A new, highly conserved domain in Swi2/Snf2 is required for SWI/SNF remodeling

Structure of the nucleosome-bound human BCL7A

Proteins of the BCL7 family (BCL7A, BCL7B, and BCL7C) are among the most recently identified subunits of the mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler complex and are absent from the unicellular version of this complex. Their function in the complex is unknown, and very limited structural information is available, despite the fact that they are mutated in several cancer types, most notably blood malignancies and hence medically relevant. Here, using cryo-electron microscopy in combination with biophysical and biochemical approaches, we show that BCL7A forms a stable, high-affinity complex with the nucleosome core particle (NCP) through binding of BCL7A with the acidic patch of the nucleosome via an arginine anchor motif. This interaction is impaired by BCL7A mutations found in cancer. Further, we determined that BCL7A contributes to the remodeling activity of the mSWI/SNF complex and we examined its function at the genomic level. Our findings reveal how BCL7 proteins interact with the NCP and help rationalize the impact of cancer-associated mutations. By providing structural information on the positioning of BCL7 on the NCP, our results broaden the understanding of the mechanism by which SWI/SNF recognizes the chromatin fiber.

Transcriptional activation domains interact with ATPase subunits of yeast chromatin remodelling complexes SWI/SNF, RSC and INO80

Chromatin remodelling complexes (CRC) are ATP-dependent molecular machines important for the dynamic organization of nucleosomes along eukaryotic DNA. CRCs SWI/SNF, RSC and INO80 can move positioned nucleosomes in promoter DNA, leading to nucleosome-depleted regions which facilitate access of general transcription factors. This function is strongly supported by transcriptional activators being able to interact with subunits of various CRCs. In this work we show that SWI/SNF subunits Swi1, Swi2, Snf5 and Snf6 can bind to activation domains of Ino2 required for expression of phospholipid biosynthetic genes in yeast. We identify an activator binding domain (ABD) of ATPase Swi2 and show that this ABD is functionally dispensable, presumably because ABDs of other SWI/SNF subunits can compensate for the loss. In contrast, mutational characterization of the ABD of the Swi2-related ATPase Sth1 revealed that some conserved basic and hydrophobic amino acids within this domain are essential for the function of Sth1. While ABDs of Swi2 and Sth1 define separate functional protein domains, mapping of an ABD within ATPase Ino80 showed co-localization with its HSA domain also required for binding actin-related proteins. Comparative interaction studies finally demonstrated that several unrelated activators each exhibit a specific binding pattern with ABDs of Swi2, Sth1 and Ino80.

Single-molecule imaging of SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers reveals bromodomain-mediated and cancer-mutants-specific landscape of multi-modal DNA-binding dynamics

Despite their prevalent cancer implications, the in vivo dynamics of SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers and how misregulation of such dynamics underpins cancer remain poorly understood. Using live-cell single-molecule tracking, we quantify the intranuclear diffusion and chromatin-binding of three key subunits common to all major human SWI/SNF remodeler complexes (BAF57, BAF155 and BRG1), and resolve two temporally distinct stable binding modes for the fully assembled complex. Super-resolved density mapping reveals heterogeneous, nanoscale remodeler binding "hotspots" across the nucleoplasm where multiple binding events (especially longer-lived ones) preferentially cluster. Importantly, we uncover distinct roles of the bromodomain in modulating chromatin binding/targeting in a DNA-accessibility-dependent manner, pointing to a model where successive longer-lived binding within "hotspots" leads to sustained productive remodeling. Finally, systematic comparison of six common BRG1 mutants implicated in various cancers unveils alterations in chromatin-binding dynamics unique to each mutant, shedding insight into a multi-modal landscape regulating the spatio-temporal organizational dynamics of SWI/SNF remodelers.

Dual engagement of the nucleosomal acidic patches is essential for deposition of histone H2A.Z by SWR1C

The yeast SWR1C chromatin remodeling enzyme catalyzes the ATP-dependent exchange of nucleosomal histone H2A for the histone variant H2A.Z, a key variant involved in a multitude of nuclear functions. How the 14-subunit SWR1C engages the nucleosomal substrate remains largely unknown. Studies on the ISWI, CHD1, and SWI/SNF families of chromatin remodeling enzymes have demonstrated key roles for the nucleosomal acidic patch for remodeling activity, however a role for this nucleosomal epitope in nucleosome editing by SWR1C has not been tested. Here, we employ a variety of biochemical assays to demonstrate an essential role for the acidic patch in the H2A.Z exchange reaction. Utilizing asymmetrically assembled nucleosomes, we demonstrate that the acidic patches on each face of the nucleosome are required for SWR1C-mediated dimer exchange, suggesting SWR1C engages the nucleosome in a 'pincer-like' conformation, engaging both patches simultaneously. Loss of a single acidic patch results in loss of high affinity nucleosome binding and nucleosomal stimulation of ATPase activity. We identify a conserved arginine-rich motif within the Swc5 subunit that binds the acidic patch and is key for dimer exchange activity. In addition, our cryoEM structure of a Swc5-nucleosome complex suggests that promoter proximal, histone H2B ubiquitylation may regulate H2A.Z deposition. Together these findings provide new insights into how SWR1C engages its nucleosomal substrate to promote efficient H2A.Z deposition.

