1
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Wang C, Chen Z, Copenhaver GP, Wang Y. Heterochromatin in plant meiosis. Nucleus 2024; 15:2328719. [PMID: 38488152 PMCID: PMC10950279 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2328719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin is an organizational property of eukaryotic chromosomes, characterized by extensive DNA and histone modifications, that is associated with the silencing of transposable elements and repetitive sequences. Maintaining heterochromatin is crucial for ensuring genomic integrity and stability during the cell cycle. During meiosis, heterochromatin is important for homologous chromosome synapsis, recombination, and segregation, but our understanding of meiotic heterochromatin formation and condensation is limited. In this review, we focus on the dynamics and features of heterochromatin and how it condenses during meiosis in plants. We also discuss how meiotic heterochromatin influences the interaction and recombination of homologous chromosomes during prophase I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gregory P. Copenhaver
- Department of Biology and the Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yingxiang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Ma R, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Zhang P, Liu Z, Fan Y, Wang HT, Zhang Z, Zhu B. Targeting pericentric non-consecutive motifs for heterochromatin initiation. Nature 2024:10.1038/s41586-024-07640-5. [PMID: 38961301 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07640-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Pericentric heterochromatin is a critical component of chromosomes marked by histone H3 K9 (H3K9) methylation1-3. However, what recruits H3K9-specific histone methyltransferases to pericentric regions in vertebrates remains unclear4, as does why pericentric regions in different species share the same H3K9 methylation mark despite lacking highly conserved DNA sequences2,5. Here we show that zinc-finger proteins ZNF512 and ZNF512B specifically localize at pericentric regions through direct DNA binding. Notably, both ZNF512 and ZNF512B are sufficient to initiate de novo heterochromatin formation at ectopically targeted repetitive regions and pericentric regions, as they directly recruit SUV39H1 and SUV39H2 (SUV39H) to catalyse H3K9 methylation. SUV39H2 makes a greater contribution to H3K9 trimethylation, whereas SUV39H1 seems to contribute more to silencing, probably owing to its preferential association with HP1 proteins. ZNF512 and ZNF512B from different species can specifically target pericentric regions of other vertebrates, because the atypical long linker residues between the zinc-fingers of ZNF512 and ZNF512B offer flexibility in recognition of non-consecutively organized three-nucleotide triplets targeted by each zinc-finger. This study addresses two long-standing questions: how constitutive heterochromatin is initiated and how seemingly variable pericentric sequences are targeted by the same set of conserved machinery in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runze Ma
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pinqi Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zeqi Liu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Fan
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao-Tian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution/Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Zhuqiang Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Zhu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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3
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Atinbayeva N, Valent I, Zenk F, Loeser E, Rauer M, Herur S, Quarato P, Pyrowolakis G, Gomez-Auli A, Mittler G, Cecere G, Erhardt S, Tiana G, Zhan Y, Iovino N. Inheritance of H3K9 methylation regulates genome architecture in Drosophila early embryos. EMBO J 2024; 43:2685-2714. [PMID: 38831123 PMCID: PMC11217351 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00127-z] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Constitutive heterochromatin is essential for transcriptional silencing and genome integrity. The establishment of constitutive heterochromatin in early embryos and its role in early fruitfly development are unknown. Lysine 9 trimethylation of histone H3 (H3K9me3) and recruitment of its epigenetic reader, heterochromatin protein 1a (HP1a), are hallmarks of constitutive heterochromatin. Here, we show that H3K9me3 is transmitted from the maternal germline to the next generation. Maternally inherited H3K9me3, and the histone methyltransferases (HMT) depositing it, are required for the organization of constitutive heterochromatin: early embryos lacking H3K9 methylation display de-condensation of pericentromeric regions, centromere-centromere de-clustering, mitotic defects, and nuclear shape irregularities, resulting in embryo lethality. Unexpectedly, quantitative CUT&Tag and 4D microscopy measurements of HP1a coupled with biophysical modeling revealed that H3K9me2/3 is largely dispensable for HP1a recruitment. Instead, the main function of H3K9me2/3 at this developmental stage is to drive HP1a clustering and subsequent heterochromatin compaction. Our results show that HP1a binding to constitutive heterochromatin in the absence of H3K9me2/3 is not sufficient to promote proper embryo development and heterochromatin formation. The loss of H3K9 HMTs and H3K9 methylation alters genome organization and hinders embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazerke Atinbayeva
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Fahnenbergplatz, 79085, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Iris Valent
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Zoological Institute, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Fides Zenk
- Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences EPFL, SV3809, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eva Loeser
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Michael Rauer
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Shwetha Herur
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Piergiuseppe Quarato
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgos Pyrowolakis
- Centre for Biological signaling studies, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Alejandro Gomez-Auli
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Gerhard Mittler
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Germano Cecere
- Institute Pasteur, Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, UMR3738, CNRS, 75724, Cedex 15, Paris, France
| | - Sylvia Erhardt
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Zoological Institute, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Guido Tiana
- Università degli Studi di Milano and INFN, Milan, Italy
| | - Yinxiu Zhan
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology-IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Nicola Iovino
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
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4
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Gao J, Li F. Heterochromatin repeat organization at an individual level: Rex1BD and the 14-3-3 protein coordinate to shape the epigenetic landscape within heterochromatin repeats. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2400030. [PMID: 38679759 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400030] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, heterochromatin is typically composed of tandem DNA repeats and plays crucial roles in gene expression and genome stability. It has been reported that silencing at individual units within tandem heterochromatin repeats exhibits a position-dependent variation. However, how the heterochromatin is organized at an individual repeat level remains poorly understood. Using a novel genetic approach, our recent study identified a conserved protein Rex1BD required for position-dependent silencing within heterochromatin repeats. We further revealed that Rex1BD interacts with the 14-3-3 protein to regulate heterochromatin silencing by linking RNAi and HDAC pathways. In this review, we discuss how Rex1BD and the 14-3-3 protein coordinate to modulate heterochromatin organization at the individual repeat level, and comment on the biological significance of the position-dependent effect in heterochromatin repeats. We also identify the knowledge gaps that still need to be unveiled in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Gao
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
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5
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Yabe K, Kamio A, Oya S, Kakutani T, Hirayama M, Tanaka Y, Inagaki S. H3K9 methylation regulates heterochromatin silencing through incoherent feedforward loops. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn4149. [PMID: 38924413 PMCID: PMC11204290 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn4149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Histone H3 lysine-9 methylation (H3K9me) is a hallmark of the condensed and transcriptionally silent heterochromatin. It remains unclear how H3K9me controls transcription silencing and how cells delimit H3K9me domains to avoid silencing essential genes. Here, using Arabidopsis genetic systems that induce H3K9me2 in genes and transposons de novo, we show that H3K9me2 accumulation paradoxically also causes the deposition of the euchromatic mark H3K36me3 by a SET domain methyltransferase, ASHH3. ASHH3-induced H3K36me3 confers anti-silencing by preventing the demethylation of H3K4me1 by LDL2, which mediates transcriptional silencing downstream of H3K9me2. These results demonstrate that H3K9me2 not only facilitates but orchestrates silencing by actuating antagonistic silencing and anti-silencing pathways, providing insights into the molecular basis underlying proper partitioning of chromatin domains and the creation of metastable epigenetic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Satoyo Oya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Mami Hirayama
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuriko Tanaka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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6
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Fukushima HS, Ikeda T, Ikeda S, Takeda H. Cell cycle length governs heterochromatin reprogramming during early development in non-mammalian vertebrates. EMBO Rep 2024:10.1038/s44319-024-00188-5. [PMID: 38943003 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00188-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin marks such as H3K9me3 undergo global erasure and re-establishment after fertilization, and the proper reprogramming of H3K9me3 is essential for early development. Despite the widely conserved dynamics of heterochromatin reprogramming in invertebrates and non-mammalian vertebrates, previous studies have shown that the underlying mechanisms may differ between species. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanism of H3K9me3 dynamics in medaka (Japanese killifish, Oryzias latipes) as a non-mammalian vertebrate model, and show that rapid cell cycle during cleavage stages causes DNA replication-dependent passive erasure of H3K9me3. We also find that cell cycle slowing, toward the mid-blastula transition, permits increasing nuclear accumulation of H3K9me3 histone methyltransferase Setdb1, leading to the onset of H3K9me3 re-accumulation. We further demonstrate that cell cycle length in early development also governs H3K9me3 reprogramming in zebrafish and Xenopus laevis. Together with the previous studies in invertebrates, we propose that a cell cycle length-dependent mechanism for both global erasure and re-accumulation of H3K9me3 is conserved among rapid-cleavage species of non-mammalian vertebrates and invertebrates such as Drosophila, C. elegans, Xenopus and teleost fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroto S Fukushima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
- Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan.
| | - Takafumi Ikeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Institute for Protein Dynamics, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kyoto, 603-8555, Japan
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kyoto, 603-8555, Japan
| | - Shinra Ikeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kyoto, 603-8555, Japan.
