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Harris RJ, Heer M, Levasseur MD, Cartwright TN, Weston B, Mitchell JL, Coxhead JM, Gaughan L, Prendergast L, Rico D, Higgins JMG. Release of Histone H3K4-reading transcription factors from chromosomes in mitosis is independent of adjacent H3 phosphorylation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7243. [PMID: 37945563 PMCID: PMC10636195 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43115-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications influence the recruitment of reader proteins to chromosomes to regulate events including transcription and cell division. The idea of a histone code, where combinations of modifications specify unique downstream functions, is widely accepted and can be demonstrated in vitro. For example, on synthetic peptides, phosphorylation of Histone H3 at threonine-3 (H3T3ph) prevents the binding of reader proteins that recognize trimethylation of the adjacent lysine-4 (H3K4me3), including the TAF3 component of TFIID. To study these combinatorial effects in cells, we analyzed the genome-wide distribution of H3T3ph and H3K4me2/3 during mitosis. We find that H3T3ph anti-correlates with adjacent H3K4me2/3 in cells, and that the PHD domain of TAF3 can bind H3K4me2/3 in isolated mitotic chromatin despite the presence of H3T3ph. Unlike in vitro, H3K4 readers are still displaced from chromosomes in mitosis in Haspin-depleted cells lacking H3T3ph. H3T3ph is therefore unlikely to be responsible for transcriptional downregulation during cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Harris
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Maninder Heer
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Mark D Levasseur
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Tyrell N Cartwright
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Bethany Weston
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Jennifer L Mitchell
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Jonathan M Coxhead
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Luke Gaughan
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Lisa Prendergast
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Daniel Rico
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK.
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK.
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), CSIC-Universidad Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Junta de Andalucía, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Jonathan M G Higgins
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK.
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK.
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2
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Manna S, Mishra J, Baral T, Kirtana R, Nandi P, Roy A, Chakraborty S, Niharika, Patra SK. Epigenetic signaling and crosstalk in regulation of gene expression and disease progression. Epigenomics 2023; 15:723-740. [PMID: 37661861 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin modifications - including DNA methylation, modification of histones and recruitment of noncoding RNAs - are essential epigenetic events. Multiple sequential modifications converge into a complex epigenetic landscape. For example, promoter DNA methylation is recognized by MeCP2/methyl CpG binding domain proteins which further recruit SETDB1/SUV39 to attain a higher order chromatin structure by propagation of inactive epigenetic marks like H3K9me3. Many studies with new information on different epigenetic modifications and associated factors are available, but clear maps of interconnected pathways are also emerging. This review deals with the salient epigenetic crosstalk mechanisms that cells utilize for different cellular processes and how deregulation or aberrant gene expression leads to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumen Manna
- Epigenetics & Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Jagdish Mishra
- Epigenetics & Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Tirthankar Baral
- Epigenetics & Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - R Kirtana
- Epigenetics & Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Piyasa Nandi
- Epigenetics & Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Ankan Roy
- Epigenetics & Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Subhajit Chakraborty
- Epigenetics & Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Niharika
- Epigenetics & Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Samir K Patra
- Epigenetics & Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
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Jennings CE, Zoss CJ, Morrison EA. Arginine anchor points govern H3 tail dynamics. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1150400. [PMID: 37261328 PMCID: PMC10228543 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1150400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin is dynamically reorganized spatially and temporally, and the post-translational modification of histones is a key component of this regulation. The basic subunit of chromatin is the nucleosome core particle, consisting of two copies each of the histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 around which ∼147 base pairs of DNA wrap. The intrinsically disordered histone termini, or tails, protrude from the core and are heavily post-translationally modified. Previous studies have shown that the histone tails exist in dynamic ensembles of DNA-bound states within the nucleosome. Histone tail interactions with DNA are involved in nucleosome conformation and chromatin organization. Charge-modulating histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) are poised to perturb the dynamic interactions between histone tails and DNA. Arginine side chains form favorable interactions with DNA and are sites of charge-modulating PTMs such as citrullination. Our current focus is on the H3 tail, the longest histone tail. Four arginine residues are relatively evenly spaced along the H3 tail sequence, suggesting multivalent interactions with DNA poised for regulation by PTMs. In this study, we use NMR nuclear spin relaxation experiments to investigate the contribution of arginine residues to H3 tail dynamics within the nucleosome core particle. By neutralizing arginine via mutation to glutamine, we begin to work towards a comprehensive understanding of the contribution of individual residues to H3 tail dynamics. We find that neutralization of arginine residues results in increased regional mobility of the H3 tails, with implications for understanding the direct effects of arginine citrullination. Altogether, these studies support a role for dynamics within the histone language and emphasize the importance of charge-modulating histone PTMs in regulating chromatin dynamics, starting at the level of the basic subunit of chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E. Jennings
