1
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Filliaux S, Sun Z, Lyubchenko YL. Nanoscale Structure, Interactions, and Dynamics of Centromere Nucleosomes. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:4715-4727. [PMID: 38959412 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Centromeres are specific segments of chromosomes comprising two types of nucleosomes: canonical nucleosomes containing an octamer of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histones and CENP-A nucleosomes in which H3 is replaced with its analogue CENP-A. This modification leads to a difference in DNA wrapping (∼121 bp), considerably less than 147 bp in canonical nucleosomes. We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high-speed AFM (HS-AFM) to characterize nanoscale features and dynamics for both types of nucleosomes. For both nucleosomes, spontaneous asymmetric unwrapping of DNA was observed, and this process occurs via a transient state with ∼100 bp DNA wrapped around the core, followed by a rapid dissociation of DNA. Additionally, HS-AFM revealed higher stability of CENP-A nucleosomes compared with H3 nucleosomes in which dissociation of the histone core occurs prior to the nucleosome dissociation. These results help elucidate the differences between these nucleosomes and the potential biological necessity for CENP-A nucleosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Filliaux
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-6025, United States
| | - Zhiqiang Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-6025, United States
| | - Yuri L Lyubchenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-6025, United States
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2
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Khatua P, Tang PK, Moulick AG, Patel R, Manandhar A, Loverde SM. Sequence Dependence in Nucleosome Dynamics. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:3090-3101. [PMID: 38530903 PMCID: PMC11181342 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07363] [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] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The basic packaging unit of eukaryotic chromatin is the nucleosome that contains 145-147 base pair duplex DNA wrapped around an octameric histone protein. While the DNA sequence plays a crucial role in controlling the positioning of the nucleosome, the molecular details behind the interplay between DNA sequence and nucleosome dynamics remain relatively unexplored. This study analyzes this interplay in detail by performing all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of nucleosomes, comparing the human α-satellite palindromic (ASP) and the strong positioning "Widom-601" DNA sequence at time scales of 12 μs. The simulations are performed at salt concentrations 10-20 times higher than physiological salt concentrations to screen the electrostatic interactions and promote unwrapping. These microsecond-long simulations give insight into the molecular-level sequence-dependent events that dictate the pathway of DNA unwrapping. We find that the "ASP" sequence forms a loop around SHL ± 5 for three sets of simulations. Coincident with loop formation is a cooperative increase in contacts with the neighboring N-terminal H2B tail and C-terminal H2A tail and the release of neighboring counterions. We find that the Widom-601 sequence exhibits a strong breathing motion of the nucleic acid ends. Coincident with the breathing motion is the collapse of the full N-terminal H3 tail and formation of an α-helix that interacts with the H3 histone core. We postulate that the dynamics of these histone tails and their modification with post-translational modifications (PTMs) may play a key role in governing this dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabir Khatua
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10314, United States
- Present Address: Department of Chemistry, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, 562163, INDIA
| | - Phu K. Tang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10314, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, United States
- Present Address: Flatiron Institute, New York, NY, 10010, United States
- These authors contributed equally: Phu K. Tang, Abhik Ghosh Moulick, and Rutika Patel
| | - Abhik Ghosh Moulick
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10314, United States
- These authors contributed equally: Phu K. Tang, Abhik Ghosh Moulick, and Rutika Patel
| | - Rutika Patel
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10314, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, United States
- These authors contributed equally: Phu K. Tang, Abhik Ghosh Moulick, and Rutika Patel
| | - Anjela Manandhar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10314, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, United States
- Present Address: Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Boston, MA, 02139, United States
| | - Sharon M. Loverde
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10314, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Physics, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, United States
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3
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Chakraborty D, Mondal B, Thirumalai D. Brewing COFFEE: A Sequence-Specific Coarse-Grained Energy Function for Simulations of DNA-Protein Complexes. J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20:1398-1413. [PMID: 38241144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
DNA-protein interactions are pervasive in a number of biophysical processes ranging from transcription and gene expression to chromosome folding. To describe the structural and dynamic properties underlying these processes accurately, it is important to create transferable computational models. Toward this end, we introduce Coarse-grained Force Field for Energy Estimation, COFFEE, a robust framework for simulating DNA-protein complexes. To brew COFFEE, we integrated the energy function in the self-organized polymer model with side-chains for proteins and the three interaction site model for DNA in a modular fashion, without recalibrating any of the parameters in the original force-fields. A unique feature of COFFEE is that it describes sequence-specific DNA-protein interactions using a statistical potential (SP) derived from a data set of high-resolution crystal structures. The only parameter in COFFEE is the strength (λDNAPRO) of the DNA-protein contact potential. For an optimal choice of λDNAPRO, the crystallographic B-factors for DNA-protein complexes with varying sizes and topologies are quantitatively reproduced. Without any further readjustments to the force-field parameters, COFFEE predicts scattering profiles that are in quantitative agreement with small-angle X-ray scattering experiments, as well as chemical shifts that are consistent with NMR. We also show that COFFEE accurately describes the salt-induced unraveling of nucleosomes. Strikingly, our nucleosome simulations explain the destabilization effect of ARG to LYS mutations, which do not alter the balance of electrostatic interactions but affect chemical interactions in subtle ways. The range of applications attests to the transferability of COFFEE, and we anticipate that it would be a promising framework for simulating DNA-protein complexes at the molecular length-scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debayan Chakraborty
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E 24th Street, Stop A5300, Austin 78712, Texas, United States
| | - Balaka Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E 24th Street, Stop A5300, Austin 78712, Texas, United States
| | - D Thirumalai
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E 24th Street, Stop A5300, Austin 78712, Texas, United States
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, Austin 78712, Texas, United States
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4
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Onoa B, Díaz-Celis C, Cañari-Chumpitaz C, Lee A, Bustamante C. Real-Time Multistep Asymmetrical Disassembly of Nucleosomes and Chromatosomes Visualized by High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:122-137. [PMID: 38292612 PMCID: PMC10823521 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
During replication, expression, and repair of the eukaryotic genome, cellular machinery must access the DNA wrapped around histone proteins forming nucleosomes. These octameric protein·DNA complexes are modular, dynamic, and flexible and unwrap or disassemble either spontaneously or by the action of molecular motors. Thus, the mechanism of formation and regulation of subnucleosomal intermediates has gained attention genome-wide because it controls DNA accessibility. Here, we imaged nucleosomes and their more compacted structure with the linker histone H1 (chromatosomes) using high-speed atomic force microscopy to visualize simultaneously the changes in the DNA and the histone core during their disassembly when deposited on mica. Furthermore, we trained a neural network and developed an automatic algorithm to track molecular structural changes in real time. Our results show that nucleosome disassembly is a sequential process involving asymmetrical stepwise dimer ejection events. The presence of H1 restricts DNA unwrapping, significantly increases the nucleosomal lifetime, and affects the pathway in which heterodimer asymmetrical dissociation occurs. We observe that tetrasomes are resilient to disassembly and that the tetramer core (H3·H4)2 can diffuse along the nucleosome positioning sequence. Tetrasome mobility might be critical to the proper assembly of nucleosomes and can be relevant during nucleosomal transcription, as tetrasomes survive RNA polymerase passage. These findings are relevant to understanding nucleosome intrinsic dynamics and their modification by DNA-processing enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiana Onoa
- Jason
L. Choy Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, University of
California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- California
Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, QB3, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - César Díaz-Celis
- Jason
L. Choy Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, University of
California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- California
Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, QB3, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Cristhian Cañari-Chumpitaz
- Jason
L. Choy Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, University of
California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- California
Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, QB3, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Antony Lee
- Laboratoire
Photonique Numérique et Nanosciences, LP2N UMR 5298, Université de Bordeaux, Institut d’Optique,
CNRS, F-33400 Talence, France
| | - Carlos Bustamante
- Jason
L. Choy Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, University of
California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- California
Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, QB3, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Kavli
Energy Nanoscience Institute, University
of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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5
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García A, Durán L, Sánchez M, González S, Santamaría R, Antequera F. Asymmetrical nucleosomal DNA signatures regulate transcriptional directionality. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113605. [PMID: 38127622 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113605] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the symmetrical structure of nucleosomes, in vitro studies have shown that transcription proceeds with different efficiency depending on the orientation of the DNA sequence around them. However, it is unclear whether this functional asymmetry is present in vivo and whether it could regulate transcriptional directionality. Here, we report that the proximal and distal halves of nucleosomal DNA contribute differentially to nucleosome stability in the genome. In +1 nucleosomes, this asymmetry facilitates or hinders transcription depending on the orientation of its underlying DNA, and this difference is associated with an asymmetrical interaction between DNA and histones. These properties are encoded in the DNA signature of +1 nucleosomes, since its incorporation in the two orientations into downstream nucleosomes renders them asymmetrically accessible to MNase and inverts the balance between sense and antisense transcription. Altogether, our results show that nucleosomal DNA endows nucleosomes with asymmetrical properties that modulate the directionality of transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia García
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura Durán
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mar Sánchez
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Sara González
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Santamaría
- Departamento de Informática y Automática, Universidad de Salamanca/Facultad de Ciencias, Plaza de los Caídos s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Francisco Antequera
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
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6
