Hox in motion: tracking HoxA cluster conformation during differentiation

DNA dioxygenases Tet2/3 regulate gene promoter accessibility and chromatin topology in lineage-specific loci to control epithelial differentiation

Execution of lineage-specific differentiation programs requires tight coordination between many regulators including Ten-eleven translocation (TET) family enzymes, catalyzing 5-methylcytosine oxidation in DNA. Here, by using Keratin 14-Cre-driven ablation of Tet genes in skin epithelial cells, we demonstrate that ablation of Tet2/Tet3 results in marked alterations of hair shape and length followed by hair loss. We show that, through DNA demethylation, Tet2/Tet3 control chromatin accessibility and Dlx3 binding and promoter activity of the Krt25 and Krt28 genes regulating hair shape, as well as regulate interactions between the Krt28 gene promoter and distal enhancer. Moreover, Tet2/Tet3 also control three-dimensional chromatin topology in Keratin type I/II gene loci via DNA methylation-independent mechanisms. These data demonstrate the essential roles for Tet2/3 in establishment of lineage-specific gene expression program and control of Dlx3/Krt25/Krt28 axis in hair follicle epithelial cells and implicate modulation of DNA methylation as a novel approach for hair growth control.

A conserved HOTAIRM1-HOXA1 regulatory axis contributes early to neuronal differentiation

HOTAIRM1 is unlike most long non-coding RNAs in that its sequence is highly conserved across mammals. Such evolutionary conservation points to it having a role in key cellular processes. We previously reported that HOTAIRM1 is required to curb premature activation of downstream HOXA genes in a cell model recapitulating their sequential induction during development. We found that it regulates 3' HOXA gene expression by a mechanism involving epigenetic and three-dimensional chromatin changes. Here we show that HOTAIRM1 participates in proper progression through the early stages of neuronal differentiation. We found that it can associate with the HOXA1 transcription factor and contributes to its downstream transcriptional program. Particularly, HOTAIRM1 affects the NANOG/POU5F1/SOX2 core pluripotency network maintaining an undifferentiated cell state. HOXA1 depletion similarly perturbed expression of these pluripotent factors, suggesting that HOTAIRM1 is a modulator of this transcription factor pathway. Also, given that binding of HOTAIRM1 to HOXA1 was observed in different cell types and species, our results point to this ribonucleoprotein complex as an integral part of a conserved HOTAIRM1-HOXA1 regulatory axis modulating the transition from a pluripotent to a differentiated neuronal state.

Regulatory Architecture of the RCA Gene Cluster Captures an Intragenic TAD Boundary, CTCF-Mediated Chromatin Looping and a Long-Range Intergenic Enhancer

The Regulators of Complement Activation (RCA) gene cluster comprises several tandemly arranged genes with shared functions within the immune system. RCA members, such as complement receptor 2 (CR2), are well-established susceptibility genes in complex autoimmune diseases. Altered expression of RCA genes has been demonstrated at both the functional and genetic level, but the mechanisms underlying their regulation are not fully characterised. We aimed to investigate the structural organisation of the RCA gene cluster to identify key regulatory elements that influence the expression of CR2 and other genes in this immunomodulatory region. Using 4C, we captured extensive CTCF-mediated chromatin looping across the RCA gene cluster in B cells and showed these were organised into two topologically associated domains (TADs). Interestingly, an inter-TAD boundary was located within the CR1 gene at a well-characterised segmental duplication. Additionally, we mapped numerous gene-gene and gene-enhancer interactions across the region, revealing extensive co-regulation. Importantly, we identified an intergenic enhancer and functionally demonstrated this element upregulates two RCA members (CR2 and CD55) in B cells. We have uncovered novel, long-range mechanisms whereby autoimmune disease susceptibility may be influenced by genetic variants, thus highlighting the important contribution of chromatin topology to gene regulation and complex genetic disease.

Nup93 and CTCF modulate spatiotemporal dynamics and function of the HOXA gene locus during differentiation

Nucleoporins regulate nuclear transport and are also involved in DNA damage, repair, cell cycle, chromatin organization, and gene expression. Here, we studied the role of nucleoporin Nup93 and the chromatin organizer CTCF in regulating HOXA expression during differentiation. ChIP sequencing revealed a significant overlap between Nup93 and CTCF peaks. Interestingly, Nup93 and CTCF are associated with the 3' and 5'HOXA genes respectively. Depletions of Nup93 and CTCF antagonistically modulate expression levels of 3'and 5'HOXA genes in undifferentiated NT2/D1 cells. Nup93 also regulates the localization of the HOXA gene locus, which disengages from the nuclear periphery upon Nup93 but not CTCF depletion, consistent with its upregulation. The dynamic association of Nup93 and CTCF with the HOXA locus during differentiation correlates with its spatial positioning and expression. While Nup93 tethers the HOXA locus to the nuclear periphery, CTCF potentially regulates looping of the HOXA gene cluster in a temporal manner. In summary, Nup93 and CTCF complement one another in modulating the spatiotemporal dynamics and function of the HOXA gene locus during differentiation.

