Decoupling nucleosome recognition from DNA binding dramatically alters the properties of the Chd1 chromatin remodeler

How does CHD4 slide nucleosomes?

Chromatin remodelling enzymes reposition nucleosomes throughout the genome to regulate the rate of transcription and other processes. These enzymes have been studied intensively since the 1990s, and yet the mechanism by which they operate has only very recently come into focus, following advances in cryoelectron microscopy and single-molecule biophysics. CHD4 is an essential and ubiquitous chromatin remodelling enzyme that until recently has received less attention than remodellers such as Snf2 and CHD1. Here we review what recent work in the field has taught us about how CHD4 reshapes the genome. Cryoelectron microscopy and single-molecule studies demonstrate that CHD4 shares a central remodelling mechanism with most other chromatin remodellers. At the same time, differences between CHD4 and other chromatin remodellers result from the actions of auxiliary domains that regulate remodeller activity by for example: (1) making differential interactions with nucleosomal epitopes such as the acidic patch and the N-terminal tail of histone H4, and (2) inducing the formation of distinct multi-protein remodelling complexes (e.g. NuRD vs ChAHP). Thus, although we have learned much about remodeller activity, there is still clearly much more waiting to be revealed.

Reb1, Cbf1, and Pho4 bias histone sliding and deposition away from their binding sites

In transcriptionally active genes, nucleosome positions in promoters are regulated by nucleosome displacing factors (NDFs) and chromatin remodeling enzymes. Depletion of NDFs or the RSC chromatin remodeler shrinks or abolishes the nucleosome depleted regions (NDRs) in promoters, which can suppress gene activation and result in cryptic transcription. Despite their vital cellular functions, how the action of chromatin remodelers may be directly affected by site-specific binding factors like NDFs is poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that two NDFs, Reb1 and Cbf1, can direct both Chd1 and RSC chromatin remodeling enzymes in vitro, stimulating repositioning of the histone core away from their binding sites. Interestingly, although the Pho4 transcription factor had a much weaker effect on nucleosome positioning, both NDFs and Pho4 were able to similarly redirect positioning of hexasomes. In chaperone-mediated nucleosome assembly assays, Reb1 but not Pho4 showed an ability to block deposition of the histone H3/H4 tetramer, but Reb1 did not block addition of the H2A/H2B dimer to hexasomes. Our in vitro results show that NDFs bias the action of remodelers to increase the length of the free DNA in the vicinity of their binding sites. These results suggest that NDFs could directly affect NDR architecture through chromatin remodelers.

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.

Biophysics of Chromatin Remodeling

As primary carriers of epigenetic information and gatekeepers of genomic DNA, nucleosomes are essential for proper growth and development of all eukaryotic cells. Although they are intrinsically dynamic, nucleosomes are actively reorganized by ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers. Chromatin remodelers contain helicase-like ATPase motor domains that can translocate along DNA, and a long-standing question in the field is how this activity is used to reposition or slide nucleosomes. In addition to ratcheting along DNA like their helicase ancestors, remodeler ATPases appear to dictate specific alternating geometries of the DNA duplex, providing an unexpected means for moving DNA past the histone core. Emerging evidence supports twist-based mechanisms for ATP-driven repositioning of nucleosomes along DNA. In this review, we discuss core experimental findings and ideas that have shaped the view of how nucleosome sliding may be achieved.

The Chd1 chromatin remodeler forms long-lived complexes with nucleosomes in the presence of ADP·BeF3 - and transition state analogs

