1
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Mohapatra B, Pakala SB. Emerging roles of the chromatin remodeler MORC2 in cancer metabolism. Med Oncol 2024; 41:221. [PMID: 39117768 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02464-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, which is crucial for tumorigenesis. The highly deregulated chromatin remodeler MORC2 contributes to cell proliferation, invasion, migration, DNA repair, and chemoresistance. MORC2 also plays a key role in metabolic reprogramming, including lipogenesis, glucose, and glutamine metabolism. A recent study showed that MORC2-regulated glucose metabolism affects the expression of E-cadherin, a crucial protein in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This review discusses recent developments in MORC2 regulated cancer cell metabolism and its role in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibhukalyan Mohapatra
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500 046, India
| | - Suresh B Pakala
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500 046, India.
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2
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Fendler NL, Ly J, Welp L, Urlaub H, Vos SM. Identification and characterization of a human MORC2 DNA binding region that is required for gene silencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.05.597643. [PMID: 38895295 PMCID: PMC11185635 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.05.597643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The eukaryotic microrchidia (MORC) protein family are DNA gyrase, Hsp90, histidine kinase, MutL (GHKL)-type ATPases involved in gene expression regulation and chromatin compaction. The molecular mechanisms underlying these activities are incompletely understood. Here we studied the full-length human MORC2 protein biochemically. We identified a DNA binding site in the C-terminus of the protein, and we observe that this region is heavily phosphorylated in cells. Phosphorylation of MORC2 reduces its affinity for DNA and appears to exclude the protein from the nucleus. We observe that DNA binding by MORC2 reduces its ATPase activity and that MORC2 can topologically entrap multiple DNA substrates between its N-terminal GHKL and C-terminal coiled coil 3 dimerization domains. Finally, we observe that the MORC2 C-terminal DNA binding region is required for gene silencing in cells. Together, our data provide a model to understand how MORC2 engages with DNA substrates to mediate gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikole L. Fendler
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Building 68, 31 Ames St., Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Jimmy Ly
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Building 68, 31 Ames St., Cambridge, MA 02139
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Luisa Welp
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Bioanalytics Group, University Medical Center Göttingen, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Bioanalytics Group, University Medical Center Göttingen, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Seychelle M. Vos
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Building 68, 31 Ames St., Cambridge, MA 02139
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
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3
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Müller I, Helin K. Keep quiet: the HUSH complex in transcriptional silencing and disease. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:11-22. [PMID: 38216658 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01173-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The human silencing hub (HUSH) complex is an epigenetic repressor complex whose role has emerged as an important guardian of genome integrity. It protects the genome from exogenous DNA invasion and regulates endogenous retroelements by recruiting histone methyltransferases catalyzing histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) and additional proteins involved in chromatin compaction. In particular, its regulation of transcriptionally active LINE1 retroelements, by binding to and neutralizing LINE1 transcripts, has been well characterized. HUSH is required for mouse embryogenesis and is associated with disease, in particular cancer. Here we provide insights into the structural and biochemical features of the HUSH complex. Furthermore, we discuss the molecular mechanisms by which the HUSH complex is recruited to specific genomic regions and how it silences transcription. Finally, we discuss the role of HUSH complex members in mammalian development, antiretroviral immunity, and diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Müller
- Cell Biology Program and Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristian Helin
- Cell Biology Program and Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
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4
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Yao B, Xing M, Meng S, Li S, Zhou J, Zhang M, Yang C, Qu S, Jin Y, Yuan H, Zen K, Ma C. EBF2 Links KMT2D-Mediated H3K4me1 to Suppress Pancreatic Cancer Progression via Upregulating KLLN. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302037. [PMID: 38015024 PMCID: PMC10787067 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Mono-methylation of histone H3 on Lys 4 (H3K4me1), which is catalyzed by histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D), serves as an important epigenetic regulator in transcriptional control. In this study, the authors identify early B-cell factor 2 (EBF2) as a binding protein of H3K4me1. Combining analyses of RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data, the authors further identify killin (KLLN) as a transcriptional target of KMT2D and EBF2 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. KMT2D-dependent H3K4me1 and EBF2 are predominantly over-lapped proximal to the transcription start site (TSS) of KLLN gene. Comprehensive functional assays show that KMT2D and EBF2 cooperatively inhibit PDAC cells proliferation, migration, and invasion through upregulating KLLN. Such inhibition on PDAC progression is also achieved through increasing H3K4me1 level by GSK-LSD1, a selective inhibitor of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1). Taken together, these findings reveal a new mechanism underlying PDAC progression and provide potential therapeutic targets for PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yao
- Department of Medical GeneticsNanjing Medical University101 Longmian AvenueNanjing211166China
| | - Mengying Xing
- Department of Medical GeneticsNanjing Medical University101 Longmian AvenueNanjing211166China
| | - Shixin Meng
- Department of Medical GeneticsNanjing Medical University101 Longmian AvenueNanjing211166China
| | - Shang Li
- Department of Medical GeneticsNanjing Medical University101 Longmian AvenueNanjing211166China
| | - Jingwan Zhou
- Department of Medical GeneticsNanjing Medical University101 Longmian AvenueNanjing211166China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Medical GeneticsNanjing Medical University101 Longmian AvenueNanjing211166China
| | - Chen Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesNanjing University163 Xianlin AvenueNanjing210023China
| | - Shuang Qu
- School of Life Science and TechnologyChina Pharmaceutical University639 Longmian AvenueNanjingJiangsu211198China
| | - Yucui Jin
- Department of Medical GeneticsNanjing Medical University101 Longmian AvenueNanjing211166China
| | - Hongyan Yuan
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonDC20007USA
| | - Ke Zen
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesNanjing University163 Xianlin AvenueNanjing210023China
| | - Changyan Ma
- Department of Medical GeneticsNanjing Medical University101 Longmian AvenueNanjing211166China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of XenotransplantationNanjing Medical University101 Longmian AvenueNanjing211166China
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5
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Chutani N, Ragula S, Syed K, Pakala SB. Novel Insights into the Role of Chromatin Remodeler MORC2 in Cancer. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1527. [PMID: 37892209 PMCID: PMC10605154 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A newly discovered chromatin remodeler, MORC2, is a Microrchidia (MORC) family member. MORC2 acts as a chromatin remodeler by binding to the DNA and changing chromatin conformation using its ATPase domain. MORC2 is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers. It controls diverse signaling pathways essential for cancer development through its target genes and interacting partners. MORC2 promotes cancer cells' growth, invasion, and migration by regulating the expression of genes involved in these processes. MORC2 is localized primarily in the nucleus and is also found in the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, MORC2 interacts with adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-citrate lyase (ACLY) to promote lipogenesis and cholesterogenesis in cancer. In the nucleus, MORC2 interacts with the transcription factor c-Myc to control the transcription of genes involved in glucose metabolism to drive cancer cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, MORC2 recruits on to the promoters of tumor suppressor genes to repress their transcription and expression to promote oncogenesis. In addition to its crucial function in oncogenesis, it plays a vital role in DNA repair. Overall, this review concisely summarizes the current knowledge about MORC2-regulated molecular pathways involved in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namita Chutani
- Biology Division, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Mangalam, Tirupati 517 507, India;
| | - Sandhya Ragula
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500 046, India;
| | - Khajamohiddin Syed
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa;
| | - Suresh B. Pakala
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500 046, India;
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa;
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6