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7
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Wakim JG, Spakowitz AJ. Physical modeling of nucleosome clustering in euchromatin resulting from interactions between epigenetic reader proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317911121. [PMID: 38900792 PMCID: PMC11214050 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317911121] [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: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Euchromatin is an accessible phase of genetic material containing genes that encode proteins with increased expression levels. The structure of euchromatin in vitro has been described as a 30-nm fiber formed from ordered nucleosome arrays. However, recent advances in microscopy have revealed an in vivo euchromatin architecture that is much more disordered, characterized by variable-length linker DNA and sporadic nucleosome clusters. In this work, we develop a theoretical model to elucidate factors contributing to the disordered in vivo architecture of euchromatin. We begin by developing a 1D model of nucleosome positioning that captures the interactions between bound epigenetic reader proteins to predict the distribution of DNA linker lengths between adjacent nucleosomes. We then use the predicted linker lengths to construct 3D chromatin configurations consistent with the physical properties of DNA within the nucleosome array, and we evaluate the distribution of nucleosome cluster sizes in those configurations. Our model reproduces experimental cluster-size distributions, which are dramatically influenced by the local pattern of epigenetic marks and the concentration of reader proteins. Based on our model, we attribute the disordered arrangement of euchromatin to the heterogeneous binding of reader proteins and subsequent short-range interactions between bound reader proteins on adjacent nucleosomes. By replicating experimental results with our physics-based model, we propose a mechanism for euchromatin organization in the nucleus that impacts gene regulation and the maintenance of epigenetic marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Wakim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Andrew J. Spakowitz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
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8
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Inada N. Regulation of heterochromatin organization in plants. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2024:10.1007/s10265-024-01550-3. [PMID: 38914831 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-024-01550-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Heterochromatin is a nuclear area that contains highly condensed and transcriptionally inactive chromatin. Alterations in the organization of heterochromatin are correlated with changes in gene expression and genome stability, which affect various aspects of plant life. Thus, studies of the molecular mechanisms that regulate heterochromatin organization are important for understanding the regulation of plant physiology. Microscopically, heterochromatin can be characterized as chromocenters that are intensely stained with DNA-binding fluorescent dyes. Arabidopsis thaliana exhibits distinctive chromocenters in interphase nuclei, and genetic studies combined with cytological analyses have identified a number of factors that are involved in heterochromatin assembly and organization. In this review, I will summarize the factors involved in the regulation of heterochromatin organization in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Inada
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, 599-8531, Osaka, Japan.
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9
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Zhou C, Wagner S, Liang FS. Induced proximity labeling and editing for epigenetic research. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1118-1131. [PMID: 38866004 PMCID: PMC11193966 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.05.005] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays a pivotal role in various biological and disease processes. Two key lines of investigation have been pursued that aim to unravel endogenous epigenetic events at particular genes (probing) and artificially manipulate the epigenetic landscape (editing). The concept of induced proximity has inspired the development of powerful tools for epigenetic research. Induced proximity strategies involve bringing molecular effectors into spatial proximity with specific genomic regions to achieve the probing or manipulation of local epigenetic environments with increased proximity. In this review, we detail the development of induced proximity methods and applications in shedding light on the intricacies of epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenwei Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Sarah Wagner
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Fu-Sen Liang
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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10
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Khanduja JS, Joh RI, Perez MM, Paulo JA, Palmieri CM, Zhang J, Gulka AOD, Haas W, Gygi SP, Motamedi M. RNA quality control factors nucleate Clr4/SUV39H and trigger constitutive heterochromatin assembly. Cell 2024; 187:3262-3283.e23. [PMID: 38815580 PMCID: PMC11227895 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.042] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, the Suv39 family of proteins tri-methylate lysine 9 of histone H3 (H3K9me) to form constitutive heterochromatin. However, how Suv39 proteins are nucleated at heterochromatin is not fully described. In the fission yeast, current models posit that Argonaute1-associated small RNAs (sRNAs) nucleate the sole H3K9 methyltransferase, Clr4/SUV39H, to centromeres. Here, we show that in the absence of all sRNAs and H3K9me, the Mtl1 and Red1 core (MTREC)/PAXT complex nucleates Clr4/SUV39H at a heterochromatic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) at which the two H3K9 deacetylases, Sir2 and Clr3, also accumulate by distinct mechanisms. Iterative cycles of H3K9 deacetylation and methylation spread Clr4/SUV39H from the nucleation center in an sRNA-independent manner, generating a basal H3K9me state. This is acted upon by the RNAi machinery to augment and amplify the Clr4/H3K9me signal at centromeres to establish heterochromatin. Overall, our data reveal that lncRNAs and RNA quality control factors can nucleate heterochromatin and function as epigenetic silencers in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasbeer S Khanduja
- Massachusetts General Hospital Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Richard I Joh
- Massachusetts General Hospital Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Monica M Perez
- Massachusetts General Hospital Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christina M Palmieri
- Massachusetts General Hospital Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- Massachusetts General Hospital Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Alex O D Gulka
- Massachusetts General Hospital Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Willhelm Haas
- Massachusetts General Hospital Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Steven P Gygi
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mo Motamedi
- Massachusetts General Hospital Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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11
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Aguirre S, Pappa S, Serna-Pujol N, Padilla N, Iacobucci S, Nacht AS, Vicent GP, Jordan A, de la Cruz X, Martínez-Balbás MA. PHF2-mediated H3K9me balance orchestrates heterochromatin stability and neural progenitor proliferation. EMBO Rep 2024:10.1038/s44319-024-00178-7. [PMID: 38890452 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00178-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin stability is crucial for progenitor proliferation during early neurogenesis. It relays on the maintenance of local hubs of H3K9me. However, understanding the formation of efficient localized levels of H3K9me remains limited. To address this question, we used neural stem cells to analyze the function of the H3K9me2 demethylase PHF2, which is crucial for progenitor proliferation. Through mass-spectroscopy and genome-wide assays, we show that PHF2 interacts with heterochromatin components and is enriched at pericentromeric heterochromatin (PcH) boundaries where it maintains transcriptional activity. This binding is essential for silencing the satellite repeats, preventing DNA damage and genome instability. PHF2's depletion increases the transcription of heterochromatic repeats, accompanied by a decrease in H3K9me3 levels and alterations in PcH organization. We further show that PHF2's PHD and catalytic domains are crucial for maintaining PcH stability, thereby safeguarding genome integrity. These results highlight the multifaceted nature of PHF2's functions in maintaining heterochromatin stability and regulating gene expression during neural development. Our study unravels the intricate relationship between heterochromatin stability and progenitor proliferation during mammalian neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Aguirre
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Stella Pappa
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Núria Serna-Pujol
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Natalia Padilla
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119, E-08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Simona Iacobucci
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - A Silvina Nacht
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo P Vicent
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Albert Jordan
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Xavier de la Cruz
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119, E-08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Català per la Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, 08018, Spain
| | - Marian A Martínez-Balbás
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, 08028, Spain.
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12
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Xu SY, Mohamed RA, Yu L, Ying SH, Feng MG. Cla4A, a Novel Regulator of Gene Expression Networks Required for Asexual and Insect-Pathogenic Lifecycles of Beauveria bassiana. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6410. [PMID: 38928117 PMCID: PMC11203800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126410] [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: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cla4, an orthologous p21-activated kinase crucial for non-entomopathogenic fungal lifestyles, has two paralogs (Cla4A/B) functionally unknown in hypocrealean entomopathogens. Here, we report a regulatory role of Cla4A in gene expression networks of Beauveria bassiana required for asexual and entomopathogenic lifecycles while Cla4B is functionally redundant. The deletion of cla4A resulted in severe growth defects, reduced stress tolerance, delayed conidiation, altered conidiation mode, impaired conidial quality, and abolished pathogenicity through cuticular penetration, contrasting with no phenotype affected by cla4B deletion. In ∆cla4A, 5288 dysregulated genes were associated with phenotypic defects, which were restored by targeted gene complementation. Among those, 3699 genes were downregulated, including more than 1300 abolished at the transcriptomic level. Hundreds of those downregulated genes were involved in the regulation of transcription, translation, and post-translational modifications and the organization and function of the nuclear chromosome, chromatin, and protein-DNA complex. DNA-binding elements in promoter regions of 130 dysregulated genes were predicted to be targeted by Cla4A domains. Samples of purified Cla4A extract were proven to bind promoter DNAs of 12 predicted genes involved in multiple stress-responsive pathways. Therefore, Cla4A acts as a novel regulator of genomic expression and stability and mediates gene expression networks required for insect-pathogenic fungal adaptations to the host and environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ming-Guang Feng
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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13
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Grattapaglia D, Alves WBDS, Pacheco CAP. High-density linkage to physical mapping in a unique Tall × Dwarf coconut ( Cocos nucifera L.) outbred F 2 uncovers a major QTL for flowering time colocalized with the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1408239. [PMID: 38887458 PMCID: PMC11180721 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1408239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The coconut tree crop (Cocos nucifera L.) provides vital resources for millions of people worldwide. Coconut germplasm is largely classified into 'Tall' (Typica) and 'Dwarf' (Nana) types. While Tall coconuts are outcrossing, stress tolerant, and late flowering, Dwarf coconuts are inbred and flower early with a high rate of bunch emission. Precocity determines the earlier production of a plantation and facilitates management and harvest. Methods A unique outbred F2 population was used, generated by intercrossing F1 hybrids between Brazilian Green Dwarf from Jiqui (BGDJ) and West African Tall (WAT) cultivars. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers fixed for alternative alleles in the two varieties, segregating in an F2 configuration, were used to build a high-density linkage map with ~3,000 SNPs, anchored to the existing chromosome-level genome assemblies, and a quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping analysis was carried out. Results The linkage map established the chromosome numbering correspondence between the two reference genome versions and the relationship between recombination rate, physical distance, and gene density in the coconut genomes. Leveraging the strong segregation for precocity inherited from the Dwarf cultivar in the F2, a major effect QTL with incomplete dominance was mapped for flowering time. FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene homologs of coconut previously described as putatively involved in flowering time by alternative splice variant analysis were colocalized within a ~200-kb window of the major effect QTL [logarithm of the odds (LOD) = 11.86]. Discussion Our work provides strong phenotype-based evidence for the role of the FT locus as the putative underlying functional variant for the flowering time difference between Dwarf and Tall coconuts. Major effect QTLs were also detected for developmental traits of the palm, plausibly suggesting pleiotropism of the FT locus for other precocity traits. Haplotypes of the two SNPs flanking the flowering time QTL inherited from the Dwarf parent BGDJ caused a reduction in the time to flower of approximately 400 days. These SNPs could be used for high-throughput marker-assisted selection of early-flowering and higher-productivity recombinant lines, providing innovative genetic material to the coconut industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Grattapaglia
- EMBRAPA - Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Programa de Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Wellington Bruno dos Santos Alves
- EMBRAPA - Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Programa de Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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14