Postmitotic Hoxa5 Expression Specifies Pontine Neuron Positional Identity and Input Connectivity of Cortical Afferent Subsets

The mammalian precerebellar pontine nucleus (PN) has a main role in relaying cortical information to the cerebellum. The molecular determinants establishing ordered connectivity patterns between cortical afferents and precerebellar neurons are largely unknown. We show that expression of Hox5 transcription factors is induced in specific subsets of postmitotic PN neurons at migration onset. Hox5 induction is achieved by response to retinoic acid signaling, resulting in Jmjd3-dependent derepression of Polycomb chromatin and 3D conformational changes. Hoxa5 drives neurons to settle posteriorly in the PN, where they are monosynaptically targeted by cortical neuron subsets mainly carrying limb somatosensation. Furthermore, Hoxa5 postmigratory ectopic expression in PN neurons is sufficient to attract cortical somatosensory inputs regardless of position and avoid visual afferents. Transcriptome analysis further suggests that Hoxa5 is involved in circuit formation. Thus, Hoxa5 coordinates postmitotic specification, migration, settling position, and sub-circuit assembly of PN neuron subsets in the cortico-cerebellar pathway.

CTCF-binding element regulates ESC differentiation via orchestrating long-range chromatin interaction between enhancers and HoxA

Proper expression of Homeobox A cluster genes (HoxA) is essential for embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation and individual development. However, mechanisms controlling precise spatiotemporal expression of HoxA during early ESC differentiation remain poorly understood. Herein, we identified a functional CTCF-binding element (CBE⁺⁴⁷) closest to the 3'-end of HoxA within the same topologically associated domain (TAD) in ESC. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion of CBE⁺⁴⁷ significantly upregulated HoxA expression and enhanced early ESC differentiation induced by retinoic acid (RA) relative to wild-type cells. Mechanistic analysis by chromosome conformation capture assay (Capture-C) revealed that CBE⁺⁴⁷ deletion decreased interactions between adjacent enhancers, enabling formation of a relatively loose enhancer-enhancer interaction complex (EEIC), which overall increased interactions between that EEIC and central regions of HoxA chromatin. These findings indicate that CBE⁺⁴⁷ organizes chromatin interactions between its adjacent enhancers and HoxA. Furthermore, deletion of those adjacent enhancers synergistically inhibited HoxA activation, suggesting that these enhancers serve as an EEIC required for RA-induced HoxA activation. Collectively, these results provide new insight into RA-induced HoxA expression during early ESC differentiation, also highlight precise regulatory roles of the CTCF-binding element in orchestrating high-order chromatin structure.

Polycomb Repressive Complexes in Hox Gene Regulation: Silencing and Beyond: The Functional Dynamics of Polycomb Repressive Complexes in Hox Gene Regulation

The coordinated expression of the Hox gene family encoding transcription factors is critical for proper embryonic development and patterning. Major efforts have thus been dedicated to understanding mechanisms controlling Hox expression. In addition to the temporal and spatial sequential activation of Hox genes, proper embryonic development requires that Hox genes get differentially silenced in a cell-type specific manner as development proceeds. Factors contributing to Hox silencing include the polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs), which control gene expression through epigenetic modifications. This review focuses on PRC-dependent regulation of the Hox genes and is aimed at integrating the growing complexity of PRC functional properties in the context of Hox regulation. In particular, mechanisms underlying PRC binding dynamics as well as a series of studies that have revealed the impact of PRC on the 3D organization of the genome is discussed, which has a significant role on Hox regulation during development.

The genetic factors of bilaterian evolution

The Cambrian explosion was a unique animal radiation ~540 million years ago that produced the full range of body plans across bilaterians. The genetic mechanisms underlying these events are unknown, leaving a fundamental question in evolutionary biology unanswered. Using large-scale comparative genomics and advanced orthology evaluation techniques, we identified 157 bilaterian-specific genes. They include the entire Nodal pathway, a key regulator of mesoderm development and left-right axis specification; components for nervous system development, including a suite of G-protein-coupled receptors that control physiology and behaviour, the Robo-Slit midline repulsion system, and the neurotrophin signalling system; a high number of zinc finger transcription factors; and novel factors that previously escaped attention. Contradicting the current view, our study reveals that genes with bilaterian origin are robustly associated with key features in extant bilaterians, suggesting a causal relationship.