Energy-driven genome regulation by ATP-dependent chromatin remodellers

The packaging of DNA into chromatin in eukaryotes regulates gene transcription, DNA replication and DNA repair. ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling enzymes (re)arrange nucleosomes at the first level of chromatin organization. Their Snf2-type motor ATPases alter histone-DNA interactions through a common DNA translocation mechanism. Whether remodeller activities mainly catalyse nucleosome dynamics or accurately co-determine nucleosome organization remained unclear. In this Review, we discuss the emerging mechanisms of chromatin remodelling: dynamic remodeller architectures and their interactions, the inner workings of the ATPase cycle, allosteric regulation and pathological dysregulation. Recent mechanistic insights argue for a decisive role of remodellers in the energy-driven self-organization of chromatin, which enables both stability and plasticity of genome regulation - for example, during development and stress. Different remodellers, such as members of the SWI/SNF, ISWI, CHD and INO80 families, process (epi)genetic information through specific mechanisms into distinct functional outputs. Combinatorial assembly of remodellers and their interplay with histone modifications, histone variants, DNA sequence or DNA-bound transcription factors regulate nucleosome mobilization or eviction or histone exchange. Such input-output relationships determine specific nucleosome positions and compositions with distinct DNA accessibilities and mediate differential genome regulation. Finally, remodeller genes are often mutated in diseases characterized by genome dysregulation, notably in cancer, and we discuss their physiological relevance.

The AT-hook is an evolutionarily conserved auto-regulatory domain of SWI/SNF required for cell lineage priming

The SWI/SNF ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler is a master regulator of the epigenome, controlling pluripotency and differentiation. Towards the C-terminus of the catalytic subunit of SWI/SNF is a motif called the AT-hook that is evolutionary conserved. The AT-hook is present in many chromatin modifiers and generally thought to help anchor them to DNA. We observe however that the AT-hook regulates the intrinsic DNA-stimulated ATPase activity aside from promoting SWI/SNF recruitment to DNA or nucleosomes by increasing the reaction velocity a factor of 13 with no accompanying change in substrate affinity (KM). The changes in ATP hydrolysis causes an equivalent change in nucleosome movement, confirming they are tightly coupled. The catalytic subunit's AT-hook is required in vivo for SWI/SNF remodeling activity in yeast and mouse embryonic stem cells. The AT-hook in SWI/SNF is required for transcription regulation and activation of stage-specific enhancers critical in cell lineage priming. Similarly, growth assays suggest the AT-hook is required in yeast SWI/SNF for activation of genes involved in amino acid biosynthesis and metabolizing ethanol. Our findings highlight the importance of studying SWI/SNF attenuation versus eliminating the catalytic subunit or completely shutting down its enzymatic activity.

Differentiation of Plasmodium male gametocytes is initiated by the recruitment of a chromatin remodeler to a male-specific cis-element

Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, possess a complex lifecycle; however, the mechanisms of gene regulation involved in the cell-type changes remain unknown. Here, we report that gametocyte sucrose nonfermentable 2 (gSNF2), an SNF2-like chromatin remodeling ATPase, plays an essential role in the differentiation of male gametocytes. Upon disruption of gSNF2, male gametocytes lost the capacity to develop into gametes. ChIP-seq analyses revealed that gSNF2 is widely recruited upstream of male-specific genes through a five-base, male-specific cis-acting element. In gSNF2-disrupted parasites, expression of over a hundred target genes was significantly decreased. ATAC-seq analysis demonstrated that decreased expression of these genes correlated with a decrease of the nucleosome-free region upstream of these genes. These results suggest that global changes induced in the chromatin landscape by gSNF2 are the initial step in male differentiation from early gametocytes. This study provides the possibility that chromatin remodeling is responsible for cell-type changes in the Plasmodium lifecycle.

Structure of nucleosome-bound human PBAF complex

BAF and PBAF are mammalian SWI/SNF family chromatin remodeling complexes that possess multiple histone/DNA-binding subunits and create nucleosome-depleted/free regions for transcription activation. Despite previous structural studies and recent advance of SWI/SNF family complexes, it remains incompletely understood how PBAF-nucleosome complex is organized. Here we determined structure of 13-subunit human PBAF in complex with acetylated nucleosome in ADP-BeF₃-bound state. Four PBAF-specific subunits work together with nine BAF/PBAF-shared subunits to generate PBAF-specific modular organization, distinct from that of BAF at various regions. PBAF-nucleosome structure reveals six histone-binding domains and four DNA-binding domains/modules, the majority of which directly bind histone/DNA. This multivalent nucleosome-binding pattern, not observed in previous studies, suggests that PBAF may integrate comprehensive chromatin information to target genomic loci for function. Our study reveals molecular organization of subunits and histone/DNA-binding domains/modules in PBAF-nucleosome complex and provides structural insights into PBAF-mediated nucleosome association complimentary to the recently reported PBAF-nucleosome structure.