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Franco-Echevarría E, Nielsen M, Schulten A, Cheema J, Morgan TE, Bienz M, Dean C. Distinct accessory roles of Arabidopsis VEL proteins in Polycomb silencing. Genes Dev 2023; 37:801-817. [PMID: 37734835 PMCID: PMC7615239 DOI: 10.1101/gad.350814.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) mediates epigenetic silencing of target genes in animals and plants. In Arabidopsis, PRC2 is required for the cold-induced epigenetic silencing of the FLC floral repressor locus to align flowering with spring. During this process, PRC2 relies on VEL accessory factors, including the constitutively expressed VRN5 and the cold-induced VIN3. The VEL proteins are physically associated with PRC2, but their individual functions remain unclear. Here, we show an intimate association between recombinant VRN5 and multiple components within a reconstituted PRC2, dependent on a compact conformation of VRN5 central domains. Key residues mediating this compact conformation are conserved among VRN5 orthologs across the plant kingdom. In contrast, VIN3 interacts with VAL1, a transcriptional repressor that binds directly to FLC These associations differentially affect their role in H3K27me deposition: Both proteins are required for H3K27me3, but only VRN5 is necessary for H3K27me2. Although originally defined as vernalization regulators, VIN3 and VRN5 coassociate with many targets in the Arabidopsis genome that are modified with H3K27me3. Our work therefore reveals the distinct accessory roles for VEL proteins in conferring cold-induced silencing on FLC, with broad relevance for PRC2 targets generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Franco-Echevarría
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, United Kingdom
| | - Mathias Nielsen
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Schulten
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, United Kingdom
| | - Jitender Cheema
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, United Kingdom
| | - Tomos E Morgan
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Mariann Bienz
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom;
| | - Caroline Dean
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom;
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, United Kingdom
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7
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Horton JR, Zhou J, Chen Q, Zhang X, Bedford MT, Cheng X. A complete methyl-lysine binding aromatic cage constructed by two domains of PHF2. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102862. [PMID: 36596360 PMCID: PMC9898751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The N-terminal half of PHF2 harbors both a plant homeodomain (PHD) and a Jumonji domain. The PHD recognizes both histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 4 and methylated nonhistone proteins including vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1). The Jumonji domain erases the repressive dimethylation mark from histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2) at select promoters. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of H3 (AR2TK4) and VRK1 (PR2VK4) bear an arginine at position 2 and lysine at position 4. Here, we show that the PHF2 N-terminal half binds to H3 and VRK1 peptides containing K4me3, with dissociation constants (KD values) of 160 nM and 42 nM, respectively, which are 4 × and 21 × lower (and higher affinities) than for the isolated PHD domain of PHF2. X-ray crystallography revealed that the K4me3-containing peptide is positioned within the PHD and Jumonji interface, with the positively charged R2 residue engaging acidic residues of the PHD and Jumonji domains and with the K4me3 moiety encircled by aromatic residues from both domains. We suggest that the micromolar binding affinities commonly observed for isolated methyl-lysine reader domains could be improved via additional functional interactions within the same polypeptide or its binding partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Horton
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jujun Zhou
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qin Chen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mark T Bedford
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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8
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Zhang Z, Lin J, Liu Z, Tian G, Li XM, Jing Y, Li X, Li XD. Photo-Cross-Linking To Delineate Epigenetic Interactome. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:20979-20997. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoyuan Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianwei Lin
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
- Greater Bay Biomedical InnoCenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gaofei Tian
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao-Meng Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yihang Jing
- Greater Bay Biomedical InnoCenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
- Greater Bay Biomedical InnoCenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiang David Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
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9
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DNA polymerase epsilon binds histone H3.1-H4 and recruits MORC1 to mediate meiotic heterochromatin condensation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2213540119. [PMID: 36260743 PMCID: PMC9618065 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213540119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin is essential for genomic integrity and stability in eukaryotes. The mechanisms that regulate meiotic heterochromatin formation remain largely undefined. Here, we show that the catalytic subunit (POL2A) of Arabidopsis DNA polymerase epsilon (POL ε) is required for proper formation of meiotic heterochromatin. The POL2A N terminus interacts with the GHKL adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) MORC1 (Microrchidia 1), and POL2A is required for MORC1's localization on meiotic heterochromatin. Mutations affecting the POL2A N terminus cause aberrant morphology of meiotic heterochromatin, which is also observed in morc1. Moreover, the POL2A C-terminal zinc finger domain (ZF1) specifically binds to histone H3.1-H4 dimer or tetramer and is important for meiotic heterochromatin condensation. Interestingly, we also found similar H3.1-binding specificity for the mouse counterpart. Together, our results show that two distinct domains of POL2A, ZF1 and N terminus bind H3.1-H4 and recruit MORC1, respectively, to induce a continuous process of meiotic heterochromatin organization. These activities expand the functional repertoire of POL ε beyond its classic role in DNA replication and appear to be conserved in animals and plants.
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10
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Liu Y, Iqbal A, Li W, Ni Z, Wang Y, Ramprasad J, Abraham KJ, Zhang M, Zhao DY, Qin S, Loppnau P, Jiang H, Guo X, Brown PJ, Zhen X, Xu G, Mekhail K, Ji X, Bedford MT, Greenblatt JF, Min J. A small molecule antagonist of SMN disrupts the interaction between SMN and RNAP II. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5453. [PMID: 36114190 PMCID: PMC9481570 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival of motor neuron (SMN) functions in diverse biological pathways via recognition of symmetric dimethylarginine (Rme2s) on proteins by its Tudor domain, and deficiency of SMN leads to spinal muscular atrophy. Here we report a potent and selective antagonist with a 4-iminopyridine scaffold targeting the Tudor domain of SMN. Our structural and mutagenesis studies indicate that both the aromatic ring and imino groups of compound 1 contribute to its selective binding to SMN. Various on-target engagement assays support that compound 1 specifically recognizes SMN in a cellular context and prevents the interaction of SMN with the R1810me2s of RNA polymerase II subunit POLR2A, resulting in transcription termination and R-loop accumulation mimicking SMN depletion. Thus, in addition to the antisense, RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 techniques, potent SMN antagonists could be used as an efficient tool to understand the biological functions of SMN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Aman Iqbal
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Weiguo Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zuyao Ni
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yalong Wang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jurupula Ramprasad
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Karan Joshua Abraham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Su Qin
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Life Science Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Peter Loppnau
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Honglv Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinghua Guo
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter J Brown
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xuechu Zhen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guoqiang Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Karim Mekhail
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xingyue Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mark T Bedford
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jinrong Min
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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11
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Chutani N, Singh AK, Kadumuri RV, Pakala SB, Chavali S. Structural and Functional Attributes of Microrchidia Family of Chromatin Remodelers. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167664. [PMID: 35659506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin remodelers affect the spatio-temporal dynamics of global gene-expression by structurally modulating and/or reorganizing the chromatin. Microrchidia (MORC) family is a relatively new addition to the four well studied families of chromatin remodeling proteins. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the structural aspects of human MORCs as well as their epigenetic functions. From a molecular and systems-level perspective, we explore their participation in phase-separated structures, possible influence on various biological processes through protein-protein interactions, and potential extra-nuclear roles. We describe how dysregulation/dysfunction of MORCs can lead to various pathological conditions. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of undertaking integrated efforts to obtain a holistic understanding of the various biological roles of MORCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namita Chutani
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati 517 507, Andhra Pradesh, India. https://twitter.com/ChutaniNamita
| | - Anjali Kumari Singh
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati 517 507, Andhra Pradesh, India. https://twitter.com/anjali_k_s
| | - Rajashekar Varma Kadumuri
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati 517 507, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Suresh B Pakala
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati 517 507, Andhra Pradesh, India.
| | - Sreenivas Chavali
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati 517 507, Andhra Pradesh, India.