Chromatin remodelers use helicase-like ATPase domains to reorganize histone-DNA contacts within the nucleosome. Like other remodelers, the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1 (Chd1) remodeler repositions nucleosomes by altering DNA topology at its internal binding site on the nucleosome, coupling different degrees of DNA twist and DNA movement to distinct nucleotide-bound states of the ATPase motor. In this work, we used a competition assay to study how variations in the bound nucleotide, Chd1, and the nucleosome substrate affect stability of Chd1-nucleosome complexes. We found that Chd1-nucleosome complexes formed in nucleotide-free or ADP conditions were relatively unstable and dissociated within 30 s, whereas those with the nonhydrolyzable ATP analog AMP-PNP had a mean lifetime of 4.8 ± 0.7 min. Chd1-nucleosome complexes were remarkably stable with ADP·BeF₃ ^- and the transition state analogs ADP·AlF_X and ADP·MgF_X, being resistant to competitor nucleosome over a 24-h period. For the tight ADP·BeF₃ ^--stabilized complex, Mg²⁺ was a critical component that did not freely exchange, and formation of these long-lived complexes had a slow, concentration-dependent step. The ADP·BeF₃ ^--stabilized complex did not require the Chd1 DNA-binding domain nor the histone H4 tail and appeared relatively insensitive to sequence differences on either side of the Widom 601 sequence. Interestingly, the complex remained stable in ADP·BeF₃ ^- even when nucleosomes contained single-stranded gaps that disrupted most DNA contacts with the guide strand. This finding suggests that binding via the tracking strand alone is sufficient for stabilizing the complex in a hydrolysis-competent state.

Asymmetry between the two acidic patches dictates the direction of nucleosome sliding by the ISWI chromatin remodeler

The acidic patch is a functionally important epitope on each face of the nucleosome that affects chromatin remodeling. Although related by 2-fold symmetry of the nucleosome, each acidic patch is uniquely positioned relative to a bound remodeler. An open question is whether remodelers are distinctly responsive to each acidic patch. Previously we reported a method for homogeneously producing asymmetric nucleosomes with distinct H2A/H2B dimers (Levendosky et al., 2016). Here, we use this methodology to show that the Chd1 remodeler from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and ISWI remodelers from human and Drosophila have distinct spatial requirements for the acidic patch. Unlike Chd1, which is equally affected by entry- and exit-side mutations, ISWI remodelers strongly depend on the entry-side acidic patch. Remarkably, asymmetry in the two acidic patches stimulates ISWI to slide mononucleosomes off DNA ends, overriding the remodeler’s preference to shift the histone core toward longer flanking DNA.

Direct observation of coordinated DNA movements on the nucleosome during chromatin remodelling

ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling enzymes (remodellers) regulate DNA accessibility in eukaryotic genomes. Many remodellers reposition (slide) nucleosomes, however, how DNA is propagated around the histone octamer during this process is unclear. Here we examine the real-time coordination of remodeller-induced DNA movements on both sides of the nucleosome using three-colour single-molecule FRET. During sliding by Chd1 and SNF2h remodellers, DNA is shifted discontinuously, with movement of entry-side DNA preceding that of exit-side DNA. The temporal delay between these movements implies a single rate-limiting step dependent on ATP binding and transient absorption or buffering of at least one base pair. High-resolution cross-linking experiments show that sliding can be achieved by buffering as few as 3 bp between entry and exit sides of the nucleosome. We propose that DNA buffering ensures nucleosome stability during ATP-dependent remodelling, and provides a means for communication between remodellers acting on opposite sides of the nucleosome.

Chromatin remodelling enzymes (remodellers) regulate DNA accessibility of eukaryotic genomes, which rely in large part on an ability to reposition nucleosomes. Here the authors use three-colour single-molecule FRET to simultaneously monitor remodeller-induced DNA movements on both sides of the nucleosome in real-time.

Pyruvate Kinase M2 serves as blockade for nucleosome repositioning and abrogates Chd7 remodeling activity

Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2) mediates metabolic reshuffling and is ubiquitously upregulated in several cancer types. The non-metabolic function of PKM2 as key nuclear kinase and modulator of gene expression is instrumental in cancer progression and tumorigenesis. Here, we attempt to discern the non-canonical function of PKM2 as an epigenetic modulator and the underlying implication of this activity. Using 5'-FAM labelled reconstituted mononucleosome we have shown that PKM2 interacts with the complex through Histone H3 and possibly obstruct the access to DNA binding factors. Subsequently, the interaction negatively impacts the ATP dependent remodeling activity of Chromodomain Helicase DNA binding protein-7 (Chd7). Chd7 remodeling activity is required to ameliorate DNA damage and is crucial to genome stability. Our study shows that PKM2 blocks the Chd7 mediated sliding of nucleosome. It can be conjectured that stalling Chd7 may lead to impaired DNA damage and increased genomic instability. We propose a mechanism in which PKM2 negatively regulate nucleosome repositioning in chromatin and may exacerbate cancer by altering the nucleosome architecture. This research is imperative to our understanding of how altered cancer metabolism can potentially modulate the gene expression and sustain incessant proliferation by tweaking the chromatin topography.