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Serra-Bardenys G, Blanco E, Escudero-Iriarte C, Serra-Camprubí Q, Querol J, Pascual-Reguant L, Morancho B, Escorihuela M, Tissera NS, Sabé A, Martín L, Segura-Bayona S, Verde G, Aiese Cigliano R, Millanes-Romero A, Jerónimo C, Cebrià-Costa JP, Nuciforo P, Simonetti S, Viaplana C, Dienstmann R, Oliveira M, Peg V, Stracker TH, Arribas J, Canals F, Villanueva J, Di Croce L, García de Herreros A, Tian TV, Peiró S. LOXL2-mediated chromatin compaction is required to maintain the oncogenic properties of triple-negative breast cancer cells. FEBS J 2024; 291:2423-2448. [PMID: 38451841 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17112] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Oxidation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4ox) is catalyzed by lysyl oxidase homolog 2 (LOXL2). This histone modification is enriched in heterochromatin in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and has been linked to the maintenance of compacted chromatin. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this maintenance is still unknown. Here, we show that LOXL2 interacts with RuvB-Like 1 (RUVBL1), RuvB-Like 2 (RUVBL2), Actin-like protein 6A (ACTL6A), and DNA methyltransferase 1associated protein 1 (DMAP1), a complex involved in the incorporation of the histone variant H2A.Z. Our experiments indicate that this interaction and the active form of RUVBL2 are required to maintain LOXL2-dependent chromatin compaction. Genome-wide experiments showed that H2A.Z, RUVBL2, and H3K4ox colocalize in heterochromatin regions. In the absence of LOXL2 or RUVBL2, global levels of the heterochromatin histone mark H3K9me3 were strongly reduced, and the ATAC-seq signal in the H3K9me3 regions was increased. Finally, we observed that the interplay between these series of events is required to maintain H3K4ox-enriched heterochromatin regions, which in turn is key for maintaining the oncogenic properties of the TNBC cell line tested (MDA-MB-231).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Serra-Bardenys
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Bonanova FP Sanitaria, Consorci Mar Parc de Salut de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique Blanco
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain
| | | | | | - Jessica Querol
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Pascual-Reguant
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Anna Sabé
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luna Martín
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Gaetano Verde
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alba Millanes-Romero
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) and Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain
| | - Celia Jerónimo
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Paolo Nuciforo
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Simonetti
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Mafalda Oliveira
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Peg
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Oncología (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
- Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Travis H Stracker
- Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
- Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Canals
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Luciano Di Croce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio García de Herreros
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tian V Tian
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Peiró
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Munro V, Kelly V, Messner CB, Kustatscher G. Cellular control of protein levels: A systems biology perspective. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2200220. [PMID: 38012370 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200220] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
How cells regulate protein levels is a central question of biology. Over the past decades, molecular biology research has provided profound insights into the mechanisms and the molecular machinery governing each step of the gene expression process, from transcription to protein degradation. Recent advances in transcriptomics and proteomics have complemented our understanding of these fundamental cellular processes with a quantitative, systems-level perspective. Multi-omic studies revealed significant quantitative, kinetic and functional differences between the genome, transcriptome and proteome. While protein levels often correlate with mRNA levels, quantitative investigations have demonstrated a substantial impact of translation and protein degradation on protein expression control. In addition, protein-level regulation appears to play a crucial role in buffering protein abundances against undesirable mRNA expression variation. These findings have practical implications for many fields, including gene function prediction and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Munro
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Van Kelly
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christoph B Messner
- Precision Proteomics Center, Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Georg Kustatscher
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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16
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Xu W, Shen H. m 6A regulates heterochromatin in mammalian embryonic stem cells. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 86:102196. [PMID: 38669774 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
As the most well-studied modification in mRNA, m6A has been shown to regulate multiple biological processes, including RNA degradation, processing, and translation. Recent studies showed that m6A modification is enriched in chromatin-associated RNAs and nascent RNAs, suggesting m6A might play regulatory roles in chromatin contexts. Indeed, in the past several years, a number of studies have clarified how m6A and its modulators regulate different types of chromatin states. Specifically, in the past 2-3 years, several studies discovered the roles of m6A and/or its modulators in regulating constitutive and facultative heterochromatin, shedding interesting lights on RNA-dependent heterochromatin formation in mammalian cells. This review will summarize and discuss the mechanisms underlying m6A's regulation in different types of heterochromatin, with a specific emphasis on the regulation in mammalian embryonic stem cells, which exhibit distinct features of multiple heterochromatin marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Xu
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongjie Shen
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Policarpi C, Munafò M, Tsagkris S, Carlini V, Hackett JA. Systematic epigenome editing captures the context-dependent instructive function of chromatin modifications. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1168-1180. [PMID: 38724747 PMCID: PMC11176084 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01706-w] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Chromatin modifications are linked with regulating patterns of gene expression, but their causal role and context-dependent impact on transcription remains unresolved. Here we develop a modular epigenome editing platform that programs nine key chromatin modifications, or combinations thereof, to precise loci in living cells. We couple this with single-cell readouts to systematically quantitate the magnitude and heterogeneity of transcriptional responses elicited by each specific chromatin modification. Among these, we show that installing histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) at promoters can causally instruct transcription by hierarchically remodeling the chromatin landscape. We further dissect how DNA sequence motifs influence the transcriptional impact of chromatin marks, identifying switch-like and attenuative effects within distinct cis contexts. Finally, we examine the interplay of combinatorial modifications, revealing that co-targeted H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and H2AK119 monoubiquitination (H2AK119ub) maximizes silencing penetrance across single cells. Our precision-perturbation strategy unveils the causal principles of how chromatin modification(s) influence transcription and dissects how quantitative responses are calibrated by contextual interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Policarpi
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Munafò
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy
| | - Stylianos Tsagkris
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Carlini
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Biosciences, EMBL and Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jamie A Hackett
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy.
- Genome Biology Unit, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany.
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18
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Gahan JM, Helfrich LW, Wetzel LA, Bhanu NV, Yuan ZF, Garcia BA, Klose R, Booth DS. Chromatin profiling identifies putative dual roles for H3K27me3 in regulating transposons and cell type-specific genes in choanoflagellates. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.28.596151. [PMID: 38854040 PMCID: PMC11160669 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.28.596151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Gene expression is tightly controlled during animal development to allow the formation of specialized cell types. Our understanding of how animals evolved this exquisite regulatory control remains elusive, but evidence suggests that changes in chromatin-based mechanisms may have contributed. To investigate this possibility, here we examine chromatin-based gene regulatory features in the closest relatives of animals, choanoflagellates. Using Salpingoeca rosetta as a model system, we examined chromatin accessibility and histone modifications at the genome scale and compared these features to gene expression. We first observed that accessible regions of chromatin are primarily associated with gene promoters and found no evidence of distal gene regulatory elements resembling the enhancers that animals deploy to regulate developmental gene expression. Remarkably, a histone modification deposited by polycomb repressive complex 2, histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), appeared to function similarly in S. rosetta to its role in animals, because this modification decorated genes with cell type-specific expression. Additionally, H3K27me3 marked transposons, retaining what appears to be an ancestral role in regulating these elements. We further uncovered a putative new bivalent chromatin state at cell type-specific genes that consists of H3K27me3 and histone H3 lysine 4 mono-methylation (H3K4me1). Together, our discoveries support the scenario that gene-associated histone modification states that underpin development emerged before the evolution of animal multicellularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Gahan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Present Address: Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Lily W. Helfrich
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute / University of California, Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Present Address: Benchling
| | - Laura A. Wetzel
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute / University of California, Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Present Address: BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc
| | - Natarajan V. Bhanu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zuo-Fei Yuan
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Benjamin A. Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rob Klose
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David S. Booth
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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19
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Yang X, Huang Y, Xia P. The property and function of proteins undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation in plants. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024. [PMID: 38808958 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
A wide variety of membrane-less organelles in cells play an essential role in regulating gene expression, RNA processing, plant growth and development, and helping organisms cope with changing external environments. In biology, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) usually refers to a reversible process in which one or more specific molecular components are spontaneously separated from the bulk environment, producing two distinct liquid phases: concentrated and dilute. LLPS may be a powerful cellular compartmentalisation mechanism whereby biocondensates formed via LLPS when biomolecules exceed critical or saturating concentrations in the environment where they are found will be generated. It has been widely used to explain the formation of membrane-less organelles in organisms. LLPS studies in the context of plant physiology are now widespread, but most of the research is still focused on non-plant systems; the study of phase separation in plants needs to be more thorough. Proteins and nucleic acids are the main components involved in LLPS. This review summarises the specific features and properties of biomolecules undergoing LLPS in plants. We describe in detail these biomolecules' structural characteristics, the mechanism of formation of condensates, and the functions of these condensates. Finally, We summarised the phase separation mechanisms in plant growth, development, and stress adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Yang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Huang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengguo Xia
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
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20
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Castilho RM, Castilho LS, Palomares BH, Squarize CH. Determinants of Chromatin Organization in Aging and Cancer-Emerging Opportunities for Epigenetic Therapies and AI Technology. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:710. [PMID: 38927646 PMCID: PMC11202709 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060710] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review article critically examines the pivotal role of chromatin organization in gene regulation, cellular differentiation, disease progression and aging. It explores the dynamic between the euchromatin and heterochromatin, coded by a complex array of histone modifications that orchestrate essential cellular processes. We discuss the pathological impacts of chromatin state misregulation, particularly in cancer and accelerated aging conditions such as progeroid syndromes, and highlight the innovative role of epigenetic therapies and artificial intelligence (AI) in comprehending and harnessing the histone code toward personalized medicine. In the context of aging, this review explores the use of AI and advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms to parse vast biological datasets, leading to the development of predictive models for epigenetic modifications and providing a framework for understanding complex regulatory mechanisms, such as those governing cell identity genes. It supports innovative platforms like CEFCIG for high-accuracy predictions and tools like GridGO for tailored ChIP-Seq analysis, which are vital for deciphering the epigenetic landscape. The review also casts a vision on the prospects of AI and ML in oncology, particularly in the personalization of cancer therapy, including early diagnostics and treatment optimization for diseases like head and neck and colorectal cancers by harnessing computational methods, AI advancements and integrated clinical data for a transformative impact on healthcare outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogerio M. Castilho
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA; (L.S.C.); (C.H.S.)
