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Lai S, Jia J, Cao X, Zhou PK, Gao S. Molecular and Cellular Functions of the Linker Histone H1.2. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:773195. [PMID: 35087830 PMCID: PMC8786799 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.773195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Linker histone H1.2, which belongs to the linker histone family H1, plays a crucial role in the maintenance of the stable higher-order structures of chromatin and nucleosomes. As a critical part of chromatin structure, H1.2 has an important function in regulating chromatin dynamics and participates in multiple other cellular processes as well. Recent work has also shown that linker histone H1.2 regulates the transcription levels of certain target genes and affects different processes as well, such as cancer cell growth and migration, DNA duplication and DNA repair. The present work briefly summarizes the current knowledge of linker histone H1.2 modifications. Further, we also discuss the roles of linker histone H1.2 in the maintenance of genome stability, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and its association with disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Lai
- Institute for Environmental Medicine and Radiation Hygiene, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Jia
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.,School of Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Ping-Kun Zhou
- Institute for Environmental Medicine and Radiation Hygiene, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
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Schnetler R, Fanucchi S, Moldoveanu T, Koorsen G. Linker Histone H1.2 Directly Activates BAK through the K/RVVKP Motif on the C-Terminal Domain. Biochemistry 2020; 59:3332-3346. [PMID: 32786407 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
H1.2 is a key mediator of apoptosis following DNA double-strand breaks. The link between H1.2 and canonical apoptotic pathways is unclear. One study found that H1.2 stimulates cytochrome c (Cyt c) release; in contrast, apoptosis-inducing factor was found to be released in another study. The C-terminal domain (CTD) of H1.2 has been implicated in the latter pathway, but activation of the proapoptotic protein BCL-2 homologous antagonist/killer (BAK) is a common denominator in both pathways. This study aimed to determine whether the CTD of H1.2 is also responsible for mitochondrial Cyt c release and whether a previously identified K/RVVKP motif in the CTD mediates the response. This study investigated if H1.2 mediates apoptosis induction through direct interaction with BAK. We established that the CTD of H1.2 stimulates mitochondrial Cyt c release in vitro in a mitochondrial permeability transition-independent manner and that the substitution of a single valine with threonine in the K/RVVKP motif abolishes Cyt c release. Additionally, we showed that H1.2 directly interacts with BAK with weak affinity and that the CTD of H1.2 mediates this binding. Using two 20-amino acid peptides derived from the CTD of H1.2 and H1.1 (K/RVVKP motif inclusive), we determined the main residues involved in the direct interaction with BAK. We propose that H1.2 operates through the K/RVVKP motif by directly activating BAK through inter- and intramolecular interactions. These findings expand the view of H1.2 as a signal-transducing molecule that can activate apoptosis in a BAK-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozanné Schnetler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Corner Kingsway and University Roads, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
| | - Sylvia Fanucchi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Tudor Moldoveanu
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Gerrit Koorsen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Corner Kingsway and University Roads, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
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Saloura V, Vougiouklakis T, Bao R, Kim S, Baek S, Zewde M, Bernard B, Burkitt K, Nigam N, Izumchenko E, Dohmae N, Hamamoto R, Nakamura Y. WHSC1 monomethylates histone H1 and induces stem-cell like features in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Neoplasia 2020; 22:283-293. [PMID: 32497898 PMCID: PMC7265065 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is a malignancy with poor outcomes, thus novel therapies are urgently needed. We recently showed that WHSC1 is necessary for the viability of SCCHN cells through H3K36 di-methylation. Here, we report the identification of its novel substrate, histone H1, and that WHSC1-mediated H1.4K85 mono-methylation may enhance stemness features in SCCHN cells. To identify proteins interacting with WHSC1 in SCCHN cells, WHSC1 immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry identified H1 as a WHSC1-interacting candidate. In vitro methyltransferase assays showed that WHSC1 mono-methylates H1 at K85. We generated an H1K85 mono-methylation-specific antibody and confirmed that this methylation occurs in vivo. Sphere formation assays using SCC-35 cells stably expressing either wild-type (FLAG-H1.4-WT) or mutated (FLAG-H1.4K85A) vector with lysine 85 to alanine substitution which is not methylated, indicated a higher number of spheres in SCC-35 cells expressing the wild type than those with the mutant vector. SCC-35 cells expressing the wild type H1.4 proliferated faster than those expressing the mutated vector. RNA sequencing, RT-PCR and Western blotting of the FLAG-H1.4-WT or FLAG-H1.4K85A SCC-35 cells revealed that OCT4 levels were higher in wild type compared to mutant cells. These results were reproduced in SCC-35 cells genetically modified with CRISPR to express H1.4K85R. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that FLAG-H1.4K85A had decreased occupancy in the OCT4 gene compared to FLAG-H1.4-WT. This study supports that WHSC1 mono-methylates H1.4 at K85, it induces transcriptional activation of OCT4 and stemness features in SCCHN cells, providing rationale to target H1.4K85 mono-methylation through WHSC1 in SCCHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassiliki Saloura
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA.