Characterization of GJB2 cis-regulatory elements in the DFNB1 locus

Although most disease-causing variants are within coding region of genes, it is now well established that cis-acting regulatory sequences, depending on 3D-chromatin organization, are required for temporal and spatial control of gene expression. Disruptions of such regulatory elements and/or chromatin conformation are likely to play a critical role in human genetic disease. Hence, recurrent monoallelic cases, who present the most common hereditary type of nonsyndromic hearing loss (i.e., DFNB1), carry only one identified pathogenic allele. This strongly suggests the presence of uncharacterized distal cis-acting elements in the missing allele. Here within, we study the spatial organization of a large DFNB1 locus encompassing the gap junction protein beta 2 (GJB2) gene, the most frequently mutated gene in this inherited hearing loss phenotype, with the chromosome conformation capture carbon copy technology (5C). By combining this approach with functional activity reporter assays and mapping of CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) along the DFNB1 locus, we identify a novel set of cooperating GJB2 cis-acting elements and suggest a DFNB1 three-dimensional looping regulation model.

A Systems-level Characterization of the Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells into Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are self-renewing multipotent cells with regenerative, secretory and immunomodulatory capabilities that are beneficial for the treatment of various diseases. To avoid the issues that come with using tissue-derived MSCs in therapy, MSCs may be generated by the differentiation of human embryonic stems cells (hESCs) in culture. However, the changes that occur during the differentiation process have not been comprehensively characterized. Here, we combined transcriptome, proteome and phosphoproteome profiling to perform an in-depth, multi-omics study of the hESCs-to-MSCs differentiation process. Based on RNA-to-protein correlation, we determined a set of high confidence genes that are important to differentiation. Among the earliest and strongest induced proteins with extensive differential phosphorylation was AHNAK, which we hypothesized to be a defining factor in MSC biology. We observed two distinct expression waves of developmental HOX genes and an AGO2-to-AGO3 switch in gene silencing. Exploring the kinetic of noncoding ORFs during differentiation, we mapped new functions to well annotated long noncoding RNAs (CARMN, MALAT, NEAT1, LINC00152) as well as new candidates which we identified to be important to the differentiation process. Phosphoproteome analysis revealed ESC and MSC-specific phosphorylation motifs with PAK2 and RAF1 as top predicted upstream kinases in MSCs. Our data represent a rich systems-level resource on ESC-to-MSC differentiation that will be useful for the study of stem cell biology.

Packaging development: how chromatin controls transcription in zebrafish embryogenesis

How developmental gene expression is activated, co-ordinated and maintained is one of the biggest questions in developmental biology. While transcription factors lead the way in directing developmental gene expression, their accessibility to the correct repertoire of genes can depend on other factors such as DNA methylation, the presence of particular histone variants and post-translational modifications of histones. Collectively, factors that modify DNA or affect its packaging and accessibility contribute to a chromatin landscape that helps to control the timely expression of developmental genes. Zebrafish, perhaps better known for their strength as a model of embryology and organogenesis during development, are coming to the fore as a powerful model for interpreting the role played by chromatin in gene expression. Several recent advances have shown that zebrafish exhibit both similarities and differences to other models (and humans) in the way that they employ chromatin mechanisms of gene regulation. Here, I review how chromatin influences developmental transcriptional programmes during early zebrafish development, patterning and organogenesis. Lastly, I briefly highlight the importance of zebrafish chromatin research towards the understanding of human disease and transgenerational inheritance.

2C-ChIP: measuring chromatin immunoprecipitation signal from defined genomic regions with deep sequencing

Background

Understanding how transcription occurs requires the integration of genome-wide and locus-specific information gleaned from robust technologies. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is a staple in gene expression studies, and while genome-wide methods are available, high-throughput approaches to analyze defined regions are lacking.

Results

Here, we present carbon copy-ChIP (2C-ChIP), a versatile, inexpensive, and high-throughput technique to quantitatively measure the abundance of DNA sequences in ChIP samples. This method combines ChIP with ligation-mediated amplification (LMA) and deep sequencing to probe large genomic regions of interest. 2C-ChIP recapitulates results from benchmark ChIP approaches. We applied 2C-ChIP to the HOXA cluster to find that a region where H3K27me3 and SUZ12 linger encodes HOXA-AS2, a long non-coding RNA that enhances gene expression during cellular differentiation.

Conclusions

2C-ChIP fills the need for a robust molecular biology tool designed to probe dedicated genomic regions in a high-throughput setting. The flexible nature of the 2C-ChIP approach allows rapid changes in experimental design at relatively low cost, making it a highly efficient method for chromatin analysis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5532-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Novel long-range regulatory mechanisms controlling PKD2 gene expression

Background

Cis-regulatory elements control gene expression over large distances through the formation of chromatin loops, which allow contact between enhancers and gene promoters. Alterations in cis-acting regulatory systems could be linked to human genetic diseases. Here, we analyse the spatial organization of a large region spanning the polycystic kidney disease 2 (PKD2) gene, one of the genes responsible of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

Results

By using chromosome conformation capture carbon copy (5C) technology in primary human renal cyst epithelial cells, we identify novel contacts of the PKD2 promoter with chromatin regions, which display characteristics of regulatory elements. In parallel, by using functional analysis with a reporter assay, we demonstrate that three DNAse I hypersensitive sites regions are involved in the regulation of PKD2 gene expression.