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA
| | - Leonard S. Castilho
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA; (L.S.C.); (C.H.S.)
| | - Bruna H. Palomares
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba School of Dentistry, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba 13414-903, Sao Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Cristiane H. Squarize
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA; (L.S.C.); (C.H.S.)
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA
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21
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Cánepa ET, Berardino BG. Epigenetic mechanisms linking early-life adversities and mental health. Biochem J 2024; 481:615-642. [PMID: 38722301 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
Early-life adversities, whether prenatal or postnatal exposure, have been linked to adverse mental health outcomes later in life increasing the risk of several psychiatric disorders. Research on its neurobiological consequences demonstrated an association between exposure to adversities and persistent alterations in the structure, function, and connectivity of the brain. Consistent evidence supports the idea that regulation of gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms are involved in embedding the impact of early-life experiences in the genome and mediate between social environments and later behavioral phenotypes. In addition, studies from rodent models and humans suggest that these experiences and the acquired risk factors can be transmitted through epigenetic mechanisms to offspring and the following generations potentially contributing to a cycle of disease or disease risk. However, one of the important aspects of epigenetic mechanisms, unlike genetic sequences that are fixed and unchangeable, is that although the epigenetic markings are long-lasting, they are nevertheless potentially reversible. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the mental health consequences derived from early-life exposure to malnutrition, maltreatment and poverty, adversities with huge and pervasive impact on mental health. We also discuss the evidence about transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals and experimental data suggesting that suitable social and pharmacological interventions could reverse adverse epigenetic modifications induced by early-life negative social experiences. In this regard, these studies must be accompanied by efforts to determine the causes that promote these adversities and that result in health inequity in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo T Cánepa
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bruno G Berardino
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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22
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Duval KL, Artis AR, Goll MG. The emerging H3K9me3 chromatin landscape during zebrafish embryogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.05.582530. [PMID: 38496550 PMCID: PMC10942377 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.582530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The structural organization of eukaryotic genomes is contingent upon the fractionation of DNA into transcriptionally permissive euchromatin and repressive heterochromatin. However, we have a limited understanding of how these distinct states are first established during animal embryogenesis. Histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) is critical to heterochromatin formation and bulk establishment of this mark is thought to help drive large-scale remodeling of an initially naive chromatin state during animal embryogenesis. However, a detailed understanding of this process is lacking. Here, we leverage CUT&RUN to define the emerging H3K9me3 landscape of the zebrafish embryo with high sensitivity and temporal resolution. Despite the prevalence of DNA transposons in the zebrafish genome, we found that LTR transposons are preferentially targeted for embryonic H3K9me3 deposition, with different families exhibiting distinct establishment timelines. High signal-to-noise ratios afforded by CUT&RUN revealed new, emerging sites of low-amplitude H3K9me3 that initiated before the major wave of zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Early sites of establishment predominated at specific subsets of transposons and were particularly enriched for transposon sequences with maternal piRNAs and pericentromeric localization. Notably, the number of H3K9me3 enriched sites increased linearly across blastula development, while quantitative comparison revealed a >10-fold genome-wide increase in H3K9me3 signal at established sites over just 30 minutes at the onset of ZGA. Continued maturation of the H3K9me3 landscape was observed beyond the initial wave of bulk establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley R. Artis
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Mary G. Goll
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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23
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Zhang S, Kiarasi F. Therapeutic effects of resveratrol on epigenetic mechanisms in age-related diseases: A comprehensive review. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2347-2360. [PMID: 38421057 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Recently, various studies have shown that epigenetic changes are associated with aging and age-related diseases. Both animal and human models have revealed that epigenetic processes are involved in aging mechanisms. These processes happen at multiple levels and include histone modification, DNA methylation, and changes in noncoding RNA expression. Consequently, changes in the organization of chromatin and DNA accessibility lead to the regulation of gene expression. With increasing awareness of the pivotal function of epigenetics in the aging process, researchers' attention has been drawn to how these epigenetic changes can be modified to prevent, stop, or reverse aging, senescence, and age-related diseases. Among various agents that can affect epigenetic, polyphenols are well-known phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables, and plants. Polyphenols are found to modify epigenetic-related mechanisms in various diseases and conditions, such as metabolic disorders, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Resveratrol (RSV) is a member of the stilbene subgroup of polyphenols which is derived from various plants, such as grapes, apples, and blueberries. Therefore, herein, we aim to summarize how RSV affects different epigenetic processes to change aging-related mechanisms. Furthermore, we discuss its roles in age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farzam Kiarasi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Applied Biophotonics Research Center, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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24
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Movilla Miangolarra A, Saxton DS, Yan Z, Rine J, Howard M. Two-way feedback between chromatin compaction and histone modification state explains Saccharomyces cerevisiae heterochromatin bistability. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2403316121. [PMID: 38593082 PMCID: PMC11032488 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2403316121] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Compact chromatin is closely linked with gene silencing in part by sterically masking access to promoters, inhibiting transcription factor binding and preventing polymerase from efficiently transcribing a gene. However, a broader hypothesis suggests that chromatin compaction can be both a cause and a consequence of the locus histone modification state, with a tight bidirectional interaction underpinning bistable transcriptional states. To rigorously test this hypothesis, we developed a mathematical model for the dynamics of the HMR locus in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, that incorporates activating histone modifications, silencing proteins, and a dynamic, acetylation-dependent, three-dimensional locus size. Chromatin compaction enhances silencer protein binding, which in turn feeds back to remove activating histone modifications, leading to further compaction. The bistable output of the model was in good agreement with prior quantitative data, including switching rates from expressed to silent states (and vice versa), and protein binding/histone modification levels within the locus. We then tested the model by predicting changes in switching rates as the genetic length of the locus was increased, which were then experimentally verified. Such bidirectional feedback between chromatin compaction and the histone modification state may be a widespread and important regulatory mechanism given the hallmarks of many heterochromatic regions: physical chromatin compaction and dimerizing (or multivalent) silencing proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel S. Saxton
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Zhi Yan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Jasper Rine
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Martin Howard
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, John Innes Centre, NorwichNR4 7UH, United Kingdom
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25
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Bell CG. Epigenomic insights into common human disease pathology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:178. [PMID: 38602535 PMCID: PMC11008083 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05206-2] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The epigenome-the chemical modifications and chromatin-related packaging of the genome-enables the same genetic template to be activated or repressed in different cellular settings. This multi-layered mechanism facilitates cell-type specific function by setting the local sequence and 3D interactive activity level. Gene transcription is further modulated through the interplay with transcription factors and co-regulators. The human body requires this epigenomic apparatus to be precisely installed throughout development and then adequately maintained during the lifespan. The causal role of the epigenome in human pathology, beyond imprinting disorders and specific tumour suppressor genes, was further brought into the spotlight by large-scale sequencing projects identifying that mutations in epigenomic machinery genes could be critical drivers in both cancer and developmental disorders. Abrogation of this cellular mechanism is providing new molecular insights into pathogenesis. However, deciphering the full breadth and implications of these epigenomic changes remains challenging. Knowledge is accruing regarding disease mechanisms and clinical biomarkers, through pathogenically relevant and surrogate tissue analyses, respectively. Advances include consortia generated cell-type specific reference epigenomes, high-throughput DNA methylome association studies, as well as insights into ageing-related diseases from biological 'clocks' constructed by machine learning algorithms. Also, 3rd-generation sequencing is beginning to disentangle the complexity of genetic and DNA modification haplotypes. Cell-free DNA methylation as a cancer biomarker has clear clinical utility and further potential to assess organ damage across many disorders. Finally, molecular understanding of disease aetiology brings with it the opportunity for exact therapeutic alteration of the epigenome through CRISPR-activation or inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Bell
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London Faculty of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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26
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Larkin A, Kunze C, Seman M, Levashkevich A, Curran J, Morris-Evans D, Lemieux S, Khalil AS, Ragunathan K. Mapping the dynamics of epigenetic adaptation during heterochromatin misregulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.07.10.548368. [PMID: 37503217 PMCID: PMC10369875 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.10.548368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
A classical and well-established mechanism that enables cells to adapt to new and adverse conditions is the acquisition of beneficial genetic mutations. Much less is known about epigenetic mechanisms that allow cells to develop novel and adaptive phenotypes without altering their genetic blueprint. It has been recently proposed that histone modifications, such as heterochromatin-defining H3K9 methylation (H3K9me), normally reserved to maintain genome integrity, can be redistributed across the genome to establish new and potentially adaptive phenotypes. To uncover the dynamics of this process, we developed a precision engineered genetic approach to trigger H3K9me redistribution on-demand in fission yeast. This enabled us to trace genome-scale RNA and chromatin changes over time prior to and during adaptation in long-term continuous cultures. Establishing adaptive H3K9me occurs over remarkably slow time-scales relative to the initiating stress. During this time, we captured dynamic H3K9me redistribution events ultimately leading to cells converging on an optimal adaptive solution. Upon removal of stress, cells relax to new transcriptional and chromatin states rather than revert to their initial (ground) state, establishing a tunable memory for a future adaptive epigenetic response. Collectively, our tools uncover the slow kinetics of epigenetic adaptation that allow cells to search for and heritably encode adaptive solutions, with implications for drug resistance and response to infection.