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Mondal A, Kolomeisky AB. Why Are Nucleosome Breathing Dynamics Asymmetric? J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:422-431. [PMID: 38180351 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c03339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, DNA is bound to nucleosomes, but DNA segments occasionally unbind in the process known as nucleosome breathing. Although DNA can unwrap simultaneously from both ends of the nucleosome (symmetric breathing), experiments indicate that DNA prefers to dissociate from only one end (asymmetric breathing). However, the molecular origin of the asymmetry is not understood. We developed a new theoretical approach that gives microscopic explanations of asymmetric breathing. It is based on a stochastic description that leads to a comprehensive evaluation of dynamics by using effective free-energy landscapes. It is shown that asymmetric breathing follows the kinetically preferred pathways. In addition, it is also found that asymmetric breathing leads to a faster target search by transcription factors. Theoretical predictions, supported by computer simulations, agree with experiments. It is proposed that nature utilizes the symmetry of nucleosome breathing to achieve a better dynamic accessibility of chromatin for more efficient genetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Mondal
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Anatoly B Kolomeisky
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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7
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Andoh V, Shi W, Ma S, Chen K, Yu Q. Cytotoxicity of AuCu-Cu 2S Nanocomposites: Implications for Biological Evaluation of the Nanocomposite Effect on Bombyx mori Silkworms and Cell Lines. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:6745-6758. [PMID: 37956306 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01402] [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: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
AuCu-Cu2S nanocomposites are unique materials with exceptional properties that have recently received a lot of interest. However, little is known about their potential toxicity in terrestrial organisms and their subsequent effects on the environment. Therefore, it is essential to develop effective methodologies for evaluating AuCu-Cu2S nanocomposites in biological systems. This study reports the biological evaluation of the AuCu-Cu2S nanocomposite from animal and cell entity levels. The Bombyx mori silkworm was used as a model organism to study the effects of different concentrations of AuCu-Cu2S on silkworm development. Transcriptome analysis was also carried out to examine the genetic modulation exerted by the treatment. Moreover, biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of AuCu-Cu2S were evaluated in human bronchial epithelial cells 16HBE, human lung adenocarcinoma, and the insect Spodoptera frugiperda cell sf9 cell lines. The results showed that although AuCu-Cu2S at ≤400 ppm can prolong the eating habit of silkworms and promote the weight of the cocoon layer, there was an increase in silkworm mortality and a decrease in moth formation at a concentration of ≥800 ppm. The genetic regulation by AuCu-Cu2S treatment showed varying effects in the silkworm, primarily related to functions such as transport and catabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, xenobiotic biodegradation, amino acid, and carbohydrate. 16HBE, PC-9, and sf9 treated with 300 ppm of AuCu-Cu2S showed viability percentages of 60, 20, and 90%, respectively. Thus, AuCu-Cu2S at low concentrations serves as a safe and biocompatible material for the sf9 cell lines but is lethal to 16HBE and PC-9. This research could aid in understanding the biological effects and biocompatibility of AuCu-Cu2S nanocomposites, particularly in the field of biochemistry; however, the mechanisms involved need further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Andoh
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Wenhui Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Shangshang Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Keping Chen
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Qian Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
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8
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Chakraborty D, Mondal B, Thirumalai D. Brewing COFFEE: A sequence-specific coarse-grained energy function for simulations of DNA-protein complexes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.07.544064. [PMID: 37333386 PMCID: PMC10274755 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.07.544064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
DNA-protein interactions are pervasive in a number of biophysical processes ranging from transcription, gene expression, to chromosome folding. To describe the structural and dynamic properties underlying these processes accurately, it is important to create transferable computational models. Toward this end, we introduce Coarse grained force field for energy estimation, COFFEE, a robust framework for simulating DNA-protein complexes. To brew COFFEE, we integrated the energy function in the Self-Organized Polymer model with Side Chains for proteins and the Three Interaction Site model for DNA in a modular fashion, without re-calibrating any of the parameters in the original force-fields. A unique feature of COFFEE is that it describes sequence-specific DNA-protein interactions using a statistical potential (SP) derived from a dataset of high-resolution crystal structures. The only parameter in COFFEE is the strength (λ D N A P R O ) of the DNA-protein contact potential. For an optimal choice of λ D N A P R O , the crystallographic B-factors for DNA-protein complexes, with varying sizes and topologies, are quantitatively reproduced. Without any further readjustments to the force-field parameters, COFFEE predicts the scattering profiles that are in quantitative agreement with SAXS experiments as well as chemical shifts that are consistent with NMR. We also show that COFFEE accurately describes the salt-induced unraveling of nucleosomes. Strikingly, our nucleosome simulations explain the destabilization effect of ARG to LYS mutations, which does not alter the balance of electrostatic interactions, but affects chemical interactions in subtle ways. The range of applications attests to the transferability of COFFEE, and we anticipate that it would be a promising framework for simulating DNA-protein complexes at the molecular length-scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debayan Chakraborty
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E 24th St, Stop A5300, Austin TX 78712, USA
| | - Balaka Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E 24th St, Stop A5300, Austin TX 78712, USA
| | - D Thirumalai
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E 24th St, Stop A5300, Austin TX 78712, USA
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway,Austin TX 78712, USA
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9
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Mondal A, Felipe C, Kolomeisky AB. Nucleosome Breathing Facilitates the Search for Hidden DNA Sites by Pioneer Transcription Factors. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:4096-4103. [PMID: 37125729 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Transfer of genetic information starts with transcription factors (TFs) binding to specific sites on DNA. But in living cells, DNA is mostly covered by nucleosomes. There are proteins, known as pioneer TFs, that can efficiently reach the DNA sites hidden by nucleosomes, although the underlying mechanisms are not understood. Using the recently proposed idea of interaction-compensation mechanism, we develop a stochastic model for the target search on DNA with nucleosome breathing. It is found that nucleosome breathing can significantly accelerate the search by pioneer TFs in comparison to situations without breathing. We argue that this is the result of the interaction-compensation mechanism that allows proteins to enter the inner nucleosome region through the outer DNA segment. It is suggested that nature optimized pioneer TFs to take advantage of nucleosome breathing. The presented theoretical picture provides a possible microscopic explanation for the successful invasion of nucleosome-buried genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Mondal
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Cayke Felipe
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Anatoly B Kolomeisky
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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10
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Li S, Wei T, Panchenko AR. Histone variant H2A.Z modulates nucleosome dynamics to promote DNA accessibility. Nat Commun 2023; 14:769. [PMID: 36765119 PMCID: PMC9918499 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36465-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleosomes, containing histone variants H2A.Z, are important for gene transcription initiation and termination, chromosome segregation and DNA double-strand break repair, among other functions. However, the underlying mechanisms of how H2A.Z influences nucleosome stability, dynamics and DNA accessibility are not well understood, as experimental and computational evidence remains inconclusive. Our modeling efforts of human nucleosome stability and dynamics, along with comparisons with experimental data show that the incorporation of H2A.Z results in a substantial decrease of the energy barrier for DNA unwrapping. This leads to the spontaneous DNA unwrapping of about forty base pairs from both ends, nucleosome gapping and increased histone plasticity, which otherwise is not observed for canonical nucleosomes. We demonstrate that both N- and C-terminal tails of H2A.Z play major roles in these events, whereas the H3.3 variant exerts a negligible impact in modulating the DNA end unwrapping. In summary, our results indicate that H2A.Z deposition makes nucleosomes more mobile and DNA more accessible to transcriptional machinery and other chromatin components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxiang Li
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Tiejun Wei
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anna R Panchenko
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. .,Department of Biology and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. .,School of Computing, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. .,Ontario Institute of Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada.
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11
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Hutin S, Guillotin A, Zubieta C, Tully MD. Structural characterization of protein-DNA complexes using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) with contrast variation. Methods Enzymol 2023; 680:163-194. [PMID: 36710010 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Molecular and atomic level characterization of transcription factor (TF)-DNA complexes is critical for understanding DNA-binding specificity and potentially structural changes that may occur in protein and/or DNA upon complex formation. Often TFs are large, multidomain proteins or contain disordered regions that contribute to DNA recognition and/or binding affinity but are difficult to structurally characterize due to their high molecular weight and intrinsic flexibility. This results in challenges to obtaining high resolution structural information using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy due to the relatively large size of the protein-DNA complexes of interest or macromolecular crystallography due to the difficulty in obtaining crystals of flexible proteins. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) offers a complementary method to NMR and X-ray crystallography that allows for low-resolution structural characterization of protein, DNA, and protein-DNA complexes in solution over a greater size range and irrespective of interdomain flexibility and/or disordered regions. One important caveat to SAXS data interpretation, however, has been the inability to distinguish between scattering coming from the protein versus DNA component of the complex of interest. Here, we present a protocol using contrast variation via increasing sucrose concentrations to distinguish between protein and DNA using the model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) and DNA and the LUX ARRYTHMO TF-DNA complex. Examination of the scattering curves of the components individually and in combination with contrast variation allows the differentiation of protein and DNA density in the derived models. This protocol is designed for use on high flux SAXS beamlines with temperature-controlled sample storage and sample exposure units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Hutin
- Laboratoire Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-DBSCI-LPCV, Grenoble, France
| | - Audrey Guillotin
- Laboratoire Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-DBSCI-LPCV, Grenoble, France
| | - Chloe Zubieta
- Laboratoire Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-DBSCI-LPCV, Grenoble, France.
| | - Mark D Tully
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Structural Biology Group, Grenoble, France.