Conclusions

Finally, through alignment of CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) sites, we suggest that these novel enhancer elements are brought to the PKD2 promoter by chromatin looping via the recruitment of CTCF.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4892-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cohesin facilitates zygotic genome activation in zebrafish

At zygotic genome activation (ZGA), changes in chromatin structure are associated with new transcription immediately following the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT). The nuclear architectural proteins cohesin and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) contribute to chromatin structure and gene regulation. We show here that normal cohesin function is important for ZGA in zebrafish. Depletion of the cohesin subunit Rad21 delays ZGA without affecting cell cycle progression. In contrast, CTCF depletion has little effect on ZGA, whereas complete abrogation is lethal. Genome-wide analysis of Rad21 binding reveals a change in distribution from pericentromeric satellite DNA and other locations, including the miR-430 locus (the products of which are responsible for maternal transcript degradation), to genes, as embryos progress through the MZT. After MZT, a subset of Rad21 binding overlaps the pioneer factor Pou5f3, which activates early expressed genes. Rad21 depletion disrupts the formation of nucleoli and RNA polymerase II foci, suggestive of global defects in chromosome architecture. We propose that Rad21/cohesin redistribution to active areas of the genome is key to the establishment of chromosome organization and the embryonic developmental program.

Reciprocal regulation of chromatin state and architecture by HOTAIRM1 contributes to temporal collinear HOXA gene activation

Thousands of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in mammals, many of which represent important regulators of gene expression. However, the mechanisms used by lncRNAs to control transcription remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we report on HOTAIRM1, a promising lncRNA biomarker in leukemia and solid tumors. We find that HOTAIRM1 contributes to three-dimensional chromatin organization changes required for the temporal collinear activation of HOXA genes. We show that distinct HOTAIRM1 variants preferentially associate with either UTX/MLL or PRC2 complexes to modulate the levels of activating and silencing marks at the bivalent domain. HOTAIRM1 contributes to physical dissociation of chromatin loops at the cluster proximal end, which delays recruitment of the histone demethylase UTX and transcription of central HOXA genes. Interestingly, we find overall proximal HOXA gene activation without chromatin conformation changes by HOTAIRM1 in a different cell type. Our results reveal a previously unappreciated relationship between chromatin structure, architecture and lncRNA function.

5C analysis of the Epidermal Differentiation Complex locus reveals distinct chromatin interaction networks between gene-rich and gene-poor TADs in skin epithelial cells

Mammalian genomes contain several dozens of large (>0.5 Mbp) lineage-specific gene loci harbouring functionally related genes. However, spatial chromatin folding, organization of the enhancer-promoter networks and their relevance to Topologically Associating Domains (TADs) in these loci remain poorly understood. TADs are principle units of the genome folding and represents the DNA regions within which DNA interacts more frequently and less frequently across the TAD boundary. Here, we used Chromatin Conformation Capture Carbon Copy (5C) technology to characterize spatial chromatin interaction network in the 3.1 Mb Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC) locus harbouring 61 functionally related genes that show lineage-specific activation during terminal keratinocyte differentiation in the epidermis. 5C data validated by 3D-FISH demonstrate that the EDC locus is organized into several TADs showing distinct lineage-specific chromatin interaction networks based on their transcription activity and the gene-rich or gene-poor status. Correlation of the 5C results with genome-wide studies for enhancer-specific histone modifications (H3K4me1 and H3K27ac) revealed that the majority of spatial chromatin interactions that involves the gene-rich TADs at the EDC locus in keratinocytes include both intra- and inter-TAD interaction networks, connecting gene promoters and enhancers. Compared to thymocytes in which the EDC locus is mostly transcriptionally inactive, these interactions were found to be keratinocyte-specific. In keratinocytes, the promoter-enhancer anchoring regions in the gene-rich transcriptionally active TADs are enriched for the binding of chromatin architectural proteins CTCF, Rad21 and chromatin remodeler Brg1. In contrast to gene-rich TADs, gene-poor TADs show preferential spatial contacts with each other, do not contain active enhancers and show decreased binding of CTCF, Rad21 and Brg1 in keratinocytes. Thus, spatial interactions between gene promoters and enhancers at the multi-TAD EDC locus in skin epithelial cells are cell type-specific and involve extensive contacts within TADs as well as between different gene-rich TADs, forming the framework for lineage-specific transcription.