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27
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Jin K, McCoy BM, Goldman EA, Usova V, Tkachev V, Chitsazan AD, Kakebeen A, Jeffery U, Creevy KE, Wills A, Snyder‐Mackler N, Promislow DEL. DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility predict age in the domestic dog. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14079. [PMID: 38263575 PMCID: PMC11019125 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14079] [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: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Across mammals, the epigenome is highly predictive of chronological age. These "epigenetic clocks," most of which have been built using DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles, have gained traction as biomarkers of aging and organismal health. While the ability of DNAm to predict chronological age has been repeatedly demonstrated, the ability of other epigenetic features to predict age remains unclear. Here, we use two types of epigenetic information-DNAm, and chromatin accessibility as measured by ATAC-seq-to develop age predictors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells sampled from a population of domesticated dogs. We measured DNAm and ATAC-seq profiles for 71 dogs, building separate predictive clocks from each, as well as the combined dataset. We also use fluorescence-assisted cell sorting to quantify major lymphoid populations for each sample. We found that chromatin accessibility can accurately predict chronological age (R2 ATAC = 26%), though less accurately than the DNAm clock (R2 DNAm = 33%), and the clock built from the combined datasets was comparable to both (R2 combined = 29%). We also observed various populations of CD62L+ T cells significantly correlated with dog age. Finally, we found that all three clocks selected features that were in or near at least two protein-coding genes: BAIAP2 and SCARF2, both previously implicated in processes related to cognitive or neurological impairment. Taken together, these results highlight the potential of chromatin accessibility as a complementary epigenetic resource for modeling and investigating biologic age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & PathologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Brianah M. McCoy
- Center for Evolution and MedicineArizona State UniversityTempeArizonaUSA
- School of Life SciencesArizona State UniversityTempeArizonaUSA
| | | | - Viktoria Usova
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & PathologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Victor Tkachev
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/OncologyBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Dana Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Alex D. Chitsazan
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Anneke Kakebeen
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Unity Jeffery
- College of Veterinary MedicineTexas A & M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - Kate E. Creevy
- College of Veterinary MedicineTexas A & M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - Andrea Wills
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Noah Snyder‐Mackler
- Center for Evolution and MedicineArizona State UniversityTempeArizonaUSA
- School of Life SciencesArizona State UniversityTempeArizonaUSA
| | - Daniel E. L. Promislow
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & PathologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of BiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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28
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Hananya N, Koren S, Muir TW. Interrogating epigenetic mechanisms with chemically customized chromatin. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:255-271. [PMID: 37985791 PMCID: PMC11176933 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00664-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and genomic techniques have proven incredibly powerful for identifying and studying molecular players implicated in the epigenetic regulation of DNA-templated processes such as transcription. However, achieving a mechanistic understanding of how these molecules interact with chromatin to elicit a functional output is non-trivial, owing to the tremendous complexity of the biochemical networks involved. Advances in protein engineering have enabled the reconstitution of 'designer' chromatin containing customized post-translational modification patterns, which, when used in conjunction with sophisticated biochemical and biophysical methods, allow many mechanistic questions to be addressed. In this Review, we discuss how such tools complement established 'omics' techniques to answer fundamental questions on chromatin regulation, focusing on chromatin mark establishment and protein-chromatin interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Hananya
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Shany Koren
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Tom W Muir
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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29
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Otsuka A, Minami K, Higashi K, Kawaguchi A, Tamura S, Ide S, Hendzel MJ, Kurokawa K, Maeshima K. Chromatin organization and behavior in HRAS-transformed mouse fibroblasts. Chromosoma 2024; 133:135-148. [PMID: 38400910 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-024-00817-x] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
In higher eukaryotic cells, a string of nucleosomes, where long genomic DNA is wrapped around core histones, are rather irregularly folded into a number of condensed chromatin domains, which have been revealed by super-resolution imaging and Hi-C technologies. Inside these domains, nucleosomes fluctuate and locally behave like a liquid. The behavior of chromatin may be highly related to DNA transaction activities such as transcription and repair, which are often upregulated in cancer cells. To investigate chromatin behavior in cancer cells and compare those of cancer and non-cancer cells, we focused on oncogenic-HRAS (Gly12Val)-transformed mouse fibroblasts CIRAS-3 cells and their parental 10T1/2 cells. CIRAS-3 cells are tumorigenic and highly metastatic. First, we found that HRAS-induced transformation altered not only chromosome structure, but also nuclear morphology in the cell. Using single-nucleosome imaging/tracking in live cells, we demonstrated that nucleosomes are locally more constrained in CIRAS-3 cells than in 10T1/2 cells. Consistently, heterochromatin marked with H3K27me3 was upregulated in CIRAS-3 cells. Finally, Hi-C analysis showed enriched interactions of the B-B compartment in CIRAS-3 cells, which likely represents transcriptionally inactive chromatin. Increased heterochromatin may play an important role in cell migration, as they have been reported to increase during metastasis. Our study also suggests that single-nucleosome imaging provides new insights into how local chromatin is structured in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoi Otsuka
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Minami
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Koichi Higashi
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
- Genome Evolution Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Akane Kawaguchi
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
- Molecular Life History Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Sachiko Tamura
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Satoru Ide
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Michael J Hendzel
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ken Kurokawa
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
- Genome Evolution Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Maeshima
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.
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30
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Gopinathan G, Xu Q, Luan X, Diekwisch TGH. CFDP1 regulates the stability of pericentric heterochromatin thereby affecting RAN GTPase activity and mitotic spindle formation. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002574. [PMID: 38630655 PMCID: PMC11023358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The densely packed centromeric heterochromatin at minor and major satellites is comprised of H3K9me2/3 histones, the heterochromatin protein HP1α, and histone variants. In the present study, we sought to determine the mechanisms by which condensed heterochromatin at major and minor satellites stabilized by the chromatin factor CFDP1 affects the activity of the small GTPase Ran as a requirement for spindle formation. CFDP1 colocalized with heterochromatin at major and minor satellites and was essential for the structural stability of centromeric heterochromatin. Loss of CENPA, HP1α, and H2A.Z heterochromatin components resulted in decreased binding of the spindle nucleation facilitator RCC1 to minor and major satellite repeats. Decreased RanGTP levels as a result of diminished RCC1 binding interfered with chromatin-mediated microtubule nucleation at the onset of mitotic spindle formation. Rescuing chromatin H2A.Z levels in cells and mice lacking CFDP1 through knock-down of the histone chaperone ANP32E not only partially restored RCC1-dependent RanGTP levels but also alleviated CFDP1-knockout-related craniofacial defects and increased microtubule nucleation in CFDP1/ANP32E co-silenced cells. Together, these studies provide evidence for a direct link between condensed heterochromatin at major and minor satellites and microtubule nucleation through the chromatin protein CFDP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Gopinathan
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Qian Xu
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Xianghong Luan
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Thomas G. H. Diekwisch
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
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31
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Flury V, Groth A. Safeguarding the epigenome through the cell cycle: a multitasking game. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 85:102161. [PMID: 38447236 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Sustaining cell identity and function across cell division is germane to human development, healthspan, and cancer avoidance. This relies significantly on propagation of chromatin organization between cell generations, as chromatin presents a barrier to cell fate and cell state conversions. Inheritance of chromatin states across the many cell divisions required for development and tissue homeostasis represents a major challenge, especially because chromatin is disrupted to allow passage of the DNA replication fork to synthesize the two daughter strands. This process also leads to a twofold dilution of epigenetic information in histones, which needs to be accurately restored for faithful propagation of chromatin states across cell divisions. Recent research has identified distinct multilayered mechanisms acting to propagate epigenetic information to daughter strands. Here, we summarize key principles of how epigenetic information in parental histones is transferred across DNA replication and how new histones robustly acquire the same information postreplication, representing a core component of epigenetic cell memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Flury
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark. https://twitter.com/@ValeFlury
| | - Anja Groth
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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32
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Uneme Y, Maeda R, Nakayama G, Narita H, Takeda N, Hiramatsu R, Nishihara H, Nakato R, Kanai Y, Araki K, Siomi MC, Yamanaka S. Morc1 reestablishes H3K9me3 heterochromatin on piRNA-targeted transposons in gonocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317095121. [PMID: 38502704 PMCID: PMC10990106 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317095121] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
To maintain fertility, male mice re-repress transposable elements (TEs) that were de-silenced in the early gonocytes before their differentiation into spermatogonia. However, the mechanism of TE silencing re-establishment remains unknown. Here, we found that the DNA-binding protein Morc1, in cooperation with the methyltransferase SetDB1, deposits the repressive histone mark H3K9me3 on a large fraction of activated TEs, leading to heterochromatin. Morc1 also triggers DNA methylation, but TEs targeted by Morc1-driven DNA methylation only slightly overlapped with those repressed by Morc1/SetDB1-dependent heterochromatin formation, suggesting that Morc1 silences TEs in two different manners. In contrast, TEs regulated by Morc1 and Miwi2, the nuclear PIWI-family protein, almost overlapped. Miwi2 binds to PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) that base-pair with TE mRNAs via sequence complementarity, while Morc1 DNA binding is not sequence specific, suggesting that Miwi2 selects its targets, and then, Morc1 acts to repress them with cofactors. A high-ordered mechanism of TE repression in gonocytes has been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Uneme
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0032, Japan
| | - Ryu Maeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0032, Japan
| | - Gen Nakayama
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0032, Japan
| | - Haruka Narita
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0032, Japan
| | - Naoki Takeda
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto860-0811, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hiramatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-8657, Japan
| | - Hidenori Nishihara
- Department of Advanced Bioscience, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara631-8505, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Nakato
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0032, Japan
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-8657, Japan
| | - Kimi Araki
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto860-0811, Japan
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging, Kumamoto University, Honjo, Kumamoto860-8556, Japan
| | - Mikiko C. Siomi
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0032, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0032, Japan
| | - Soichiro Yamanaka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0032, Japan
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33
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Fang Y, Hua X, Shan CM, Toda T, Qiao F, Zhang Z, Jia S. Coordination of histone chaperones for parental histone segregation and epigenetic inheritance. Genes Dev 2024; 38:189-204. [PMID: 38479839 PMCID: PMC10982699 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351278.123] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Chromatin-based epigenetic memory relies on the accurate distribution of parental histone H3-H4 tetramers to newly replicated DNA strands. Mcm2, a subunit of the replicative helicase, and Dpb3/4, subunits of DNA polymerase ε, govern parental histone H3-H4 deposition to the lagging and leading strands, respectively. However, their contribution to epigenetic inheritance remains controversial. Here, using fission yeast heterochromatin inheritance systems that eliminate interference from initiation pathways, we show that a Mcm2 histone binding mutation severely disrupts heterochromatin inheritance, while mutations in Dpb3/4 cause only moderate defects. Surprisingly, simultaneous mutations of Mcm2 and Dpb3/4 stabilize heterochromatin inheritance. eSPAN (enrichment and sequencing of protein-associated nascent DNA) analyses confirmed the conservation of Mcm2 and Dpb3/4 functions in parental histone H3-H4 segregation, with their combined absence showing a more symmetric distribution of parental histone H3-H4 than either single mutation alone. Furthermore, the FACT histone chaperone regulates parental histone transfer to both strands and collaborates with Mcm2 and Dpb3/4 to maintain parental histone H3-H4 density and faithful heterochromatin inheritance. These results underscore the importance of both symmetric distribution of parental histones and their density at daughter strands for epigenetic inheritance and unveil distinctive properties of parental histone chaperones during DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Fang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - Xu Hua
