1
|
Gilbert G, Renaud Y, Teste C, Anglaret N, Bertrand R, Hoehn S, Jurkowski TP, Schuettengruber B, Cavalli G, Waltzer L, Vandel L. Drosophila TET acts with PRC1 to activate gene expression independently of its catalytic activity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn5861. [PMID: 38701218 PMCID: PMC11068012 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn5861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Enzymes of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) family play a key role in the regulation of gene expression by oxidizing 5-methylcytosine (5mC), a prominent epigenetic mark in many species. Yet, TET proteins also have less characterized noncanonical modes of action, notably in Drosophila, whose genome is devoid of 5mC. Here, we show that Drosophila TET activates the expression of genes required for larval central nervous system (CNS) development mainly in a catalytic-independent manner. Genome-wide profiling shows that TET is recruited to enhancer and promoter regions bound by Polycomb group complex (PcG) proteins. We found that TET interacts and colocalizes on chromatin preferentially with Polycomb repressor complex 1 (PRC1) rather than PRC2. Furthermore, PRC1 but not PRC2 is required for the activation of TET target genes. Last, our results suggest that TET and PRC1 binding to activated genes is interdependent. These data highlight the importance of TET noncatalytic function and the role of PRC1 for gene activation in the Drosophila larval CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guerric Gilbert
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, iGReD, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yoan Renaud
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, iGReD, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Camille Teste
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, iGReD, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nadège Anglaret
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, iGReD, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Romane Bertrand
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, iGReD, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sven Hoehn
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Museum Avenue, CF10 3AX Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Tomasz P. Jurkowski
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Museum Avenue, CF10 3AX Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Bernd Schuettengruber
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR9002, CNRS and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Giacomo Cavalli
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR9002, CNRS and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Lucas Waltzer
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, iGReD, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurence Vandel
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, iGReD, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brown JL, Zhang L, Rocha PP, Kassis JA, Sun MA. Polycomb protein binding and looping in the ON transcriptional state. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn1837. [PMID: 38657072 PMCID: PMC11042752 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn1837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) proteins mediate epigenetic silencing of important developmental genes by modifying histones and compacting chromatin through two major protein complexes, PRC1 and PRC2. These complexes are recruited to DNA by CpG islands (CGIs) in mammals and Polycomb response elements (PREs) in Drosophila. When PcG target genes are turned OFF, PcG proteins bind to PREs or CGIs, and PREs serve as anchors that loop together and stabilize gene silencing. Here, we address which PcG proteins bind to PREs and whether PREs mediate looping when their targets are in the ON transcriptional state. While the binding of most PcG proteins decreases at PREs in the ON state, one PRC1 component, Ph, remains bound. Further, PREs can loop to each other and with presumptive enhancers in the ON state and, like CGIs, may act as tethering elements between promoters and enhancers. Overall, our data suggest that PREs are important looping elements for developmental loci in both the ON and OFF states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Lesley Brown
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Liangliang Zhang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pedro P. Rocha
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Judith A. Kassis
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ming-an Sun
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Longhurst AD, Wang K, Suresh HG, Ketavarapu M, Ward HN, Jones IR, Narayan V, Hundley FV, Hassan AZ, Boone C, Myers CL, Shen Y, Ramani V, Andrews BJ, Toczyski DP. The PRC2.1 Subcomplex Opposes G1 Progression through Regulation of CCND1 and CCND2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.18.585604. [PMID: 38562687 PMCID: PMC10983909 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.18.585604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle is the most highly regulated step in cellular division. We employed a chemogenomics approach to discover novel cellular networks that regulate cell cycle progression. This approach uncovered functional clusters of genes that altered sensitivity of cells to inhibitors of the G1/S transition. Mutation of components of the Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 rescued growth inhibition caused by the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib, but not to inhibitors of S phase or mitosis. In addition to its core catalytic subunits, mutation of the PRC2.1 accessory protein MTF2, but not the PRC2.2 protein JARID2, rendered cells resistant to palbociclib treatment. We found that PRC2.1 (MTF2), but not PRC2.2 (JARID2), was critical for promoting H3K27me3 deposition at CpG islands genome-wide and in promoters. This included the CpG islands in the promoter of the CDK4/6 cyclins CCND1 and CCND2, and loss of MTF2 lead to upregulation of both CCND1 and CCND2. Our results demonstrate a role for PRC2.1, but not PRC2.2, in promoting G1 progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Longhurst
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kyle Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Harsha Garadi Suresh
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Mythili Ketavarapu
- Gladstone Institute for Data Science and Biotechnology, J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henry N Ward
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Program, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis MN USA
| | - Ian R Jones
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, University of California
| | - Vivek Narayan
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Frances V Hundley
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute of Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Arshia Zernab Hassan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis MN USA
| | - Charles Boone
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chad L Myers
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Program, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis MN USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute of Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yin Shen
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vijay Ramani
- Gladstone Institute for Data Science and Biotechnology, J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brenda J Andrews
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David P Toczyski