MLL-AF9 and MLL-AF4 oncofusion proteins bind a distinct enhancer repertoire and target the RUNX1 program in 11q23 acute myeloid leukemia

In 11q23 leukemias, the N-terminal part of the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene is fused to >60 different partner genes. In order to define a core set of MLL rearranged targets, we investigated the genome-wide binding of the MLL-AF9 and MLL-AF4 fusion proteins and associated epigenetic signatures in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines THP-1 and MV4-11. We uncovered both common as well as specific MLL-AF9 and MLL-AF4 target genes, which were all marked by H3K79me2, H3K27ac and H3K4me3. Apart from promoter binding, we also identified MLL-AF9 and MLL-AF4 binding at specific subsets of non-overlapping active distal regulatory elements. Despite this differential enhancer binding, MLL-AF9 and MLL-AF4 still direct a common gene program, which represents part of the RUNX1 gene program and constitutes of CD34⁺ and monocyte-specific genes. Comparing these data sets identified several zinc finger transcription factors (TFs) as potential MLL-AF9 co-regulators. Together, these results suggest that MLL fusions collaborate with specific subsets of TFs to deregulate the RUNX1 gene program in 11q23 AMLs.

Chromosome folding and its regulation in health and disease

There are many ways in which cells may not adequately behave or respond to their environment, and the molecular mechanisms leading to these defects are as diverse as they are many. In this review, we report on how spatial chromatin organization contributes to the proper expression of genes, relating how CTCF-one of its main architects-contributes to gene regulation. We also touch on the emerging role of long noncoding RNAs in shaping chromatin organization and activity. The HOX gene clusters have been used as paradigm in the study of various biological pathways, and the overview we provide gives emphasis to what research on these loci has revealed about chromatin architecture and its regulation in the control of gene expression.

HOXA repression is mediated by nucleoporin Nup93 assisted by its interactors Nup188 and Nup205

Background

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) mediates nuclear transport of RNA and proteins into and out of the nucleus. Certain nucleoporins have additional functions in chromatin organization and transcription regulation. Nup93 is a scaffold nucleoporin at the nuclear pore complex which is associated with human chromosomes 5, 7 and 16 and with the promoters of the HOXA gene as revealed by ChIP-on-chip studies using tiling microarrays for these chromosomes. However, the functional consequences of the association of Nup93 with HOXA is unknown.

Results

Here, we examined the association of Nup93 with the HOXA gene cluster and its consequences on HOXA gene expression in diploid colorectal cancer cells (DLD1). Nup93 showed a specific enrichment ~1 Kb upstream of the transcription start site of each of the HOXA1, HOXA3 and HOXA5 promoters, respectively. Furthermore, the association of Nup93 with HOXA was assisted by its interacting partners Nup188 and Nup205. The depletion of the Nup93 sub-complex significantly upregulated HOXA gene expression levels. However, expression levels of a control gene locus (GLCCI1) on human chromosome 7 were unaffected. Three-dimensional fluorescence in situ hybridization (3D-FISH) analyses revealed that the depletion of the Nup93 sub-complex (but not Nup98) disengages the HOXA gene locus from the nuclear periphery, suggesting a potential role for Nup93 in tethering and repressing the HOXA gene cluster. Consistently, Nup93 knockdown increased active histone marks (H3K9ac), decreased repressive histone marks (H3K27me3) on the HOXA1 promoter and increased transcription elongation marks (H3K36me3) within the HOXA1 gene. Moreover, the combined depletion of Nup93 and CTCF (a known organizer of HOXA gene cluster) but not Nup93 alone, significantly increased GLCCI1 gene expression levels. Taken together, this suggests a novel role for Nup93 and its interactors in repressing the HOXA gene cluster.

Conclusions

This study reveals that the nucleoporin Nup93 assisted by its interactors Nup188 and Nup205 mediates the repression of HOXA gene expression.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13072-016-0106-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Deconvolution of Ensemble Chromatin Interaction Data Reveals the Latent Mixing Structures in Cell Subpopulations

Chromosome conformation capture (3C) experiments provide a window into the spatial packing of a genome in three dimensions within the cell. This structure has been shown to be correlated with gene regulation, cancer mutations, and other genomic functions. However, 3C provides mixed measurements on a population of typically millions of cells, each with a different genome structure due to the fluidity of the genome and differing cell states. Here, we present several algorithms to deconvolve these measured 3C matrices into estimations of the contact matrices for each subpopulation of cells and relative densities of each subpopulation. We formulate the problem as that of choosing matrices and densities that minimize the Frobenius distance between the observed 3C matrix and the weighted sum of the estimated subpopulation matrices. Results on HeLa 5C and mouse and bacteria Hi-C data demonstrate the methods' effectiveness. We also show that domain boundaries from deconvolved matrices are often more enriched or depleted for regulatory chromatin markers when compared to boundaries from convolved matrices.