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Chun-Min Shan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Takenori Toda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - Feng Qiao
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Songtao Jia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA;
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34
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Lin L, Huang Y, McIntyre J, Chang CH, Colmenares S, Lee YCG. Prevalent fast evolution of genes involved in heterochromatin functions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.03.583199. [PMID: 38496614 PMCID: PMC10942301 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.03.583199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Heterochromatin is a gene-poor and repeat-rich genomic compartment ubiquitously found in eukaryotes. Despite its low transcriptional activity, heterochromatin plays important roles in maintaining genome stability, organizing chromosomes, and suppressing transposable elements (TEs). Given the importance of these functions, it is expected that the genes involved in heterochromatin regulation would be highly conserved. Yet, a handful of these genes have been found to evolve rapidly. To investigate whether these previous findings are anecdotal or general to genes modulating heterochromatin, we compiled an exhaustive list of 106 candidate genes involved in heterochromatin functions and investigated their evolution over both short and long evolutionary time scales in Drosophila. Our analyses found that these genes exhibit significantly more frequent evolutionary changes, both in the forms of amino acid substitutions and gene copy number variation, when compared to genes involved in Polycomb-based repressive chromatin. While positive selection drives amino acid changes within both structured domains with diverse functions and irregular disordered regions (IDRs), purifying selection may have maintained the proportions of IDRs. Together with the observed negative associations between rates of protein evolution of these genes and genomic TE abundance, we propose an evolutionary model where the fast evolution of genes involved in heterochromatin functions is an inevitable outcome of the unique molecular features of the heterochromatin environment, while the rapid evolution of TEs may be an effect rather than cause. Our study provides an important global view of the evolution of genes involved in this critical cellular domain and provides insights into the factors driving the distinctive evolution of heterochromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Lin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
| | - Yuheng Huang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
| | - Jennifer McIntyre
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
| | | | - Serafin Colmenares
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Yuh Chwen G. Lee
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
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35
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Saab C, Stephan J, Akoury E. Structural insights into the binding mechanism of Clr4 methyltransferase to H3K9 methylated nucleosome. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5438. [PMID: 38443490 PMCID: PMC10914790 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56248-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The establishment and maintenance of heterochromatin, a specific chromatin structure essential for genomic stability and regulation, rely on intricate interactions between chromatin-modifying enzymes and nucleosomal histone proteins. However, the precise trigger for these modifications remains unclear, thus highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of how methyltransferases facilitate histone methylation among others. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying heterochromatin assembly by studying the interaction between the H3K9 methyltransferase Clr4 and H3K9-methylated nucleosomes. Using a combination of liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and cryo-electron microscopy, we elucidate the structural basis of Clr4 binding to H3K9-methylated nucleosomes. Our results reveal that Clr4 engages with nucleosomes through its chromodomain and disordered regions to promote de novo methylation. This study provides crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms governing heterochromatin formation by highlighting the significance of chromatin-modifying enzymes in genome regulation and disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Saab
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC, H3AOB8, Canada
| | - Joseph Stephan
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, PO Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Elias Akoury
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon.
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36
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Bisht S, Mao Y, Easwaran H. Epigenetic dynamics of aging and cancer development: current concepts from studies mapping aging and cancer epigenomes. Curr Opin Oncol 2024; 36:82-92. [PMID: 38441107 PMCID: PMC10939788 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000001020] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review emphasizes the role of epigenetic processes as incidental changes occurring during aging, which, in turn, promote the development of cancer. RECENT FINDINGS Aging is a complex biological process associated with the progressive deterioration of normal physiological functions, making age a significant risk factor for various disorders, including cancer. The increasing longevity of the population has made cancer a global burden, as the risk of developing most cancers increases with age due to the cumulative effect of exposure to environmental carcinogens and DNA replication errors. The classical 'somatic mutation theory' of cancer cause is being challenged by the observation that multiple normal cells harbor cancer driver mutations without resulting in cancer. In this review, we discuss the role of age-associated epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, which occur across all cell types and tissues with advancing age. There is an increasing body of evidence linking these changes with cancer risk and prognosis. SUMMARY A better understanding about the epigenetic changes acquired during aging is critical for comprehending the mechanisms leading to the age-associated increase in cancer and for developing novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Bisht
- Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yiqing Mao
- Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hariharan Easwaran
- Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Taglini F, Kafetzopoulos I, Rolls W, Musialik KI, Lee HY, Zhang Y, Marenda M, Kerr L, Finan H, Rubio-Ramon C, Gautier P, Wapenaar H, Kumar D, Davidson-Smith H, Wills J, Murphy LC, Wheeler A, Wilson MD, Sproul D. DNMT3B PWWP mutations cause hypermethylation of heterochromatin. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1130-1155. [PMID: 38291337 PMCID: PMC7615734 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00061-5] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The correct establishment of DNA methylation patterns is vital for mammalian development and is achieved by the de novo DNA methyltransferases DNMT3A and DNMT3B. DNMT3B localises to H3K36me3 at actively transcribing gene bodies via its PWWP domain. It also functions at heterochromatin through an unknown recruitment mechanism. Here, we find that knockout of DNMT3B causes loss of methylation predominantly at H3K9me3-marked heterochromatin and that DNMT3B PWWP domain mutations or deletion result in striking increases of methylation in H3K9me3-marked heterochromatin. Removal of the N-terminal region of DNMT3B affects its ability to methylate H3K9me3-marked regions. This region of DNMT3B directly interacts with HP1α and facilitates the bridging of DNMT3B with H3K9me3-marked nucleosomes in vitro. Our results suggest that DNMT3B is recruited to H3K9me3-marked heterochromatin in a PWWP-independent manner that is facilitated by the protein's N-terminal region through an interaction with a key heterochromatin protein. More generally, we suggest that DNMT3B plays a role in DNA methylation homeostasis at heterochromatin, a process which is disrupted in cancer, aging and Immunodeficiency, Centromeric Instability and Facial Anomalies (ICF) syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Taglini
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- CRUK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ioannis Kafetzopoulos
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- CRUK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Altos Labs, Cambridge Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Willow Rolls
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kamila Irena Musialik
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- CRUK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences and Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Heng Yang Lee
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- CRUK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, The Royal College of Surgeons RCSI, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mattia Marenda
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Department of Experimental Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Lyndsay Kerr
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Hannah Finan
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- CRUK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zürich, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Rubio-Ramon
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- CRUK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Gautier
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hannah Wapenaar
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dhananjay Kumar
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hazel Davidson-Smith
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jimi Wills
- CRUK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Laura C Murphy
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ann Wheeler
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marcus D Wilson
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Duncan Sproul
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- CRUK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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38
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Muhammad A, Sarkadi Z, van Emden T, Mazumder A, Capella M, Fekete G, Sreechakram VNS, Al-Sady B, Papp B, Barrales RR, Braun S. A systematic quantitative approach comprehensively defines domain-specific functional pathways linked to Schizosaccharomyces pombe heterochromatin regulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.13.579970. [PMID: 38405799 PMCID: PMC10888830 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.579970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Heterochromatin plays a critical role in regulating gene expression and maintaining genome integrity. While structural and enzymatic components have been linked to heterochromatin establishment, a comprehensive view of the underlying pathways at diverse heterochromatin domains remains elusive. Here, we developed a systematic approach to identify factors involved in heterochromatin silencing at pericentromeres, subtelomeres, and the silent mating type locus in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Using quantitative measures, iterative genetic screening, and domain-specific heterochromatin reporters, we identified 369 mutants with different degrees of reduced or enhanced silencing. As expected, mutations in the core heterochromatin machinery globally decreased silencing. However, most other mutants exhibited distinct qualitative and quantitative profiles that indicate domain-specific functions. For example, decreased mating type silencing was linked to mutations in heterochromatin maintenance genes, while compromised subtelomere silencing was associated with metabolic pathways. Furthermore, similar phenotypic profiles revealed shared functions for subunits within complexes. We also discovered that the uncharacterized protein Dhm2 plays a crucial role in maintaining constitutive and facultative heterochromatin, while its absence caused phenotypes akin to DNA replication-deficient mutants. Collectively, our systematic approach unveiled a landscape of domain-specific heterochromatin regulators controlling distinct states and identified Dhm2 as a previously unknown factor linked to heterochromatin inheritance and replication fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abubakar Muhammad
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Division of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Zsuzsa Sarkadi
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Division of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Institute of Biochemistry, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- HCEMM-BRC Metabolic Systems Biology Lab, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Thomas van Emden
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Division of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Agnisrota Mazumder
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Division of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Matias Capella
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Division of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Present address: Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral, CONICET, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gergely Fekete
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Institute of Biochemistry, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- HCEMM-BRC Metabolic Systems Biology Lab, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Vishnu N Suma Sreechakram
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Division of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Bassem Al-Sady
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, George Williams Hooper Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Balázs Papp
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Institute of Biochemistry, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- HCEMM-BRC Metabolic Systems Biology Lab, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ramón Ramos Barrales
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Division of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Present address: Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Junta de Andalucía, Seville, Spain
| | - Sigurd Braun