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12
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Bril’kov MS, Dobrovolska O, Ødegård-Fougner Ø, Turcu DC, Strømland Ø, Underhaug J, Aasland R, Halskau Ø. Binding Specificity of ASHH2 CW Domain Toward H3K4me1 Ligand Is Coupled to Its Structural Stability Through Its α1-Helix. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:763750. [PMID: 35495628 PMCID: PMC9043364 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.763750] [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: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The CW domain binds to histone tail modifications found in different protein families involved in epigenetic regulation and chromatin remodeling. CW domains recognize the methylation state of the fourth lysine on histone 3 and could, therefore, be viewed as a reader of epigenetic information. The specificity toward different methylation states such as me1, me2, or me3 depends on the particular CW subtype. For example, the CW domain of ASHH2 methyltransferase binds preferentially to H3K4me1, and MORC3 binds to both H3K4me2 and me3 modifications, while ZCWPW1 is more specific to H3K4me3. The structural basis for these preferential bindings is not well understood, and recent research suggests that a more complete picture will emerge if dynamical and energetic assessments are included in the analysis of interactions. This study uses fold assessment by NMR in combination with mutagenesis, ITC affinity measurements, and thermal denaturation studies to investigate possible couplings between ASHH2 CW selectivity toward H3K4me1 and the stabilization of the domain and loops implicated in binding. The key elements of the binding site—the two tryptophans and the α1-helix form and maintain the binding pocket— were perturbed by mutagenesis and investigated. Results show that the α1-helix maintains the overall stability of the fold via the I915 and L919 residues and that the correct binding consolidates the loops designated as η1 and η3, as well as the C-terminal. This consolidation is incomplete for H3K4me3 binding to CW, which experiences a decrease in overall thermal stability on binding. Loop mutations not directly involved in the binding site, nonetheless, affect the equilibrium positions of the key residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim S. Bril’kov
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Olena Dobrovolska
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Øyvind Ødegård-Fougner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Diana C. Turcu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Jarl Underhaug
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rein Aasland
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Rein Aasland, ; Øyvind Halskau,
| | - Øyvind Halskau
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- *Correspondence: Rein Aasland, ; Øyvind Halskau,
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13
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Liu Y, Yang X, Zhou M, Yang Y, Li F, Yan X, Zhang M, Wei Z, Qin S, Min J. Structural basis for the recognition of methylated histone H3 by the Arabidopsis LHP1 chromodomain. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101623. [PMID: 35074427 PMCID: PMC8861120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Arabidopsis LHP1 (LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1), a unique homolog of HP1 in Drosophila, plays important roles in plant development, growth, and architecture. In contrast to specific binding of the HP1 chromodomain to methylated H3K9 histone tails, the chromodomain of LHP1 has been shown to bind to both methylated H3K9 and H3K27 histone tails, and LHP1 carries out its function mainly via its interaction with these two epigenetic marks. However, the molecular mechanism for the recognition of methylated histone H3K9/27 by the LHP1 chromodomain is still unknown. In this study, we characterized the binding ability of LHP1 to histone H3K9 and H3K27 peptides and found that the chromodomain of LHP1 binds to histone H3K9me2/3 and H3K27me2/3 peptides with comparable affinities, although it exhibited no binding or weak binding to unmodified or monomethylated H3K9/K27 peptides. Our crystal structures of the LHP1 chromodomain in peptide-free and peptide-bound forms coupled with mutagenesis studies reveal that the chromodomain of LHP1 bears a slightly different chromodomain architecture and recognizes methylated H3K9 and H3K27 peptides via a hydrophobic clasp, similar to the chromodomains of human Polycomb proteins, which could not be explained only based on primary structure analysis. Our binding and structural studies of the LHP1 chromodomain illuminate a conserved ligand interaction mode between chromodomains of both animals and plants, and shed light on further functional study of the LHP1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Su Zhou, Jiangsu 215021, PR China.
| | - Xiajie Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, PR China
| | - Mengqi Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, PR China
| | - Yinxue Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Su Zhou, Jiangsu 215021, PR China
| | - Fangzhou Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, PR China
| | - Xuemei Yan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Su Zhou, Jiangsu 215021, PR China
| | | | - Zhengguo Wei
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Su Zhou, Jiangsu 215021, PR China
| | - Su Qin
- Life Science Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, PR China
| | - Jinrong Min
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, PR China.
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14
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Hogan AK, Sathyan KM, Willis AB, Khurana S, Srivastava S, Zasadzińska E, Lee AS, Bailey AO, Gaynes MN, Huang J, Bodner J, Rosencrance CD, Wong KA, Morgan MA, Eagen KP, Shilatifard A, Foltz DR. UBR7 acts as a histone chaperone for post-nucleosomal histone H3. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108307. [PMID: 34786730 PMCID: PMC8672181 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone chaperones modulate the stability of histones beginning from histone synthesis, through incorporation into DNA, and during recycling during transcription and replication. Following histone removal from DNA, chaperones regulate histone storage and degradation. Here, we demonstrate that UBR7 is a histone H3.1 chaperone that modulates the supply of pre-existing post-nucleosomal histone complexes. We demonstrate that UBR7 binds to post-nucleosomal H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 histones via its UBR box and PHD. UBR7 binds to the non-nucleosomal histone chaperone NASP. In the absence of UBR7, the pool of NASP-bound post-nucleosomal histones accumulate and chromatin is depleted of H3K4me3-modified histones. We propose that the interaction of UBR7 with NASP and histones opposes the histone storage functions of NASP and that UBR7 promotes reincorporation of post-nucleosomal H3 complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann K Hogan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Kizhakke M Sathyan
- R. D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and ModelingThe University of Connecticut School of MedicineFarmingtonCTUSA
| | - Alexander B Willis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Sakshi Khurana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Shashank Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Ewelina Zasadzińska
- Drug Substance TechnologiesProcess Development, Amgen Inc.Thousand OaksCAUSA
| | - Alexander S Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Aaron O Bailey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTXUSA
| | - Matthew N Gaynes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Jiehuan Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Justin Bodner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Celeste D Rosencrance
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Kelvin A Wong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Marc A Morgan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer CenterNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Kyle P Eagen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer CenterNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer CenterNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Daniel R Foltz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer CenterNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
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15
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MORC protein family-related signature within human disease and cancer. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1112. [PMID: 34839357 PMCID: PMC8627505 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04393-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The microrchidia (MORC) family of proteins is a highly conserved nuclear protein superfamily, whose members contain common domain structures (GHKL-ATPase, CW-type zinc finger and coiled-coil domain) yet exhibit diverse biological functions. Despite the advancing research in previous decades, much of which focuses on their role as epigenetic regulators and in chromatin remodeling, relatively little is known about the role of MORCs in tumorigenesis and pathogenesis. MORCs were first identified as epigenetic regulators and chromatin remodelers in germ cell development. Currently, MORCs are regarded as disease genes that are involved in various human disorders and oncogenes in cancer progression and are expected to be the important biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. A new paradigm of expanded MORC family function has raised questions regarding the regulation of MORCs and their biological role at the subcellular level. Here, we systematically review the progress of researching MORC members with respect to their domain architectures, diverse biological functions, and distribution characteristics and discuss the emerging roles of the aberrant expression or mutation of MORC family members in human disorders and cancer development. Furthermore, the illustration of related mechanisms of the MORC family has made MORCs promising targets for developing diagnostic tools and therapeutic treatments for human diseases, including cancers.
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16
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Desai VP, Chouaref J, Wu H, Pastor WA, Kan RL, Oey HM, Li Z, Ho J, Vonk KKD, San Leon Granado D, Christopher MA, Clark AT, Jacobsen SE, Daxinger L. The role of MORC3 in silencing transposable elements in mouse embryonic stem cells. Epigenetics Chromatin 2021; 14:49. [PMID: 34706774 PMCID: PMC8555065 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-021-00420-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microrchidia proteins (MORCs) are involved in epigenetic gene silencing in a variety of eukaryotic organisms. Deletion of MORCs result in several developmental abnormalities and their dysregulation has been implicated in developmental disease and multiple cancers. Specifically, mammalian MORC3 mutations are associated with immune system defects and human cancers such as bladder, uterine, stomach, lung, and diffuse large B cell lymphomas. While previous studies have shown that MORC3 binds to H3K4me3 in vitro and overlaps with H3K4me3 ChIP-seq peaks in mouse embryonic stem cells, the mechanism by which MORC3 regulates gene expression is unknown. RESULTS In this study, we identified that mutation in Morc3 results in a suppressor of variegation phenotype in a Modifiers of murine metastable epialleles Dominant (MommeD) screen. We also find that MORC3 functions as an epigenetic silencer of transposable elements (TEs) in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Loss of Morc3 results in upregulation of TEs, specifically those belonging to the LTR class of retrotransposons also referred to as endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Using ChIP-seq we found that MORC3, in addition to its known localization at H3K4me3 sites, also binds to ERVs, suggesting a direct role in regulating their expression. Previous studies have shown that these ERVs are marked by the repressive histone mark H3K9me3 which plays a key role in their silencing. However, we found that levels of H3K9me3 showed only minor losses in Morc3 mutant mES cells. Instead, we found that loss of Morc3 resulted in increased chromatin accessibility at ERVs as measured by ATAC-seq. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal MORC3 as a novel regulator of ERV silencing in mouse embryonic stem cells. The relatively minor changes of H3K9me3 in the Morc3 mutant suggests that MORC3 acts mainly downstream of, or in a parallel pathway with, the TRIM28/SETDB1 complex that deposits H3K9me3 at these loci. The increased chromatin accessibility of ERVs in the Morc3 mutant suggests that MORC3 may act at the level of chromatin compaction to effect TE silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha P. Desai
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Jihed Chouaref
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Haoyu Wu
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands ,grid.5590.90000000122931605Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - William A. Pastor
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Present Address: Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Ryan L. Kan
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Harald M. Oey
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Zheng Li
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Jamie Ho
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Kelly K. D. Vonk
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - David San Leon Granado
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A. Christopher
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,Present Address: Appia Bio, 6160 Bristol Parkway, Culver City, CA USA
| | - Amander T. Clark
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Steven E. Jacobsen
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Lucia Daxinger
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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17
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MORC2 Interactome: Its Involvement in Metabolism and Cancer. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:507-514. [PMID: 34471435 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00812-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microrchidia 2 (MORC2) is an emerging chromatin modifier with a role in chromatin remodeling and epigenetic regulation. MORC2 is found to be upregulated in most cancers, playing a significant role in tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis. Recent studies have demonstrated that MORC2 is a scaffolding protein, which interacts with the proteins involved in DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, lipogenesis, and glucose metabolism. In this review, we discuss the domain architecture and cellular and subcellular localization of MORC2. Further, we highlight MORC2-specific interacting partners involved in metabolic reprogramming and other pathological functions such as cancer progression and metastasis.
