EWSR1 affects PRDM9-dependent histone 3 methylation and provides a link between recombination hotspots and the chromosome axis protein REC8

Recent advances in mechanisms ensuring the pairing, synapsis and segregation of XY chromosomes in mice and humans

Sex chromosome aneuploidies are among the most common variations in human whole chromosome copy numbers, with an estimated prevalence in the general population of 1:400 to 1:1400 live births. Unlike whole-chromosome aneuploidies of autosomes, those of sex chromosomes, such as the 47, XXY aneuploidy that causes Klinefelter Syndrome (KS), often originate from the paternal side, caused by a lack of crossover (CO) formation between the X and Y chromosomes. COs must form between all chromosome pairs to pass meiotic checkpoints and are the product of meiotic recombination that occurs between homologous sequences of parental chromosomes. Recombination between male sex chromosomes is more challenging compared to both autosomes and sex chromosomes in females, as it is restricted within a short region of homology between X and Y, called the pseudo-autosomal region (PAR). However, in normal individuals, CO formation occurs in PAR with a higher frequency than in any other region, indicating the presence of mechanisms that promote the initiation and processing of recombination in each meiotic division. In recent years, research has made great strides in identifying genes and mechanisms that facilitate CO formation in the PAR. Here, we outline the most recent and relevant findings in this field. XY chromosome aneuploidy in humans has broad-reaching effects, contributing significantly also to Turner syndrome, spontaneous abortions, oligospermia, and even infertility. Thus, in the years to come, the identification of genes and mechanisms beyond XY aneuploidy is expected to have an impact on the genetic counseling of a wide number of families and adults affected by these disorders.

Meiosis: Dances Between Homologs

The raison d'être of meiosis is shuffling of genetic information via Mendelian segregation and, within individual chromosomes, by DNA crossing-over. These outcomes are enabled by a complex cellular program in which interactions between homologous chromosomes play a central role. We first provide a background regarding the basic principles of this program. We then summarize the current understanding of the DNA events of recombination and of three processes that involve whole chromosomes: homolog pairing, crossover interference, and chiasma maturation. All of these processes are implemented by direct physical interaction of recombination complexes with underlying chromosome structures. Finally, we present convergent lines of evidence that the meiotic program may have evolved by coupling of this interaction to late-stage mitotic chromosome morphogenesis.

The RNA-binding protein FUS/TLS interacts with SPO11 and PRDM9 and localize at meiotic recombination hotspots

In mammals, meiotic recombination is initiated by the introduction of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) into narrow segments of the genome, defined as hotspots, which is carried out by the SPO11/TOPOVIBL complex. A major player in the specification of hotspots is PRDM9, a histone methyltransferase that, following sequence-specific DNA binding, generates trimethylation on lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and lysine 36 (H3K36me3) of histone H3, thus defining the hotspots. PRDM9 activity is key to successful meiosis, since in its absence DSBs are redirected to functional sites and synapsis between homologous chromosomes fails. One protein factor recently implicated in guiding PRDM9 activity at hotspots is EWS, a member of the FET family of proteins that also includes TAF15 and FUS/TLS. Here, we demonstrate that FUS/TLS partially colocalizes with PRDM9 on the meiotic chromosome axes, marked by the synaptonemal complex component SYCP3, and physically interacts with PRDM9. Furthermore, we show that FUS/TLS also interacts with REC114, one of the axis-bound SPO11-auxiliary factors essential for DSB formation. This finding suggests that FUS/TLS is a component of the protein complex that promotes the initiation of meiotic recombination. Accordingly, we document that FUS/TLS coimmunoprecipitates with SPO11 in vitro and in vivo. The interaction occurs with both SPO11β and SPO11α splice isoforms, which are believed to play distinct functions in the formation of DSBs in autosomes and male sex chromosomes, respectively. Finally, using chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments, we show that FUS/TLS is localized at H3K4me3-marked hotspots in autosomes and in the pseudo-autosomal region, the site of genetic exchange between the XY chromosomes.

