, DXZ4 reaches across several megabases to form "superloops" with two other X-linked tandem repeats, FIRRE and ICCE, which also loop to each other. Although all three structural features are conserved across rodents and primates, deletion of mouse and human orthologs of DXZ4 and FIRRE from the inactive X have revealed limited impact on X chromosome inactivation (XCI) and escape in vitro. In contrast, loss of Xist or SMCHD1 have been shown to impair TAD erasure and gene silencing on the inactive X. In this perspective, we summarize these results in the context of new research describing disruption of X-linked tandem repeats in vivo, and discuss their possible molecular roles through the lens of evolutionary conservation and clinical genetics. As a null hypothesis, we consider whether the conservation of some structural features on the inactive X may reflect selection for X-linked tandem repeats on account of necessary cis- and trans-regulatory roles they may play on the active X, rather than the inactive X. Additional hypotheses invoking a role for X-linked tandem repeats on X reactivation, for example in the germline or totipotency, remain to be assessed in multiple developmental models spanning mammalian evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakhar Bansal
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Yuvabharath Kondaveeti
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Stefan F. Pinter
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, UCONN Health, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
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14
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Yue M, Ogawa Y. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated modulation of splicing efficiency reveals short splicing isoform of Xist RNA is sufficient to induce X-chromosome inactivation. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:e26. [PMID: 29237010 PMCID: PMC5861412 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing of mRNA precursors results in multiple protein variants from a single gene and is critical for diverse cellular processes and development. Xist encodes a long noncoding RNA which is a central player to induce X-chromosome inactivation in female mammals and has two major splicing variants: long and short isoforms of Xist RNA. Although a differentiation-specific and a female-specific expression of Xist isoforms have been reported, the functional role of each Xist RNA isoform is largely unexplored. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted modification of the 5' splice site in Xist intron 7, we create mutant female ES cell lines which dominantly express the long- or short-splicing isoform of Xist RNA from the inactive X-chromosome (Xi) upon differentiation. Successful execution of CRISPR/Cas-based splicing modulation indicates that our CRISPR/Cas-based targeted modification of splicing sites is a useful approach to study specific isoforms of a transcript generated by alternative splicing. Upon differentiation of splicing-mutant Xist female ES cells, we find that both long and short Xist isoforms can induce X-chromosome inactivation normally during ES cell differentiation, suggesting that the short splicing isoform of Xist RNA is sufficient to induce X-chromosome inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Yue
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Yuya Ogawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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15
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Geens M, Chuva De Sousa Lopes SM. X chromosome inactivation in human pluripotent stem cells as a model for human development: back to the drawing board? Hum Reprod Update 2018; 23:520-532. [PMID: 28582519 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmx015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC), both embryonic and induced (hESC and hiPSC), are regarded as a valuable in vitro model for early human development. In order to fulfil this promise, it is important that these cells mimic as closely as possible the in vivo molecular events, both at the genetic and epigenetic level. One of the most important epigenetic events during early human development is X chromosome inactivation (XCI), the transcriptional silencing of one of the two X chromosomes in female cells. XCI is important for proper development and aberrant XCI has been linked to several pathologies. Recently, novel data obtained using high throughput single-cell technology during human preimplantation development have suggested that the XCI mechanism is substantially different from XCI in mouse. It has also been suggested that hPSC show higher complexity in XCI than the mouse. Here we compare the available recent data to understand whether XCI during human preimplantation can be properly recapitulated using hPSC. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We will summarize what is known on the timing and mechanisms of XCI during human preimplantation development. We will compare this to the XCI patterns that are observed during hPSC derivation, culture and differentiation, and comment on the cause of the aberrant XCI patterns observed in hPSC. Finally, we will discuss the implications of the aberrant XCI patterns on the applicability of hPSC as an in vitro model for human development and as cell source for regenerative medicine. SEARCH METHODS Combinations of the following keywords were applied as search criteria in the PubMed database: X chromosome inactivation, preimplantation development, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, primordial germ cells, differentiation. OUTCOMES Recent single-cell RNASeq data have shed new light on the XCI process during human preimplantation development. These indicate a gradual inactivation on both XX chromosomes, starting from Day 4 of development and followed by a random choice to inactivate one of them, instead of the mechanism in mice where imprinted XCI is followed by random XCI. We have put these new findings in perspective using previous data obtained in human (and mouse) embryos. In addition, there is an ongoing discussion whether or not hPSC lines show X chromosome reactivation upon derivation, mimicking the earliest embryonic cells, and the XCI states observed during culture of hPSC are highly variable. Recent studies have shown that hPSC rapidly progress to highly aberrant XCI patterns and that this process is probably driven by suboptimal culture conditions. Importantly, these aberrant XCI states seem to be inherited by the differentiated hPSC-progeny. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The aberrant XCI states (and epigenetic instability) observed in hPSC throw a shadow on their applicability as an in vitro model for development and disease modelling. Moreover, as the aberrant XCI states observed in hPSC seem to shift to a more malignant phenotype, this may also have important consequences for the safety aspect of using hPSC in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke Geens