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Brown JL, Zhang L, Rocha PP, Kassis JA, Sun MA. Polycomb protein binding and looping mediated by Polycomb Response Elements in the ON transcriptional state. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.02.565256. [PMID: 38076900 PMCID: PMC10705551 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.02.565256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Polycomb group proteins (PcG) mediate epigenetic silencing of important developmental genes and other targets. In Drosophila, canonical PcG-target genes contain Polycomb Response Elements (PREs) that recruit PcG protein complexes including PRC2 that trimethylates H3K27 forming large H3K27me3 domains. In the OFF transcriptional state, PREs loop with each other and this looping strengthens silencing. Here we address the question of what PcG proteins bind to PREs when canonical PcG target genes are expressed, and whether PREs loop when these genes are ON. Our data show that the answer to this question is PRE-specific but general conclusions can be made. First, within a PcG-target gene, some regulatory DNA can remain covered with H3K27me3 and PcG proteins remain bound to PREs in these regions. Second, when PREs are within H3K27ac domains, PcG-binding decreases, however, this depends on the protein and PRE. The DNA binding protein GAF, and the PcG protein Ph remain at PREs even when other PcG proteins are greatly depleted. In the ON state, PREs can still loop with each other, but also form loops with presumptive enhancers. These data support the model that, in addition to their role in PcG silencing, PREs can act as "promoter-tethering elements" mediating interactions between promoter proximal PREs and distant enhancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Lesley Brown
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Liangliang Zhang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pedro P Rocha
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Judith A. Kassis
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ming-an Sun
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brown JL, Price JD, Erokhin M, Kassis JA. Context-dependent role of Pho binding sites in Polycomb complex recruitment in Drosophila. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad096. [PMID: 37216193 PMCID: PMC10411561 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) proteins maintain the silenced state of key developmental genes, but how these proteins are recruited to specific regions of the genome is still not completely understood. In Drosophila, PcG proteins are recruited to Polycomb response elements (PREs) comprised of a flexible array of sites for sequence-specific DNA binding proteins, "PcG recruiters," including Pho, Spps, Cg, and GAF. Pho is thought to play a central role in PcG recruitment. Early data showed that mutation of Pho binding sites in PREs in transgenes abrogated the ability of those PREs to repress gene expression. In contrast, genome-wide experiments in pho mutants or by Pho knockdown showed that PcG proteins can bind to PREs in the absence of Pho. Here, we directly addressed the importance of Pho binding sites in 2 engrailed (en) PREs at the endogenous locus and in transgenes. Our results show that Pho binding sites are required for PRE activity in transgenes with a single PRE. In a transgene, 2 PREs together lead to stronger, more stable repression and confer some resistance to the loss of Pho binding sites. Making the same mutation in Pho binding sites has little effect on PcG-protein binding at the endogenous en gene. Overall, our data support the model that Pho is important for PcG binding but emphasize how multiple PREs and chromatin environment increase the ability of PREs to function in the absence of Pho. This supports the view that multiple mechanisms contribute to PcG recruitment in Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet Lesley Brown
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joshua D Price
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Maksim Erokhin
- Group of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Judith A Kassis
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Erokhin M, Mogila V, Lomaev D, Chetverina D. Polycomb Recruiters Inside and Outside of the Repressed Domains. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11394. [PMID: 37511153 PMCID: PMC10379775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The establishment and stable inheritance of individual patterns of gene expression in different cell types are required for the development of multicellular organisms. The important epigenetic regulators are the Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins, which control the silenced and active states of genes, respectively. In Drosophila, the PcG/TrxG group proteins are recruited to the DNA regulatory sequences termed the Polycomb response elements (PREs). The PREs are composed of the binding sites for different DNA-binding proteins, the so-called PcG recruiters. Currently, the role of the PcG recruiters in the targeting of the PcG proteins to PREs is well documented. However, there are examples where the PcG recruiters are also implicated in the active transcription and in the TrxG function. In addition, there is increasing evidence that the genome-wide PcG recruiters interact with the chromatin outside of the PREs and overlap with the proteins of differing regulatory classes. Recent studies of the interactomes of the PcG recruiters significantly expanded our understanding that they have numerous interactors besides the PcG proteins and that their functions extend beyond the regulation of the PRE repressive activity. Here, we summarize current data about the functions of the PcG recruiters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maksim Erokhin
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Vladic Mogila
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Dmitry Lomaev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Darya Chetverina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Erokhin M, Brown JL, Lomaev D, Vorobyeva NE, Zhang L, Fab L, Mazina M, Kulakovskiy I, Ziganshin R, Schedl P, Georgiev P, Sun MA, Kassis J, Chetverina D. Crol contributes to PRE-mediated repression and Polycomb group proteins recruitment in Drosophila. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:6087-6100. [PMID: 37140047 PMCID: PMC10325914 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are fundamental epigenetic regulators that control the repressive state of target genes in multicellular organisms. One of the open questions is defining the mechanisms of PcG recruitment to chromatin. In Drosophila, the crucial role in PcG recruitment is thought to belong to DNA-binding proteins associated with Polycomb response elements (PREs). However, current data suggests that not all PRE-binding factors have been identified. Here, we report the identification of the transcription factor Crooked legs (Crol) as a novel PcG recruiter. Crol is a C2H2-type Zinc Finger protein that directly binds to poly(G)-rich DNA sequences. Mutation of Crol binding sites as well as crol CRISPR/Cas9 knockout diminish the repressive activity of PREs in transgenes. Like other PRE-DNA binding proteins, Crol co-localizes with PcG proteins inside and outside of H3K27me3 domains. Crol knockout impairs the recruitment of the PRC1 subunit Polyhomeotic and the PRE-binding protein Combgap at a subset of sites. The decreased binding of PcG proteins is accompanied by dysregulated transcription of target genes. Overall, our study identified Crol as a new important player in PcG recruitment and epigenetic regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maksim Erokhin
- Group of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - J Lesley Brown
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dmitry Lomaev
- Group of Epigenetics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Nadezhda E Vorobyeva
- Group of transcriptional complexes dynamics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liangliang Zhang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lika V Fab
- Group of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Marina Yu Mazina
- Group of hormone-dependent transcription regulation, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan V Kulakovskiy
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow119991, Russia
| | - Rustam H Ziganshin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Paul Schedl
- Department of Molecular Biology Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Pavel Georgiev
- Department of Control of Genetic Processes, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Ming-an Sun
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Judith A Kassis
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Darya Chetverina