Chromatin remodelers couple inchworm motion with twist-defect formation to slide nucleosomal DNA

ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers are molecular machines that control genome organization by repositioning, ejecting, or editing nucleosomes, activities that confer them essential regulatory roles on gene expression and DNA replication. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanism of active nucleosome sliding by means of molecular dynamics simulations of the Snf2 remodeler translocase in complex with a nucleosome. During its inchworm motion driven by ATP consumption, the translocase overwrites the original nucleosome energy landscape via steric and electrostatic interactions to induce sliding of nucleosomal DNA unidirectionally. The sliding is initiated at the remodeler binding location via the generation of a pair of twist defects, which then spontaneously propagate to complete sliding throughout the entire nucleosome. We also reveal how remodeler mutations and DNA sequence control active nucleosome repositioning, explaining several past experimental observations. These results offer a detailed mechanistic picture of remodeling important for the complete understanding of these key biological processes.

Nucleosomes are the protein-DNA complexes underlying Eukaryotic genome organization, and serve as regulators of gene expression by occluding DNA to other proteins. This regulation requires the precise positioning of nucleosomes along DNA. Chromatin remodelers are the molecular machines that consume ATP to slide nucleosome at their correct locations, but the mechanisms of remodeling are still unclear. Based on the static structural information of a remodeler bound on nucleosome, we performed molecular dynamics computer simulations revealing the details of how remodelers slide nucleosomal DNA: the inchworm-like motion of remodelers create small DNA deformations called twist defects, which then spontaneously propagate throughout the nucleosome to induce sliding. These simulations explain several past experimental findings and are important for our understanding of genome organization.

The Chd1 Chromatin Remodeler Shifts Nucleosomal DNA Bidirectionally as a Monomer

Chromatin remodelers catalyze dynamic packaging of the genome by carrying out nucleosome assembly/disassembly, histone exchange, and nucleosome repositioning. Remodeling results in evenly spaced nucleosomes, which requires probing both sides of the nucleosome, yet the way remodelers organize sliding activity to achieve this task is not understood. Here, we show that the monomeric Chd1 remodeler shifts DNA back and forth by dynamically alternating between different segments of the nucleosome. During sliding, Chd1 generates unstable remodeling intermediates that spontaneously relax to a pre-remodeled position. We demonstrate that nucleosome sliding is tightly controlled by two regulatory domains: the DNA-binding domain, which interferes with sliding when its range is limited by a truncated linking segment, and the chromodomains, which play a key role in substrate discrimination. We propose that active interplay of the ATPase motor with the regulatory domains may promote dynamic nucleosome structures uniquely suited for histone exchange and chromatin reorganization during transcription.

Crosstalk within a functional INO80 complex dimer regulates nucleosome sliding

Several chromatin remodellers have the ability to space nucleosomes on DNA. For ISWI remodellers, this involves an interplay between H4 histone tails, the AutoN and NegC motifs of the motor domains that together regulate ATPase activity and sense the length of DNA flanking the nucleosome. By contrast, the INO80 complex also spaces nucleosomes but is not regulated by H4 tails and lacks the AutoN and NegC motifs. Instead nucleosome sliding requires cooperativity between two INO80 complexes that monitor DNA length simultaneously on either side of the nucleosome during sliding. The C-terminal domain of the human Ino80 subunit (Ino80CTD) binds cooperatively to DNA and dimerisation of these domains provides crosstalk between complexes. ATPase activity, rather than being regulated, instead gradually becomes uncoupled as nucleosome sliding reaches an end point and this is controlled by the Ino80CTD. A single active ATPase motor within the dimer is sufficient for sliding.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25782.001

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.