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Division of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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Ingersoll S, Trouth A, Luo X, Espinoza A, Wen J, Tucker J, Astatike K, Phiel CJ, Kutateladze TG, Wu TP, Ramachandran S, Ren X. Sparse CBX2 nucleates many Polycomb proteins to promote facultative heterochromatinization of Polycomb target genes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.05.578969. [PMID: 38370615 PMCID: PMC10871256 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.05.578969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Facultative heterochromatinization of genomic regulators by Polycomb repressive complex (PRC) 1 and 2 is essential in development and differentiation; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure. Using genetic engineering, molecular approaches, and live-cell single-molecule imaging, we quantify the number of proteins within condensates formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and find that in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), approximately 3 CBX2 proteins nucleate many PRC1 and PRC2 subunits to form one non-stoichiometric condensate. We demonstrate that sparse CBX2 prevents Polycomb proteins from migrating to constitutive heterochromatin, demarcates the spatial boundaries of facultative heterochromatin, controls the deposition of H3K27me3, regulates transcription, and impacts cellular differentiation. Furthermore, we show that LLPS of CBX2 is required for the demarcation and deposition of H3K27me3 and is essential for cellular differentiation. Our findings uncover new functional roles of LLPS in the formation of facultative heterochromatin and unravel a new mechanism by which low-abundant proteins nucleate many other proteins to form compartments that enable them to execute their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Ingersoll
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA
| | - Abby Trouth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Xinlong Luo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Axel Espinoza
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA
| | - Joey Wen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA
| | - Joseph Tucker
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA
| | - Kalkidan Astatike
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA
| | - Christopher J. Phiel
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA
| | - Tatiana G. Kutateladze
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Tao P. Wu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Srinivas Ramachandran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Xiaojun Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA
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40
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Ramos-Alonso L, Chymkowitch P. Maintaining transcriptional homeostasis during cell cycle. Transcription 2024; 15:1-21. [PMID: 37655806 PMCID: PMC11093055 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2023.2246868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The preservation of gene expression patterns that define cellular identity throughout the cell division cycle is essential to perpetuate cellular lineages. However, the progression of cells through different phases of the cell cycle severely disrupts chromatin accessibility, epigenetic marks, and the recruitment of transcriptional regulators. Notably, chromatin is transiently disassembled during S-phase and undergoes drastic condensation during mitosis, which is a significant challenge to the preservation of gene expression patterns between cell generations. This article delves into the specific gene expression and chromatin regulatory mechanisms that facilitate the preservation of transcriptional identity during replication and mitosis. Furthermore, we emphasize our recent findings revealing the unconventional role of yeast centromeres and mitotic chromosomes in maintaining transcriptional fidelity beyond mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Ramos-Alonso
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pierre Chymkowitch
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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41
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Sun L, Liu L, Song C, Wang Y, Jin QW. Heat stress-induced activation of MAPK pathway attenuates Atf1-dependent epigenetic inheritance of heterochromatin in fission yeast. eLife 2024; 13:e90525. [PMID: 38289024 PMCID: PMC10863984 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90525] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells are constantly exposed to various environmental stimuli. It remains largely unexplored how environmental cues bring about epigenetic fluctuations and affect heterochromatin stability. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, heterochromatic silencing is quite stable at pericentromeres but unstable at the mating-type (mat) locus under chronic heat stress, although both loci are within the major constitutive heterochromatin regions. Here, we found that the compromised gene silencing at the mat locus at elevated temperature is linked to the phosphorylation status of Atf1, a member of the ATF/CREB superfamily. Constitutive activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling disrupts epigenetic maintenance of heterochromatin at the mat locus even under normal temperature. Mechanistically, phosphorylation of Atf1 impairs its interaction with heterochromatin protein Swi6HP1, resulting in lower site-specific Swi6HP1 enrichment. Expression of non-phosphorylatable Atf1, tethering Swi6HP1 to the mat3M-flanking site or absence of the anti-silencing factor Epe1 can largely or partially rescue heat stress-induced defective heterochromatic maintenance at the mat locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Libo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Chunlin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Yamei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Quan-wen Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
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42
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Mandal AK. Recent insights into crosstalk between genetic parasites and their host genome. Brief Funct Genomics 2024; 23:15-23. [PMID: 36307128 PMCID: PMC10799329 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The bulk of higher order organismal genomes is comprised of transposable element (TE) copies, i.e. genetic parasites. The host-parasite relation is multi-faceted, varying across genomic region (genic versus intergenic), life-cycle stages, tissue-type and of course in health versus pathological state. The reach of functional genomics though, in investigating genotype-to-phenotype relations, has been limited when TEs are involved. The aim of this review is to highlight recent progress made in understanding how TE origin biochemical activity interacts with the central dogma stages of the host genome. Such interaction can also bring about modulation of the immune context and this could have important repercussions in disease state where immunity has a role to play. Thus, the review is to instigate ideas and action points around identifying evolutionary adaptations that the host genome and the genetic parasite have evolved and why they could be relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K Mandal
- Corresponding author: A.K. Mandal, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS), University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research building (ORCRB), Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1865 617123; Fax: +44 (0)1865 768876; E-mail:
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43
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van Bueren MAE, Janssen A. The impact of chromatin on double-strand break repair: Imaging tools and discoveries. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 133:103592. [PMID: 37976899 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic nuclei are constantly being exposed to factors that break or chemically modify the DNA. Accurate repair of this DNA damage is crucial to prevent DNA mutations and maintain optimal cell function. To overcome the detrimental effects of DNA damage, a multitude of repair pathways has evolved. These pathways need to function properly within the different chromatin domains present in the nucleus. Each of these domains exhibit distinct molecular- and bio-physical characteristics that can influence the response to DNA damage. In particular, chromatin domains highly enriched for repetitive DNA sequences, such as nucleoli, centromeres and pericentromeric heterochromatin require tailored repair mechanisms to safeguard genome stability. Work from the past decades has led to the development of innovative imaging tools as well as inducible DNA damage techniques to gain new insights into the impact of these repetitive chromatin domains on the DNA repair process. Here we summarize these tools with a particular focus on Double-Strand Break (DSB) repair, and discuss the insights gained into our understanding of the influence of chromatin domains on DSB -dynamics and -repair pathway choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit A E van Bueren
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Aniek Janssen
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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44
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Liu H, Marayati BF, de la Cerda D, Lemezis BM, Gao J, Song Q, Chen M, Reid KZ. The Cross-Regulation Between Set1, Clr4, and Lsd1/2 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011107. [PMID: 38181050 PMCID: PMC10795994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic chromatin is organized into either silenced heterochromatin or relaxed euchromatin regions, which controls the accessibility of transcriptional machinery and thus regulates gene expression. In fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Set1 is the sole H3K4 methyltransferase and is mainly enriched at the promoters of actively transcribed genes. In contrast, Clr4 methyltransferase initiates H3K9 methylation, which has long been regarded as a hallmark of heterochromatic silencing. Lsd1 and Lsd2 are two highly conserved H3K4 and H3K9 demethylases. As these histone-modifying enzymes perform critical roles in maintaining histone methylation patterns and, consequently, gene expression profiles, cross-regulations among these enzymes are part of the complex regulatory networks. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms that govern their signaling and mutual regulations remains crucial. Here, we demonstrated that C-terminal truncation mutants, lsd1-ΔHMG and lsd2-ΔC, do not compromise the integrity of the Lsd1/2 complex but impair their chromatin-binding capacity at the promoter region of target genomic loci. We identified protein-protein interactions between Lsd1/2 and Raf2 or Swd2, which are the subunits of the Clr4 complex (CLRC) and Set1-associated complex (COMPASS), respectively. We showed that Clr4 and Set1 modulate the protein levels of Lsd1 and Lsd2 in opposite ways through the ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent pathway. During heat stress, the protein levels of Lsd1 and Lsd2 are upregulated in a Set1-dependent manner. The increase in protein levels is crucial for differential gene expression under stress conditions. Together, our results support a cross-regulatory model by which Set1 and Clr4 methyltransferases control the protein levels of Lsd1/2 demethylases to shape the dynamic chromatin landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Liu
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Bahjat Fadi Marayati
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David de la Cerda
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brendan Matthew Lemezis
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jieyu Gao
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Qianqian Song
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Minghan Chen
- Department of Computer Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ke Zhang Reid
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
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45
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Fatima N, Saif Ur Rahman M, Qasim M, Ali Ashfaq U, Ahmed U, Masoud MS. Transcriptional Factors Mediated Reprogramming to Pluripotency. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:367-388. [PMID: 37073151 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230417084518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
A unique kind of pluripotent cell, i.e., Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), now being targeted for iPSC synthesis, are produced by reprogramming animal and human differentiated cells (with no change in genetic makeup for the sake of high efficacy iPSCs formation). The conversion of specific cells to iPSCs has revolutionized stem cell research by making pluripotent cells more controllable for regenerative therapy. For the past 15 years, somatic cell reprogramming to pluripotency with force expression of specified factors has been a fascinating field of biomedical study. For that technological primary viewpoint reprogramming method, a cocktail of four transcription factors (TF) has required: Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), four-octamer binding protein 34 (OCT3/4), MYC and SOX2 (together referred to as OSKM) and host cells. IPS cells have great potential for future tissue replacement treatments because of their ability to self-renew and specialize in all adult cell types, although factor-mediated reprogramming mechanisms are still poorly understood medically. This technique has dramatically improved performance and efficiency, making it more useful in drug discovery, disease remodeling, and regenerative medicine. Moreover, in these four TF cocktails, more than 30 reprogramming combinations were proposed, but for reprogramming effectiveness, only a few numbers have been demonstrated for the somatic cells of humans and mice. Stoichiometry, a combination of reprogramming agents and chromatin remodeling compounds, impacts kinetics, quality, and efficiency in stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazira Fatima
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Muhammad Saif Ur Rahman
- Institute of Advanced Studies, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Muhammad Qasim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Usman Ali Ashfaq
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Uzair Ahmed
- EMBL Partnership Institute for Genome Editing Technologies, Vilnius University, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Muhammad Shareef Masoud
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
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46
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Maeshima K, Iida S, Shimazoe MA, Tamura S, Ide S. Is euchromatin really open in the cell? Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:7-17. [PMID: 37385880 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Genomic DNA is wrapped around a core histone octamer and forms a nucleosome. In higher eukaryotic cells, strings of nucleosomes are irregularly folded as chromatin domains that act as functional genome units. According to a typical textbook model, chromatin can be categorized into two types, euchromatin and heterochromatin, based on its degree of compaction. Euchromatin is open, while heterochromatin is closed and condensed. However, is euchromatin really open in the cell? New evidence from genomics and advanced imaging studies has revealed that euchromatin consists of condensed liquid-like domains. Condensed chromatin seems to be the default chromatin state in higher eukaryotic cells. We discuss this novel view of euchromatin in the cell and how the revealed organization is relevant to genome functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Maeshima
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan; Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.