- Group of Epigenetics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rajan A, Anhezini L, Rives-Quinto N, Chhabra JY, Neville MC, Larson ED, Goodwin SF, Harrison MM, Lee CY. Low-level repressive histone marks fine-tune gene transcription in neural stem cells. eLife 2023; 12:e86127. [PMID: 37314324 PMCID: PMC10344426 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Coordinated regulation of gene activity by transcriptional and translational mechanisms poise stem cells for a timely cell-state transition during differentiation. Although important for all stemness-to-differentiation transitions, mechanistic understanding of the fine-tuning of gene transcription is lacking due to the compensatory effect of translational control. We used intermediate neural progenitor (INP) identity commitment to define the mechanisms that fine-tune stemness gene transcription in fly neural stem cells (neuroblasts). We demonstrate that the transcription factor FruitlessC (FruC) binds cis-regulatory elements of most genes uniquely transcribed in neuroblasts. Loss of fruC function alone has no effect on INP commitment but drives INP dedifferentiation when translational control is reduced. FruC negatively regulates gene expression by promoting low-level enrichment of the repressive histone mark H3K27me3 in gene cis-regulatory regions. Identical to fruC loss-of-function, reducing Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 activity increases stemness gene activity. We propose low-level H3K27me3 enrichment fine-tunes gene transcription in stem cells, a mechanism likely conserved from flies to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Rajan
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Lucas Anhezini
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Noemi Rives-Quinto
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Jay Y Chhabra
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Megan C Neville
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth D Larson
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Stephen F Goodwin
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Melissa M Harrison
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Cheng-Yu Lee
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborUnited States
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborUnited States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li X, Tang X, Bing X, Catalano C, Li T, Dolsten G, Wu C, Levine M. GAGA-associated factor fosters loop formation in the Drosophila genome. Mol Cell 2023; 83:1519-1526.e4. [PMID: 37003261 PMCID: PMC10396332 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The impact of genome organization on the control of gene expression persists as a major challenge in regulatory biology. Most efforts have focused on the role of CTCF-enriched boundary elements and TADs, which enable long-range DNA-DNA associations via loop extrusion processes. However, there is increasing evidence for long-range chromatin loops between promoters and distal enhancers formed through specific DNA sequences, including tethering elements, which bind the GAGA-associated factor (GAF). Previous studies showed that GAF possesses amyloid properties in vitro, bridging separate DNA molecules. In this study, we investigated whether GAF functions as a looping factor in Drosophila development. We employed Micro-C assays to examine the impact of defined GAF mutants on genome topology. These studies suggest that the N-terminal POZ/BTB oligomerization domain is important for long-range associations of distant GAGA-rich tethering elements, particularly those responsible for promoter-promoter interactions that coordinate the activities of distant paralogous genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Lewis-Sigler Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Xiaona Tang
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Xinyang Bing
- Lewis-Sigler Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | | | - Taibo Li
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Gabriel Dolsten
- Lewis-Sigler Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Carl Wu
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Michael Levine
- Lewis-Sigler Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Salzler HR, Vandadi V, McMichael BD, Brown JC, Boerma SA, Leatham-Jensen MP, Adams KM, Meers MP, Simon JM, Duronio RJ, McKay DJ, Matera AG. Distinct roles for canonical and variant histone H3 lysine-36 in Polycomb silencing. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf2451. [PMID: 36857457 PMCID: PMC9977188 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf2451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Polycomb complexes regulate cell type-specific gene expression programs through heritable silencing of target genes. Trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) is essential for this process. Perturbation of H3K36 is thought to interfere with H3K27me3. We show that mutants of Drosophila replication-dependent (H3.2K36R) or replication-independent (H3.3K36R) histone H3 genes generally maintain Polycomb silencing and reach later stages of development. In contrast, combined (H3.3K36RH3.2K36R) mutants display widespread Hox gene misexpression and fail to develop past the first larval stage. Chromatin profiling revealed that the H3.2K36R mutation disrupts H3K27me3 levels broadly throughout silenced domains, whereas these regions are mostly unaffected in H3.3K36R animals. Analysis of H3.3 distributions showed that this histone is enriched at presumptive Polycomb response elements located outside of silenced domains but relatively depleted from those inside. We conclude that H3.2 and H3.3 K36 residues collaborate to repress Hox genes using different mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harmony R. Salzler
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Vasudha Vandadi
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Benjamin D. McMichael
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John C. Brown
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sally A. Boerma
- Department of Biology, Carleton College, Northfield, MN, USA
| | - Mary P. Leatham-Jensen
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kirsten M. Adams
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael P. Meers
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeremy M. Simon
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Robert J. Duronio
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Daniel J. McKay
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - A. Gregory Matera
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Inhibition of EZH2 Causes Retrotransposon Derepression and Immune Activation in Porcine Lung Alveolar Macrophages. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032394. [PMID: 36768720 PMCID: PMC9917017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar macrophages (AMs) form the first defense line against various respiratory pathogens, and their immune response has a profound impact on the outcome of respiratory infection. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), which catalyzes the trimethylation of H3K27 for epigenetic repression, has gained increasing attention for its immune regulation function, yet its exact function in AMs remains largely obscure. Using porcine 3D4/21 AM cells as a model, we characterized the transcriptomic and epigenomic alterations after the inhibition of EZH2. We found that the inhibition of EZH2 causes transcriptional activation of numerous immune genes and inhibits the subsequent infection by influenza A virus. Interestingly, specific families of transposable elements, particularly endogenous retrovirus elements (ERVs) and LINEs which belong to retrotransposons, also become derepressed. While some of the derepressed ERV families are pig-specific, a few ancestral families are known to be under EZH2-mediated repression in humans. Given that derepression of ERVs can promote innate immune activation through "viral mimicry", we speculate that ERVs may also contribute to the coinciding immune activation in AMs after the inhibition of EZH2. Overall, this study improves the understanding of the EZH2-related immune regulation in AMs and provides novel insights into the epigenetic regulation of retrotransposons in pigs.