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18
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Farhat DC, Hakimi MA. The developmental trajectories of Toxoplasma stem from an elaborate epigenetic rewiring. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:37-53. [PMID: 34456144 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is considered to be one of the most successful parasitic pathogens. It owes this success to its flexibility in responding to signals emanating from the different environments it encounters during its multihost life cycle. The adaptability of this unicellular organism relies on highly coordinated and evolutionarily optimized developmental abilities that allow it to adopt the forms best suited to the requirements of each environment. Here we discuss recent outstanding studies that have uncovered how master regulators epigenetically regulate the cryptic process of sexual development and the transition to chronicity. We also highlight the molecular and technical advances that allow the field to embark on a new journey of epigenetic reprogramming of T. gondii development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayana C Farhat
- IAB, Team Host-Pathogen Interactions & Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble Alpes University, 38700 Grenoble, France.
| | - Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- IAB, Team Host-Pathogen Interactions & Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble Alpes University, 38700 Grenoble, France.
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19
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Vincenzi M, Mercurio FA, Leone M. Protein Interaction Domains and Post-Translational Modifications: Structural Features and Drug Discovery Applications. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:6306-6355. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190620101637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Many pathways regarding healthy cells and/or linked to diseases onset and progression depend on large assemblies including multi-protein complexes. Protein-protein interactions may occur through a vast array of modules known as protein interaction domains (PIDs).
Objective:
This review concerns with PIDs recognizing post-translationally modified peptide sequences and intends to provide the scientific community with state of art knowledge on their 3D structures, binding topologies and potential applications in the drug discovery field.
Method:
Several databases, such as the Pfam (Protein family), the SMART (Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool) and the PDB (Protein Data Bank), were searched to look for different domain families and gain structural information on protein complexes in which particular PIDs are involved. Recent literature on PIDs and related drug discovery campaigns was retrieved through Pubmed and analyzed.
Results and Conclusion:
PIDs are rather versatile as concerning their binding preferences. Many of them recognize specifically only determined amino acid stretches with post-translational modifications, a few others are able to interact with several post-translationally modified sequences or with unmodified ones. Many PIDs can be linked to different diseases including cancer. The tremendous amount of available structural data led to the structure-based design of several molecules targeting protein-protein interactions mediated by PIDs, including peptides, peptidomimetics and small compounds. More studies are needed to fully role out, among different families, PIDs that can be considered reliable therapeutic targets, however, attacking PIDs rather than catalytic domains of a particular protein may represent a route to obtain selective inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Vincenzi
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council (CNR), Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Anna Mercurio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council (CNR), Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council (CNR), Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
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20
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Tencer AH, Cox KL, Wright GM, Zhang Y, Petell CJ, Klein BJ, Strahl BD, Black JC, Poirier MG, Kutateladze TG. Molecular mechanism of the MORC4 ATPase activation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5466. [PMID: 33122719 PMCID: PMC7596504 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19278-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Microrchidia 4 (MORC4) is associated with acute and chronic pancreatitis, inflammatory disorders and cancer but it remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we describe the structure-function relationship of MORC4 and define the molecular mechanism for MORC4 activation. Enzymatic and binding assays reveal that MORC4 has ATPase activity, which is dependent on DNA-binding functions of both the ATPase domain and CW domain of MORC4. The crystal structure of the ATPaseCW cassette of MORC4 and mutagenesis studies show that the DNA-binding site and the histone/ATPase binding site of CW are located on the opposite sides of the domain. The ATPase and CW domains cooperate in binding of MORC4 to the nucleosome core particle (NCP), enhancing the DNA wrapping around the histone core and impeding binding of DNA-associated proteins, such as transcription factors, to the NCP. In cells, MORC4 mediates formation of nuclear bodies in the nucleus and has a role in the progression of S-phase of the cell cycle, and both these functions require CW and catalytic activity of MORC4. Our findings highlight the mechanism for MORC4 activation, which is distinctly different from the mechanisms of action observed in other MORC family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam H Tencer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Khan L Cox
- Department of Physics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Gregory M Wright
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Christopher J Petell
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Brianna J Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Brian D Strahl
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Joshua C Black
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Michael G Poirier
- Department of Physics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Tatiana G Kutateladze
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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21
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Wells D, Bitoun E, Moralli D, Zhang G, Hinch A, Jankowska J, Donnelly P, Green C, Myers SR. ZCWPW1 is recruited to recombination hotspots by PRDM9 and is essential for meiotic double strand break repair. eLife 2020; 9:53392. [PMID: 32744506 PMCID: PMC7494361 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53392] [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] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair and recombine, enabling balanced segregation and generating genetic diversity. In many vertebrates, double-strand breaks (DSBs) initiate recombination within hotspots where PRDM9 binds, and deposits H3K4me3 and H3K36me3. However, no protein(s) recognising this unique combination of histone marks have been identified. We identified Zcwpw1, containing H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 recognition domains, as having highly correlated expression with Prdm9. Here, we show that ZCWPW1 has co-evolved with PRDM9 and, in human cells, is strongly and specifically recruited to PRDM9 binding sites, with higher affinity than sites possessing H3K4me3 alone. Surprisingly, ZCWPW1 also recognises CpG dinucleotides. Male Zcwpw1 knockout mice show completely normal DSB positioning, but persistent DMC1 foci, severe DSB repair and synapsis defects, and downstream sterility. Our findings suggest ZCWPW1 recognition of PRDM9-bound sites at DSB hotspots is critical for synapsis, and hence fertility. Sexual reproduction – that is, the combination of sex cells from two different individuals to produce an embryo – is one of the many mechanisms that have evolved to maintain genetic diversity. Most human cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, with each chromosome in a pair carrying either a paternal or maternal copy of the same gene. To form an embryo with the right number of chromosomes, each sex cell (the egg or sperm cell) must only contain one chromosome from each pair. Sex cells are produced from parent cells containing two sets of paternal and maternal chromosomes: these cells then divide twice to form four sex cells which contain only one chromosome from each pair. Before the parent cell divides, a process known as ‘recombination’ takes place, which allows chromosomes in a pair to exchange bits of genetic information. This reshuffling ensures that each chromosome in a sex cell is unique. A protein called PRDM9 helps control which sections of genetic information are recombined by modifying proteins attached to the chromosomes, marking them as locations for exchange. The DNA at each of these sites is then broken and repaired using the genetic sequence of the chromosome it is paired with as a template, thus causing the two chromosomes to swap genes. In 2019, a group of researchers found a set of genes in the testis of mice that are expressed at the same time as the gene for PRDM9. This suggested that another protein called ZCWPW1 is likely involved in recombination, but the precise role of this protein was unclear. To answer this question, Wells, Bitoun et al. – including many of the researchers involved in the 2019 study – examined human cells grown in the laboratory to determine where ZCWPW1 binds to in the chromosome. This revealed that ZCWPW1 can be found at the same sites as PRDM9, which is responsible for bringing it there. Furthermore, cells from male mice lacking the gene for ZCWPW1 cannot complete the exchange of genetic information between chromosomes, meaning that the mice are infertile. As such, ZCWPW1 seems to connect location selection by PRDM9 to the DNA repair mechanisms needed for gene exchange between chromosomes. Infertility is a significant issue for humans affecting as many as one in every six couples. Fertility is complex and many of the biological mechanisms involved are not fully understood. This work suggests that both PRDM9 and ZCWPW1 are key to the production of sex cells and may be worth investigating as factors that affect fertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wells
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuelle Bitoun
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela Moralli
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gang Zhang
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anjali Hinch
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Jankowska