Structural reorganization of the chromatin remodeling enzyme Chd1 upon engagement with nucleosomes

The yeast Chd1 protein acts to position nucleosomes across genomes. Here, we model the structure of the Chd1 protein in solution and when bound to nucleosomes. In the apo state, the DNA-binding domain contacts the edge of the nucleosome while in the presence of the non-hydrolyzable ATP analog, ADP-beryllium fluoride, we observe additional interactions between the ATPase domain and the adjacent DNA gyre 1.5 helical turns from the dyad axis of symmetry. Binding in this conformation involves unravelling the outer turn of nucleosomal DNA and requires substantial reorientation of the DNA-binding domain with respect to the ATPase domains. The orientation of the DNA-binding domain is mediated by sequences in the N-terminus and mutations to this part of the protein have positive and negative effects on Chd1 activity. These observations indicate that the unfavorable alignment of C-terminal DNA-binding region in solution contributes to an auto-inhibited state.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.22510.001

The Sequence of Nucleosomal DNA Modulates Sliding by the Chd1 Chromatin Remodeler

Chromatin remodelers are ATP-dependent enzymes that are critical for reorganizing and repositioning nucleosomes in concert with many basic cellular processes. For the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1 (Chd1) remodeler, nucleosome sliding has been shown to depend on the DNA flanking the nucleosome, transcription factor binding at the nucleosome edge, and the presence of the histone H2A/H2B dimer on the entry side. Here, we report that Chd1 is also sensitive to the sequence of DNA within the nucleosome and slides nucleosomes made with the 601 Widom positioning sequence asymmetrically. Kinetic and equilibrium experiments show that poly(dA:dT) tracts perturb remodeling reactions if within one and a half helical turns of superhelix location 2 (SHL2), where the Chd1 ATPase engages nucleosomal DNA. These sequence-dependent effects do not rely on the Chd1 DNA-binding domain and are not due to differences in nucleosome affinity. Using site-specific cross-linking, we show that internal poly(dA:dT) tracts do not block the engagement of the ATPase motor with SHL2, yet they promote multiple translational positions of DNA with respect to both Chd1 and the histone core. We speculate that Chd1 senses the sequence-dependent response of DNA as the remodeler ATPase perturbs the duplex at SHL2. These results suggest that the sequence sensitivity of histones and remodelers occur at unique segments of DNA on the nucleosome, allowing them to work together or in opposition to determine nucleosome positions throughout the genome.

Interdomain Communication of the Chd1 Chromatin Remodeler across the DNA Gyres of the Nucleosome

Chromatin remodelers use a helicase-like ATPase motor to reposition and reorganize nucleosomes along genomic DNA. Yet, how the ATPase motor communicates with other remodeler domains in the context of the nucleosome has so far been elusive. Here, we report for the Chd1 remodeler a unique organization of domains on the nucleosome that reveals direct domain-domain communication. Site-specific cross-linking shows that the chromodomains and ATPase motor bind to adjacent SHL1 and SHL2 sites, respectively, on nucleosomal DNA and pack against the DNA-binding domain on DNA exiting the nucleosome. This domain arrangement spans the two DNA gyres of the nucleosome and bridges both ends of a wrapped, ∼90-bp nucleosomal loop of DNA, suggesting a means for nucleosome assembly. This architecture illustrates how Chd1 senses DNA outside the nucleosome core and provides a basis for nucleosome spacing and directional sliding away from transcription factor barriers.

The Chd1 chromatin remodeler shifts hexasomes unidirectionally

Despite their canonical two-fold symmetry, nucleosomes in biological contexts are often asymmetric: functionalized with post-translational modifications (PTMs), substituted with histone variants, and even lacking H2A/H2B dimers. Here we show that the Widom 601 nucleosome positioning sequence can produce hexasomes in a specific orientation on DNA, providing a useful tool for interrogating chromatin enzymes and allowing for the generation of nucleosomes with precisely defined asymmetry. Using this methodology, we demonstrate that the Chd1 chromatin remodeler from Saccharomyces cerevisiae requires H2A/H2B on the entry side for sliding, and thus, unlike the back-and-forth sliding observed for nucleosomes, Chd1 shifts hexasomes unidirectionally. Chd1 takes part in chromatin reorganization surrounding transcribing RNA polymerase II (Pol II), and using asymmetric nucleosomes we show that ubiquitin-conjugated H2B on the entry side stimulates nucleosome sliding by Chd1. We speculate that biased nucleosome and hexasome sliding due to asymmetry contributes to the packing of arrays observed in vivo.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.21356.001