CTCF-mediated Chromatin Loop for the Posterior Hoxc Gene Expression in MEF Cells

Modulation of chromatin structure has been proposed as a molecular mechanism underlying the spatiotemporal collinear expression of Hox genes during development. CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF)-mediated chromatin organization is now recognized as a crucial epigenetic mechanism for transcriptional regulation. Thus, we examined whether CTCF-mediated chromosomal conformation is involved in Hoxc gene expression by comparing wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells expressing anterior Hoxc genes with Akt1 null MEFs expressing anterior as well as posterior Hoxc genes. We found that CTCF binding between Hoxc11 and -c12 is important for CTCF-mediated chromosomal loop formation and concomitant posterior Hoxc gene expression. Hypomethylation at this site increased CTCF binding and recapitulated the chromosomal conformation and posterior Hoxc gene expression patterns observed in Akt1 null MEFs. From this work we found that CTCF at the C12|11 does not function as a barrier/boundary, instead let the posterior Hoxc genes switch their interaction from inactive centromeric to active telomeric genomic niche, and concomitant posterior Hoxc gene expression. Although it is not clear whether CTCF affects Hoxc gene expression solely through its looping activity, CTCF-mediated chromatin structural modulation could be an another tier of Hox gene regulation during development. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(6):436-444, 2016.

Insulators and domains of gene expression

The genomic organization into active and inactive chromatin domains imposes specific requirements for having domain boundaries to prohibit interference between the opposing activities of neighbouring domains. These boundaries provide an insulator function by binding architectural proteins that mediate long-range interactions. Among these, CTCF plays a prominent role in establishing chromatin loops (between pairs of CTCF binding sites) through recruiting cohesin. CTCF-mediated long-range interactions are integral for a multitude of topological features of interphase chromatin, such as the formation of topologically associated domains, domain insulation, enhancer blocking and even enhancer function.

Spatial Organization of Epigenomes

The role of genome architecture in transcription regulation has become the focus of an increasing number of studies over the past decade. Chromatin organization can have a significant impact on gene expression by promoting or restricting the physical proximity between regulatory DNA elements. Given that any change in chromatin state has the potential to alter DNA folding and the proximity between control elements, the spatial organization of chromatin is inherently linked to its molecular composition. In this review, we explore how modulators of chromatin state and organization might keep gene expression in check. We discuss recent findings and present some of the less well-studied aspects of spatial genome organization such as chromatin dynamics and regulation by non-coding RNAs.

Analysis of long-range interactions in primary human cells identifies cooperative CFTR regulatory elements

A mechanism by which control DNA elements regulate transcription over large linear genomic distances is by achieving close physical proximity with genes, and looping of the intervening chromatin paths. Alterations of such regulatory 'chromatin looping' systems are likely to play a critical role in human genetic disease at large. Here, we studied the spatial organization of a ≈790 kb locus encompassing the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Dysregulation of CFTR is responsible for cystic fibrosis, which is the most common lethal genetic disorder in Caucasian populations. CFTR is a relatively large gene of 189 kb with a rather complex tissue-specific and temporal expression profile. We used chromatin conformation at the CFTR locus to identify new DNA sequences that regulate its transcription. By comparing 5C chromatin interaction maps of the CFTR locus in expressing and non-expressing human primary cells, we identified several new contact points between the CFTR promoter and its surroundings, in addition to regions featuring previously described regulatory elements. We demonstrate that two of these novel interacting regions cooperatively increase CFTR expression, and suggest that the new enhancer elements located on either side of the gene are brought together through chromatin looping via CTCF.

Exploring CTCF and cohesin related chromatin architecture at HOXA gene cluster in primary human fibroblasts

Spatial expression patterns of homeobox (HOX) genes delineate positional identity of primary fibroblasts from different topographic sites. The molecular mechanism underlying the establishing or maintaining of HOX gene expression pattern remains an attractive developmental issue to be addressed. Our previous work suggested a critical role of CTCF/cohesin-mediated higher- order chromatin structure in RA-induced HOXA activation in human teratocarcinoma NT2/D1 cells. This study investigated the recruitment of CTCF and cohesin, and the higher-order chromatin structure of the HOXA locus in fetal lung and adult foreskin fibroblasts, which display complementary HOXA gene expression patterns. Chromatin contacts between the CTCF-binding sites were observed with lower frequency in human foreskin fibroblasts. This observation is consistent with the lower level of cohesin recruitment and 5' HOXA gene expression in the same cells. We also showed that CTCF-binding site A56 (CBSA56) related chromatin structures exhibit the most notable changes in between the two types of cell, and hence may stand for one of the key CTCF-binding sites for cell-type specific chromatin structure organization. Together, these results imply that CTCF/cohesin coordinates HOXA cluster higher-order chromatin structure and expression during development, and provide insight into the relationship between cell-type specific chromatin organization and the spatial collinearity.