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12
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Onufriev AV. Biologically relevant small variations of intra-cellular pH can have significant effect on stability of protein-DNA complexes, including the nucleosome. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1067787. [PMID: 37143824 PMCID: PMC10151541 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1067787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stability of a protein-ligand complex may be sensitive to pH of its environment. Here we explore, computationally, stability of a set of protein-nucleic acid complexes using fundamental thermodynamic linkage relationship. The nucleosome, as well as an essentially random selection of 20 protein complexes with DNA or RNA, are included in the analysis. An increase in intra-cellular/intra-nuclear pH destabilizes most complexes, including the nucleosome. We propose to quantify the effect by ΔΔG0.3-the change in the binding free energy due to pH increase of 0.3 units, corresponding to doubling of the H + activity; variations of pH of this amplitude can occur in living cells, including in the course of the cell cycle, and in cancer cells relative to normal ones. We suggest, based on relevant experimental findings, a threshold of biological significance of 1 2 k B T ( ∼ 0.3 k c a l / m o l ) for changes of stability of chromatin-related protein-DNA complexes: a change in the binding affinity above the threshold may have biological consequences. We find that for 70% of the examined complexes, Δ Δ G 0.3 > 1 2 k B T (for 10%, ΔΔG0.3 is between 3 and 4 k B T). Thus, small but relevant variations of intra-nuclear pH of 0.3 may have biological consequences for many protein-nucleic acid complexes. The binding affinity between the histone octamer and its DNA, which directly affects the DNA accessibility in the nucleosome, is predicted to be highly sensitive to intra-nuclear pH. A variation of 0.3 units results in ΔΔG0.3 ∼ 10k B T ( ∼ 6 k c a l / m o l ) ; for spontaneous unwrapping of 20 bp long entry/exit fragments of the nucleosomal DNA, ΔΔG0.3 = 2.2k B T; partial disassembly of the nucleosome into the tetrasome is characterized by ΔΔG0.3 = 5.2k B T. The predicted pH -induced modulations of the nucleosome stability are significant enough to suggest that they may have consequences relevant to the biological function of the nucleosome. Accessibility of the nucleosomal DNA is predicted to positively correlate with pH variations during the cell cycle; an increase in intra-cellular pH seen in cancer cells is predicted to lead to a more accessible nucleosomal DNA; a drop in pH associated with apoptosis is predicted to make nucleosomal DNA less accessible. We speculate that processes that depend on accessibility to the DNA in the nucleosomes, such as transcription or DNA replication, might become upregulated due to relatively small, but nevertheless realistic increases of intra-nuclear pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V. Onufriev
- Department of Physics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Center from Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Alexey V. Onufriev,
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13
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Herbert A. Nucleosomes and flipons exchange energy to alter chromatin conformation, the readout of genomic information, and cell fate. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200166. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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14
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Maluchenko N, Koshkina D, Korovina A, Studitsky V, Feofanov A. Interactions of PARP1 Inhibitors with PARP1-Nucleosome Complexes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213343. [PMID: 36359739 PMCID: PMC9658683 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors (PARPi) of poly(ADP-ribose-)polymerase-1 (PARP1) are used in antitumor therapy; their cytotoxicity correlates with the efficiency of PARP1 trapping in cell chromatin. Previous studies have demonstrated the PARPi-induced trapping of PARP1 on DNA, although details of the mechanism remain controversial. Here, the interactions of PARP1-nucleosome complexes with PARPi, olaparib (Ola), talazoparib (Tala), and veliparib (Veli) were studied. PARPi trap PARP1 on nucleosomes without affecting the structure of PARP1-nucleosome complexes. The efficiency of PARP1 trapping on nucleosomes increases in the order of Tala>Ola>>Veli, recapitulating the relative trapping efficiencies of PARPi in cells, but different from the relative potency of PARPi to inhibit the catalytic activity of PARP1. The efficiency of PARP1 trapping on nucleosomes correlates with the level of inhibition of auto-PARylation, which otherwise promotes the dissociation of PARP1-nucleosome complexes. The trapping efficiencies of Tala and Ola (but not Veli) are additionally modulated by the enhanced PARP1 binding to nucleosomes. The dissociation of PARP1-nucleosome complexes occurs without a loss of histones and leads to the restoration of the intact structure of nucleosomal DNA. The data suggest that the chromatin structure can considerably affect the efficiency of the PARPi action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya Maluchenko
- Biology Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (N.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Darya Koshkina
- Biology Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 34/5 Vavilov Str., 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Korovina
- Biology Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vasily Studitsky
- Biology Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Alexey Feofanov
- Biology Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 34/5 Vavilov Str., 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (N.M.); (A.F.)
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15
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San Emeterio J, Pabit SA, Pollack L. Contrast variation SAXS: Sample preparation protocols, experimental procedures, and data analysis. Methods Enzymol 2022; 677:41-83. [PMID: 36410957 PMCID: PMC10015503 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.08.007] [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: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Proteins and nucleic acids, alone and in complex are among the essential building blocks of living organisms. Obtaining a molecular level understanding of their structures, and the changes that occur as they interact, is critical for expanding our knowledge of life processes or disease progression. Here, we motivate and describe an application of solution small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) which provides valuable information about the structures, ensembles, compositions and dynamics of protein-nucleic acid complexes in solution, in equilibrium and time-resolved studies. Contrast variation (CV-) SAXS permits the visualization of the distinct molecular constituents (protein and/or nucleic acid) within a complex. CV-SAXS can be implemented in two modes. In the simplest, the protein within the complex is effectively rendered invisible by the addition of an inert contrast agent at an appropriate concentration. Under these conditions, the structure, or structural changes of only the nucleic acid component of the complex can be studied in detail. The second mode permits observation of both components of the complex: the protein and the nucleic acid. This approach requires the acquisition of SAXS profiles on the complex at different concentrations of a contrast agent. Here, we review CV-SAXS as applied to protein-nucleic acid complexes in both modes. We provide some theoretical framework for CV-SAXS but focus primarily on providing the necessary information required to implement a successful experiment including experimental design, sample quality assessment, and data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josue San Emeterio
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Suzette A Pabit
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Lois Pollack
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
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16
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Gabel F, Engilberge S, Schmitt E, Thureau A, Mechulam Y, Pérez J, Girard E. Medical contrast agents as promising tools for biomacromolecular SAXS experiments. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2022; 78:1120-1130. [PMID: 36048152 PMCID: PMC9435597 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798322007392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lanthanide-based complexes are presented as a promising class of molecules for efficient SAXS contrast-variation experiments. Their interactions and contrast properties are analyzed for an oligomeric protein and a protein–RNA complex. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) has become an indispensable tool in structural biology, complementing atomic-resolution techniques. It is sensitive to the electron-density difference between solubilized biomacromolecules and the buffer, and provides information on molecular masses, particle dimensions and interactions, low-resolution conformations and pair distance-distribution functions. When SAXS data are recorded at multiple contrasts, i.e. at different solvent electron densities, it is possible to probe, in addition to their overall shape, the internal electron-density profile of biomacromolecular assemblies. Unfortunately, contrast-variation SAXS has been limited by the range of solvent electron densities attainable using conventional co-solutes (for example sugars, glycerol and salt) and by the fact that some biological systems are destabilized in their presence. Here, SAXS contrast data from an oligomeric protein and a protein–RNA complex are presented in the presence of iohexol and Gd-HPDO3A, two electron-rich molecules that are used in biomedical imaging and that belong to the families of iodinated and lanthanide-based complexes, respectively. Moderate concentrations of both molecules allowed solvent electron densities matching those of proteins to be attained. While iohexol yielded higher solvent electron densities (per mole), it interacted specifically with the oligomeric protein and precipitated the protein–RNA complex. Gd-HPDO3A, while less efficient (per mole), did not disrupt the structural integrity of either system, and atomic models could be compared with the SAXS data. Due to their elevated solubility and electron density, their chemical inertness, as well as the possibility of altering their physico-chemical properties, lanthanide-based complexes represent a class of molecules with promising potential for contrast-variation SAXS experiments on diverse biomacromolecular systems.
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17
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Assignment of structural transitions during mechanical unwrapping of nucleosomes and their disassembly products. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206513119. [PMID: 35939666 PMCID: PMC9388122 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206513119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleosomes, the fundamental structural unit of chromatin, consists of ∼147 DNA base pairs wrapped around a histone protein octamer. To characterize the strength of the nucleosomal barrier and its contribution as a mechanism of control of gene expression, it is essential to determine the forces required to unwrap the DNA from the core particle and the stepwise transitions involved. In this study, we performed combined optical tweezers and single-molecule fluorescence measurements to identify the specific DNA segments unwrapped during the force transitions observed in mechanical stretching of nucleosomes. Furthermore, we characterize the mechanical signatures of subnucleosomal hexasomes and tetrasomes. The characterization performed in this work is essential for the interpretation of ongoing studies of chromatin remodelers, polymerases, and histone chaperones. Nucleosome DNA unwrapping and its disassembly into hexasomes and tetrasomes is necessary for genomic access and plays an important role in transcription regulation. Previous single-molecule mechanical nucleosome unwrapping revealed a low- and a high-force transitions, and force-FRET pulling experiments showed that DNA unwrapping is asymmetric, occurring always first from one side before the other. However, the assignment of DNA segments involved in these transitions remains controversial. Here, using high-resolution optical tweezers with simultaneous single-molecule FRET detection, we show that the low-force transition corresponds to the undoing of the outer wrap of one side of the nucleosome (∼27 bp), a process that can occur either cooperatively or noncooperatively, whereas the high-force transition corresponds to the simultaneous unwrapping of ∼76 bp from both sides. This process may give rise stochastically to the disassembly of nucleosomes into hexasomes and tetrasomes whose unwrapping/rewrapping trajectories we establish. In contrast, nucleosome rewrapping does not exhibit asymmetry. To rationalize all previous nucleosome unwrapping experiments, it is necessary to invoke that mechanical unwrapping involves two nucleosome reorientations: one that contributes to the change in extension at the low-force transition and another that coincides but does not contribute to the high-force transition.