Characterization of Chromatin Remodeling Genes Involved in Thermal Tolerance of Biologically Invasive Bemisia tabaci

As an invasive species, Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) has notable potential to adapt to a wide range of environmental temperatures, which enables it to successfully spread after invasion and occupy habitats over a wide latitude range. It has been postulated that chromatin remodeling mechanisms are related to the rapid acquisition of adaptive traits and thermal resistance in invasive species; however, relevant experimental evidence is scarce. To identify the molecular characteristics and assess the role of chromatin remodelers in thermal stress within invasive MED and native Asia II 1 of the B. tabaci species complex, we identified 13 switching defective/sucrose non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) and 10 imitation switch (ISWI) family members in the B. tabaci genome, analyzed their molecular characteristics and structures, and identified key mutation sites between MED and Asia II 1, then cloned the catalytic subunits, and revealed the difference in thermal tolerance function. The results showed that the expression levels of Bt-BRM-1 and Bt-BRM-2 were significantly higher in MED than in Asia II 1 during heat stress, and Bt-BRM-2 expression was significantly higher during cold stress. In addition, RNA interference results indicated that the two target genes had similar temperature tolerance function in the both two cryptic species. This study is the first to identify and analyze the molecular characteristics of SWI/SNF and ISWI family members and reveal their potential key roles in temperature tolerance in poikilothermic ectotherms. The results will assist in understanding the underlying temperature adaptation mechanism of invasive insects and will enrich stress adaptation research systems from an epigenetic perspective.

Structure of human chromatin-remodelling PBAF complex bound to a nucleosome

DNA wraps around the histone octamer to form nucleosomes¹, the repeating unit of chromatin, which create barriers for accessing genetic information. Snf2-like chromatin remodellers couple the energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to reposition and recompose the nucleosome, and have vital roles in various chromatin-based transactions^2,3. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the 12-subunit human chromatin-remodelling polybromo-associated BRG1-associated factor (PBAF) complex bound to the nucleosome. The motor subunit SMARCA4 engages the nucleosome in the active conformation, which reveals clustering of multiple disease-associated mutations at the interfaces that are essential for chromatin-remodelling activity. SMARCA4 recognizes the H2A-H2B acidic pocket of the nucleosome through three arginine anchors of the Snf2 ATP coupling (SnAc) domain. PBAF shows notable functional modularity, and most of the auxiliary subunits are interwoven into three lobe-like submodules for nucleosome recognition. The PBAF-specific auxiliary subunit ARID2 acts as the structural core for assembly of the DNA-binding lobe, whereas PBRM1, PHF10 and BRD7 are collectively incorporated into the lobe for histone tail binding. Together, our findings provide mechanistic insights into nucleosome recognition by PBAF and a structural basis for understanding SMARCA4-related human diseases.

Structure and Function of Chromatin Remodelers

Chromatin remodelers act to regulate multiple cellular processes, such as transcription and DNA repair, by controlling access to genomic DNA. Four families of chromatin remodelers have been identified in yeast, each with non-redundant roles within the cell. There has been a recent surge in structural models of chromatin remodelers in complex with their nucleosomal substrate. These structural studies provide new insight into the mechanism of action for individual chromatin remodelers. In this review, we summarize available data for the structure and mechanism of action of the four chromatin remodeling complex families.

Structural basis of ALC1/CHD1L autoinhibition and the mechanism of activation by the nucleosome

Chromatin remodeler ALC1 (amplification in liver cancer 1) is crucial for repairing damaged DNA. It is autoinhibited and activated by nucleosomal epitopes. However, the mechanisms by which ALC1 is regulated remain unclear. Here we report the crystal structure of human ALC1 and the cryoEM structure bound to the nucleosome. The structure shows the macro domain of ALC1 binds to lobe 2 of the ATPase motor, sequestering two elements for nucleosome recognition, explaining the autoinhibition mechanism of the enzyme. The H4 tail competes with the macro domain for lobe 2-binding, explaining the requirement for this nucleosomal epitope for ALC1 activation. A dual-arginine-anchor motif of ALC1 recognizes the acidic pocket of the nucleosome, which is critical for chromatin remodeling in vitro. Together, our findings illustrate the structures of ALC1 and shed light on its regulation mechanisms, paving the way for the discovery of drugs targeting ALC1 for the treatment of cancer.

The oncogenic chromatin remodeler ALC1 (amplification in liver cancer 1), also known as CHD1L is an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler that relaxes chromatin and plays an important role in the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 -mediated DNA repair pathway. Here, the authors present the ALC1 crystal structure and a cryo-EM structure of ALC1 bound to a nucleosome, which reveal that ALC1 is autoinhibited and how it becomes activated.