Collapse
|
12
|
Kim ED, Dorrity MW, Fitzgerald BA, Seo H, Sepuru KM, Queitsch C, Mitsuda N, Han SK, Torii KU. Dynamic chromatin accessibility deploys heterotypic cis/trans-acting factors driving stomatal cell-fate commitment. NATURE PLANTS 2022; 8:1453-1466. [PMID: 36522450 PMCID: PMC9788986 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-022-01304-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin architecture and transcription factor (TF) binding underpin cell-fate specification during development, but their mutual regulatory relationships remain unclear. Here we report an atlas of dynamic chromatin landscapes during stomatal cell-lineage progression, in which sequential cell-state transitions are governed by lineage-specific bHLH TFs. Major reprogramming of chromatin accessibility occurs at the proliferation-to-differentiation transition. We discover novel co-cis regulatory elements (CREs) signifying the early precursor stage, BBR/BPC (GAGA) and bHLH (E-box) motifs, where master-regulatory bHLH TFs, SPEECHLESS and MUTE, consecutively bind to initiate and terminate the proliferative state, respectively. BPC TFs complex with MUTE to repress SPEECHLESS expression through a local deposition of repressive histone marks. We elucidate the mechanism by which cell-state-specific heterotypic TF complexes facilitate cell-fate commitment by recruiting chromatin modifiers via key co-CREs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Deok Kim
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Michael W Dorrity
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bridget A Fitzgerald
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Hyemin Seo
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Krishna Mohan Sepuru
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Christine Queitsch
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nobutaka Mitsuda
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Soon-Ki Han
- Institute of Transformative Biomolecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Keiko U Torii
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Institute of Transformative Biomolecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Feijão T, Marques B, Silva RD, Carvalho C, Sobral D, Matos R, Tan T, Pereira A, Morais-de-Sá E, Maiato H, DeLuca SZ, Martinho RG. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins prevent the assembly of abnormal synaptonemal complex structures during meiosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204701119. [PMID: 36215502 PMCID: PMC9586294 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204701119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a proteinaceous scaffold that is assembled between paired homologous chromosomes during the onset of meiosis. Timely expression of SC coding genes is essential for SC assembly and successful meiosis. However, SC components have an intrinsic tendency to self-organize into abnormal repetitive structures, which are not assembled between the paired homologs and whose formation is potentially deleterious for meiosis and gametogenesis. This creates an interesting conundrum, where SC genes need to be robustly expressed during meiosis, but their expression must be carefully regulated to prevent the formation of anomalous SC structures. In this manuscript, we show that the Polycomb group protein Sfmbt, the Drosophila ortholog of human MBTD1 and L3MBTL2, is required to avoid excessive expression of SC genes during prophase I. Although SC assembly is normal after Sfmbt depletion, SC disassembly is abnormal with the formation of multiple synaptonemal complexes (polycomplexes) within the oocyte. Overexpression of the SC gene corona and depletion of other Polycomb group proteins are similarly associated with polycomplex formation during SC disassembly. These polycomplexes are highly dynamic and have a well-defined periodic structure. Further confirming the importance of Sfmbt, germ line depletion of this protein is associated with significant metaphase I defects and a reduction in female fertility. Since transcription of SC genes mostly occurs during early prophase I, our results suggest a role of Sfmbt and other Polycomb group proteins in downregulating the expression of these and other early prophase I genes during later stages of meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tália Feijão
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135 Portugal
- Department of Medical Sciences and Institute for Biomedicine, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Marques
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Rui D. Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Célia Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Daniel Sobral
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit (UCIBIO), Department of Life Sciences, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, 2819-516 Portugal
| | - Ricardo Matos
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Tian Tan
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453
| | - António Pereira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135 Portugal
| | - Eurico Morais-de-Sá
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135 Portugal
| | - Hélder Maiato
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200-135 Portugal
| | | | - Rui Gonçalo Martinho
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Department of Medical Sciences and Institute for Biomedicine, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bondhus L, Wei A, Arboleda VA. DMRscaler: a scale-aware method to identify regions of differential DNA methylation spanning basepair to multi-megabase features. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:364. [PMID: 36064314 PMCID: PMC9447346 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04899-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenic mutations in genes that control chromatin function have been implicated in rare genetic syndromes. These chromatin modifiers exhibit extraordinary diversity in the scale of the epigenetic changes they affect, from single basepair modifications by DNMT1 to whole genome structural changes by PRM1/2. Patterns of DNA methylation are related to a diverse set of epigenetic features across this full range of epigenetic scale, making DNA methylation valuable for mapping regions of general epigenetic dysregulation. However, existing methods are unable to accurately identify regions of differential methylation across this full range of epigenetic scale directly from DNA methylation data. RESULTS To address this, we developed DMRscaler, a novel method that uses an iterative windowing procedure to capture regions of differential DNA methylation (DMRs) ranging in size from single basepairs to whole chromosomes. We benchmarked DMRscaler against several DMR callers in simulated and natural data comparing XX and XY peripheral blood samples. DMRscaler was the only method that accurately called DMRs ranging in size from 100 bp to 1 Mb (pearson's r = 0.94) and up to 152 Mb on the X-chromosome. We then analyzed methylation data from rare-disease cohorts that harbor chromatin modifier gene mutations in NSD1, EZH2, and KAT6A where DMRscaler identified novel DMRs spanning gene clusters involved in development. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results show DMRscaler is uniquely able to capture the size of DMR features across the full range of epigenetic scale and identify novel, co-regulated regions that drive epigenetic dysregulation in human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leroy Bondhus
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 615 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Computational Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Angela Wei
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 615 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Bioinformatics Interdepartmental PhD Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Computational Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Valerie A. Arboleda