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18
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N-Terminal Tails of Histones H2A and H2B Differentially Affect Transcription by RNA Polymerase II In Vitro. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162475. [PMID: 36010552 PMCID: PMC9406932 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone N-terminal tails and their post-translational modifications affect various biological processes, often in a context-specific manner; the underlying mechanisms are poorly studied. Here, the role of individual N-terminal tails of histones H2A/H2B during transcription through chromatin was analyzed in vitro. spFRET data suggest that the tail of histone H2B (but not of histone H2A) affects nucleosome stability. Accordingly, deletion of the H2B tail (amino acids 1–31, but not 1–26) causes a partial relief of the nucleosomal barrier to transcribing RNA polymerase II (Pol II), likely facilitating uncoiling of DNA from the histone octamer during transcription. Taken together, the data suggest that residues 27–31 of histone H2B stabilize DNA–histone interactions at the DNA region localized ~25 bp in the nucleosome and thus interfere with Pol II progression through the region localized 11–15 bp in the nucleosome. This function of histone H2B requires the presence of the histone H2A N-tail that mediates formation of nucleosome–nucleosome dimers; however, nucleosome dimerization per se plays only a minimal role during transcription. Histone chaperone FACT facilitates transcription through all analyzed nucleosome variants, suggesting that H2A/H2B tails minimally interact with FACT during transcription; therefore, an alternative FACT-interacting domain(s) is likely involved in this process.
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19
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Nucleosome assembly and disassembly pathways in vitro. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267382. [PMID: 35830437 PMCID: PMC9278766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural fluctuations of nucleosomes modulate the access to internal DNA in eukaryotic cells; clearly characterisation of this fundamental process is crucial to understanding gene regulation. Here we apply PhAST (Photochemical Analysis of Structural Transitions) to monitor at a base pair level, structural alterations induced all along the DNA upon histone binding or release. By offering the first reliable, detailed comparison of nucleosome assembly and disassembly in vitro, we reveal similarities and differences between the two processes. We identify multiple, sequential intermediate states characterised by specific PhAST signals whose localisation and amplitude reflect asymmetries of DNA/histone interactions with respect to the nucleosome pseudo dyad. These asymmetries involve not only the DNA extremities but also regions close to the pseudo dyad. Localisations of asymmetries develop in a consistent manner during both assembly and disassembly processes; they primarily reflect the DNA sequence effect on the efficiency of DNA-histone binding. More unexpectedly, the amplitude component of PhAST signals not only evolves as a function of intermediate states but does so differently between assembly and disassembly pathways. Our observation of differences between assembly and disassembly opens up new avenues to define the role of the DNA sequence in processes underlying the regulation of gene expression. Overall, we provide new insights into how the intrinsic properties of DNA are integrated into a holistic mechanism that controls chromatin structure.
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20
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Obstacles and Opportunities for Base Excision Repair in Chromatin. DNA Repair (Amst) 2022; 116:103345. [PMID: 35689883 PMCID: PMC9253077 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2022.103345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Most eukaryotic DNA is packaged into chromatin, which is made up of tandemly repeating nucleosomes. This packaging of DNA poses a significant barrier to the various enzymes that must act on DNA, including DNA damage response enzymes that interact intimately with DNA to prevent mutations and cell death. To regulate access to certain DNA regions, chromatin remodeling, variant histone exchange, and histone post-translational modifications have been shown to assist several DNA repair pathways including nucleotide excision repair, single strand break repair, and double strand break repair. While these chromatin-level responses have been directly linked to various DNA repair pathways, how they modulate the base excision repair (BER) pathway remains elusive. This review highlights recent findings that demonstrate how BER is regulated by the packaging of DNA into nucleosome core particles (NCPs) and higher orders of chromatin structures. We also summarize the available data that indicate BER may be enabled by chromatin modifications and remodeling.
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21
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Moon HM, Park JS, Lee IB, Kang YI, Jung HJ, An D, Shin Y, Kim MJ, Kim HI, Song JJ, Kim J, Lee NK, Hong SC. Cisplatin fastens chromatin irreversibly even at a high chloride concentration. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:12035-12047. [PMID: 34865121 PMCID: PMC8643659 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is one of the most potent anti-cancer drugs developed so far. Recent studies highlighted several intriguing roles of histones in cisplatin's anti-cancer effect. Thus, the effect of nucleosome formation should be considered to give a better account of the anti-cancer effect of cisplatin. Here we investigated this important issue via single-molecule measurements. Surprisingly, the reduced activity of cisplatin under [NaCl] = 180 mM, corresponding to the total concentration of cellular ionic species, is still sufficient to impair the integrity of a nucleosome by retaining its condensed structure firmly, even against severe mechanical and chemical disturbances. Our finding suggests that such cisplatin-induced fastening of chromatin can inhibit nucleosome remodelling required for normal biological functions. The in vitro chromatin transcription assay indeed revealed that the transcription activity was effectively suppressed in the presence of cisplatin. Our direct physical measurements on cisplatin-nucleosome adducts suggest that the formation of such adducts be the key to the anti-cancer effect by cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon-Min Moon
- Center for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 02841, Korea.,Department of Physics, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jin-Sung Park
- Center for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Il-Buem Lee
- Center for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 02841, Korea.,Department of Physics, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Young-Im Kang
- Department of Physics, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hae Jun Jung
- Department of Physics, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Dongju An
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Yumi Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Min Ji Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hugh I Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Ji-Joon Song
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jaehoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Nam-Kyung Lee
- Department of Physics, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea
| | - Seok-Cheol Hong
- Center for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 02841, Korea.,Department of Physics, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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22
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Brandani GB, Tan C, Takada S. The kinetic landscape of nucleosome assembly: A coarse-grained molecular dynamics study. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009253. [PMID: 34314440 PMCID: PMC8345847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The organization of nucleosomes along the Eukaryotic genome is maintained over time despite disruptive events such as replication. During this complex process, histones and DNA can form a variety of non-canonical nucleosome conformations, but their precise molecular details and roles during nucleosome assembly remain unclear. In this study, employing coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and Markov state modeling, we characterized the complete kinetics of nucleosome assembly. On the nucleosome-positioning 601 DNA sequence, we observe a rich transition network among various canonical and non-canonical tetrasome, hexasome, and nucleosome conformations. A low salt environment makes nucleosomes stable, but the kinetic landscape becomes more rugged, so that the system is more likely to be trapped in off-pathway partially assembled intermediates. Finally, we find that the co-operativity between DNA bending and histone association enables positioning sequence motifs to direct the assembly process, with potential implications for the dynamic organization of nucleosomes on real genomic sequences. Nucleosomes are biomolecular complexes formed by DNA wrapped around histone proteins. They represent the basic units of Eukaryotic chromosomes, compacting the genome so that it fits into the small nucleus, and regulating important biological processes such as gene expression. Nucleosomes are disassembled during disruptive events such as DNA replication, and re-assembled afterwards to preserve the correct organization of chromatin. However, the molecular details of nucleosome assembly are still not well understood. In particular, experiments found that histones and DNA may associate into a variety of non-canonical complexes, but their precise conformation and role during assembly remain unclear. In this study, we addressed these problems by performing extensive molecular dynamics simulations of nucleosomes undergoing assembly and disassembly. The simulations reveal many insights into the kinetics of assembly, the structure of non-canonical nucleosome intermediates, and the influence of salt concentration and DNA sequence on the assembly process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni B. Brandani
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- * E-mail: (GBB); (ST)
| | - Cheng Tan
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shoji Takada
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- * E-mail: (GBB); (ST)
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23
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Liu Y, Bisio H, Toner CM, Jeudy S, Philippe N, Zhou K, Bowerman S, White A, Edwards G, Abergel C, Luger K. Virus-encoded histone doublets are essential and form nucleosome-like structures. Cell 2021; 184:4237-4250.e19. [PMID: 34297924 PMCID: PMC8357426 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The organization of genomic DNA into defined nucleosomes has long been viewed as a hallmark of eukaryotes. This paradigm has been challenged by the identification of “minimalist” histones in archaea and more recently by the discovery of genes that encode fused remote homologs of the four eukaryotic histones in Marseilleviridae, a subfamily of giant viruses that infect amoebae. We demonstrate that viral doublet histones are essential for viral infectivity, localize to cytoplasmic viral factories after virus infection, and ultimately are found in the mature virions. Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of viral nucleosome-like particles show strong similarities to eukaryotic nucleosomes despite the limited sequence identify. The unique connectors that link the histone chains contribute to the observed instability of viral nucleosomes, and some histone tails assume structural roles. Our results further expand the range of “organisms” that require nucleosomes and suggest a specialized function of histones in the biology of these unusual viruses. Marseilleviridae encode proteins that resemble fused histones H4-H3 and H2B-H2A These histone doublets assemble into unstable nucleosome-like particles in vitro Histone doublets localize to the viral factory and are highly abundant in the virus They are essential for viral fitness and infectivity, a first for any virus
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Hugo Bisio
- Aix-Marseille University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Information Génomique & Structurale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7256 (Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, FR3479, IM2B), 13288 Marseille Cedex 9, France
| | - Chelsea Marie Toner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Sandra Jeudy
- Aix-Marseille University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Information Génomique & Structurale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7256 (Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, FR3479, IM2B), 13288 Marseille Cedex 9, France
| | - Nadege Philippe
- Aix-Marseille University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Information Génomique & Structurale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7256 (Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, FR3479, IM2B), 13288 Marseille Cedex 9, France
| | - Keda Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Samuel Bowerman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Alison White
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Garrett Edwards
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Chantal Abergel
- Aix-Marseille University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Information Génomique & Structurale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7256 (Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, FR3479, IM2B), 13288 Marseille Cedex 9, France.