Autoinhibitory elements of the Chd1 remodeler block initiation of twist defects by destabilizing the ATPase motor on the nucleosome

Chromatin remodelers are ATP (adenosine triphosphate)-powered motors that reposition nucleosomes throughout eukaryotic chromosomes. Remodelers possess autoinhibitory elements that control the direction of nucleosome sliding, but underlying mechanisms of inhibition have been unclear. Here, we show that autoinhibitory elements of the yeast Chd1 remodeler block nucleosome sliding by preventing initiation of twist defects. We show that two autoinhibitory elements-the chromodomains and bridge-reinforce each other to block sliding when the DNA-binding domain is not bound to entry-side DNA. Our data support a model where the chromodomains and bridge target nucleotide-free and ADP-bound states of the ATPase motor, favoring a partially disengaged state of the ATPase motor on the nucleosome. By bypassing distortions of nucleosomal DNA prior to ATP binding, we propose that autoinhibitory elements uncouple the ATP binding/hydrolysis cycle from DNA translocation around the histone core.

PRMT1-mediated H4R3me2a recruits SMARCA4 to promote colorectal cancer progression by enhancing EGFR signaling

BACKGROUND

Aberrant changes in epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modifications play an important role in cancer progression. PRMT1 which triggers asymmetric dimethylation of histone H4 on arginine 3 (H4R3me2a) is upregulated in human colorectal cancer (CRC) and is essential for cell proliferation. However, how this dysregulated modification might contribute to malignant transitions of CRC remains poorly understood.

METHODS

In this study, we integrated biochemical assays including protein interaction studies and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), cellular analysis including cell viability, proliferation, colony formation, and migration assays, clinical sample analysis, microarray experiments, and ChIP-Seq data to investigate the potential genomic recognition pattern of H4R3me2s in CRC cells and its effect on CRC progression.

RESULTS

We show that PRMT1 and SMARCA4, an ATPase subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, act cooperatively to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. We find that SMARCA4 is a novel effector molecule of PRMT1-mediated H4R3me2a. Mechanistically, we show that H4R3me2a directly recruited SMARCA4 to promote the proliferative, colony-formative, and migratory abilities of CRC cells by enhancing EGFR signaling. We found that EGFR and TNS4 were major direct downstream transcriptional targets of PRMT1 and SMARCA4 in colon cells, and acted in a PRMT1 methyltransferase activity-dependent manner to promote CRC cell proliferation. In vivo, knockdown or inhibition of PRMT1 profoundly attenuated the growth of CRC cells in the C57BL/6 J-Apc^Min/+ CRC mice model. Importantly, elevated expression of PRMT1 or SMARCA4 in CRC patients were positively correlated with expression of EGFR and TNS4, and CRC patients had shorter overall survival. These findings reveal a critical interplay between epigenetic and transcriptional control during CRC progression, suggesting that SMARCA4 is a novel key epigenetic modulator of CRC. Our findings thus highlight PRMT1/SMARCA4 inhibition as a potential therapeutic intervention strategy for CRC.

CONCLUSION

PRMT1-mediated H4R3me2a recruits SMARCA4, which promotes colorectal cancer progression by enhancing EGFR signaling.

A Unifying Mechanism of DNA Translocation Underlying Chromatin Remodeling

Chromatin remodelers alter the position and composition of nucleosomes, and play key roles in the regulation of chromatin structure and various chromatin-based transactions. Recent cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) studies have shed mechanistic light on the fundamental question of how the remodeling enzymes couple with ATP hydrolysis to slide nucleosomes. Structures of the chromatin remodeler Snf2 bound to the nucleosome reveal the conformational cycle of the enzyme and the induced DNA distortion. Investigations on ISWI, Chd1, and INO80 support a unifying fundamental mechanism of DNA translocation. Finally, studies of the SWR1 complex suggest that the enzyme distorts the DNA abnormally to achieve histone exchange without net DNA translocation.

Regulation of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers: accelerators/brakes, anchors and sensors

All ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers have a DNA translocase domain that moves along double-stranded DNA when hydrolyzing ATP, which is the key action leading to DNA moving through nucleosomes. Recent structural and biochemical data from a variety of different chromatin remodelers have revealed that there are three basic ways in which these remodelers self-regulate their chromatin remodeling activity. In several instances, different domains within the catalytic subunit or accessory subunits through direct protein-protein interactions can modulate the ATPase and DNA translocation properties of the DNA translocase domain. These domains or subunits can stabilize conformations that either promote or interfere with the ability of the translocase domain to bind or retain DNA during translocation or alter the ability of the enzyme to hydrolyze ATP. Second, other domains or subunits are often necessary to anchor the remodeler to nucleosomes to couple DNA translocation and ATP hydrolysis to DNA movement around the histone octamer. These anchors provide a fixed point by which remodelers can generate sufficient torque to disrupt histone-DNA interactions and mobilize nucleosomes. The third type of self-regulation is in those chromatin remodelers that space nucleosomes or stop moving nucleosomes when a particular length of linker DNA has been reached. We refer to this third class as DNA sensors that can allosterically regulate nucleosome mobilization. In this review, we will show examples of these from primarily the INO80/SWR1, SWI/SNF and ISWI/CHD families of remodelers.