Sequence-specific targeting of chromatin remodelers organizes precisely positioned nucleosomes throughout the genome

Eukaryotic genomes are functionally organized into chromatin, a compact packaging of nucleoproteins with the basic repeating unit known as the nucleosome. A major focus for the chromatin field has been understanding what rules govern nucleosome positioning throughout the genome, and here we review recent findings using a novel, sequence-targeted remodeling enzyme. Nucleosomes are often packed into evenly spaced arrays that are reproducibly positioned, but how such organization is established and maintained through dramatic events such as DNA replication is poorly understood. We hypothesize that a major fraction of positioned nucleosomes arises from sequence-specific targeting of chromatin remodelers to generate "founding" nucleosomes, providing reproducible, predictable, and condition-specific nucleation sites against which neighboring nucleosomes are packed into evenly spaced arrays.

Mechanisms of ATP-Dependent Chromatin Remodeling Motors

Chromatin remodeling motors play essential roles in all DNA-based processes. These motors catalyze diverse outcomes ranging from sliding the smallest units of chromatin, known as nucleosomes, to completely disassembling chromatin. The broad range of actions carried out by these motors on the complex template presented by chromatin raises many stimulating mechanistic questions. Other well-studied nucleic acid motors provide examples of the depth of mechanistic understanding that is achievable from detailed biophysical studies. We use these studies as a guiding framework to discuss the current state of knowledge of chromatin remodeling mechanisms and highlight exciting open questions that would continue to benefit from biophysical analyses.

Modulation of p300/CBP Acetylation of Nucleosomes by Bromodomain Ligand I-CBP112

The histone acetyltransferase (HAT) enzymes p300 and CBP are closely related paralogs that serve as transcriptional coactivators and have been found to be dysregulated in cancer and other diseases. p300/CBP is a multidomain protein and possesses a highly conserved bromodomain that has been shown to bind acetylated Lys residues in both proteins and various small molecules, including I-CBP112 and CBP30. Here we show that the ligand I-CBP112 can stimulate nucleosome acetylation up to 3-fold while CBP30 does not. Activation of p300/CBP by I-CBP112 is not observed with the isolated histone H3 substrate but requires a nucleosome substrate. I-CBP112 does not impact nucleosome acetylation by the isolated p300 HAT domain, and the effects of I-CBP112 on p300/CBP can be neutralized by CBP30, suggesting that I-CBP112 likely allosterically activates p300/CBP through bromodomain interactions. Using mass spectrometry and Western blots, we have found that I-CBP112 particularly stimulates acetylation of Lys18 of histone H3 (H3K18) in nucleosomes, an established in vivo site of p300/CBP. In addition, we show that I-CBP112 enhances H3K18 acetylation in acute leukemia and prostate cancer cells in a concentration range commensurate with its antiproliferative effects. Our findings extend the known pharmacology of bromodomain ligands in the regulation of p300/CBP and suggest a novel approach to modulating histone acetylation in cancer.

PHF13 is a molecular reader and transcriptional co-regulator of H3K4me2/3

PHF13 is a chromatin affiliated protein with a functional role in differentiation, cell division, DNA damage response and higher chromatin order. To gain insight into PHF13's ability to modulate these processes, we elucidate the mechanisms targeting PHF13 to chromatin, its genome wide localization and its molecular chromatin context. Size exclusion chromatography, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography and ChIP sequencing demonstrate that PHF13 binds chromatin in a multivalent fashion via direct interactions with H3K4me2/3 and DNA, and indirectly via interactions with PRC2 and RNA PolII. Furthermore, PHF13 depletion disrupted the interactions between PRC2, RNA PolII S5P, H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 and resulted in the up and down regulation of genes functionally enriched in transcriptional regulation, DNA binding, cell cycle, differentiation and chromatin organization. Together our findings argue that PHF13 is an H3K4me2/3 molecular reader and transcriptional co-regulator, affording it the ability to impact different chromatin processes.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10607.001