| | - Karolin Luger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
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24
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Torsional stress can regulate the unwrapping of two outer half superhelical turns of nucleosomal DNA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2020452118. [PMID: 33558240 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2020452118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Torsional stress has a significant impact on the structure and stability of the nucleosome. RNA polymerase imposes torsional stress on the DNA in chromatin and unwraps the DNA from the nucleosome to access the genetic information encoded in the DNA. To understand how the torsional stress affects the stability of the nucleosome, we examined the unwrapping of two half superhelical turns of nucleosomal DNA from either end of the DNA under torsional stress with all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. The free energies for unwrapping the DNA indicate that positive stress that overtwists DNA facilitates a large-scale asymmetric unwrapping of the DNA without a large extension of the DNA. During the unwrapping, one end of the DNA was dissociated from H3 and H2A-H2B, while the other end of the DNA stably remained wrapped. The detailed analysis indicates that this asymmetric dissociation is facilitated by the geometry and bendability of the DNA under positive stress. The geometry stabilized the interaction between the major groove of the twisted DNA and the H3 αN-helix, and the straightened DNA destabilized the interaction with H2A-H2B. Under negative stress, the DNA became more bendable and flexible, which facilitated the binding of the unwrapped DNA to the octamer in a stable state. Consequently, we conclude that the torsional stress has a significant impact on the affinity of the DNA and the octamer through the inherent nature of the DNA and can change the accessibility of regulatory proteins.
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Abstract
DNA dynamics can only be understood by taking into account its complex mechanical behavior at different length scales. At the micrometer level, the mechanical properties of single DNA molecules have been well-characterized by polymer models and are commonly quantified by a persistence length of 50 nm (~150 bp). However, at the base pair level (~3.4 Å), the dynamics of DNA involves complex molecular mechanisms that are still being deciphered. Here, we review recent single-molecule experiments and molecular dynamics simulations that are providing novel insights into DNA mechanics from such a molecular perspective. We first discuss recent findings on sequence-dependent DNA mechanical properties, including sequences that resist mechanical stress and sequences that can accommodate strong deformations. We then comment on the intricate effects of cytosine methylation and DNA mismatches on DNA mechanics. Finally, we review recently reported differences in the mechanical properties of DNA and double-stranded RNA, the other double-helical carrier of genetic information. A thorough examination of the recent single-molecule literature permits establishing a set of general 'rules' that reasonably explain the mechanics of nucleic acids at the base pair level. These simple rules offer an improved description of certain biological systems and might serve as valuable guidelines for future design of DNA and RNA nanostructures.
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26
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Surprising Twists in Nucleosomal DNA with Implication for Higher-order Folding. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167121. [PMID: 34192585 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
While nucleosomes are dynamic entities that must undergo structural deformations to perform their functions, the general view from available high-resolution structures is a largely static one. Even though numerous examples of twist defects have been documented, the DNA wrapped around the histone core is generally thought to be overtwisted. Analysis of available high-resolution structures from the Protein Data Bank reveals a heterogeneous distribution of twist along the nucleosomal DNA, with clear patterns that are consistent with the literature, and a significant fraction of structures that are undertwisted. The subtle differences in nucleosomal DNA folding, which extend beyond twist, have implications for nucleosome disassembly and modeled higher-order structures. Simulations of oligonucleosome arrays built with undertwisted models behave very differently from those constructed from overtwisted models, in terms of compaction and inter-nucleosome contacts, introducing configurational changes equivalent to those associated with 2-3 base-pair changes in nucleosome spacing. Differences in the nucleosomal DNA pathway, which underlie the way that DNA enters and exits the nucleosome, give rise to different nucleosome-decorated minicircles and affect the topological mix of configurational states.
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27
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Huertas J, Schöler HR, Cojocaru V. Histone tails cooperate to control the breathing of genomic nucleosomes. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009013. [PMID: 34081696 PMCID: PMC8174689 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic DNA is packaged in chromatin, a dynamic fiber variable in size and compaction. In chromatin, repeating nucleosome units wrap 145–147 DNA basepairs around histone proteins. Genetic and epigenetic regulation of genes relies on structural transitions in chromatin which are driven by intra- and inter-nucleosome dynamics and modulated by chemical modifications of the unstructured terminal tails of histones. Here we demonstrate how the interplay between histone H3 and H2A tails control ample nucleosome breathing motions. We monitored large openings of two genomic nucleosomes, and only moderate breathing of an engineered nucleosome in atomistic molecular simulations amounting to 24 μs. Transitions between open and closed nucleosome conformations were mediated by the displacement and changes in compaction of the two histone tails. These motions involved changes in the DNA interaction profiles of clusters of epigenetic regulatory aminoacids in the tails. Removing the histone tails resulted in a large increase of the amplitude of nucleosome breathing but did not change the sequence dependent pattern of the motions. Histone tail modulated nucleosome breathing is a key mechanism of chromatin dynamics with important implications for epigenetic regulation. In the cell, the DNA is packed in chromatin. Chromatin is a highly dynamic fiber structure made of arrays of nucleosomes with different degrees of compaction. Each nucleosome has 145–147 basepairs of DNA wrapped around a protein octamer made of four unique histone proteins. Each histone is present twice and has a structured part and one or two disordered terminal tails. The regulation of gene expression in the cell and during cellular transitions depends on dynamic changes in chromatin structure. Chromatin dynamics are modulated by intra and inter nucleosome motions and by posttranslational chemical modifications of the histone tails. Here we reveal how histone tails control the intra nucleosome dynamics at atomic resolution. From extensive sampling of nucleosome dynamics in atomistic molecular simulations, we show that genomic nucleosomes breath more extensively than engineered ones and we describe how two histone tails cooperate to control nucleosome breathing through interactions between clusters of positively charged residues and the DNA. Nucleosome conformations with different degrees of opening are associated with different conformations, positions, and DNA interaction patterns of the tails. With this mechanism, we contribute to the understanding of chromatin dynamics at atomic resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Huertas
- In Silico Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics Group, Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Center for Multiscale Theory and Computation, Westfälische Wilhelms University, Münster, Germany
| | - Hans Robert Schöler
- Department of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Vlad Cojocaru
- In Silico Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics Group, Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Center for Multiscale Theory and Computation, Westfälische Wilhelms University, Münster, Germany
- * E-mail: ,
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28
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Abstract
In eukaryotes, genomic DNA is packaged into chromatin in the nucleus. The accessibility of DNA is dependent on the chromatin structure and dynamics, which essentially control DNA-related processes, including transcription, DNA replication, and repair. All of the factors that affect the structure and dynamics of nucleosomes, the nucleosome-nucleosome interaction interfaces, and the binding of linker histones or other chromatin-binding proteins need to be considered to understand the organization and function of chromatin fibers. In this review, we provide a summary of recent progress on the structure of chromatin fibers in vitro and in the nucleus, highlight studies on the dynamic regulation of chromatin fibers, and discuss their related biological functions and abnormal organization in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; .,National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
| | - Wei Li
- National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; .,Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.,Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China
| | - Guohong Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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29
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Morrison EA, Baweja L, Poirier MG, Wereszczynski J, Musselman CA. Nucleosome composition regulates the histone H3 tail conformational ensemble and accessibility. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4750-4767. [PMID: 33856458 PMCID: PMC8096233 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hexasomes and tetrasomes are intermediates in nucleosome assembly and disassembly. Their formation is promoted by histone chaperones, ATP-dependent remodelers, and RNA polymerase II. In addition, hexasomes are maintained in transcribed genes and could be an important regulatory factor. While nucleosome composition has been shown to affect the structure and accessibility of DNA, its influence on histone tails is largely unknown. Here, we investigate the conformational dynamics of the H3 tail in the hexasome and tetrasome. Using a combination of NMR spectroscopy, MD simulations, and trypsin proteolysis, we find that the conformational ensemble of the H3 tail is regulated by nucleosome composition. As has been found for the nucleosome, the H3 tails bind robustly to DNA within the hexasome and tetrasome, but upon loss of the H2A/H2B dimer, we determined that the adjacent H3 tail has an altered conformational ensemble, increase in dynamics, and increase in accessibility. Similar to observations of DNA dynamics, this is seen to be asymmetric in the hexasome. Our results indicate that nucleosome composition has the potential to regulate chromatin signaling and ultimately help shape the chromatin landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma A Morrison
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Lokesh Baweja
- Department of Physics, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael G Poirier
- Department of Physics, Biophysics Graduate Program, Ohio State Biochemistry Graduate Program, and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jeff Wereszczynski
- Department of Physics, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Catherine A Musselman
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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30
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Woods DC, Rodríguez-Ropero F, Wereszczynski J. The Dynamic Influence of Linker Histone Saturation within the Poly-Nucleosome Array. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166902. [PMID: 33667509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Linker histones bind to nucleosomes and modify chromatin structure and dynamics as a means of epigenetic regulation. Biophysical studies have shown that chromatin fibers can adopt a plethora of conformations with varying levels of compaction. Linker histone condensation, and its specific binding disposition, has been associated with directly tuning this ensemble of states. However, the atomistic dynamics and quantification of this mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we present molecular dynamics simulations of octa-nucleosome arrays, based on a cryo-EM structure of the 30-nm chromatin fiber, with and without the globular domains of the H1 linker histone to determine how they influence fiber structures and dynamics. Results show that when bound, linker histones inhibit DNA flexibility and stabilize repeating tetra-nucleosomal units, giving rise to increased chromatin compaction. Furthermore, upon the removal of H1, there is a significant destabilization of this compact structure as the fiber adopts less strained and untwisted states. Interestingly, linker DNA sampling in the octa-nucleosome is exaggerated compared to its mono-nucleosome counterparts, suggesting that chromatin architecture plays a significant role in DNA strain even in the absence of linker histones. Moreover, H1-bound states are shown to have increased stiffness within tetra-nucleosomes, but not between them. This increased stiffness leads to stronger long-range correlations within the fiber, which may result in the propagation of epigenetic signals over longer spatial ranges. These simulations highlight the effects of linker histone binding on the internal dynamics and global structure of poly-nucleosome arrays, while providing physical insight into a mechanism of chromatin compaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin C Woods
- Department of Chemistry and the Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
| | - Francisco Rodríguez-Ropero
- Department of Physics and the Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
| | - Jeff Wereszczynski
- Department of Physics and the Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, United States.