Crystal structure of the full Swi2/Snf2 remodeler Mot1 in the resting state

Swi2/Snf2 ATPases remodel protein:DNA complexes in all of the fundamental chromosome-associated processes. The single-subunit remodeler Mot1 dissociates TATA box-binding protein (TBP):DNA complexes and provides a simple model for obtaining structural insights into the action of Swi2/Snf2 ATPases. Previously we reported how the N-terminal domain of Mot1 binds TBP, NC2 and DNA, but the location of the C-terminal ATPase domain remained unclear (Butryn et al., 2015). Here, we report the crystal structure of the near full-length Mot1 from Chaetomium thermophilum. Our data show that Mot1 adopts a ring like structure with a catalytically inactive resting state of the ATPase. Biochemical analysis suggests that TBP binding switches Mot1 into an ATP hydrolysis-competent conformation. Combined with our previous results, these data significantly improve the structural model for the complete Mot1:TBP:DNA complex and suggest a general mechanism for Mot1 action.

Actin-related proteins regulate the RSC chromatin remodeler by weakening intramolecular interactions of the Sth1 ATPase

The catalytic subunits of SWI/SNF-family and INO80-family chromatin remodelers bind actin and actin-related proteins (Arps) through an N-terminal helicase/SANT-associated (HSA) domain. Between the HSA and ATPase domains lies a conserved post-HSA (pHSA) domain. The HSA domain of Sth1, the catalytic subunit of the yeast SWI/SNF-family remodeler RSC, recruits the Rtt102-Arp7/9 heterotrimer. Rtt102-Arp7/9 regulates RSC function, but the mechanism is unclear. We show that the pHSA domain interacts directly with another conserved region of the catalytic subunit, protrusion-1. Rtt102-Arp7/9 binding to the HSA domain weakens this interaction and promotes the formation of stable, monodisperse complexes with DNA and nucleosomes. A crystal structure of Rtt102-Arp7/9 shows that ATP binds to Arp7 but not Arp9. However, Arp7 does not hydrolyze ATP. Together, the results suggest that Rtt102 and ATP stabilize a conformation of Arp7/9 that potentiates binding to the HSA domain, which releases intramolecular interactions within Sth1 and controls DNA and nucleosome binding.

Bengi Turegun et al. report an interaction of the highly-conserved pHSA and P1 domains of Sth1, the catalytic subunit of the SWI/SNF-family chromatin remodeler RSC. This interaction is released when ATP-bound Rtt102-Arp7/9 binds to the HSA domain, modulating DNA and nucleosome binding by Sth.

The ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes CHD6, CHD7, and CHD8 exhibit distinct nucleosome binding and remodeling activities

Proper chromatin regulation is central to genome function and maintenance. The group III chromodomain–helicase–DNA-binding (CHD) family of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes, comprising CHD6, CHD7, CHD8, and CHD9, has well-documented roles in transcription regulation, impacting both organism development and disease etiology. These four enzymes are similar in their constituent domains, but they fill surprisingly non-redundant roles in the cell, with deficiencies in individual enzymes leading to dissimilar disease states such as CHARGE syndrome or autism spectrum disorders. The mechanisms explaining their divergent, non-overlapping functions are unclear. In this study, we performed an in-depth biochemical analysis of purified CHD6, CHD7, and CHD8 and discovered distinct differences in chromatin remodeling specificities and activities among them. We report that CHD6 and CHD7 both bind with high affinity to short linker DNA, whereas CHD8 requires longer DNA for binding. As a result, CHD8 slides nucleosomes into positions with more flanking linker DNA than CHD7. Moreover, we found that, although CHD7 and CHD8 slide nucleosomes, CHD6 disrupts nucleosomes in a distinct non-sliding manner. The different activities of these enzymes likely lead to differences in chromatin structure and, thereby, transcriptional control, at the enhancer and promoter loci where these enzymes bind. Overall, our work provides a mechanistic basis for both the non-redundant roles and the diverse mutant disease states of these enzymes in vivo.

The BRG1 ATPase of human SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling enzymes as a driver of cancer

Mammalian SWI/SNF enzymes are ATP-dependent remodelers of chromatin structure. These multisubunit enzymes are heterogeneous in composition; there are two catalytic ATPase subunits, BRM and BRG1, that are mutually exclusive, and additional subunits are incorporated in a combinatorial manner. Recent findings indicate that approximately 20% of human cancers contain mutations in SWI/SNF enzyme subunits, leading to the conclusion that the enzyme subunits are critical tumor suppressors. However, overexpression of specific subunits without apparent mutation is emerging as an alternative mechanism by which cellular transformation may occur. Here we highlight recent evidence linking elevated expression of the BRG1 ATPase to tissue-specific cancers and work suggesting that inhibiting BRG1 may be an effective therapeutic strategy.