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 615 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Bioinformatics Interdepartmental PhD Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Computational Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chen Y, Chen S, Lei EP. DiffChIPL: a differential peak analysis method for high-throughput sequencing data with biological replicates based on limma. Bioinformatics 2022; 38:4062-4069. [PMID: 35809062 PMCID: PMC9438959 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btac498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION ChIP-seq detects protein-DNA interactions within chromatin, such as that of chromatin structural components and transcription machinery. ChIP-seq profiles are often noisy and variable across replicates, posing a challenge to the development of effective algorithms to accurately detect differential peaks. Methods have recently been designed for this purpose but sometimes yield conflicting results that are inconsistent with the underlying biology. Most existing algorithms perform well on limited datasets. To improve differential analysis of ChIP-seq, we present a novel Differential analysis method for ChIP-seq based on Limma (DiffChIPL). RESULTS DiffChIPL is adaptive to asymmetrical or symmetrical data and can accurately report global differences. We used simulated and real datasets for transcription factors (TFs) and histone modification marks to validate and benchmark our algorithm. DiffChIPL shows superior performance in sensitivity and false positive rate in different simulations and control datasets. DiffChIPL also performs well on real ChIP-seq, CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag and ATAC-seq datasets. DiffChIPL is an accurate and robust method, exhibiting better performance in differential analysis for a variety of applications including TF binding, histone modifications and chromatin accessibility. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION https://github.com/yancychy/DiffChIPL. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Chen
- Nuclear Organization and Gene Expression Section, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shue Chen
- Nuclear Organization and Gene Expression Section, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chetverina D, Vorobyeva NE, Mazina MY, Fab LV, Lomaev D, Golovnina A, Mogila V, Georgiev P, Ziganshin RH, Erokhin M. Comparative interactome analysis of the PRE DNA-binding factors: purification of the Combgap-, Zeste-, Psq-, and Adf1-associated proteins. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:353. [PMID: 35676368 PMCID: PMC11072172 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04383-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins are key epigenetic regulators controlling the silenced and active states of genes in multicellular organisms, respectively. In Drosophila, PcG/TrxG proteins are recruited to the chromatin via binding to specific DNA sequences termed polycomb response elements (PREs). While precise mechanisms of the PcG/TrxG protein recruitment remain unknown, the important role is suggested to belong to sequence-specific DNA-binding factors. At the same time, it was demonstrated that the PRE DNA-binding proteins are not exclusively localized to PREs but can bind other DNA regulatory elements, including enhancers, promoters, and boundaries. To gain an insight into the PRE DNA-binding protein regulatory network, here, using ChIP-seq and immuno-affinity purification coupled to the high-throughput mass spectrometry, we searched for differences in abundance of the Combgap, Zeste, Psq, and Adf1 PRE DNA-binding proteins. While there were no conspicuous differences in co-localization of these proteins with other functional transcription factors, we show that Combgap and Zeste are more tightly associated with the Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), while Psq interacts strongly with the TrxG proteins, including the BAP SWI/SNF complex. The Adf1 interactome contained Mediator subunits as the top interactors. In addition, Combgap efficiently interacted with AGO2, NELF, and TFIID. Combgap, Psq, and Adf1 have architectural proteins in their networks. We further investigated the existence of direct interactions between different PRE DNA-binding proteins and demonstrated that Combgap-Adf1, Psq-Dsp1, and Pho-Spps can interact in the yeast two-hybrid assay. Overall, our data suggest that Combgap, Psq, Zeste, and Adf1 are associated with the protein complexes implicated in different regulatory activities and indicate their potential multifunctional role in the regulation of transcription.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darya Chetverina
- Group of Epigenetics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
| | - Nadezhda E Vorobyeva
- Group of Dynamics of Transcriptional Complexes, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Yu Mazina
- Group of Hormone-Dependent Transcriptional Regulation, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lika V Fab
- Group of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Dmitry Lomaev
- Group of Epigenetics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Alexandra Golovnina
- Group of Epigenetics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Vladic Mogila
- Department of Control of Genetic Processes, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Pavel Georgiev
- Department of Control of Genetic Processes, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Rustam H Ziganshin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Maksim Erokhin
- Group of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Owen BM, Davidovich C. DNA binding by polycomb-group proteins: searching for the link to CpG islands. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4813-4839. [PMID: 35489059 PMCID: PMC9122586 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group proteins predominantly exist in polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) that cooperate to maintain the repressed state of thousands of cell-type-specific genes. Targeting PRCs to the correct sites in chromatin is essential for their function. However, the mechanisms by which PRCs are recruited to their target genes in mammals are multifactorial and complex. Here we review DNA binding by polycomb group proteins. There is strong evidence that the DNA-binding subunits of PRCs and their DNA-binding activities are required for chromatin binding and CpG targeting in cells. In vitro, CpG-specific binding was observed for truncated proteins externally to the context of their PRCs. Yet, the mere DNA sequence cannot fully explain the subset of CpG islands that are targeted by PRCs in any given cell type. At this time we find very little structural and biophysical evidence to support a model where sequence-specific DNA-binding activity is required or sufficient for the targeting of CpG-dinucleotide sequences by polycomb group proteins while they are within the context of their respective PRCs, either PRC1 or PRC2. We discuss the current knowledge and open questions on how the DNA-binding activities of polycomb group proteins facilitate the targeting of PRCs to chromatin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brady M Owen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Chen Davidovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,EMBL-Australia, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bieluszewski T, Xiao J, Yang Y, Wagner D. PRC2 activity, recruitment, and silencing: a comparative perspective. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 26:1186-1198. [PMID: 34294542 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex (PRC)-mediated gene silencing is vital for cell identity and development in both the plant and the animal kingdoms. It also modulates responses to stress. Two major protein complexes, PRC1 and PRC2, execute conserved nuclear functions in metazoans and plants through covalent modification of histones and by compacting chromatin. While a general requirement for Polycomb complexes in mitotically heritable gene repression in the context of chromatin is well established, recent studies have brought new insights into the regulation of Polycomb complex activity and recruitment. Here, we discuss these recent advances with emphasis on PRC2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Bieluszewski
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
| | - Jun Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Centre of Excellence for Plant and Microbial Science (CEPAMS), the John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Yiman Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Doris Wagner