| | - Shiori Iida
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan; Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Masa A Shimazoe
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan; Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Sachiko Tamura
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Satoru Ide
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan; Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
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47
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Arbel-Groissman M, Menuhin-Gruman I, Yehezkeli H, Naki D, Bergman S, Udi Y, Tuller T. The Causes for Genomic Instability and How to Try and Reduce Them Through Rational Design of Synthetic DNA. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2760:371-392. [PMID: 38468099 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3658-9_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Genetic engineering has revolutionized our ability to manipulate DNA and engineer organisms for various applications. However, this approach can lead to genomic instability, which can result in unwanted effects such as toxicity, mutagenesis, and reduced productivity. To overcome these challenges, smart design of synthetic DNA has emerged as a promising solution. By taking into consideration the intricate relationships between gene expression and cellular metabolism, researchers can design synthetic constructs that minimize metabolic stress on the host cell, reduce mutagenesis, and increase protein yield. In this chapter, we summarize the main challenges of genomic instability in genetic engineering and address the dangers of unknowingly incorporating genomically unstable sequences in synthetic DNA. We also demonstrate the instability of those sequences by the fact that they are selected against conserved sequences in nature. We highlight the benefits of using ESO, a tool for the rational design of DNA for avoiding genetically unstable sequences, and also summarize the main principles and working parameters of the software that allow maximizing its benefits and impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matan Arbel-Groissman
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Itamar Menuhin-Gruman
- School of Mathematical Sciences, The Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hader Yehezkeli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Doron Naki
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shaked Bergman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yarin Udi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamir Tuller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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48
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Baumann C, Zhang X, Kandasamy MK, Mei X, Chen S, Tehrani KF, Mortensen LJ, Watford W, Lall A, De La Fuente R. Acute irradiation induces a senescence-like chromatin structure in mammalian oocytes. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1258. [PMID: 38086992 PMCID: PMC10716162 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms leading to changes in mesoscale chromatin organization during cellular aging are unknown. Here, we used transcriptional activator-like effectors, RNA-seq and superresolution analysis to determine the effects of genotoxic stress on oocyte chromatin structure. Major satellites are organized into tightly packed globular structures that coalesce into chromocenters and dynamically associate with the nucleolus. Acute irradiation significantly enhanced chromocenter mobility in transcriptionally inactive oocytes. In transcriptionally active oocytes, irradiation induced a striking unfolding of satellite chromatin fibers and enhanced the expression of transcripts required for protection from oxidative stress (Fermt1, Smg1), recovery from DNA damage (Tlk2, Rad54l) and regulation of heterochromatin assembly (Zfp296, Ski-oncogene). Non-irradiated, senescent oocytes exhibit not only high chromocenter mobility and satellite distension but also a high frequency of extra chromosomal satellite DNA. Notably, analysis of biological aging using an oocyte-specific RNA clock revealed cellular communication, posttranslational protein modifications, chromatin and histone dynamics as the top cellular processes that are dysregulated in both senescent and irradiated oocytes. Our results indicate that unfolding of heterochromatin fibers following acute genotoxic stress or cellular aging induced the formation of distended satellites and that abnormal chromatin structure together with increased chromocenter mobility leads to chromosome instability in senescent oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Baumann
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Regenerative Biosciences Center (RBC), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Regenerative Biosciences Center (RBC), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Xiaohan Mei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Division of Surgical Research, University of Missouri, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shiyou Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Division of Surgical Research, University of Missouri, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Kayvan F Tehrani
- Regenerative Biosciences Center (RBC), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Luke J Mortensen
- Regenerative Biosciences Center (RBC), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Wendy Watford
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Ashley Lall
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Regenerative Biosciences Center (RBC), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Rabindranath De La Fuente
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Regenerative Biosciences Center (RBC), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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49
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Ukmar-Godec T, Cima-Omori MS, Yerkesh Z, Eswara K, Yu T, Ramesh R, Riviere G, Ibanez de Opakua A, Fischle W, Zweckstetter M. Multimodal interactions drive chromatin phase separation and compaction. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308858120. [PMID: 38048471 PMCID: PMC10723116 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308858120] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene silencing is intimately connected to DNA condensation and the formation of transcriptionally inactive heterochromatin by Heterochromatin Protein 1α (HP1α). Because heterochromatin foci are dynamic and HP1α can promote liquid-liquid phase separation, HP1α-mediated phase separation has been proposed as a mechanism of chromatin compaction. The molecular basis of HP1α-driven phase separation and chromatin compaction and the associated regulation by trimethylation of lysine 9 in histone 3 (H3K9me3), which is the hallmark of constitutive heterochromatin, is however largely unknown. Using a combination of chromatin compaction and phase separation assays, site-directed mutagenesis, and NMR-based interaction analysis, we show that human HP1α can compact chromatin in the absence of liquid-liquid phase separation. We further demonstrate that H3K9-trimethylation promotes compaction of chromatin arrays through multimodal interactions. The results provide molecular insights into HP1α-mediated chromatin compaction and thus into the role of human HP1α in the regulation of gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Ukmar-Godec
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Translational Structural Biology, Göttingen37075, Germany
| | - Maria-Sol Cima-Omori
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Translational Structural Biology, Göttingen37075, Germany
| | - Zhadyra Yerkesh
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Laboratory of Chromatin Biochemistry, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Karthik Eswara
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Laboratory of Chromatin Biochemistry, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taekyung Yu
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Translational Structural Biology, Göttingen37075, Germany
| | - Reshma Ramesh
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Translational Structural Biology, Göttingen37075, Germany
| | - Gwladys Riviere
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Translational Structural Biology, Göttingen37075, Germany
| | - Alain Ibanez de Opakua
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Translational Structural Biology, Göttingen37075, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Fischle
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Laboratory of Chromatin Biochemistry, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Translational Structural Biology, Göttingen37075, Germany
- Department of NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen37077, Germany
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50
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Ramsoomair CK, Ceccarelli M, Heiss JD, Shah AH. The epitranscriptome of high-grade gliomas: a promising therapeutic target with implications from the tumor microenvironment to endogenous retroviruses. J Transl Med 2023; 21:893. [PMID: 38071304 PMCID: PMC10709919 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04725-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) comprises 45.6% of all primary malignant brain cancers and is one of the most common and aggressive intracranial tumors in adults. Intratumoral heterogeneity with a wide range of proteomic, genetic, and epigenetic dysregulation contributes to treatment resistance and poor prognosis, thus demanding novel therapeutic approaches. To date, numerous clinical trials have been developed to target the proteome and epigenome of high-grade gliomas with promising results. However, studying RNA modifications, or RNA epitranscriptomics, is a new frontier within neuro-oncology. RNA epitranscriptomics was discovered in the 1970s, but in the last decade, the extent of modification of mRNA and various non-coding RNAs has emerged and been implicated in transposable element activation and many other oncogenic processes within the tumor microenvironment. This review provides background information and discusses the therapeutic potential of agents modulating epitranscriptomics in high-grade gliomas. A particular emphasis will be placed on how combination therapies that include immune agents targeting hERV-mediated viral mimicry could improve the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian K Ramsoomair
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14Th Terrace, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14Th Terrace, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
| | - Michele Ceccarelli
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1550 N.W. 10Th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - John D Heiss
- Surgical Neurology Branch, Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Neurological, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ashish H Shah
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14Th Terrace, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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