Structure and regulation of the chromatin remodeller ISWI

ISWI is a member of the SWI2/SNF2 family of chromatin remodellers, which also includes Snf2, Chd1, and Ino80. ISWI is the catalytic subunit of several chromatin remodelling complexes, which mobilize nucleosomes along genomic DNA, promoting replication progression, transcription repression, heterochromatin formation, and many other nuclear processes. The ATPase motor of ISWI is an autonomous remodelling machine, whereas its carboxy (C)-terminal HAND-SAND-SLIDE (HSS) domain functions in binding extranucleosomal linker DNA. The activity of the catalytic core of ISWI is inhibited by the regulatory AutoN and NegC domains, which are in turn antagonized by the H4 tail and extranucleosomal DNA, respectively, to ensure the appropriate chromatin landscape in cells. How AutoN and NegC inhibit ISWI and regulate its nucleosome-centring activity remains elusive. Here we report the crystal structures of ISWI from the thermophilic yeast Myceliophthora thermophila and its complex with a histone H4 peptide. Our data show the amino (N)-terminal AutoN domain contains two inhibitory elements, which collectively bind the second RecA-like domain (core2), holding the enzyme in an inactive conformation. The H4 peptide binds to the core2 domain coincident with one of the AutoN-binding sites, explaining the ISWI activation by H4. The H4-binding surface is conserved in Snf2 and functions beyond AutoN regulation. The C-terminal NegC domain is involved in binding to the core2 domain and functions as an allosteric element for ISWI to respond to the extranucleosomal DNA length.

Structure of chromatin remodeler Swi2/Snf2 in the resting state

SWI2/SNF2 family proteins regulate a myriad of nucleic acid transactions by sliding, removing and reconstructing nucleosomes in eukaryotic cells. They contain two RecA-like core domains, which couple ATP hydrolysis and DNA translocation to chromatin remodeling. Here we report the crystal structure of Snf2 from the yeast Myceliophthora thermophila. The data show the two RecA-like core domains of Snf2 stacking together and twisting their ATP-binding motifs away from each other, thus explaining the inactivity of the protein in the ground state. We identified several DNA-binding elements, which are fully exposed to solvent, thus suggesting that the protein is poised for its incoming substrate. The catalytic core of Snf2 showed a high chromatin-remodeling activity, which was suppressed by the N-terminal HSA domain. Our findings reveal that the catalytic core of Snf2 is a competent remodeling machine, which rests in an inactive conformation and requires a large conformational change upon activation.

A Direct Link between Abscisic Acid Sensing and the Chromatin-Remodeling ATPase BRAHMA via Core ABA Signaling Pathway Components

Optimal response to drought is critical for plant survival and will affect biodiversity and crop performance during climate change. Mitotically heritable epigenetic or dynamic chromatin state changes have been implicated in the plant response to the drought stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA). The Arabidopsis SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling ATPase BRAHMA (BRM) modulates response to ABA by preventing premature activation of stress response pathways during germination. We show that core ABA signaling pathway components physically interact with BRM and post-translationally modify BRM by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. Genetic evidence suggests that BRM acts downstream of SnRK2.2/2.3 kinases, and biochemical studies identified phosphorylation sites in the C-terminal region of BRM at SnRK2 target sites that are evolutionarily conserved. Finally, the phosphomimetic BRM(S1760D S1762D) mutant displays ABA hypersensitivity. Prior studies showed that BRM resides at target loci in the ABA pathway in the presence and absence of the stimulus, but is only active in the absence of ABA. Our data suggest that SnRK2-dependent phosphorylation of BRM leads to its inhibition, and PP2CA-mediated dephosphorylation of BRM restores the ability of BRM to repress ABA response. These findings point to the presence of a rapid phosphorylation-based switch to control BRM activity; this property could be potentially harnessed to improve drought tolerance in plants.

Regulation of Mec1 kinase activity by the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex

Kapoor et al. found that the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex is capable of regulating the activity of S. cerevisiae checkpoint kinase Mec1. SWI/SNF can activate Mec1 kinase activity in the absence of chromatin or known activators such as Dbp11. The subunit requirement of SWI/SNF-mediated Mec1 regulation differs from that of SWI/SNF-mediated chromatin remodeling. These findings suggest that ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes can regulate non-chromatin substrates such as a checkpoint kinase.

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes alter chromatin structure through interactions with chromatin substrates such as DNA, histones, and nucleosomes. However, whether chromatin remodeling complexes have the ability to regulate nonchromatin substrates remains unclear. Saccharomyces cerevisiae checkpoint kinase Mec1 (ATR in mammals) is an essential master regulator of genomic integrity. Here we found that the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex is capable of regulating Mec1 kinase activity. In vivo, Mec1 activity is reduced by the deletion of Snf2, the core ATPase subunit of the SWI/SNF complex. SWI/SNF interacts with Mec1, and cross-linking studies revealed that the Snf2 ATPase is the main interaction partner for Mec1. In vitro, SWI/SNF can activate Mec1 kinase activity in the absence of chromatin or known activators such as Dpb11. The subunit requirement of SWI/SNF-mediated Mec1 regulation differs from that of SWI/SNF-mediated chromatin remodeling. Functionally, SWI/SNF-mediated Mec1 regulation specifically occurs in S phase of the cell cycle. Together, these findings identify a novel regulator of Mec1 kinase activity and suggest that ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes can regulate nonchromatin substrates such as a checkpoint kinase.