Epigenetic mechanisms and boundaries in the regulation of mammalian Hox clusters

Hox gene expression imparts segment identity to body structures along the anterior-posterior axis and is tightly governed by higher order chromatin mechanisms. Chromatin regulatory features of the homeotic complex are best defined in Drosophila melanogaster, where multiple cis-regulatory elements have been identified that ensure collinear Hox gene expression patterns in accordance with their genomic organization. Recent studies focused on delineating the epigenetic features of the vertebrate Hox clusters have helped reveal their dynamic chromatin organization and its impact on gene expression. Enrichment for the 'activating' H3K4me3 and 'repressive' H3K27me3 histone modifications is a particularly strong read-out for transcriptional status and correlates well with the evidence for chromatin loop domain structures and stage specific topological changes at these loci. However, it is not clear how such distinct domains are imposed and regulated independent of each other. Comparative analysis of the chromatin structure and organization of the homeotic gene clusters in fly and mammals is increasingly revealing the functional conservation of chromatin mediated mechanisms. Here we discuss the case for interspersed boundary elements existing within mammalian Hox clusters along with their possible roles and mechanisms of action. Recent studies suggest a role for factors other than the well characterized vertebrate boundary factor CTCF, such as the GAGA binding factor (GAF), in maintaining chromatin domains at the Hox loci. We also present data demonstrating how such regulatory elements may be involved in organizing higher order structure and demarcating active domains of gene expression at the mammalian Hox clusters.

Epigenomic analysis of the HOX gene loci reveals mechanisms that may control canonical expression patterns in AML and normal hematopoietic cells

HOX genes are highly expressed in many acute myeloid leukemia (AML) samples, but the patterns of expression and associated regulatory mechanisms are not clearly understood. We analyzed RNA sequencing data from 179 primary AML samples and normal hematopoietic cells to understand the range of expression patterns in normal versus leukemic cells. HOX expression in AML was restricted to specific genes in the HOXA or HOXB loci, and was highly correlated with recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities. However, the majority of samples expressed a canonical set of HOXA and HOXB genes that was nearly identical to the expression signature of normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Transcriptional profiles at the HOX loci were similar between normal cells and AML samples, and involved bidirectional transcription at the center of each gene cluster. Epigenetic analysis of a subset of AML samples also identified common regions of chromatin accessibility in AML samples and normal CD34(+) cells that displayed differences in methylation depending on HOX expression patterns. These data provide an integrated epigenetic view of the HOX gene loci in primary AML samples, and suggest that HOX expression in most AML samples represents a normal stem cell program that is controlled by epigenetic mechanisms at specific regulatory elements.

Multiple dimensions of epigenetic gene regulation in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum: gene regulation via histone modifications, nucleosome positioning and nuclear architecture in P. falciparum

Plasmodium falciparum is the most deadly human malarial parasite, responsible for an estimated 207 million cases of disease and 627,000 deaths in 2012. Recent studies reveal that the parasite actively regulates a large fraction of its genes throughout its replicative cycle inside human red blood cells and that epigenetics plays an important role in this precise gene regulation. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of three aspects of epigenetic regulation in P. falciparum: changes in histone modifications, nucleosome occupancy and the three-dimensional genome structure. We compare these three aspects of the P. falciparum epigenome to those of other eukaryotes, and show that large-scale compartmentalization is particularly important in determining histone decomposition and gene regulation in P. falciparum. We conclude by presenting a gene regulation model for P. falciparum that combines the described epigenetic factors, and by discussing the implications of this model for the future of malaria research.

Protospacer adjacent motif (PAM)-distal sequences engage CRISPR Cas9 DNA target cleavage

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated enzyme Cas9 is an RNA-guided nuclease that has been widely adapted for genome editing in eukaryotic cells. However, the in vivo target specificity of Cas9 is poorly understood and most studies rely on in silico predictions to define the potential off-target editing spectrum. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq), we delineate the genome-wide binding panorama of catalytically inactive Cas9 directed by two different single guide (sg) RNAs targeting the Trp53 locus. Cas9:sgRNA complexes are able to load onto multiple sites with short seed regions adjacent to ^5′NGG^3′ protospacer adjacent motifs (PAM). Yet among 43 ChIP-seq sites harboring seed regions analyzed for mutational status, we find editing only at the intended on-target locus and one off-target site. In vitro analysis of target site recognition revealed that interactions between the 5′ end of the guide and PAM-distal target sequences are necessary to efficiently engage Cas9 nucleolytic activity, providing an explanation for why off-target editing is significantly lower than expected from ChIP-seq data.