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Donnelly
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Green
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Simon R Myers
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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22
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Liu HY, Liu YY, Yang F, Zhang L, Zhang FL, Hu X, Shao ZM, Li DQ. Acetylation of MORC2 by NAT10 regulates cell-cycle checkpoint control and resistance to DNA-damaging chemotherapy and radiotherapy in breast cancer. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:3638-3656. [PMID: 32112098 PMCID: PMC7144926 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MORC family CW-type zinc finger 2 (MORC2) is an oncogenic chromatin-remodeling enzyme with an emerging role in DNA repair. Here, we report a novel function for MORC2 in cell-cycle checkpoint control through an acetylation-dependent mechanism. MORC2 is acetylated by the acetyltransferase NAT10 at lysine 767 (K767Ac) and this process is counteracted by the deacetylase SIRT2 under unperturbed conditions. DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic agents and ionizing radiation stimulate MORC2 K767Ac through enhancing the interaction between MORC2 and NAT10. Notably, acetylated MORC2 binds to histone H3 phosphorylation at threonine 11 (H3T11P) and is essential for DNA damage-induced reduction of H3T11P and transcriptional repression of its downstream target genes CDK1 and Cyclin B1, thus contributing to DNA damage-induced G2 checkpoint activation. Chemical inhibition or depletion of NAT10 or expression of an acetylation-defective MORC2 (K767R) forces cells to pass through G2 checkpoint, resulting in hypersensitivity to DNA-damaging agents. Moreover, MORC2 acetylation levels are associated with elevated NAT10 expression in clinical breast tumor samples. Together, these findings uncover a previously unrecognized role for MORC2 in regulating DNA damage-induced G2 checkpoint through NAT10-mediated acetylation and provide a potential therapeutic strategy to sensitize breast cancer cells to DNA-damaging chemotherapy and radiotherapy by targeting NAT10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ying-Ying Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fang-Lin Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Min Shao
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Da-Qiang Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200032, China
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23
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Molecular karyotyping and gene expression analysis in childhood cancer patients. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1107-1123. [PMID: 32577795 PMCID: PMC7769790 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01937-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The genetic etiology of sporadic childhood cancer cases remains unclear. We recruited a cohort of 20 patients who survived a childhood malignancy and then developed a second primary cancer (2N), and 20 carefully matched patients who survived a childhood cancer without developing a second malignancy (1N). Twenty matched cancer-free (0N) and additional 1000 (0N) GHS participants served as controls. Aiming to identify new candidate loci for cancer predisposition, we compared the genome-wide DNA copy number variations (CNV) with the RNA-expression data obtained after in vitro irradiation of primary fibroblasts. In 2N patients, we detected a total of 142 genes affected by CNV. A total of 53 genes of these were not altered in controls. Six genes (POLR3F, SEC23B, ZNF133, C16orf45, RRN3, and NTAN1) that we found to be overexpressed after irradiation were also duplicated in the genome of the 2N patients. For the 1N collective, 185 genes were affected by CNV and 38 of these genes were not altered in controls. Five genes (ZCWPW2, SYNCRIP, DHX30, DHRS4L2, and THSD1) were located in duplicated genomic regions and exhibited altered RNA expression after irradiation. One gene (ABCC6) was partially duplicated in one 1N and one 2N patient. Analysis of methylation levels of THSD1 and GSTT2 genes which were detected in duplicated regions and are frequently aberrantly methylated in cancer showed no changes in patient’s fibroblasts. In summary, we describe rare and radiation-sensitive genes affected by CNV in childhood sporadic cancer cases, which may have an impact on cancer development. Key messages • Rare CNV’s may have an impact on cancer development in sporadic, non-familial, non-syndromic childhood cancer cases. • In our cohort, each patient displayed a unique pattern of cancer-related gene CNVs, and only few cases shared similar CNV. • Genes that are transcriptionally regulated after radiation can be located in CNVs in cancer patients and controls. • THSD1 and GSTT2 methylation is not altered by CNV. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00109-020-01937-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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24
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Huang T, Yuan S, Gao L, Li M, Yu X, Zhan J, Yin Y, Liu C, Zhang C, Lu G, Li W, Liu J, Chen ZJ, Liu H. The histone modification reader ZCWPW1 links histone methylation to PRDM9-induced double-strand break repair. eLife 2020; 9:e53459. [PMID: 32374261 PMCID: PMC7314539 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone modification writer Prdm9 has been shown to deposit H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 at future double-strand break (DSB) sites during the very early stages of meiosis, but the reader of these marks remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Zcwpw1 is an H3K4me3 reader that is required for DSB repair and synapsis in mouse testes. We generated H3K4me3 reader-dead Zcwpw1 mutant mice and found that their spermatocytes were arrested at the pachytene-like stage, which phenocopies the Zcwpw1 knock-out mice. Based on various ChIP-seq and immunofluorescence analyses using several mutants, we found that Zcwpw1's occupancy on chromatin is strongly promoted by the histone-modification activity of PRDM9. Zcwpw1 localizes to DMC1-labelled hotspots in a largely Prdm9-dependent manner, where it facilitates completion of synapsis by mediating the DSB repair process. In sum, our study demonstrates the function of ZCWPW1 that acts as part of the selection system for epigenetics-based recombination hotspots in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Shenli Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lei Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Mengjing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xiaochen Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Jianhong Zhan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yingying Yin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Chuanxin Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Gang Lu
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jiang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- CAS Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghaiChina
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
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25
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Huang Y, Bai X, Cheng N, Xiao J, Li X, Xing Y. Wide Grain 7 increases grain width by enhancing H3K4me3 enrichment in the OsMADS1 promoter in rice (Oryza sativa L.). THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 102:517-528. [PMID: 31830332 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Grain size is a major determinant of grain weight, a key component of grain yield of rice. Here, we identified the grain size gene WIDE GRAIN 7 (WG7) from a T-DNA insertion mutant. The grain size of WG7 knockout mutants and WG7 overexpression lines indicated that WG7 is a positive regulator of grain size. WG7 encodes a cysteine-tryptophan (CW) domain-containing transcriptional activator. EMSAs and ChIP-qPCR assay confirmed that WG7 directly bound to the promoter of OsMADS1, a grain size gene, and thereby significantly activated its expression. Point mutations showed that the cis-element CATTTC motif in the promoter was the binding site of WG7. Compared with the wild-type, deletion mutants of the cis-element motif exhibited lower expression of OsMADS1 and produced narrower grains, implicating the requirement of this motif for WG7 function. ChIP-qPCR assays showed that WG7 enhanced histone H3K4me3 enrichment in the promoter of OsMADS1. WG7 underwent directional selection due to the poor fertility of the non-functional mutant. These findings demonstrated that WG7 upregulated OsMADS1 expression by directly binding to its promoter, enhanced histone H3K4me3 enrichment in the promoter and ultimately increased grain width. This study will enrich the knowledge concerning the regulatory network of grain size formation in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xufeng Bai
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Niannian Cheng
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jinghua Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xianghua Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yongzhong Xing
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434100, China
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26
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Mahgoub M, Paiano J, Bruno M, Wu W, Pathuri S, Zhang X, Ralls S, Cheng X, Nussenzweig A, Macfarlan TS. Dual histone methyl reader ZCWPW1 facilitates repair of meiotic double strand breaks in male mice. eLife 2020; 9:e53360. [PMID: 32352380 PMCID: PMC7237205 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiotic crossovers result from homology-directed repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Unlike yeast and plants, where DSBs are generated near gene promoters, in many vertebrates DSBs are enriched at hotspots determined by the DNA binding activity of the rapidly evolving zinc finger array of PRDM9 (PR domain zinc finger protein 9). PRDM9 subsequently catalyzes tri-methylation of lysine 4 and lysine 36 of Histone H3 in nearby nucleosomes. Here, we identify the dual histone methylation reader ZCWPW1, which is tightly co-expressed during spermatogenesis with Prdm9, as an essential meiotic recombination factor required for efficient repair of PRDM9-dependent DSBs and for pairing of homologous chromosomes in male mice. In sum, our results indicate that the evolution of a dual histone methylation writer/reader (PRDM9/ZCWPW1) system in vertebrates remodeled genetic recombination hotspot selection from an ancestral static pattern near genes towards a flexible pattern controlled by the rapidly evolving DNA binding activity of PRDM9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mahgoub
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIHBethesdaUnited States
| | - Jacob Paiano