Roles and activities of chromatin remodeling ATPases in plants

Chromatin remodeling ATPases and their associated complexes can alter the accessibility of the genome in the context of chromatin by using energy derived from the hydrolysis of ATP to change the positioning, occupancy and composition of nucleosomes. In animals and plants, these remodelers have been implicated in diverse processes ranging from stem cell maintenance and differentiation to developmental phase transitions and stress responses. Detailed investigation of their roles in individual processes has suggested a higher level of selectivity of chromatin remodeling ATPase activity than previously anticipated, and diverse mechanisms have been uncovered that can contribute to the selectivity. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the roles and activities of chromatin remodeling ATPases in plants.

Mechanisms by which SMARCB1 loss drives rhabdoid tumor growth

SMARCB1 (INI1/SNF5/BAF47), a core subunit of the SWI/SNF (BAF) chromatin-remodeling complex, is inactivated in the large majority of rhabdoid tumors, and germline heterozygous SMARCB1 mutations form the basis for rhabdoid predisposition syndrome. Mouse models validated Smarcb1 as a bona fide tumor suppressor, as Smarcb1 inactivation in mice results in 100% of the animals rapidly developing cancer. SMARCB1 was the first subunit of the SWI/SNF complex found mutated in cancer. More recently, at least seven other genes encoding SWI/SNF subunits have been identified as recurrently mutated in cancer. Collectively, 20% of all human cancers contain a SWI/SNF mutation. Consequently, investigation of the mechanisms by which SMARCB1 mutation causes cancer has relevance not only for rhabdoid tumors, but also potentially for the wide variety of SWI/SNF mutant cancers. Here we discuss normal functions of SMARCB1 and the SWI/SNF complex as well as mechanistic and potentially therapeutic insights that have emerged.

Regulating the chromatin landscape: structural and mechanistic perspectives

A large family of chromatin remodelers that noncovalently modify chromatin is crucial in cell development and differentiation. They are often the targets of cancer, neurological disorders, and other human diseases. These complexes alter nucleosome positioning, higher-order chromatin structure, and nuclear organization. They also assemble chromatin, exchange out histone variants, and disassemble chromatin at defined locations. We review aspects of the structural organization of these complexes, the functional properties of their protein domains, and variation between complexes. We also address the mechanistic details of these complexes in mobilizing nucleosomes and altering chromatin structure. A better understanding of these issues will be vital for further analyses of subunits of these chromatin remodelers, which are being identified as targets in human diseases by NGS (next-generation sequencing).

Subunit Rtt102 controls the conformation of the Arp7/9 heterodimer and its interactions with nucleotide and the catalytic subunit of SWI/SNF remodelers

Chromatin-remodeling complexes are assembled around a catalytic subunit that contains a central ATPase domain and flanking sequences that recruit auxiliary subunits. The catalytic subunits of SWI/SNF remodelers recruit Arp7/9 through a helicase/SANT-associated (HSA) domain N-terminal to the ATPase domain. Arp7/9-containing remodelers also carry the auxiliary subunit Rtt102, but the role of this subunit is poorly understood. Here, we show that Rtt102 binds with nanomolar affinity to the Arp7/9 heterodimer and modulates its conformation and interactions with the ATPase subunit and nucleotide. When bound to Rtt102, Arp7/9 interacts with a shorter segment of the HSA domain. Structural analysis by small-angle x-ray scattering further shows that when bound to Rtt102, the complex of Arp7/9 with the catalytic subunit assumes a more stable compact conformation. We also found that Arp7, Arp9, and Arp7/9 interact very weakly with ATP, but Rtt102 promotes high-affinity ATP binding to a single site in the heterodimer. Collectively, the results establish a function for subunit Rtt102 as a stabilizing factor for the Arp7/9 heterodimer, enhancing its interaction with nucleotide and controlling the conformation of SWI/SNF remodelers in an Arp7/9-dependent manner.

Releasing the brakes on a chromatin-remodeling enzyme

Chromatin-remodeling enzymes use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to mobilize, disrupt or change the histone composition of nucleosomes, facilitating nearly every nuclear event. Two recent studies indicate that remodeling enzymes harness the power of an ancient constitutively active DNA translocase and that different remodeling enzymes may use specialized coupling domains that communicate the presence of nucleosomal epitopes to regulate translocase and remodeling activity.

The SnAC domain of SWI/SNF is a histone anchor required for remodeling

The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex changes the positions where nucleosomes are bound to DNA, exchanges out histone dimers, and disassembles nucleosomes. All of these activities depend on ATP hydrolysis by the catalytic subunit Snf2, containing a DNA-dependent ATPase domain. Here we examine the role of another domain in Snf2 called SnAC (Snf2 ATP coupling) that was shown previously to regulate the ATPase activity of SWI/SNF. We have found that SnAC has another function besides regulation of ATPase activity that is even more critical for nucleosome remodeling by SWI/SNF. We have found that deletion of the SnAC domain strongly uncouples ATP hydrolysis from nucleosome movement. Deletion of SnAC does not adversely affect the rate, processivity, or pulling force of SWI/SNF to translocate along free DNA in an ATP-dependent manner. The uncoupling of ATP hydrolysis from nucleosome movement is shown to be due to loss of SnAC binding to the histone surface of nucleosomes. While the SnAC domain targets both the ATPase domain and histones, the SnAC domain as a histone anchor plays a more critical role in remodeling because it is required to convert DNA translocation into nucleosome movement.