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hime GR, Stonehouse SLA, Pang TY. Alternative models for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: Molecular psychiatry beyond mice and man. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:711-735. [PMID: 34733638 PMCID: PMC8546770 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i10.711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental illness remains the greatest chronic health burden globally with few in-roads having been made despite significant advances in genomic knowledge in recent decades. The field of psychiatry is constantly challenged to bring new approaches and tools to address and treat the needs of vulnerable individuals and subpopulations, and that has to be supported by a continuous growth in knowledge. The majority of neuropsychiatric symptoms reflect complex gene-environment interactions, with epigenetics bridging the gap between genetic susceptibility and environmental stressors that trigger disease onset and drive the advancement of symptoms. It has more recently been demonstrated in preclinical models that epigenetics underpins the transgenerational inheritance of stress-related behavioural phenotypes in both paternal and maternal lineages, providing further supporting evidence for heritability in humans. However, unbiased prospective studies of this nature are practically impossible to conduct in humans so preclinical models remain our best option for researching the molecular pathophysiologies underlying many neuropsychiatric conditions. While rodents will remain the dominant model system for preclinical studies (especially for addressing complex behavioural phenotypes), there is scope to expand current research of the molecular and epigenetic pathologies by using invertebrate models. Here, we will discuss the utility and advantages of two alternative model organisms-Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster-and summarise the compelling insights of the epigenetic regulation of transgenerational inheritance that are potentially relevant to human psychiatry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary R Hime
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, VIC, Australia
| | - Sophie LA Stonehouse
- Mental Health Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville 3052, VIC, Australia
| | - Terence Y Pang
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, VIC, Australia
- Mental Health Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville 3052, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lucas T, Hafer TL, Zhang HG, Molotkova N, Kohwi M. Discrete cis-acting element regulates developmentally timed gene-lamina relocation and neural progenitor competence in vivo. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2649-2663.e6. [PMID: 34529940 PMCID: PMC8629127 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear lamina is typically associated with transcriptional silencing, and peripheral relocation of genes highly correlates with repression. However, the DNA sequences and proteins regulating gene-lamina interactions are largely unknown. Exploiting the developmentally timed hunchback gene movement to the lamina in Drosophila neuroblasts, we identified a 250 bp intronic element (IE) both necessary and sufficient for relocation. The IE can target a reporter transgene to the lamina and silence it. Endogenously, however, hunchback is already repressed prior to relocation. Instead, IE-mediated relocation confers a heritably silenced gene state refractory to activation in descendent neurons, which terminates neuroblast competence to specify early-born identity. Surprisingly, we found that the Polycomb group chromatin factors bind the IE and are required for lamina relocation, revealing a nuclear architectural role distinct from their well-known function in transcriptional repression. Together, our results uncover in vivo mechanisms underlying neuroblast competence and lamina association in heritable gene silencing. In Drosophila neuroblasts, relocation of the hunchback gene locus to the nuclear lamina confers heritable silencing in daughter neurons. Lucas et al. identify a genomic element necessary and sufficient for hunchback gene movement in vivo. Polycomb proteins target this element for lamina relocation, thereby regulating competence, but not hunchback expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanguy Lucas
- Department of Neuroscience, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Institute Mind Brain Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Terry L Hafer
- Department of Neuroscience, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Institute Mind Brain Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Harrison G Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Institute Mind Brain Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Natalia Molotkova
- Department of Neuroscience, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Institute Mind Brain Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Minoree Kohwi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Institute Mind Brain Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Elizarev P, Finkl K, Müller J. Distinct requirements for Pho, Sfmbt, and Ino80 for cell survival in Drosophila. Genetics 2021; 219:iyab096. [PMID: 34849913 PMCID: PMC8633127 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila proteins Pleiohomeotic (Pho) and its paralog Pho-like (Phol) are the homologs of the mammalian transcription factor YY1. Pho and Phol are subunits of the Polycomb group protein complex PhoRC and they are also stably associated with the INO80 nucleosome remodeling complex. Drosophila lacking both Pho and Phol arrest development as larvae with small misshaped imaginal discs. The basis of this phenotype is poorly understood. We find that in pho phol mutant animals cells retain the capacity to proliferate but show a high incidence of apoptotic cell death that results in tissue hypoplasia. Clonal analyses establish that cells stringently require Pho and Phol to survive. In contrast, the PhoRC subunit Sfmbt and the ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling factor Ino80 are not essential for cell viability. Pho and Phol, therefore, execute their critical role for cell survival through mechanisms that do not involve Sfmbt function or INO80 nucleosome remodeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Elizarev
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Katja Finkl
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Jürg Müller
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried 82152, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Erokhin M, Gorbenko F, Lomaev D, Mazina MY, Mikhailova A, Garaev AK, Parshikov A, Vorobyeva NE, Georgiev P, Schedl P, Chetverina D. Boundaries potentiate polycomb response element-mediated silencing. BMC Biol 2021; 19:113. [PMID: 34078365 PMCID: PMC8170967 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01047-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetic memory plays a critical role in the establishment and maintenance of cell identities in multicellular organisms. Polycomb and trithorax group (PcG and TrxG) proteins are responsible for epigenetic memory, and in flies, they are recruited to specialized DNA regulatory elements termed polycomb response elements (PREs). Previous transgene studies have shown that PREs can silence reporter genes outside of their normal context, often by pairing sensitive (PSS) mechanism; however, their silencing activity is non-autonomous and depends upon the surrounding chromatin context. It is not known why PRE activity depends on the local environment or what outside factors can induce silencing. Results Using an attP system in Drosophila, we find that the so-called neutral chromatin environments vary substantially in their ability to support the silencing activity of the well-characterized bxdPRE. In refractory chromosomal contexts, factors required for PcG-silencing are unable to gain access to the PRE. Silencing activity can be rescued by linking the bxdPRE to a boundary element (insulator). When placed next to the PRE, the boundaries induce an alteration in chromatin structure enabling factors critical for PcG silencing to gain access to the bxdPRE. When placed at a distance from the bxdPRE, boundaries induce PSS by bringing the bxdPREs on each homolog in close proximity. Conclusion This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that the repressing activity of PREs can be induced or enhanced by nearby boundary elements. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01047-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maksim Erokhin
- Group of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., Moscow, 119334, Russia.