Gammaherpesvirus-mediated repression reveals EWSR1 to be a negative regulator of B cell responses

The germinal center (GC) plays a central role in the generation of antigen-specific B cells and antibodies. Tight regulation of the GC is essential due to the inherent risks of tumorigenesis and autoimmunity posed by inappropriate GC B cell processes. Gammaherpesviruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) utilize numerous armaments to drive infected naïve B cells, independent of antigen, through GC reactions to expand the latently infected B cell population and establish a stable latency reservoir. We previously demonstrated that the MHV68 microRNA (miRNA) mghv-miR-M1-7-5p represses host EWSR1 (Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1) to promote B cell infection. EWSR1 is a transcription and splicing regulator that is recognized for its involvement as a fusion protein in Ewing sarcoma. A function for EWSR1 in B cell responses has not been previously reported. Here, we demonstrate that 1) B cell-specific deletion of EWSR1 had no effect on generation of mature B cell subsets or basal immunoglobulin levels in naïve mice, 2) repression or ablation of EWSR1 in B cells promoted expansion of MHV68 latently infected GC B cells, and 3) B cell-specific deletion of EWSR1 during a normal immune response to nonviral antigen resulted in significantly elevated numbers of antigen-specific GC B cells, plasma cells, and circulating antibodies. Notably, EWSR1 deficiency did not affect the proliferation or survival of GC B cells but instead resulted in the generation of increased numbers of precursor GC B cells. Cumulatively, these findings demonstrate that EWSR1 is a negative regulator of B cell responses.

Orchestrating recombination initiation in mice and men

Recent discoveries have advanced our understanding of recombination initiation beyond the placement of double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) from germline replication timing to the dynamic reorganization of chromatin, and defined critical players of recombination initiation. This article focuses on recombination initiation in mammals utilizing the PRDM9 protein to orchestrate crucial stages of meiotic recombination initiation by interacting with the local DNA environment and several protein complexes. The Pioneer Complex with the SNF2-type chromatin remodeling enzyme HELLS, exposes PRDM9-bound DNA. At the same time, a Compass-Complex containing EWSR1, CXXC1, CDYL, EHMT2 and PRDM9 facilitates the association of putative hotspot sites in DNA loops with the chromosomal axis where DSB-promoting complexes are located, and DSBs are catalyzed by the SPO11/TOPOVIBL complex. Finally, homology search is facilitated at PRDM9-directed sites by ANKRD31. The Reader-Writer system consists of PRDM9 writing characteristic histone methylation signatures, which are read by ZCWPW1, promoting efficient homology engagement.

Chemosensitivity-Gene Expression Correlations and Functional Enrichment Analysis Provide Insight into the Mechanism of Action of a Platinum-Acridine Anticancer Agent

NCI-60 growth inhibition and gene expression profiles were analyzed using Pearson correlation and functional enrichment computational tools to demonstrate critical mechanistic differences between a nucleolus-targeting platinum-acridine anticancer agent (PA) and other DNA-directed chemotherapies.  The results support prior experimental data and are consistent with DNA being a major target of the hybrid agent based on the negative correlations observed between its potency and expression levels of genes implicated in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair.  Gene ontology terms related to RNA processing, including ribosome biogenesis, are also negatively enriched, suggesting a mechanism by which these processes render cancer cells more resistant to the highly cytotoxic agent.  The opposite trend is observed for oxaliplatin and other DNA-targeted drugs.  Significant functional interactions exist between genes/gene products involved in ribosome biogenesis and DSB repair, including the ribosomal protein (RPL5)-MDM2-p53 surveillance pathway, as a response to the nucleolar stress produced by PAs.