In human and other eukaryotic cells, DNA is packaged around proteins called histones to form a structure known as chromatin. Chemical tags added to the histones alter how the DNA is packaged and the activity of the genes encoded by that DNA. For example, many active genes are packaged around histone H3 proteins that have “Lysine 4 tri-methyl” tags attached to them. Another protein that is associated with chromatin is called PHF13 and it has several roles, including repairing damaged DNA. However, it was not known whether PHF13 binds to chromatin via the chemical tags, or in another way.

Ho-Ryun, Xu, Fuchs et al. used several biochemical techniques in mouse and human cells to explore how PHF13 specifically interacts with chromatin. These experiments showed that PHF13 binds specifically to DNA and to two types of methyl tags (lysine 4-tri-methyl or lysine 4-di-methyl). These chemical tags are predominantly found at active promoters as well as at a small subset of less active promoters known as bivalent promoters. PHF13 interacted with other proteins on the chromatin that are known to either drive or repress gene activity and it’s depletion affected the activity of many genes. Whether PHF13 increased or decreased gene activity depended on whether it was bound to active or bivalent promoters. The active promoters targeted by PHF13 had higher numbers of the tri-methyl tags whereas the di-methyl tags were more common on the bivalent promoters.

These findings provide preliminary evidence that a protein binding to different methyl tags in the same place on histone H3 can have opposite effects on gene activity. Ho-Ryun, Xu, Fuchs et al. now intend to find out more about the other proteins that interact with PHF13 on chromatin.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10607.002

Genome-Wide Mapping Targets of the Metazoan Chromatin Remodeling Factor NURF Reveals Nucleosome Remodeling at Enhancers, Core Promoters and Gene Insulators

NURF is a conserved higher eukaryotic ISWI-containing chromatin remodeling complex that catalyzes ATP-dependent nucleosome sliding. By sliding nucleosomes, NURF is able to alter chromatin dynamics to control transcription and genome organization. Previous biochemical and genetic analysis of the specificity-subunit of Drosophila NURF (Nurf301/Enhancer of Bithorax (E(bx)) has defined NURF as a critical regulator of homeotic, heat-shock and steroid-responsive gene transcription. It has been speculated that NURF controls pathway specific transcription by co-operating with sequence-specific transcription factors to remodel chromatin at dedicated enhancers. However, conclusive in vivo demonstration of this is lacking and precise regulatory elements targeted by NURF are poorly defined. To address this, we have generated a comprehensive map of in vivo NURF activity, using MNase-sequencing to determine at base pair resolution NURF target nucleosomes, and ChIP-sequencing to define sites of NURF recruitment. Our data show that, besides anticipated roles at enhancers, NURF interacts physically and functionally with the TRF2/DREF basal transcription factor to organize nucleosomes downstream of active promoters. Moreover, we detect NURF remodeling and recruitment at distal insulator sites, where NURF functionally interacts with and co-localizes with DREF and insulator proteins including CP190 to establish nucleosome-depleted domains. This insulator function of NURF is most apparent at subclasses of insulators that mark the boundaries of chromatin domains, where multiple insulator proteins co-associate. By visualizing the complete repertoire of in vivo NURF chromatin targets, our data provide new insights into how chromatin remodeling can control genome organization and regulatory interactions.

Sequence-targeted nucleosome sliding in vivo by a hybrid Chd1 chromatin remodeler

ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers regulate chromatin dynamics by modifying nucleosome positions and occupancy. DNA-dependent processes such as replication and transcription rely on chromatin to faithfully regulate DNA accessibility, yet how chromatin remodelers achieve well-defined nucleosome positioning in vivo is poorly understood. Here, we report a simple method for site-specifically altering nucleosome positions in live cells. By fusing the Chd1 remodeler to the DNA binding domain of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ume6 repressor, we have engineered a fusion remodeler that selectively positions nucleosomes on top of adjacent Ume6 binding motifs in a highly predictable and reproducible manner. Positioning of nucleosomes by the fusion remodeler recapitulates closed chromatin structure at Ume6-sensitive genes analogous to the endogenous Isw2 remodeler. Strikingly, highly precise positioning of single founder nucleosomes by either chimeric Chd1-Ume6 or endogenous Isw2 shifts phased chromatin arrays in cooperation with endogenous chromatin remodelers. Our results demonstrate feasibility of engineering precise nucleosome rearrangements through sequence-targeted chromatin remodeling and provide insight into targeted action and cooperation of endogenous chromatin remodelers in vivo.