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaUnited States
- Immunology Graduate Group, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Melania Bruno
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIHBethesdaUnited States
| | - Wei Wu
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaUnited States
| | - Sarath Pathuri
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonUnited States
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonUnited States
| | - Sherry Ralls
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIHBethesdaUnited States
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonUnited States
| | - André Nussenzweig
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaUnited States
| | - Todd S Macfarlan
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIHBethesdaUnited States
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27
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Dobrovolska O, Brilkov M, Madeleine N, Ødegård-Fougner Ø, Strømland Ø, Martin SR, De Marco V, Christodoulou E, Teigen K, Isaksson J, Underhaug J, Reuter N, Aalen RB, Aasland R, Halskau Ø. The Arabidopsis (ASHH2) CW domain binds monomethylated K4 of the histone H3 tail through conformational selection. FEBS J 2020; 287:4458-4480. [PMID: 32083791 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin post-translational modifications are thought to be important for epigenetic effects on gene expression. Methylation of histone N-terminal tail lysine residues constitutes one of many such modifications, executed by families of histone lysine methyltransferase (HKMTase). One such protein is ASHH2 from the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana, equipped with the interaction domain, CW, and the HKMTase domain, SET. The CW domain of ASHH2 is a selective binder of monomethylation at lysine 4 on histone H3 (H3K4me1) and likely helps the enzyme dock correctly onto chromatin sites. The study of CW and related interaction domains has so far been emphasizing lock-key models, missing important aspects of histone-tail CW interactions. We here present an analysis of the ASHH2 CW-H3K4me1 complex using NMR and molecular dynamics, as well as mutation and affinity studies of flexible coils. β-augmentation and rearrangement of coils coincide with changes in the flexibility of the complex, in particular the η1, η3 and C-terminal coils, but also in the β1 and β2 strands and the C-terminal part of the ligand. Furthermore, we show that mutating residues with outlier dynamic behaviour affect the complex binding affinity despite these not being in direct contact with the ligand. Overall, the binding process is consistent with conformational selection. We propose that this binding mechanism presents an advantage when searching for the correct post-translational modification state among the highly modified and flexible histone tails, and also that the binding shifts the catalytic SET domain towards the nucleosome. DATABASES: Structural data are available in the PDB database under the accession code 6QXZ. Resonance assignments for CW42 in its apo- and holo-forms are available in the BMRB database under the accession code 27251.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Dobrovolska
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway, Bergen
| | - Maxim Brilkov
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway, Bergen
| | - Noelly Madeleine
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway, Bergen.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway, Bergen
| | - Øyvind Ødegård-Fougner
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Stephen R Martin
- Structural Biology Science Technology Platform, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | | | - Knut Teigen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway, Bergen
| | - Johan Isaksson
- Department of Chemistry, The Arctic University of Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jarl Underhaug
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Norway, Bergen
| | - Nathalie Reuter
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Norway, Bergen
| | | | - Rein Aasland
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway, Oslo
| | - Øyvind Halskau
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway, Bergen
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28
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Abstract
Microrchidia 3 (MORC3) is an ATPase and a regulator of influenza A virus (IAVs). In this issue of Structure, Zhang et al. (2019b) solved the crystal structure of human MORC3 in complex with the IAV protein NS1, providing a mechanism for targeting MORC3 by IAVs to regulate viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jun Qin
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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29
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Zhang Y, Bertulat B, Tencer AH, Ren X, Wright GM, Black J, Cardoso MC, Kutateladze TG. MORC3 Forms Nuclear Condensates through Phase Separation. iScience 2019; 17:182-189. [PMID: 31284181 PMCID: PMC6614601 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase separation can produce local structures with specific functionality in the cell, and in the nucleus, this can lead to chromatin reorganization. Microrchidia 3 (MORC3) is a human ATPase that has been implicated in autoimmune disorders and cancer. Here, we show that MORC3 forms phase-separated condensates with liquid-like properties in the cell nucleus. Fluorescence live-cell imaging reveals that the MORC3 condensates are heterogeneous and undergo dynamic morphological changes during the cell cycle. The ATPase activity of MORC3 drives its phase separation in vitro and requires DNA binding and releasing the MORC3 CW domain-dependent autoinhibition through association with histone H3. Our findings suggest a mechanism by which the ATPase function of MORC3 mediates MORC3 nuclear compartmentalization. MORC3 forms nuclear condensates with liquid-like characteristics Morphology of the MORC3 condensates changes during the cell cycle Phase separation depends on the MORC3 ATPase activity and DNA binding CW impedes the ability of MORC3 to form condensates
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12801 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Bianca Bertulat
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, 64287, Germany
| | - Adam H Tencer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12801 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Xiaojun Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado, Denver, CO 80217, USA
| | - Gregory M Wright
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12801 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Joshua Black
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12801 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - M Cristina Cardoso
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, 64287, Germany
| | - Tatiana G Kutateladze
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12801 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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30
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Zhang Y, Ahn J, Green KJ, Vann KR, Black J, Brooke CB, Kutateladze TG. MORC3 Is a Target of the Influenza A Viral Protein NS1. Structure 2019; 27:1029-1033.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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31
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Abstract
Microrchidia 3 (MORC3) is a human protein linked to autoimmune disorders, Down syndrome, and cancer. It is a member of a newly identified family of human ATPases with an uncharacterized mechanism of action. Here, we elucidate the molecular basis for inhibition and activation of MORC3. The crystal structure of the MORC3 region encompassing the ATPase and CW domains in complex with a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog demonstrates that the two domains are directly coupled. The extensive ATPase:CW interface stabilizes the protein fold but inhibits the catalytic activity of MORC3. Enzymatic, NMR, mutational, and biochemical analyses show that in the autoinhibited, off state, the CW domain sterically impedes binding of the ATPase domain to DNA, which in turn is required for the catalytic activity. MORC3 autoinhibition is released by disrupting the intramolecular ATPase:CW coupling through the competitive interaction of CW with histone H3 tail or by mutating the interfacial residues. Binding of CW to H3 leads to a marked rearrangement in the ATPase-CW cassette, which frees the DNA-binding site in active MORC3 (on state). We show that ATP-induced dimerization of the ATPase domain is strictly required for the catalytic activity and that the dimeric form of ATPase-CW might cooperatively bind to dsDNA. Together, our findings uncovered a mechanism underlying the fine-tuned regulation of the catalytic domain of MORC3 by the epigenetic reader, CW.
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32
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Liang X, Lei M, Li F, Yang X, Zhou M, Li B, Cao Y, Gong S, Liu K, Liu J, Qi C, Liu Y. Family-Wide Characterization of Histone Binding Abilities of PHD Domains of AL Proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana. Protein J 2019; 37:531-538. [PMID: 30259302 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-018-9796-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Alfin1-like (AL) is a family of proteins homologous to the alfalfa Alfin1 in plant and bears an Alfin domain and a PHD domain at their N- and C-terminus, respectively. There are 7 AL proteins in Arabidopsis, and the PHD domains of most AL proteins are reported to bind to histone H3K4me3. Here we reported gene cloning, protein expression and purification of the PHD domains of all the AL family proteins in Arabidopsis. We then systematically characterized their histone binding abilities by quantitative isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence polarization binding assays. Our binding results indicate that all the PHD domains of the AL proteins bind to the histone H3K4me3 peptide with varying methylation state preference and binding affinities. Our study presented here provides the foundation for further studies of the peptide state-specific recognition by PHD domains of AL proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Lei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangzhou Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiajie Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengqi Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Cao
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Siying Gong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinlin Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Qi
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China.