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31
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Winogradoff D, Li P, Joshi H, Quednau L, Maffeo C, Aksimentiev A. Chiral Systems Made from DNA. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2003113. [PMID: 33717850 PMCID: PMC7927625 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202003113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The very chemical structure of DNA that enables biological heredity and evolution has non-trivial implications for the self-organization of DNA molecules into larger assemblies and provides limitless opportunities for building functional nanostructures. This progress report discusses the natural organization of DNA into chiral structures and recent advances in creating synthetic chiral systems using DNA as a building material. How nucleic acid chirality naturally comes into play in a diverse array of situations is considered first, at length scales ranging from an individual nucleotide to entire chromosomes. Thereafter, chiral liquid crystal phases formed by dense DNA mixtures are discussed, including the ongoing efforts to understand their origins. The report then summarizes recent efforts directed toward building chiral structures, and other structures of complex topology, using the principle of DNA self-assembly. Discussed last are existing and proposed functional man-made nanostructures designed to either probe or harness DNA's chirality, from plasmonics and spintronics to biosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Winogradoff
- Center for the Physics of Living CellsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
| | - Pin‐Yi Li
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
| | - Himanshu Joshi
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
| | - Lauren Quednau
- Center for the Physics of Living CellsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
| | - Christopher Maffeo
- Center for the Physics of Living CellsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and TechnologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
| | - Aleksei Aksimentiev
- Center for the Physics of Living CellsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and TechnologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
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32
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Kohestani H, Wereszczynski J. Effects of H2A.B incorporation on nucleosome structures and dynamics. Biophys J 2021; 120:1498-1509. [PMID: 33609493 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The H2A.B histone variant is an epigenetic regulator involved in transcriptional upregulation, DNA synthesis, and splicing that functions by replacing the canonical H2A histone in the nucleosome core particle. Introduction of H2A.B results in less compact nucleosome states with increased DNA unwinding and accessibility at the nucleosomal entry and exit sites. Despite being well characterized experimentally, the molecular mechanisms by which H2A.B incorporation alters nucleosome stability and dynamics remain poorly understood. To study the molecular mechanisms of H2A.B, we have performed a series of conventional and enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulation of H2A.B- and canonical H2A-containing nucleosomes. Results of conventional simulations show that H2A.B weakens protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions at specific locations throughout the nucleosome. These weakened interactions result in significantly more DNA opening from both the entry and exit sites in enhanced sampling simulations. Furthermore, free energy profiles show that H2A.B-containing nucleosomes have significantly broader free wells and that H2A.B allows for sampling of states with increased DNA breathing, which are shown to be stable on the hundreds of nanoseconds timescale with further conventional simulations. Together, our results show the molecular mechanisms by which H2A.B creates less compacted nucleosome states as a means of increasing genetic accessibility and gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Havva Kohestani
- Department of Biology, Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeff Wereszczynski
- Department of Physics, Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois.
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33
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Pabit SA, Chen YL, Usher ET, Cook EC, Pollack L, Showalter SA. Elucidating the Role of Microprocessor Protein DGCR8 in Bending RNA Structures. Biophys J 2020; 119:2524-2536. [PMID: 33189689 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although conformational dynamics of RNA molecules are potentially important in microRNA (miRNA) processing, the role of the protein binding partners in facilitating the requisite structural changes is not well understood. In previous work, we and others have demonstrated that nonduplex structural elements and the conformational flexibility they support are necessary for efficient RNA binding and cleavage by the proteins associated with the two major stages of miRNA processing. However, recent studies showed that the protein DGCR8 binds primary miRNA and duplex RNA with similar affinities. Here, we study RNA binding by a small recombinant construct of the DGCR8 protein and the RNA conformation changes that result. This construct, the DGCR8 core, contains two double-stranded RNA-binding domains (dsRBDs) and a C-terminal tail. To assess conformational changes resulting from binding, we applied small-angle x-ray scattering with contrast variation to detect conformational changes of primary-miR-16-1 in complex with the DGCR8 core. This method reports only on the RNA conformation within the complex and suggests that the protein bends the RNA upon binding. Supporting work using smFRET to study the conformation of RNA duplexes bound to the core also shows bending. Together, these studies elucidate the role of DGCR8 in interacting with RNA during the early stages of miRNA processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzette A Pabit
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Yen-Lin Chen
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Emery T Usher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Erik C Cook
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Lois Pollack
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
| | - Scott A Showalter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania; Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.
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34
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Edwards GB, Muthurajan UM, Bowerman S, Luger K. Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC): An Overview of the Application of Fluorescence and Absorbance AUC to the Study of Biological Macromolecules. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 133:e131. [PMID: 33351266 PMCID: PMC7781197 DOI: 10.1002/cpmb.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The biochemical and biophysical investigation of proteins, nucleic acids, and the assemblies that they form yields essential information to understand complex systems. Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) represents a broadly applicable and information-rich method for investigating macromolecular characteristics such as size, shape, stoichiometry, and binding properties, all in the true solution-state environment that is lacking in most orthogonal methods. Despite this, AUC remains underutilized relative to its capabilities and potential in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology. Although there has been a rapid development of computing power and AUC analysis tools in this millennium, fewer advancements have occurred in development of new applications of the technique, leaving these powerful instruments underappreciated and underused in many research institutes. With AUC previously limited to absorbance and Rayleigh interference optics, the addition of fluorescence detection systems has greatly enhanced the applicability of AUC to macromolecular systems that are traditionally difficult to characterize. This overview provides a resource for novices, highlighting the potential of AUC and encouraging its use in their research, as well as for current users, who may benefit from our experience. We discuss the strengths of fluorescence-detected AUC and demonstrate the power of even simple AUC experiments to answer practical and fundamental questions about biophysical properties of macromolecular assemblies. We address the development and utility of AUC, explore experimental design considerations, present case studies investigating properties of biological macromolecules that are of common interest to researchers, and review popular analysis approaches. © 2020 The Authors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Uma M. Muthurajan
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColorado
| | - Samuel Bowerman
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColorado
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColorado
| | - Karolin Luger
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColorado
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColorado
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35
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San Emeterio J, Pollack L. Visualizing a viral genome with contrast variation small angle X-ray scattering. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:15923-15932. [PMID: 32913117 PMCID: PMC7681021 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the threat to human health posed by some single-stranded RNA viruses, little is understood about their assembly. The goal of this work is to introduce a new tool for watching an RNA genome direct its own packaging and encapsidation by proteins. Contrast variation small-angle X-ray scattering (CV-SAXS) is a powerful tool with the potential to monitor the changing structure of a viral RNA through this assembly process. The proteins, though present, do not contribute to the measured signal. As a first step in assessing the feasibility of viral genome studies, the structure of encapsidated MS2 RNA was exclusively detected with CV-SAXS and compared with a structure derived from asymmetric cryo-EM reconstructions. Additional comparisons with free RNA highlight the significant structural rearrangements induced by capsid proteins and invite the application of time-resolved CV-SAXS to reveal interactions that result in efficient viral assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josue San Emeterio
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Lois Pollack
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
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36
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Kono H, Ishida H. Nucleosome unwrapping and unstacking. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2020; 64:119-125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2020.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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37
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Soman A, Liew CW, Teo HL, Berezhnoy NV, Olieric V, Korolev N, Rhodes D, Nordenskiöld L. The human telomeric nucleosome displays distinct structural and dynamic properties. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:5383-5396. [PMID: 32374876 PMCID: PMC7261157 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres protect the ends of our chromosomes and are key to maintaining genomic integrity during cell division and differentiation. However, our knowledge of telomeric chromatin and nucleosome structure at the molecular level is limited. Here, we aimed to define the structure, dynamics as well as properties in solution of the human telomeric nucleosome. We first determined the 2.2 Å crystal structure of a human telomeric nucleosome core particle (NCP) containing 145 bp DNA, which revealed the same helical path for the DNA as well as symmetric stretching in both halves of the NCP as that of the 145 bp ‘601’ NCP. In solution, the telomeric nucleosome exhibited a less stable and a markedly more dynamic structure compared to NCPs containing DNA positioning sequences. These observations provide molecular insights into how telomeric DNA forms nucleosomes and chromatin and advance our understanding of the unique biological role of telomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aghil Soman
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technology University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Chong Wai Liew
- NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Hsiang Ling Teo
- NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Nikolay V Berezhnoy
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technology University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore.,Singapore Centre for Environmental Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Vincent Olieric
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Nikolay Korolev
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technology University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Daniela Rhodes
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technology University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore.,School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore
| | - Lars Nordenskiöld
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technology University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
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38
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Peng J, Yuan C, Hua X, Zhang Z. Molecular mechanism of histone variant H2A.B on stability and assembly of nucleosome and chromatin structures. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:28. [PMID: 32664941 PMCID: PMC7362417 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00351-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND H2A.B, the most divergent histone variant of H2A, can significantly modulate nucleosome and chromatin structures. However, the related structural details and the underlying mechanism remain elusive to date. In this work, we built atomic models of the H2A.B-containing nucleosome core particle (NCP), chromatosome, and chromatin fiber. Multiscale modeling including all-atom molecular dynamics and coarse-grained simulations were then carried out for these systems. RESULTS It is found that sequence differences at the C-terminal tail, the docking domain, and the L2 loop, between H2A.B and H2A are directly responsible for the DNA unwrapping in the H2A.B NCP, whereas the N-terminus of H2A.B may somewhat compensate for the aforementioned unwrapping effect. The assembly of the H2A.B NCP is more difficult than that of the H2A NCP. H2A.B may also modulate the interactions of H1 with both the NCP and the linker DNA and could further affect the higher-order structure of the chromatin fiber. CONCLUSIONS The results agree with the experimental results and may shed new light on the biological function of H2A.B. Multiscale modeling may be a valuable tool for investigating structure and dynamics of the nucleosome and the chromatin induced by various histone variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Peng
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, National Science Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Chuang Yuan
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, National Science Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinfan Hua
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, National Science Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, National Science Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, People's Republic of China.