| | - Fedor Gorbenko
- Group of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., Moscow, 119334, Russia.,Present address: Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dmitry Lomaev
- Group of Epigenetics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Marina Yu Mazina
- Group of Transcriptional Complexes Dynamics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Mikhailova
- Group of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Azat K Garaev
- Laboratory of Structural and Functional Organization of Chromosomes, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Aleksander Parshikov
- Department of the Control of Genetic Processes, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Nadezhda E Vorobyeva
- Group of Transcriptional Complexes Dynamics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel Georgiev
- Department of the Control of Genetic Processes, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Paul Schedl
- Department of Molecular Biology Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
| | - Darya Chetverina
- Group of Epigenetics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., Moscow, 119334, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
De S, Gehred ND, Fujioka M, Chan FW, Jaynes JB, Kassis JA. Defining the Boundaries of Polycomb Domains in Drosophila. Genetics 2020; 216:689-700. [PMID: 32948625 PMCID: PMC7648573 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.120.303642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are an important group of transcriptional repressors that act by modifying chromatin. PcG target genes are covered by the repressive chromatin mark H3K27me3. Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a multiprotein complex that is responsible for generating H3K27me3. In Drosophila, PRC2 is recruited by Polycomb Response Elements (PREs) and then trimethylates flanking nucleosomes, spreading the H3K27me3 mark over large regions of the genome, the "Polycomb domains." What defines the boundary of a Polycomb domain? There is experimental evidence that insulators, PolII, and active transcription can all form the boundaries of Polycomb domains. Here we divide the boundaries of larval Polycomb domains into six different categories. In one category, genes are transcribed toward the Polycomb domain, where active transcription is thought to stop the spreading of H3K27me3. In agreement with this, we show that introducing a transcriptional terminator into such a transcription unit causes an extension of the Polycomb domain. Additional data suggest that active transcription of a boundary gene may restrict the range of enhancer activity of a Polycomb-regulated gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandip De
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Natalie D Gehred
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Miki Fujioka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - Fountane W Chan
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - James B Jaynes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - Judith A Kassis
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chetverina DA, Lomaev DV, Erokhin MM. Polycomb and Trithorax Group Proteins: The Long Road from Mutations in Drosophila to Use in Medicine. Acta Naturae 2020; 12:66-85. [PMID: 33456979 PMCID: PMC7800605 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins are evolutionarily conserved factors responsible for the repression and activation of the transcription of multiple genes in Drosophila and mammals. Disruption of the PcG/TrxG expression is associated with many pathological conditions, including cancer, which makes them suitable targets for diagnosis and therapy in medicine. In this review, we focus on the major PcG and TrxG complexes, the mechanisms of PcG/TrxG action, and their recruitment to chromatin. We discuss the alterations associated with the dysfunction of a number of factors of these groups in oncology and the current strategies used to develop drugs based on small-molecule inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. A. Chetverina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - D. V. Lomaev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - M. M. Erokhin
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Giner-Laguarda N, Vidal M. Functions of Polycomb Proteins on Active Targets. EPIGENOMES 2020; 4:17. [PMID: 34968290 PMCID: PMC8594714 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes4030017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin regulators of the Polycomb group of genes are well-known by their activities as transcriptional repressors. Characteristically, their presence at genomic sites occurs with specific histone modifications and sometimes high-order chromatin structures correlated with silencing of genes involved in cell differentiation. However, evidence gathered in recent years, on flies and mammals, shows that in addition to these sites, Polycomb products bind to a large number of active regulatory regions. Occupied sites include promoters and also intergenic regions, containing enhancers and super-enhancers. Contrasting with occupancies at repressed targets, characteristic histone modifications are low or undetectable. Functions on active targets are dual, restraining gene expression at some targets while promoting activity at others. Our aim here is to summarize the evidence available and discuss the convenience of broadening the scope of research to include Polycomb functions on active targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel Vidal
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Predicting regulatory potential from primary DNA sequences or transcription factor binding patterns is not possible. However, the annotation of the genome by chromatin proteins, histone modifications, and differential compaction is largely sufficient to reveal the locations of genes and their differential activity states. The Polycomb Group (PcG) and Trithorax Group (TrxG) proteins are the central players in this cell type-specific chromatin organization. PcG function was originally viewed as being solely repressive and irreversible, as observed at the homeotic loci in flies and mammals. However, it is now clear that modular and reversible PcG function is essential at most developmental genes. Focusing mainly on recent advances, we review evidence for how PcG and TrxG patterns change dynamically during cell type transitions. The ability to implement cell type-specific transcriptional programming with exquisite fidelity is essential for normal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitzi I Kuroda
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; ,
| | - Hyuckjoon Kang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; ,
| | - Sandip De
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA; ,
| | - Judith A Kassis
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA; ,
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ghotbi E, Lackey K, Wong V, Thompson KT, Caston EG, Haddadi M, Benes J, Jones RS. Differential Contributions of DNA-Binding Proteins to Polycomb Response Element Activity at the Drosophila giant Gene. Genetics 2020; 214:623-634. [PMID: 31919108 PMCID: PMC7054010 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.302981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins are evolutionarily conserved epigenetic regulators whose primary function is to maintain the transcriptional repression of target genes. Recruitment of Drosophila melanogaster PcG proteins to target genes requires the presence of one or more Polycomb Response Elements (PREs). The functions or necessity for more than one PRE at a gene are not clear and individual PREs at some loci may have distinct regulatory roles. Various combinations of sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins are present at a given PRE, but only Pleiohomeotic (Pho) is present at all strong PREs. The giant (gt) locus has two PREs, a proximal PRE1 and a distal PRE2. During early embryonic development, Pho binds to PRE1 ∼30-min prior to stable binding to PRE2. This observation indicated a possible dependence of PRE2 on PRE1 for PcG recruitment; however, we find here that PRE2 recruits PcG proteins and maintains transcriptional repression independently of Pho binding to PRE1. Pho-like (Phol) is partially redundant with Pho during larval development and binds to the same DNA sequences in vitro Although binding of Pho to PRE1 is dependent on the presence of consensus Pho-Phol-binding sites, Phol binding is less so and appears to play a minimal role in recruiting other PcG proteins to gt Another PRE-binding protein, Sp1/Kruppel-like factor, is dependent on the presence of Pho for PRE1 binding. Further, we show that, in addition to silencing gene expression, PcG proteins dampen transcription of an active gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Ghotbi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376
| | - Kristina Lackey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376
| | - Vicki Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376
| | - Katie T Thompson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376
| | - Evan G Caston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376
| | - Minna Haddadi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376
| | - Judith Benes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376