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Structural insights into trans-histone regulation of H3K4 methylation by unique histone H4 binding of MLL3/4. Nat Commun 2019; 10:36. [PMID: 30604749 PMCID: PMC6318328 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07906-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
MLL3 and MLL4 are two closely related members of the SET1/MLL family of histone H3K4 methyltransferases and are responsible for monomethylating histone H3K4 on enhancers, which are essential in regulating cell-type-specific gene expression. Mutations of MLL3 or MLL4 have been reported in different types of cancer. Recently, the PHD domains of MLL3/4 have been reported to recruit the MLL3/4 complexes to their target genes by binding to histone H4 during the NT2/D1 stem cell differentiation. Here we show that an extended PHD domain (ePHD6) involving the sixth PHD domain and its preceding zinc finger in MLL3 and MLL4 specifically recognizes an H4H18-containing histone H4 fragment and that modifications of residues surrounding H4H18 modulate H4 binding to MLL3/4. Our in vitro methyltransferase assays and cellular experiments further reveal that the interaction between ePHD6 of MLL3/4 and histone H4 is required for their nucleosomal methylation activity and MLL4-mediated neuronal differentiation of NT2/D1 cells. MLL3 and MLL4 are members of the SET1/MLL family of histone H3K4 methyltransferases, which are responsible for monomethylating histone H3K4 on enhancers. Here the authors show that an extended PHD domain (ePHD6) in MLL3 and MLL4 specifically recognizes an H4H18-containing fragment of histone H4, and that modifications of residues surrounding H4H18 modulate H4 binding to MLL3/4.
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Duan CG, Zhu JK, Cao X. Retrospective and perspective of plant epigenetics in China. J Genet Genomics 2018; 45:621-638. [PMID: 30455036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to the study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. Such effects on cellular and physiological phenotypic traits may result from external or environmental factors or be part of normal developmental program. In eukaryotes, DNA wraps on a histone octamer (two copies of H2A, H2B, H3 and H4) to form nucleosome, the fundamental unit of chromatin. The structure of chromatin is subjected to a dynamic regulation through multiple epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs), chromatin remodeling and noncoding RNAs. As conserved regulatory mechanisms in gene expression, epigenetic mechanisms participate in almost all the important biological processes ranging from basal development to environmental response. Importantly, all of the major epigenetic mechanisms in mammalians also occur in plants. Plant studies have provided numerous important contributions to the epigenetic research. For example, gene imprinting, a mechanism of parental allele-specific gene expression, was firstly observed in maize; evidence of paramutation, an epigenetic phenomenon that one allele acts in a single locus to induce a heritable change in the other allele, was firstly reported in maize and tomato. Moreover, some unique epigenetic mechanisms have been evolved in plants. For example, the 24-nt siRNA-involved RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway is plant-specific because of the involvements of two plant-specific DNA-dependent RNA polymerases, Pol IV and Pol V. A thorough study of epigenetic mechanisms is of great significance to improve crop agronomic traits and environmental adaptability. In this review, we make a brief summary of important progress achieved in plant epigenetics field in China over the past several decades and give a brief outlook on future research prospects. We focus our review on DNA methylation and histone PTMs, the two most important aspects of epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Guo Duan
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology and Center of Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jian-Kang Zhu
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology and Center of Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Xiaofeng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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35
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Liu Y, Huang Y. Uncovering the mechanistic basis for specific recognition of monomethylated H3K4 by the CW domain of Arabidopsis histone methyltransferase SDG8. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:6470-6481. [PMID: 29496997 PMCID: PMC5925821 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin consists of DNA and histones, and specific histone modifications that determine chromatin structure and activity are regulated by three types of proteins, called writer, reader, and eraser. Histone reader proteins from vertebrates, vertebrate-infecting parasites, and higher plants possess a CW domain, which has been reported to read histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4). The CW domain of Arabidopsis SDG8 (also called ASHH2), a histone H3 lysine 36 methyltransferase, preferentially binds monomethylated H3K4 (H3K4me1), unlike the mammalian CW domain protein, which binds trimethylated H3K4 (H3K4me3). However, the molecular basis of the selective binding by the CW domain of SDG8 (SDG8-CW) remains unclear. Here, we solved the 1.6-Å-resolution structure of SDG8-CW in complex with H3K4me1, which revealed that residues in the C-terminal α-helix of SDG8-CW determine binding specificity for low methylation levels at H3K4. Moreover, substitutions of key residues, specifically Ile-915 and Asn-916, converted SDG8-CW binding preference from H3K4me1 to H3K4me3. Sequence alignment and mutagenesis studies revealed that the CW domain of SDG725, the homolog of SDG8 in rice, shares the same binding preference with SDG8-CW, indicating that preference for low methylated H3K4 by the CW domain of ASHH2 homologs is conserved among higher-order plants. Our findings provide first structural insights into the molecular basis for specific recognition of monomethylated H3K4 by the H3K4me1 reader protein SDG8 from Arabidopsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchao Liu
- From the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, Shanghai Science Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ying Huang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, Shanghai Science Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China, To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel.:
86-20778200; Fax:
86-20778200; E-mail:
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Zhang Y, Lei M, Yang X, Feng Y, Yang Y, Loppnau P, Li Y, Yang Y, Min J, Liu Y. Structural and histone binding studies of the chromo barrel domain of TIP60. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:1221-1232. [PMID: 29494751 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Tat-interactive protein 60 consists of an N-terminal chromo barrel domain (TIP60-CB) and a C-terminal acetyltransferase domain and acetylates histone and nonhistone proteins in diverse cellular processes. While TIP60-CB is thought to recognize histone tails, molecular details of this interaction remain unclear. Here, we attempted a quantitative analysis of the interaction between the human TIP60-CB and histone peptides, but did not observe any detectable binding by either fluorescence polarization or isothermal titration calorimetry assays. We also determined the crystal structure of the TIP60-CB alone. Analysis of the apo-structure reveals a putative peptide-binding site that might be occluded by the basic side chain of a residue in a unique β hairpin between the two N-terminal strands of the β barrel, leading to the inability of TIP60-CB to bind histones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhe Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China.,Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Xiajie Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Feng
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Yuan Yang
- Graduate school, Wuhan Sports University, China
| | - Peter Loppnau
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Yanjun Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Health Science, Wuhan Sports University, China
| | - Jinrong Min
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China.,Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Yanli Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China.,Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Canada
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Neuropathic MORC2 mutations perturb GHKL ATPase dimerization dynamics and epigenetic silencing by multiple structural mechanisms. Nat Commun 2018; 9:651. [PMID: 29440755 PMCID: PMC5811534 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03045-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Missense mutations in MORC2 cause neuropathies including spinal muscular atrophy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. We recently identified MORC2 as an effector of epigenetic silencing by the human silencing hub (HUSH). Here we report the biochemical and cellular activities of MORC2 variants, alongside crystal structures of wild-type and neuropathic forms of a human MORC2 fragment comprising the GHKL-type ATPase module and CW-type zinc finger. This fragment dimerizes upon binding ATP and contains a hinged, functionally critical coiled-coil insertion absent in other GHKL ATPases. We find that dimerization and DNA binding of the MORC2 ATPase module transduce HUSH-dependent silencing. Disease mutations change the dynamics of dimerization by distinct structural mechanisms: destabilizing the ATPase-CW module, trapping the ATP lid, or perturbing the dimer interface. These defects lead to the modulation of HUSH function, thus providing a molecular basis for understanding MORC2-associated neuropathies.
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38
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Andrews FH, Tong Q, Sullivan KD, Cornett EM, Zhang Y, Ali M, Ahn J, Pandey A, Guo AH, Strahl BD, Costello JC, Espinosa JM, Rothbart SB, Kutateladze TG. Multivalent Chromatin Engagement and Inter-domain Crosstalk Regulate MORC3 ATPase. Cell Rep 2018; 16:3195-3207. [PMID: 27653685 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
MORC3 is linked to inflammatory myopathies and cancer; however, the precise role of MORC3 in normal cell physiology and disease remains poorly understood. Here, we present detailed genetic, biochemical, and structural analyses of MORC3. We demonstrate that MORC3 is significantly upregulated in Down syndrome and that genetic abnormalities in MORC3 are associated with cancer. The CW domain of MORC3 binds to the methylated histone H3K4 tail, and this interaction is essential for recruitment of MORC3 to chromatin and accumulation in nuclear bodies. We show that MORC3 possesses intrinsic ATPase activity that requires DNA, but it is negatively regulated by the CW domain, which interacts with the ATPase domain. Natively linked CW impedes binding of the ATPase domain to DNA, resulting in a decrease in the DNA-stimulated enzymatic activity. Collectively, our studies provide a molecular framework detailing MORC3 functions and suggest that its modulation may contribute to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forest H Andrews
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Qiong Tong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kelly D Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Evan M Cornett
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Muzaffar Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - JaeWoo Ahn
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ahway Pandey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Angela H Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Brian D Strahl
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - James C Costello
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Joaquin M Espinosa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Scott B Rothbart
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Tatiana G Kutateladze
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Structure and mechanism of plant histone mark readers. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2017; 61:170-177. [PMID: 29019143 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-017-9163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, epigenetic-based mechanisms are involved in almost all the important biological processes. Amongst different epigenetic regulation pathways, the dynamic covalent modifications on histones are the most extensively investigated and characterized types. The covalent modifications on histone can be "read" by specific protein domains and then subsequently trigger downstream signaling events. Plants generally possess epigenetic regulation systems similar to animals and fungi, but also exhibit some plant-specific features. Similar to animals and fungi, plants require distinct protein domains to specifically "read" modified histones in both modification-specific and sequence-specific manners. In this review, we will focus on recent progress of the structural studies on the recognition of the epigenetic marks on histones by plant reader proteins, and further summarize the general and exceptional features of plant histone mark readers.