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39
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Protein folding from heterogeneous unfolded state revealed by time-resolved X-ray solution scattering. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:14996-15005. [PMID: 32541047 PMCID: PMC7334511 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1913442117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most challenging tasks in biological science is to understand how a protein folds. In theoretical studies, the hypothesis adopting a funnel-like free-energy landscape has been recognized as a prominent scheme for explaining protein folding in views of both internal energy and conformational heterogeneity of a protein. Despite numerous experimental efforts, however, comprehensively studying protein folding with respect to its global conformational changes in conjunction with the heterogeneity has been elusive. Here we investigate the redox-coupled folding dynamics of equine heart cytochrome c (cyt-c) induced by external electron injection by using time-resolved X-ray solution scattering. A systematic kinetic analysis unveils a kinetic model for its folding with a stretched exponential behavior during the transition toward the folded state. With the aid of the ensemble optimization method combined with molecular dynamics simulations, we found that during the folding the heterogeneously populated ensemble of the unfolded state is converted to a narrowly populated ensemble of folded conformations. These observations obtained from the kinetic and the structural analyses of X-ray scattering data reveal that the folding dynamics of cyt-c accompanies many parallel pathways associated with the heterogeneously populated ensemble of unfolded conformations, resulting in the stretched exponential kinetics at room temperature. This finding provides direct evidence with a view to microscopic protein conformations that the cyt-c folding initiates from a highly heterogeneous unfolded state, passes through still diverse intermediate structures, and reaches structural homogeneity by arriving at the folded state.
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40
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Khodabandeh F, Fatemi H, Mohammad-Rafiee F. Insight into the unwrapping of the dinucleosome. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:4806-4813. [PMID: 32406456 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00161a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Dynamics of nucleosomes, the building blocks of chromatin, has crucial effects on the expression, replication and repair of genomes in eukaryotes. Beside the constant movements of nucleosomes by thermal fluctuations, ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complexes cause their active displacements. Here we propose a theoretical analysis of dinucleosome wrapping and unwrapping dynamics in the presence of an external force. We explore the energy landscape and configurations of a dinucleosome in different unwrapped states. Moreover, using a dynamical Monte-Carlo simulation algorithm, we demonstrate the dynamical features of the system such as the unwrapping force for partial and full wrapping processes. Furthermore, we show that in the short length of linker DNA (∼10-90 bp), asymmetric unwrapping occurs. These findings could shed some light on chromatin dynamics and gene accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khodabandeh
- Department of Physics, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45137-66731, Iran.
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41
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Yu X, Buck MJ. Pioneer factors and their in vitro identification methods. Mol Genet Genomics 2020; 295:825-835. [PMID: 32296927 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-020-01675-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Pioneer transcription factors are a special group of transcription factors that can interact with nucleosomal DNA and initiate regulatory events. Their binding to regulatory regions is the first event in gene activation and can occur in silent or heterochromatin regions. Several research groups have endeavored to define pioneer factors and study their binding characteristics using various techniques. In this review, we describe the in vitro methods used to define and characterize pioneer factors, paying particular attention to differences in methodologies and how these differences can affect results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Yu
- Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, P.R. China.
| | - Michael J Buck
- Department of Biochemistry, New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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42
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Delhommel F, Gabel F, Sattler M. Current approaches for integrating solution NMR spectroscopy and small-angle scattering to study the structure and dynamics of biomolecular complexes. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:2890-2912. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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43
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Lehmann K, Felekyan S, Kühnemuth R, Dimura M, Tóth K, Seidel CAM, Langowski J. Dynamics of the nucleosomal histone H3 N-terminal tail revealed by high precision single-molecule FRET. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:1551-1571. [PMID: 31956896 PMCID: PMC7026643 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin compaction and gene accessibility are orchestrated by assembly and disassembly of nucleosomes. Although the disassembly process was widely studied, little is known about the structure and dynamics of the disordered histone tails, which play a pivotal role for nucleosome integrity. This is a gap filling experimental FRET study from the perspective of the histone H3 N-terminal tail (H3NtT) of reconstituted mononucleosomes. By systematic variation of the labeling positions we monitored the motions of the H3NtT relative to the dyad axis and linker DNA. Single-molecule FRET unveiled that H3NtTs do not diffuse freely but follow the DNA motions with multiple interaction modes with certain permitted dynamic transitions in the μs to ms time range. We also demonstrate that the H3NtT can allosterically sense charge-modifying mutations within the histone core (helix α3 of histone H2A (R81E/R88E)) resulting in increased dynamic transitions and lower rate constants. Those results complement our earlier model on the NaCl induced nucleosome disassembly as changes in H3NtT configurations coincide with two major steps: unwrapping of one linker DNA and weakening of the internal DNA - histone interactions on the other side. This emphasizes the contribution of the H3NtT to the fine-tuned equilibrium between overall nucleosome stability and DNA accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Lehmann
- Division Biophysics of Macromolecules, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany.,Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Physikalische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf D-40225, Germany
| | - Suren Felekyan
- Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Physikalische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf D-40225, Germany
| | - Ralf Kühnemuth
- Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Physikalische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf D-40225, Germany
| | - Mykola Dimura
- Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Physikalische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf D-40225, Germany
| | - Katalin Tóth
- Division Biophysics of Macromolecules, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - Claus A M Seidel
- Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Physikalische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf D-40225, Germany
| | - Jörg Langowski
- Division Biophysics of Macromolecules, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
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44
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Song S, Perez JV, Svitko W, Ricketts MD, Dean E, Schultz D, Marmorstein R, Johnson FB. Rap1-mediated nucleosome displacement can regulate gene expression in senescent cells without impacting the pace of senescence. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13061. [PMID: 31742863 PMCID: PMC6974733 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell senescence is accompanied, and in part mediated, by changes in chromatin, including histone losses, but underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We reported previously that during yeast cell senescence driven by telomere shortening, the telomeric protein Rap1 plays a major role in reprogramming gene expression by relocalizing hundreds of new target genes (called NRTS, for new Rap1 targets at senescence) to the promoters. This leads to two types of histone loss: Rap1 lowers histone level globally by repressing histone gene expression, and it also causes local nucleosome displacement at the promoters of upregulated NRTS. Here, we present evidence of direct binding between Rap1 and histone H3/H4 heterotetramers, and map amino acids involved in the interaction within the Rap1 SANT domain to amino acids 392-394 (SHY). Introduction of a point mutation within the native RAP1 locus that converts these residues to alanines (RAP1SHY ), and thus disrupts Rap1-H3/H4 interaction, does not interfere with Rap1 relocalization to NRTS at senescence, but prevents full nucleosome displacement and gene upregulation, indicating direct Rap1-H3/H4 contacts are involved in nucleosome displacement. Consistent with this, the histone H3/H4 chaperone Asf1 is similarly unnecessary for Rap1 localization to NRTS but is required for full Rap1-mediated nucleosome displacement and gene activation. Remarkably, RAP1SHY does not affect the pace of senescence-related cell cycle arrest, indicating that some changes in gene expression at senescence are not coupled to this arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufei Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
- Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Javier V. Perez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
| | - William Svitko
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
| | - M. Daniel Ricketts
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Elliot Dean
- High‐Throughput Screening Core University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
| | - David Schultz
- High‐Throughput Screening Core University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Ronen Marmorstein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
| | - F. Brad Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
- Institute on Aging University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA USA
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Matsumoto A, Sugiyama M, Li Z, Martel A, Porcar L, Inoue R, Kato D, Osakabe A, Kurumizaka H, Kono H. Structural Studies of Overlapping Dinucleosomes in Solution. Biophys J 2019; 118:2209-2219. [PMID: 31952809 PMCID: PMC7202943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
An overlapping dinucleosome (OLDN) is a structure composed of one hexasome and one octasome and appears to be formed through nucleosome collision promoted by nucleosome remodeling factor(s). In this study, the solution structure of the OLDN was investigated through the integration of small-angle x-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS, respectively), computer modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations. Starting from the crystal structure, we generated a conformational ensemble based on normal mode analysis and searched for the conformations that reproduced the SAXS and SANS scattering curves well. We found that inclusion of histone tails, which are not observed in the crystal structure, greatly improved model quality. The obtained structural models suggest that OLDNs adopt a variety of conformations stabilized by histone tails situated at the interface between the hexasome and octasome, simultaneously binding to both the hexasomal and octasomal DNA. In addition, our models define a possible direction for the conformational changes or dynamics, which may provide important information that furthers our understanding of the role of chromatin dynamics in gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Matsumoto
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Kizugawa, Japan
| | - Masaaki Sugiyama
- Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, Kumatori, Japan.