Nucleosomes impede Cas9 access to DNA in vivo and in vitro

The prokaryotic CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats)-associated protein, Cas9, has been widely adopted as a tool for editing, imaging, and regulating eukaryotic genomes. However, our understanding of how to select single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) that mediate efficient Cas9 activity is incomplete, as we lack insight into how chromatin impacts Cas9 targeting. To address this gap, we analyzed large-scale genetic screens performed in human cell lines using either nuclease-active or nuclease-dead Cas9 (dCas9). We observed that highly active sgRNAs for Cas9 and dCas9 were found almost exclusively in regions of low nucleosome occupancy. In vitro experiments demonstrated that nucleosomes in fact directly impede Cas9 binding and cleavage, while chromatin remodeling can restore Cas9 access. Our results reveal a critical role of eukaryotic chromatin in dictating the targeting specificity of this transplanted bacterial enzyme, and provide rules for selecting Cas9 target sites distinct from and complementary to those based on sequence properties.

The yeast PHO5 promoter: from single locus to systems biology of a paradigm for gene regulation through chromatin

Chromatin dynamics crucially contributes to gene regulation. Studies of the yeast PHO5 promoter were key to establish this nowadays accepted view and continuously provide mechanistic insight in chromatin remodeling and promoter regulation, both on single locus as well as on systems level. The PHO5 promoter is a context independent chromatin switch module where in the repressed state positioned nucleosomes occlude transcription factor sites such that nucleosome remodeling is a prerequisite for and not consequence of induced gene transcription. This massive chromatin transition from positioned nucleosomes to an extensive hypersensitive site, together with respective transitions at the co-regulated PHO8 and PHO84 promoters, became a prime model for dissecting how remodelers, histone modifiers and chaperones co-operate in nucleosome remodeling upon gene induction. This revealed a surprisingly complex cofactor network at the PHO5 promoter, including five remodeler ATPases (SWI/SNF, RSC, INO80, Isw1, Chd1), and demonstrated for the first time histone eviction in trans as remodeling mode in vivo. Recently, the PHO5 promoter and the whole PHO regulon were harnessed for quantitative analyses and computational modeling of remodeling, transcription factor binding and promoter input-output relations such that this rewarding single-locus model becomes a paradigm also for theoretical and systems approaches to gene regulatory networks.

The nucleosomal barrier to promoter escape by RNA polymerase II is overcome by the chromatin remodeler Chd1

RNA polymerase II (PolII) transcribes RNA within a chromatin context, with nucleosomes acting as barriers to transcription. Despite these barriers, transcription through chromatin in vivo is highly efficient, suggesting the existence of factors that overcome this obstacle. To increase the resolution obtained by standard chromatin immunoprecipitation, we developed a novel strategy using micrococcal nuclease digestion of cross-linked chromatin. We find that the chromatin remodeler Chd1 is recruited to promoter proximal nucleosomes of genes undergoing active transcription, where Chd1 is responsible for the vast majority of PolII-directed nucleosome turnover. The expression of a dominant negative form of Chd1 results in increased stalling of PolII past the entry site of the promoter proximal nucleosomes. We find that Chd1 evicts nucleosomes downstream of the promoter in order to overcome the nucleosomal barrier and enable PolII promoter escape, thus providing mechanistic insight into the role of Chd1 in transcription and pluripotency.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02042.001

DNA is tightly packaged in a material called chromatin inside the cell nucleus. To produce proteins this DNA must first be transcribed to produce a molecule of messenger RNA, which is then translated to make a protein. To assist with this process cells ‘unpack’ certain regions of the DNA so that enzymes that catalyze the different steps in this process can have access to the DNA.