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40
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Zhang Z, Zhang F, Cheng ZJ, Liu LL, Lin QB, Wu FQ, Zhang H, Wang JL, Wang J, Guo XP, Zhang X, Lei CL, Zhao ZC, Zhu SS, Wan JM. Functional characterization of rice CW-domain containing zinc finger proteins involved in histone recognition. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 263:168-176. [PMID: 28818372 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2017.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Histone recognition is important for understanding the mechanisms of histone modification, which play a pivotal role in transcriptional regulation during plant development. Here, we identified three cysteine-tryptophan (CW)-domain containing zinc finger (ZF) proteins involved in histone recognition, namely OsCW-ZF3, OsCW-ZF5 and OsCW-ZF7. Protein sequence analysis showed that they have two unknown motifs in addition to the CW domain. All three OsCW-ZFs were expressed in aerial tissues, with relatively high levels in developing panicles. Subcellular localization revealed that the OsCW-ZFs target the cell nucleus and CW domains are not necessary for their nuclear localization. In contrast to OsCW-ZF3 and OsCW-ZF5 where the CW domains bind histone H3 lysine 4 with different methylated forms (H3K4me), the CW domain from OsCW-ZF7 recognizes only trimethylated histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3). Analysis of mutant suggested that three conserved tryptophan residues in the CW domain are essential for binding to H3K4me. Further study found that OsCW-ZF7 interacts with TAFII20, a transcription initiation factor TFIID 20kDa subunit. Knockout of OsCW-ZF7 caused defective development of awns. This study provides new insights into our understanding of the CW domain and lays a foundation for further investigation of its roles in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Feng Zhang
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Zhi-Jun Cheng
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Ling-Long Liu
- National Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Qi-Bing Lin
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Fu-Qing Wu
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Huan Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Jiu-Lin Wang
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Jie Wang
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Xiu-Ping Guo
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Cai-Lin Lei
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Zhi-Chao Zhao
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Shan-Shan Zhu
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Jian-Min Wan
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; National Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
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41
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Weiser NE, Yang DX, Feng S, Kalinava N, Brown KC, Khanikar J, Freeberg MA, Snyder MJ, Csankovszki G, Chan RC, Gu SG, Montgomery TA, Jacobsen SE, Kim JK. MORC-1 Integrates Nuclear RNAi and Transgenerational Chromatin Architecture to Promote Germline Immortality. Dev Cell 2017; 41:408-423.e7. [PMID: 28535375 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2017.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Germline-expressed endogenous small interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs) transmit multigenerational epigenetic information to ensure fertility in subsequent generations. In Caenorhabditis elegans, nuclear RNAi ensures robust inheritance of endo-siRNAs and deposition of repressive H3K9me3 marks at target loci. How target silencing is maintained in subsequent generations is poorly understood. We discovered that morc-1 is essential for transgenerational fertility and acts as an effector of endo-siRNAs. Unexpectedly, morc-1 is dispensable for siRNA inheritance but is required for target silencing and maintenance of siRNA-dependent chromatin organization. A forward genetic screen identified mutations in met-1, which encodes an H3K36 methyltransferase, as potent suppressors of morc-1(-) and nuclear RNAi mutant phenotypes. Further analysis of nuclear RNAi and morc-1(-) mutants revealed a progressive, met-1-dependent enrichment of H3K36me3, suggesting that robust fertility requires repression of MET-1 activity at nuclear RNAi targets. Without MORC-1 and nuclear RNAi, MET-1-mediated encroachment of euchromatin leads to detrimental decondensation of germline chromatin and germline mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha E Weiser
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Danny X Yang
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Suhua Feng
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, PO Box 957239, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7239, USA; Eli and Edyth Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Natallia Kalinava
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kristen C Brown
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Jayshree Khanikar
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mallory A Freeberg
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Martha J Snyder
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Györgyi Csankovszki
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Raymond C Chan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sam G Gu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Taiowa A Montgomery
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Steven E Jacobsen
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, PO Box 957239, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7239, USA; Eli and Edyth Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - John K Kim
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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Hyperactivation of HUSH complex function by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease mutation in MORC2. Nat Genet 2017; 49:1035-1044. [PMID: 28581500 PMCID: PMC5493197 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Dominant mutations in the MORC2 gene have recently been shown to cause axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, but the cellular function of MORC2 is poorly understood. Here, through a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9-mediated forward genetic screen, we identified MORC2 as an essential gene required for epigenetic silencing by the HUSH complex. HUSH recruits MORC2 to target sites in heterochromatin. We exploited a new method, differential viral accessibility (DIVA), to show that loss of MORC2 results in chromatin decompaction at these target loci, which is concomitant with a loss of H3K9me3 deposition and transcriptional derepression. The ATPase activity of MORC2 is critical for HUSH-mediated silencing, and the most common alteration affecting the ATPase domain in CMT patients (p.Arg252Trp) hyperactivates HUSH-mediated repression in neuronal cells. These data define a critical role for MORC2 in epigenetic silencing by the HUSH complex and provide a mechanistic basis underpinning the role of MORC2 mutations in CMT disease.
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Niwa H, Umehara T. Structural insight into inhibitors of flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent lysine demethylases. Epigenetics 2017; 12:340-352. [PMID: 28277979 PMCID: PMC5453194 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2017.1290032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Until 2004, many researchers believed that protein methylation in eukaryotic cells was an irreversible reaction. However, the discovery of lysine-specific demethylase 1 in 2004 drastically changed this view and the concept of chromatin regulation. Since then, the enzymes responsible for lysine demethylation and their cellular substrates, biological significance, and selective regulation have become major research topics in epigenetics and chromatin biology. Many cell-permeable inhibitors for lysine demethylases have been developed, including both target-specific and nonspecific inhibitors. Structural understanding of how these inhibitors bind to lysine demethylases is crucial both for validation of the inhibitors as chemical probes and for the rational design of more potent, target-specific inhibitors. This review focuses on published small-molecule inhibitors targeted at the two flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent lysine demethylases, lysine-specific demethylases 1 and 2, and how the inhibitors interact with the tertiary structures of the enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Niwa
- a Epigenetics Drug Discovery Unit , RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies , Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Takashi Umehara
- a Epigenetics Drug Discovery Unit , RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies , Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama , Kanagawa , Japan.,b PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) , Honcho, Kawaguchi , Saitama , Japan
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Mouse MORC3 is a GHKL ATPase that localizes to H3K4me3 marked chromatin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E5108-16. [PMID: 27528681 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1609709113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microrchidia (MORC) proteins are GHKL (gyrase, heat-shock protein 90, histidine kinase, MutL) ATPases that function in gene regulation in multiple organisms. Animal MORCs also contain CW-type zinc finger domains, which are known to bind to modified histones. We solved the crystal structure of the murine MORC3 ATPase-CW domain bound to the nucleotide analog AMPPNP (phosphoaminophosphonic acid-adenylate ester) and in complex with a trimethylated histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) peptide (H3K4me3). We observed that the MORC3 N-terminal ATPase domain forms a dimer when bound to AMPPNP. We used native mass spectrometry to show that dimerization is ATP-dependent, and that dimer formation is enhanced in the presence of nonhydrolyzable ATP analogs. The CW domain uses an aromatic cage to bind trimethylated Lys4 and forms extensive hydrogen bonds with the H3 tail. We found that MORC3 localizes to promoters marked by H3K4me3 throughout the genome, consistent with its binding to H3K4me3 in vitro. Our work sheds light on aspects of the molecular dynamics and function of MORC3.
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