| | - Richard S Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cheutin T, Cavalli G. The multiscale effects of polycomb mechanisms on 3D chromatin folding. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 54:399-417. [PMID: 31698957 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2019.1679082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) proteins silence master regulatory genes required to properly confer cell identity during the development of both Drosophila and mammals. They may act through chromatin compaction and higher-order folding of chromatin inside the cell nucleus. During the last decade, analysis on interphase chromosome architecture discovered self-interacting regions named topologically associated domains (TADs). TADs result from the 3D chromatin folding of a succession of transcribed and repressed epigenomic domains and from loop extrusion mediated by cohesin/CTCF in mammals. Polycomb silenced chromatin constitutes one type of repressed epigenomic domains which form compacted nano-compartments inside cell nuclei. Recruitment of canonical PcG proteins on chromatin relies on initial binding to discrete elements and further spreading into large chromatin domains covered with H3K27me3. Some of these discrete elements have a bivalent nature both in mammals and Drosophila and are dynamically regulated during development. Loops can occur between them, suggesting that their interaction plays both functional and structural roles. Formation of large chromatin domains covered by H3K27me3 seems crucial for PcG silencing and PcG proteins might exert their function through compaction of these domains in both mammals and flies, rather than by directly controlling the nucleosomal accessibility of discrete regulatory elements. In addition, PcG chromatin domains interact over long genomic distances, shaping a higher-order chromatin network. Therefore, PcG silencing might rely on multiscale chromatin folding to maintain cell identity during differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Cheutin
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS and the University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Giacomo Cavalli
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS and the University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bracken AP, Brien GL, Verrijzer CP. Dangerous liaisons: interplay between SWI/SNF, NuRD, and Polycomb in chromatin regulation and cancer. Genes Dev 2019; 33:936-959. [PMID: 31123059 PMCID: PMC6672049 DOI: 10.1101/gad.326066.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this review, Bracken et al. discuss the functional organization and biochemical activities of remodelers and Polycomb and explore how they work together to control cell differentiation and the maintenance of cell identity. They also discuss how mutations in the genes encoding these various chromatin regulators contribute to oncogenesis by disrupting the chromatin equilibrium. Changes in chromatin structure mediated by ATP-dependent nucleosome remodelers and histone modifying enzymes are integral to the process of gene regulation. Here, we review the roles of the SWI/SNF (switch/sucrose nonfermenting) and NuRD (nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase) and the Polycomb system in chromatin regulation and cancer. First, we discuss the basic molecular mechanism of nucleosome remodeling, and how this controls gene transcription. Next, we provide an overview of the functional organization and biochemical activities of SWI/SNF, NuRD, and Polycomb complexes. We describe how, in metazoans, the balance of these activities is central to the proper regulation of gene expression and cellular identity during development. Whereas SWI/SNF counteracts Polycomb, NuRD facilitates Polycomb repression on chromatin. Finally, we discuss how disruptions of this regulatory equilibrium contribute to oncogenesis, and how new insights into the biological functions of remodelers and Polycombs are opening avenues for therapeutic interventions on a broad range of cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian P Bracken
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Gerard L Brien
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - C Peter Verrijzer
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 DR Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tian K, Henderson RE, Parker R, Brown A, Johnson JE, Bateman JR. Two modes of transvection at the eyes absent gene of Drosophila demonstrate plasticity in transcriptional regulatory interactions in cis and in trans. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008152. [PMID: 31075100 PMCID: PMC6530868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
For many genes, proper gene expression requires coordinated and dynamic interactions between multiple regulatory elements, each of which can either promote or silence transcription. In Drosophila, the complexity of the regulatory landscape is further complicated by the tight physical pairing of homologous chromosomes, which can permit regulatory elements to interact in trans, a phenomenon known as transvection. To better understand how gene expression can be programmed through cis- and trans-regulatory interactions, we analyzed transvection effects for a collection of alleles of the eyes absent (eya) gene. We find that trans-activation of a promoter by the eya eye-specific enhancers is broadly supported in many allelic backgrounds, and that the availability of an enhancer to act in trans can be predicted based on the molecular lesion of an eya allele. Furthermore, by manipulating promoter availability in cis and in trans, we demonstrate that the eye-specific enhancers of eya show plasticity in their promoter preference between two different transcriptional start sites, which depends on promoter competition between the two potential targets. Finally, we show that certain alleles of eya demonstrate pairing-sensitive silencing resulting from trans-interactions between Polycomb Response Elements (PREs), and genetic and genomic data support a general role for PcG proteins in mediating transcriptional silencing at eya. Overall, our data highlight how eya gene regulation relies upon a complex but plastic interplay between multiple enhancers, promoters, and PREs. Gene regulation requires interactions between regions of DNA known as regulatory elements, which, in combination, determine where and when a gene will be active or silenced. Some genes use just a few regulatory elements, whereas others rely on highly complex interactions between many different elements that are poorly understood. While we typically imagine regulatory elements interacting with one another along the length of a single chromosome, in a curious phenomenon called transvection, elements can communicate between two different chromosomes that are held in close proximity. Here, we use the study of transvection to better understand how different regulatory elements contribute to the expression of eyes absent (eya), a gene required for proper eye development in Drosophila. Our data show that a class of elements that initiate eya gene expression, called promoters, will compete with one another for activation by eya’s enhancers, a second class of regulatory element, with the promoter that is closest to the enhancers being the favored target for activation. Furthermore, our study of transvection uncovers an important role for a silencing element, called a PRE, in opposing eya gene expression. Overall, our study sheds new light on how different elements combine to produce patterned expression of eya.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Tian
- Biology Department, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, United States of America
| | - Rachel E. Henderson
- Biology Department, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, United States of America
| | - Reyna Parker
- Biology Department, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, United States of America
| | - Alexia Brown
- Biology Department, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, United States of America
| | - Justine E. Johnson
- Biology Department, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, United States of America
| | - Jack R. Bateman
- Biology Department, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Domsch K, Carnesecchi J, Disela V, Friedrich J, Trost N, Ermakova O, Polychronidou M, Lohmann I. The Hox transcription factor Ubx stabilizes lineage commitment by suppressing cellular plasticity in Drosophila. eLife 2019; 8:42675. [PMID: 31050646 PMCID: PMC6513553 DOI: 10.7554/elife.42675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During development cells become restricted in their differentiation potential by repressing alternative cell fates, and the Polycomb complex plays a crucial role in this process. However, how alternative fate genes are lineage-specifically silenced is unclear. We studied Ultrabithorax (Ubx), a multi-lineage transcription factor of the Hox class, in two tissue lineages using sorted nuclei and interfered with Ubx in mesodermal cells. We find that depletion of Ubx leads to the de-repression of genes normally expressed in other lineages. Ubx silences expression of alternative fate genes by retaining the Polycomb Group protein Pleiohomeotic at Ubx targeted genomic regions, thereby stabilizing repressive chromatin marks in a lineage-dependent manner. Our study demonstrates that Ubx stabilizes lineage choice by suppressing the multipotency encoded in the genome via its interaction with Pho. This mechanism may explain why the Hox code is maintained throughout the lifecycle, since it could set a block to transdifferentiation in adult cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Domsch
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Vanessa Disela
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jana Friedrich
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nils Trost
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olga Ermakova
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Ingrid Lohmann
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|