A protein called Chd1 is involved in the unpacking process in yeast, but its role in more complex animals is not clear. Now, Skene et al. have shown that this protein is needed to allow the enzyme that catalyzes the transcription of DNA—an enzyme called RNA polymerase II—to do its job. Chd1 acts to unpack the tightly packaged DNA from chromatin, thus allowing the transcription of the DNA to proceed. In the absence of Chd1 activity, RNA polymerase II stalls at the gene promoter—the region of DNA that starts the transcription of a particular gene. This work highlights how the packaging of DNA in the cell is highly dynamic and controls fundamental biological processes.

Skene et al. modified a well-known genetic technique called ChIP-seq. Previous ChIP-seq protocols typically provided a blurry, low-resolution map of where proteins bound to chromatin. Skene et al. used an enzyme to ‘chew back’ the DNA to reveal the exact ‘footprints’ of the Chd1 protein and the RNA polymerase II enzyme on the chromatin in mice. It will be possible to adapt this new protocol to map the positions of other proteins, which will help to improve our understanding of the ways in which chromatin regulates access to DNA.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02042.002

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).

Nucleosome sliding mechanisms: new twists in a looped history

Nucleosomes, the basic organizational units of chromatin, package and regulate eukaryotic genomes. ATP-dependent nucleosome-remodeling factors endow chromatin with structural flexibility by promoting assembly or disruption of nucleosomes and the exchange of histone variants. Furthermore, most remodeling factors induce nucleosome movements through sliding of histone octamers on DNA. We summarize recent progress toward unraveling the basic nucleosome sliding mechanism and the interplay of the remodelers' DNA translocases with accessory domains. Such domains optimize and regulate the basic sliding reaction and exploit sliding to achieve diverse structural effects, such as nucleosome positioning or eviction, or the regular spacing of nucleosomes in chromatin.

Mechanisms and functions of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling enzymes

Chromatin provides both a means to accommodate a large amount of genetic material in a small space and a means to package the same genetic material in different chromatin states. Transitions between chromatin states are enabled by chromatin-remodeling ATPases, which catalyze a diverse range of structural transformations. Biochemical evidence over the last two decades suggests that chromatin-remodeling activities may have emerged by adaptation of ancient DNA translocases to respond to specific features of chromatin. Here, we discuss such evidence and also relate mechanistic insights to our understanding of how chromatin-remodeling enzymes enable different in vivo processes.

Nucleosome sliding by Chd1 does not require rigid coupling between DNA-binding and ATPase domains

Chromatin remodellers are ATP-dependent motor proteins that physically reposition and reorganize nucleosomes. Chd1 and Iswi-type remodellers possess a DNA-binding domain (DBD) needed for efficient nucleosome mobilization; however, it has not been clear how this domain physically contributes to remodelling. Here we show that the Chd1 DBD promotes nucleosome sliding simply by tethering the remodeller to nucleosome substrates. Nucleosome sliding activity was largely resistant to increasing length and flexibility of the linker connecting the DBD and ATPase motor, arguing that the ATPase motor does not shift DNA onto the nucleosome by pulling on the DBD.

Balancing chromatin remodeling and histone modifications in transcription

Chromatin remodelers use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to reposition or evict nucleosomes or to replace canonical histones with histone variants. By regulating nucleosome dynamics, remodelers gate access to the underlying DNA for replication, repair, and transcription. Nucleosomes are subject to extensive post-translational modifications that can recruit regulatory proteins or alter the local chromatin structure. Just as extensive crosstalk has been observed between different histone post-translational modifications, there is growing evidence for both coordinated and antagonistic functional relations between nucleosome remodeling and modifying machineries. Defining the combined functions of the complexes that alter nucleosome interactions, position, and stability is key to understanding processes that require access to DNA, particularly with growing appreciation of their contributions to human health and disease. Here, we highlight recent advances in the interactions between histone modifications and the imitation-switch (ISWI) and chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1 (CHD1) chromatin remodelers from studies in budding yeast, fission yeast, flies, and mammalian cells, with a focus on yeast.