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Susana M Chuva De Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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16
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Pintacuda G, Young AN, Cerase A. Function by Structure: Spotlights on Xist Long Non-coding RNA. Front Mol Biosci 2017; 4:90. [PMID: 29302591 PMCID: PMC5742192 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2017.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent experimental evidence indicates that lncRNAs can act as regulatory molecules in the context of development and disease. Xist, the master regulator of X chromosome inactivation, is a classic example of how lncRNAs can exert multi-layered and fine-tuned regulatory functions, by acting as a molecular scaffold for recruitment of distinct protein factors. In this review, we discuss the methodologies employed to define Xist RNA structures and the tight interplay between structural clues and functionality of lncRNAs. This model of modular function dictated by structure, can be also generalized to other lncRNAs, beyond the field of X chromosome inactivation, to explain common features of similarly folded RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pintacuda
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrea Cerase
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo, Italy
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17
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Yue M, Ogawa A, Yamada N, Charles Richard JL, Barski A, Ogawa Y. Xist RNA repeat E is essential for ASH2L recruitment to the inactive X and regulates histone modifications and escape gene expression. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006890. [PMID: 28686623 PMCID: PMC5521851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA Xist plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) which is a paradigm of long non-coding RNA-mediated gene regulation. Xist has Xist-specific repeat elements A-F which are conserved among eutherian mammals, underscoring their functional importance. Here we report that Xist RNA repeat E, a conserved Xist repeat element in the Xist exon 7, interacts with ASH2L and contributes to maintenance of escape gene expression level on the inactive X-chromosome (Xi) during XCI. The Xist repeat E-deletion mutant female ES cells show the depletion of ASH2L from the Xi upon differentiation. Furthermore, a subset of escape genes exhibits unexpectedly higher expression in the repeat E mutant cells than the cells expressing wildtype Xist during X-inactivation, whereas the silencing of X-linked non-escape genes is not affected. We discuss the implications of these results to understand the role of ASH2L and Xist repeat E for histone modifications and escape gene regulation during random X-chromosome inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Yue
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Akiyo Ogawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Norishige Yamada
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - John Lalith Charles Richard
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Artem Barski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Division of Allergy & Immunology and Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Yuya Ogawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Ramachandran S, Ahmad K, Henikoff S. Capitalizing on disaster: Establishing chromatin specificity behind the replication fork. Bioessays 2017; 39. [PMID: 28133760 PMCID: PMC5513704 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201600150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic genomes are packaged into nucleosomal chromatin, and genomic activity requires the precise localization of transcription factors, histone modifications and nucleosomes. Classic work described the progressive reassembly and maturation of bulk chromatin behind replication forks. More recent proteomics has detailed the molecular machines that accompany the replicative polymerase to promote rapid histone deposition onto the newly replicated DNA. However, localized chromatin features are transiently obliterated by DNA replication every S phase of the cell cycle. Genomic strategies now observe the rebuilding of locus-specific chromatin features, and reveal surprising delays in transcription factor binding behind replication forks. This implies that transient chromatin disorganization during replication is a central juncture for targeted transcription factor binding within genomes. We propose that transient occlusion of regulatory elements by disorganized nucleosomes during chromatin maturation enforces specificity of factor binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Ramachandran
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kami Ahmad
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Steven Henikoff
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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19
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Cerase A. X chromosome inactivation: The importance of being inactive. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 56:1-2. [PMID: 27431781 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cerase
- EMBL-Monterotondo, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo, Italy.
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