| | - Zhenhai Li
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Kizugawa, Japan
| | | | | | - Rintaro Inoue
- Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, Kumatori, Japan
| | - Daiki Kato
- Graduate School of Advanced Science & Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihisa Osakabe
- Graduate School of Advanced Science & Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kurumizaka
- Graduate School of Advanced Science & Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan; Laboratory of Chromatin Structure and Function, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hidetoshi Kono
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Kizugawa, Japan.
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46
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Kameda T, Awazu A, Togashi Y. Histone Tail Dynamics in Partially Disassembled Nucleosomes During Chromatin Remodeling. Front Mol Biosci 2019; 6:133. [PMID: 31850366 PMCID: PMC6896900 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleosomes are structural units of the chromosome consisting of DNA wrapped around histone proteins, and play important roles in compaction and regulation of the chromatin structure. While the structure and dynamics of canonical nucleosomes have been studied extensively, those of nucleosomes in intermediate states, that occur when their structure or positioning is modulated, have been less understood. In particular, the dynamic features of partially disassembled nucleosomes have not been discussed in previous studies. Using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, in this study, we investigated the dynamics and stability of nucleosome structures lacking a histone-dimer. DNA in nucleosomes lacking a histone H2A/H2B dimer was drastically deformed due to loss of local interactions between DNA and histones. In contrast, conformation of DNA in nucleosomes lacking H3/H4 was similar to the canonical nucleosome, as the H2A C-terminal domain infiltrated the space originally occupied by the dissociated H3/H4 histones and restricted DNA dynamics in close proximity. Our results suggest that, besides histone chaperones, the intrinsic dynamics of nucleosomes support the exchange of H2A/H2B, which is significantly more frequent than that of H3/H4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeru Kameda
- Department of Mathematical and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akinori Awazu
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for the Mathematics on Chromatin Live Dynamics (RcMcD), Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuichi Togashi
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for the Mathematics on Chromatin Live Dynamics (RcMcD), Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan.,RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
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Abstract
The biological functions of RNA range from gene regulation through catalysis and depend critically on its structure and flexibility. Conformational variations of flexible, non-base-paired components, including RNA hinges, bulges, or single-stranded tails, are well documented. Recent work has also identified variations in the structure of ubiquitous, base-paired duplexes found in almost all functional RNAs. Duplexes anchor the structures of folded RNAs, and their surface features are recognized by partner molecules. To date, no consistent picture has been obtained that describes the range of conformations assumed by RNA duplexes. Here, we apply wide angle, solution X-ray scattering (WAXS) to quantify these variations, by sampling length scales characteristic of helical geometries under different solution conditions. To identify the radius, helical rise, twist, and length of dsRNA helices, we exploit molecular dynamics generated structures, explicit solvent models, and ensemble optimization methods. Our results quantify the substantial and salt-dependent deviations of double-stranded (ds) RNA duplexes from the assumed canonical A-form conformation. Recent experiments underscore the need to properly describe the structures of RNA duplexes when interpreting the salt dependence of RNA conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Lin Chen
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Lois Pollack
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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48
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Brosey CA, Tainer JA. Evolving SAXS versatility: solution X-ray scattering for macromolecular architecture, functional landscapes, and integrative structural biology. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 58:197-213. [PMID: 31204190 PMCID: PMC6778498 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) has emerged as an enabling integrative technique for comprehensive analyses of macromolecular structures and interactions in solution. Over the past two decades, SAXS has become a mainstay of the structural biologist's toolbox, supplying multiplexed measurements of molecular shape and dynamics that unveil biological function. Here, we discuss evolving SAXS theory, methods, and applications that extend the field of small-angle scattering beyond simple shape characterization. SAXS, coupled with size-exclusion chromatography (SEC-SAXS) and time-resolved (TR-SAXS) methods, is now providing high-resolution insight into macromolecular flexibility and ensembles, delineating biophysical landscapes, and facilitating high-throughput library screening to assess macromolecular properties and to create opportunities for drug discovery. Looking forward, we consider SAXS in the integrative era of hybrid structural biology methods, its potential for illuminating cellular supramolecular and mesoscale structures, and its capacity to complement high-throughput bioinformatics sequencing data. As advances in the field continue, we look forward to proliferating uses of SAXS based upon its abilities to robustly produce mechanistic insights for biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris A Brosey
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology and Cancer Biology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - John A Tainer
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology and Cancer Biology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; MBIB Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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49
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Würtz M, Aumiller D, Gundelwein L, Jung P, Schütz C, Lehmann K, Tóth K, Rohr K. DNA accessibility of chromatosomes quantified by automated image analysis of AFM data. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12788. [PMID: 31484969 PMCID: PMC6726762 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA compaction and accessibility in eukaryotes are governed by nucleosomes and orchestrated through interactions between DNA and DNA-binding proteins. Using QuantAFM, a method for automated image analysis of atomic force microscopy (AFM) data, we performed a detailed statistical analysis of structural properties of mono-nucleosomes. QuantAFM allows fast analysis of AFM images, including image preprocessing, object segmentation, and quantification of different structural parameters to assess DNA accessibility of nucleosomes. A comparison of nucleosomes reconstituted with and without linker histone H1 quantified H1's already described ability of compacting the nucleosome. We further employed nucleosomes bearing two charge-modifying mutations at position R81 and R88 in histone H2A (H2A R81E/R88E) to characterize DNA accessibility under destabilizing conditions. Upon H2A mutation, even in presence of H1, the DNA opening angle at the entry/exit site was increased and the DNA wrapping length around the histone core was reduced. Interestingly, a distinct opening of the less bendable DNA side was observed upon H2A mutation, indicating an enhancement of the intrinsic asymmetry of the Widom-601 nucleosomes. This study validates AFM as a technique to investigate structural parameters of nucleosomes and highlights how the DNA sequence, together with nucleosome modifications, can influence the DNA accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Würtz
- German Cancer Research Center, Division Biophysics of Macromolecules, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
- Heidelberg University, BioQuant and IPMB, Biomedical Computer Vision Group, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Dennis Aumiller
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Computer Science, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Lina Gundelwein
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Computer Science, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Philipp Jung
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Computer Science, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Christian Schütz
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Computer Science, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Kathrin Lehmann
- German Cancer Research Center, Division Biophysics of Macromolecules, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Physics, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Katalin Tóth
- German Cancer Research Center, Division Biophysics of Macromolecules, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Karl Rohr
- Heidelberg University, BioQuant and IPMB, Biomedical Computer Vision Group, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.
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50
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Abstract
Repair of damaged DNA plays a crucial role in maintaining genomic integrity and normal cell function. The base excision repair (BER) pathway is primarily responsible for removing modified nucleobases that would otherwise cause deleterious and mutagenic consequences and lead to disease. The BER process is initiated by a DNA glycosylase, which recognizes and excises the target nucleobase lesion, and is completed via downstream enzymes acting in a well-coordinated manner. A majority of our current understanding about how BER enzymes function comes from in vitro studies using free duplex DNA as a simplified model. In eukaryotes, however, BER is challenged by the packaging of genomic DNA into chromatin. The fundamental structural repeating unit of chromatin is the nucleosome, which presents a more complex substrate context than free duplex DNA for repair. In this chapter, we discuss how BER enzymes, particularly glycosylases, engage in the context of packaged DNA with insights obtained from both in vivo and in vitro studies. Furthermore, we review factors and mechanisms that can modify chromatin architecture and/or influence DNA accessibility to BER machinery, such as the geometric location of the damage site, nucleosomal DNA unwrapping, histone post-translational modifications, histone variant incorporation, and chromatin remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuxuan Li
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Sarah Delaney
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.
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