Regulation of ISWI involves inhibitory modules antagonized by nucleosomal epitopes

Chromatin remodeling complexes (CRCs) mobilize nucleosomes to mediate the access of DNA-binding factors to their sites in vivo. These CRCs contain a catalytic subunit that bears an ATPase/DNA translocase domain, and flanking regions that bind nucleosomal epitopes¹. A central question is whether and how these flanking regions regulate ATP hydrolysis or the coupling of hydrolysis to DNA translocation, to affect nucleosome sliding efficiency. ISWIfamily CRCs contain ISWI², which utilizes its ATPase/DNA translocase domain to pump DNA around the histone octamer to enable sliding^3-7_ENREF_13. ISWI is positively regulated by two ‘activating’ nucleosomal epitopes: the ‘basic patch’ on the H4 tail, and extranucleosomal (linker) DNA^8-13. Previous work defined the HSS domain in the ISWI C-terminus that binds linker DNA, needed for ISWI activity^14,15. Here, we define two new, conserved, and separate regulatory regions on Drosophila ISWI, AutoN and NegC, that negatively regulate ATP hydrolysis (AutoN) or the coupling of ATP hydrolysis to productive DNA translocation (NegC). Rather than ‘activating’, the two aforementioned nucleosomal epitopes actually inhibit the negative regulation of AutoN and NegC. Remarkably, mutation/removal of AutoN and NegC enables significant nucleosome sliding without the H4 ‘basic patch’ or extranucleosomal DNA, or the HSS domain – converting ISWI to biochemical attributes of SWI/SNF-family ATPases. Thus, the ISWI ATPase catalytic core is an intrinsically-active DNA translocase which conducts nucleosome sliding, onto which selective ‘inhibition-of-inhibition’ modules are placed, to help ensure that remodeling occurs only in the presence of proper nucleosomal epitopes. This supports a general concept for the specialization of chromatin remodeling ATPases, where specific regulatory modules adapt an ancient active DNA translocase to conduct particular tasks only on the appropriate chromatin landscape.

Feed-forward regulation of phagocytosis by Entamoeba histolytica

The parasitic protozoan Entamoeba histolytica is aptly named for its capacity to destroy host tissue. When E. histolytica trophozoites invade the lamina propria of a host colon, extracellular matrices are degraded while host cells are killed and phagocytosed. The ability of E. histolytica to phagocytose host cells correlates with virulence in vivo. In order to better understand the mechanism of phagocytosis, we used an E. histolytica Affymetrix microarray chip to measure the total gene expression of phagocytic and nonphagocytic subpopulations. Using paramagnetic beads coated with a known host ligand that stimulates phagocytosis, phagocytic and nonphagocytic amoebae from a single culture were purified. Microarray analysis of the subpopulations identified 121 genes with >2-fold higher expression in phagocytic than in nonphagocytic amoebae. Functional annotation identified genes encoding proteins involved in actin binding and cytoskeletal organization as highly enriched gene clusters. Post hoc analyses of selected genes showed that the gene expression profile identified in the microarray experiment did not exist prior to cell sorting but rather was stimulated through phagocytosis. Further, these expression profiles correlated with an increase in phagocytic ability, as E. histolytica cultures exposed to an initial stimulus of phagocytosis showed increased phagocytic ability upon a second stimulus. To our knowledge, this is the first description of such feed-forward regulation of gene expression and phagocytic ability in a phagocyte.

Swi2/Snf2 remodelers: hybrid views on hybrid molecular machines

Swi2/Snf2 (switch/sucrose non-fermentable) enzymes form a large and diverse class of proteins and multiprotein assemblies that remodel nucleic acid:protein complexes, using the energy of ATP hydrolysis. The core Swi2/Snf2 type ATPase domain belongs to the 'helicase and NTP driven nucleic acid translocase' superfamily 2 (SF2). It serves as a motor that functionally and structurally interacts with different targeting domains and functional modules to drive a plethora of remodeling activities in chromatin structure and dynamics, transcription regulation and DNA repair. Recent progress on the interaction of Swi2/Snf2 enzymes and multiprotein assemblies with their substrate nucleic acids and proteins, using hybrid structural biology methods, illuminates mechanisms for complex chemo-mechanical remodeling reactions. For Mot1, a hybrid mechanism of remodeler and chaperone emerged.

Identification of residues in chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1 (Chd1) required for coupling ATP hydrolysis to nucleosome sliding

Chromatin remodelers are ATP-dependent machines responsible for directionally shifting nucleosomes along DNA. We are interested in defining which elements of the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1 (Chd1) remodeler are necessary and sufficient for sliding nucleosomes. This work focuses on the polypeptide segment that joins the ATPase motor to the C-terminal DNA-binding domain. We identify amino acid positions outside the ATPase motor that, when altered, dramatically reduce nucleosome sliding ability and yet have only ∼3-fold reduction in ATPase stimulation by nucleosomes. These residues therefore appear to play a role in functionally coupling ATP hydrolysis to nucleosome sliding, and suggest that the ATPase motor requires cooperation with external elements to slide DNA past the histone core.