Architectural proteins: regulators of 3D genome organization in cell fate

The relation between alterations in chromatin structure and changes in gene expression during cell differentiation has served as a paradigm to understand the link between genome organization and function. Yet, the factors involved and the mechanisms by which the 3D organization of the nucleus is established remain poorly understood. The use of Chromosome Conformation-Capture (3C)-based approaches has resulted in a new appreciation of the role of architectural proteins in the establishment of 3D genome organization. Architectural proteins orchestrate higher-order chromatin organization through the establishment of interactions between regulatory elements across multiple spatial scales. The regulation of these proteins, their interaction with DNA, and their co-occurrence in the genome, may be responsible for the plasticity of 3D chromatin architecture that dictates cell and time-specific blueprints of gene expression.

Akt1 mediates the posterior Hoxc gene expression through epigenetic modifications in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

The evolutionarily conserved Hox genes are organized in clusters and expressed colinearly to specify body patterning during embryonic development. Previously, Akt1 has been identified as a putative Hox gene regulator through in silico analysis. Substantial upregulation of consecutive 5' Hoxc genes has been observed when Akt1 is absent in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells. In this study, we provide evidence that Akt1 regulates the 5' Hoxc gene expression by epigenetic modifications. Enrichment of histone H3K9 acetylation and a low level of the H3K27me3 mark were detected at the posterior 5' Hoxc loci when Akt1 is absent. A histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor de-repressed 5' Hoxc gene expression when Akt1 is present, and a DNA demethylating reagent synergistically upregulated HDAC-induced 5' Hoxc gene expression. A knockdown study revealed that Hdac6 is mediated in the Hoxc12 repression through direct binding to the transcription start site (TSS) in the presence of Akt1. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that endogenous Akt1 directly interacted with Hdac6. Furthermore, exogenous Akt1 was enriched at the promoter region of the posterior Hoxc genes such as Hoxc11 and Hoxc12, not the Akt1-independent Hoxc5 and Hoxd10 loci. The regulation of the H3K27me3 mark by Ezh2 and Kdm6b at the 5' Hoxc gene promoter turned out to be Akt1 dependent. Taken together, these results suggest that Akt1 mediates the posterior 5' Hoxc gene expression through epigenetic modification such as histone methylation and acetylation, and partly through a direct binding to the promoter region of the 5' Hoxc genes and/or Hdac6 in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells.

Repressive histone methylation: a case study in deterministic versus stochastic gene regulation

Transcriptionally repressive histone lysine methylation is used by eukaryotes to tightly control cell fate. Here we explore the importance of this form of regulation in the control of clustered genes in the genome. Two distinctly regulated gene families with important roles in vertebrates are discussed, namely the Hox genes and olfactory receptor genes. Major recent advances in these two fields are compared and contrasted, with an emphasis on the roles of the two different forms of histone trimethylation. We discuss how this repression may impact both the transcriptional output of these loci and the way higher-order chromatin organization is related to their unique control.

Classifying leukemia types with chromatin conformation data

Background

Although genetic or epigenetic alterations have been shown to affect the three-dimensional organization of genomes, the utility of chromatin conformation in the classification of human disease has never been addressed.

Results

Here, we explore whether chromatin conformation can be used to classify human leukemia. We map the conformation of the HOXA gene cluster in a panel of cell lines with 5C chromosome conformation capture technology, and use the data to train and test a support vector machine classifier named 3D-SP. We show that 3D-SP is able to accurately distinguish leukemias expressing MLL-fusion proteins from those expressing only wild-type MLL, and that it can also classify leukemia subtypes according to MLL fusion partner, based solely on 5C data.

Conclusions

Our study provides the first proof-of-principle demonstration that chromatin conformation contains the information value necessary for classification of leukemia subtypes.

Temporal dynamics and developmental memory of 3D chromatin architecture at Hox gene loci

Hox genes are essential regulators of embryonic development. Their step-wise transcriptional activation follows their genomic topology and the various states of activation are subsequently memorized into domains of progressively overlapping gene products. We have analyzed the 3D chromatin organization of Hox clusters during their early activation in vivo, using high-resolution circular chromosome conformation capture. Initially, Hox clusters are organized as single chromatin compartments containing all genes and bivalent chromatin marks. Transcriptional activation is associated with a dynamic bi-modal 3D organization, whereby the genes switch autonomously from an inactive to an active compartment. These local 3D dynamics occur within a framework of constitutive interactions within the surrounding Topological Associated Domains, indicating that this regulation process is mostly cluster intrinsic. The step-wise progression in time is fixed at various body levels and thus can account for the chromatin architectures previously described at a later stage for different anterior to posterior levels.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02557.001.