Assessment of Heterozygosity and Genome-Wide Analysis of Heterozygosity Regions in Two Duroc Pig Populations

Heterozygosity can effectively reflect the diverse models of population structure and demographic history. However, the genomic distribution of heterozygotes and the correlation between regions of heterozygosity (runs of heterozygosity, ROHet) and phenotypes are largely understudied in livestock. The objective of this study was to identify ROHet in the Duroc pig genome, and investigate the relationships between ROHet and eight important economic traits. Here, we genotyped 3,770 American Duroc (S21) and 2,096 Canadian Duroc (S22) pigs using 50 K single nucleotide polymorphism array to analyze heterozygosity. A total of 145,010 and 84,396 ROHets were characterized for S21 and S22 populations, respectively. ROHet segments were mostly enriched in 1–2 Mb length classification (75.48% in S21 and 72.25% in S22). The average genome length covered by ROHet was 66.53 ± 12.20 Mb in S21 and 73.32 ± 13.77 Mb in S22 pigs. Additionally, we detected 20 and 13 ROHet islands in S21 and S22 pigs. Genes in these genomic regions were mainly involved in the biological processes of immunity and reproduction. Finally, the genome-wide ROHet-phenotypes association analysis revealed that 130 ROHets of S21 and 84 ROHets of S22 were significantly associated with eight economic traits. Among the candidate genes in the significant ROHet regions, 16 genes related to growth, metabolism, and meat quality were considered as candidate genes for important economic traits of pigs. This work preliminarily explores the effect of heterozygosity-rich regions in the pig genome on production performance and provides new insights for subsequent research on pig genetic improvement.

Differential effects of two catalytic mutations on full-length PRDM9 and its isolated PR/SET domain reveal a case of pseudomodularity

PRDM9 is a DNA-binding histone methyltransferase that designates and activates recombination hotspots in mammals by locally trimethylating lysines 4 and 36 of histone H3. In mice, we recently reported two independently produced point mutations at the same residue, Glu360Pro (Prdm9EP) and Glu360Lys (Prdm9EK), which severely reduce its H3K4 and H3K36 methyltransferase activities in vivo. Prdm9EP is slightly less hypomorphic than Prdm9EK, but both mutations reduce both the number and amplitude of PRDM9-dependent H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 peaks in spermatocytes. While both mutations cause infertility with complete meiotic arrest in males, Prdm9EP, but not Prdm9EK, is compatible with some female fertility. When we tested the effects of these mutations in vitro, both Prdm9EP and Prdm9EK abolished H3K4 and H3K36 methyltransferase activity in full-length PRDM9. However, in the isolated PRDM9 PR/SET domain, these mutations selectively compromised H3K36 methyltransferase activity, while leaving H3K4 methyltransferase activity intact. The difference in these effects on the PR/SET domain vs the full-length protein shows that PRDM9 is not an intrinsically modular enzyme; its catalytic domain is influenced by its tertiary structure and possibly by its interactions with DNA and other proteins in vivo. These two informative mutations illuminate the enzymatic chemistry of PRDM9, and potentially of PR/SET domains in general, reveal the minimal threshold of PRDM9-dependent catalytic activity for female fertility, and potentially have some practical utility for genetic mapping and genomics.

Mouse EWSR1 is crucial for spermatid post-meiotic transcription and spermiogenesis

Spermatogenesis is precisely controlled by complex gene-expression programs. During mammalian male germ-cell development, a crucial feature is the repression of transcription before spermatid elongation. Previously, we discovered that the RNA-binding protein EWSR1 plays an important role in meiotic recombination in mouse, and showed that EWSR1 is highly expressed in late meiotic cells and post-meiotic cells. Here, we used an Ewsr1 pachytene stage-specific knockout mouse model to study the roles of Ewsr1 in late meiotic prophase I and in spermatozoa maturation. We show that loss of EWSR1 in late meiotic prophase I does not affect proper meiosis completion, but does result in defective spermatid elongation and chromocenter formation in the developing germ cells. As a result, male mice lacking EWSR1 after pachynema are sterile. We found that, in Ewsr1 CKO round spermatids, transition from a meiotic gene-expression program to a post-meiotic and spermatid gene expression program related to DNA condensation is impaired, suggesting that EWSR1 plays an important role in regulation of spermiogenesis-related mRNA synthesis necessary for spermatid differentiation into mature sperm.