| | | | - Riyue Bao
- Center for Research Bioinformatics, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Sohyoung Kim
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, USA
| | - Songjoon Baek
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, USA
| | - Makda Zewde
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Benjamin Bernard
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA
| | - Kyunghee Burkitt
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA
| | - Nupur Nigam
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yusuke Nakamura
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
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Zheng L, Ma J, Mao J, Fan S, Zhang D, Zhao C, An N, Han M. Genome-wide identification of SERK genes in apple and analyses of their role in stress responses and growth. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:962. [PMID: 30587123 PMCID: PMC6307271 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5342-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinases (SERKs) are leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases associated with various signaling pathways. These kinases have a relationship with stress signals, and they are also believed to be important for regulating plant growth. However, information about this protein family in apple is limited. RESULTS Twelve apple SERK genes distributed across eight chromosomes were identified. These genes clustered into three distinct groups in a phylogenetic analysis. All of the encoded proteins contained typical SERK domains. The chromosomal locations, gene/protein structures, synteny, promoter sequences, protein-protein interactions, and physicochemical characteristics of MdSERK genes were analyzed. Bioinformatics analyses demonstrated that gene duplications have likely contributed to the expansion and evolution of SERK genes in the apple genome. Six homologs of SERK genes were identified between apple and Arabidopsis. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed that the MdSERK genes showed different expression patterns in various tissues. Eight MdSERK genes were responsive to stress signals, such as methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, abscisic acid, and salt (NaCl). The application of exogenous brassinosteroid and auxin increased the growth and endogenous hormone contents of Malus hupehensis seedlings. The expression levels of seven MdSERK genes were significantly upregulated by brassinosteroid and auxin. In addition, several MdSERK genes showed higher expression levels in standard trees of 'Nagafu 2' (CF)/CF than in dwarf trees of CF/'Malling 9' (M.9), and in CF than in the spur-type bud mutation "Yanfu 6" (YF). CONCLUSION This study represents the first comprehensive investigation of the apple SERK gene family. These data indicate that apple SERKs may function in adaptation to adverse environmental conditions and may also play roles in controlling apple tree growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Zheng
- College of Horticulture, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juanjuan Ma
- College of Horticulture, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiangping Mao
- College of Horticulture, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sheng Fan
- College of Horticulture, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Caiping Zhao
- College of Horticulture, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na An
- College of Horticulture, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China. .,College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Mingyu Han
- College of Horticulture, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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NPM1 histone chaperone is upregulated in glioblastoma to promote cell survival and maintain nucleolar shape. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16495. [PMID: 26559910 PMCID: PMC4642306 DOI: 10.1038/srep16495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (grade IV glioma) is the most common and aggressive adult brain tumor. A better understanding of the biology of glioblastoma cells is crucial to identify molecular targets stimulating cell death. NPM1 (nucleophosmin) is a multifunctional chaperone that plays an important role in cancer development. Herein, NPM1 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in human astrocytic gliomas. NPM1 was detected in all tumors but with a significantly higher staining intensity in grade IV than in low grade tumors. Depletion of NPM1 had only modest effects on the viability of U251MG, U1242MG, and U343MGa Cl2:6 glioma cells, despite alterations in nucleolar morphology. Glioma cell cultures depleted of NPM1 exposed to micromolar levels of actinomycin D were more prone to cell death (apoptosis) compared to cultures retaining NPM1. We had previously found that NPM1 binds to linker histone H1.5. Here we could show that silencing of H1.5 triggered glioma cell apoptosis as evidenced by a marked increase in both the numbers of cleaved caspase-3+ cells and in the amounts of cleaved PARP. Enforced expression of NPM1 suppressed apoptosis in H1.5 depleted glioma cells. Although our studies would suggest little effectiveness of targeting NPM1 alone there could be potential using it as a combination treatment.
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