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Casey J. Zoss
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Emma A. Morrison
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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4
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Sandoval JE, Reich NO. p53 and TDG are dominant in regulating the activity of the human de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A on nucleosomes. J Biol Chem 2020; 296:100058. [PMID: 33172892 PMCID: PMC7948466 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.016125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation and histone tail modifications are interrelated mechanisms involved in a wide range of biological processes, and disruption of this crosstalk is linked to diseases such as acute myeloid leukemia. In addition, DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) activity is modulated by several regulatory proteins, including p53 and thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG). However, the relative role of histone tails and regulatory proteins in the simultaneous coordination of DNMT3A activity remains obscure. We observed that DNMT3A binds H3 tails and p53 or TDG at distinct allosteric sites to form DNMT3A–H3 tail-p53 or –TDG multiprotein complexes. Functional characterization of DNMT3A–H3 tail-p53 or –TDG complexes on human-derived synthetic histone H3 tails, mononucleosomes, or polynucleosomes shows p53 and TDG play dominant roles in the modulation of DNMT3A activity. Intriguingly, this dominance occurs even when DNMT3A is actively methylating nucleosome substrates. The activity of histone modifiers is influenced by their ability to sense modifications on histone tails within the same nucleosome or histone tails on neighboring nucleosomes. In contrast, we show here that DNMT3A acts on DNA within a single nucleosome, on nucleosomal DNA within adjacent nucleosomes, and DNA not associated with the DNMT3A–nucleosome complex. Our findings have direct bearing on how the histone code drives changes in DNA methylation and highlight the complex interplay between histone tails, epigenetic enzymes, and modulators of enzymatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan E Sandoval
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Norbert O Reich
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA.
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5
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Leonen CJA, Upadhyay E, Chatterjee C. Studies of biochemical crosstalk in chromatin with semisynthetic histones. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2018; 45:27-34. [PMID: 29494828 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Reversible post-translational modifications of histone proteins in eukaryotic chromatin are closely tied to gene function and cellular development. Specific combinations of histone modifications, or marks, are implicated in distinct DNA-templated processes mediated by a range of chromatin-associated enzymes that install, erase and interpret the histone code. Mechanistic studies of the precise biochemical relationship between sets of marks and their effects on chromatin function are significantly complicated by the dynamic nature and heterogeneity of marks in cellular chromatin. Protein semisynthesis is a chemical technique that enables the piecewise assembly of uniformly and site-specifically modified histones in quantities sufficient for biophysical and biochemical analyses. Recent pioneering efforts in semisynthesis have yielded access to histones site-specifically modified by entire proteins, such as ubiquitin (Ub) and the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO). Herein, we highlight key studies of biochemical crosstalk involving Ub and SUMO in chromatin that were enabled by histone semisynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Esha Upadhyay
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Champak Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
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6
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Duraisamy AJ, Mishra M, Kowluru RA. Crosstalk Between Histone and DNA Methylation in Regulation of Retinal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Diabetes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:6440-6448. [PMID: 29261844 PMCID: PMC5737805 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-22706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Diabetes activates matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and MMP-9 via damaging retinal mitochondria, activates capillary cell apoptosis. MMP-9 promoter has binding sites for many transcription factors, and in diabetes its promoter undergoes epigenetic modifications, including histone modifications and DNA methylation. Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2), which catalyzes dimethylation/trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me2 and me3), is also associated with DNA methylation. Our aim was to investigate link(s) between histone and DNA modifications in the regulation of MMP-9. Methods Using human retinal endothelial cells, and also retinal microvessels from diabetic rats, effect of hyperglycemia on H3K27me3, and recruitment of Ezh2 at the MMP-9 promoter were quantified by chromatin-immunoprecipitation technique. Role of H3K27 trimethylation in regulating DNA methylation-transcription of MMP-9 was determined by regulating Ezh2 by its specific siRNA and also a pharmacologic inhibitor. Results Hyperglycemia elevated H3K27me3 levels and the recruitment of Ezh2 at the MMP-9 promoter, and increased the enzyme activity of Ezh2. Inhibition of Ezh2 attenuated recruitment of both DNA methylating (Dnmt1) and hydroxymethylating (Tet2) enzymes and 5 hydroxymethyl cytosine at the same region of the MMP-9 promoter, and prevented increase in MMP-9 transcription and mitochondrial damage. Conclusions Activation of Ezh2 in diabetes, via trimethylation of H3K27, facilitates recruitment of the enzymes responsible for regulation of DNA methylation of the MMP-9 promoter, resulting in its transcriptional activation. Thus, a close crosstalk between H3K27 trimethylation and DNA methylation in diabetes plays a critical role in the maintenance of cellular epigenetic integrity of MMP-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arul J Duraisamy
- Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Manish Mishra
- Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Renu A Kowluru
- Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States
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Sindlinger J, Bierlmeier J, Geiger LC, Kramer K, Finkemeier I, Schwarzer D. Probing the structure-activity relationship of endogenous histone deacetylase complexes with immobilized peptide-inhibitors. J Pept Sci 2016; 22:352-9. [PMID: 27071932 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are key regulators of numerous cellular proteins by removing acetylation marks from modified lysine residues. Peptide-based HDAC probes containing α-aminosuberic acid ω-hydroxamate have been established as useful tools for investigating substrate selectivity and composition of endogenous HDAC complexes in cellular lysates. Here we report a structure-activity study of potential HDAC-probes containing derivatives of the hydroxamate moieties. While most of these probes did not recruit significant amounts of endogenous HDACs from cellular lysates, peptides containing Nε-acetyl-Nε-hydroxy-L-lysine served as HDAC probe. The recruitment efficiency varied between HDACs and was generally lower than that of α-aminosuberic acid ω-hydroxamate probes, but showed a similar global interaction profile. These findings indicate that Nε-acetyl-Nε-hydroxy-L-lysine might be a useful tool for investigations on HDAC complexes and the development of HDAC inhibitors. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Sindlinger
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 4, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan Bierlmeier
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 4, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lydia-Christina Geiger
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 4, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Kramer
- Plant Proteomics, Max Planck-Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné Weg 10, D-50829, Cologne, Germany
| | - Iris Finkemeier
- Plant Proteomics, Max Planck-Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné Weg 10, D-50829, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Muenster, Schlossplatz 7, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Dirk Schwarzer
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 4, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
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8
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Abstract
Chromatin is the universal template of genetic information in all eukaryotic organisms. Chemical modifications of the DNA-packaging histone proteins and the DNA bases are crucial signaling events in directing the use and readout of eukaryotic genomes. The enzymes that install and remove these chromatin modifications as well as the proteins that bind these marks govern information that goes beyond the sequence of DNA. Therefore, these so-called epigenetic regulators are intensively studied and represent promising drug targets in modern medicine. We summarize and discuss recent advances in the field of chemical biology that have provided chromatin research with sophisticated tools for investigating the composition, activity, and target sites of chromatin modifying enzymes and reader proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Fischle
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Environmental Epigenetics Program, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Laboratory of Chromatin Biochemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dirk Schwarzer
- Interfaculty
Institute of Biochemistry (IFIB), University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str.
4, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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9
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Greißel A, Culmes M, Burgkart R, Zimmermann A, Eckstein HH, Zernecke A, Pelisek J. Histone acetylation and methylation significantly change with severity of atherosclerosis in human carotid plaques. Cardiovasc Pathol 2015; 25:79-86. [PMID: 26764138 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to analyze histone acetylation, methylation, and the expression of their corresponding transferases in atherosclerotic plaques of patients with carotid artery stenosis. METHODS Atherosclerotic tissue from our biobank (n=80) was divided into various segments covering all plaque stages and classified according to the American Heart Association. The plaques were assigned to early (types I-III) or advanced (types V-VII) stage group of atherosclerosis. Ten healthy carotid arteries from transplant donors served as controls. The expression of histone acetyltransferases (GNAT group: GCN5L, P300/CBP group: P300, MYST group: MYST1 and MYST2) and histone methyltransferases (H3K4: MLL2/4, SET7/9, and hSET1A; H3K9: SUV39H1, SUV39H2, ESET/SETDB1, and EHMT1; H3K27: EZH2 and G9a) was analyzed by SYBR-green-based real-time polymerase chain reaction. Histone acetylation/methylation in the cells within atherosclerotic plaques was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Increased histone acetylation was observed on H3K9 and H3K27 in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in advanced atherosclerotic lesions compared to healthy vessels (P=.002 and .034). H3K9 acetylation in SMCs and macrophages was associated with plaque severity of atherosclerosis (P=.048 and <.001). Expression of GCN5L and MYST1 also correlated with the severity of atherosclerosis (P<.001). Methylation of H3K9 and H3K27 was significantly reduced in atherosclerotic plaques in SMCs and inflammatory cells (P<.001 and .026). Methylation on H3K4 was significantly associated with the severity of atherosclerosis. Expression of methyltransferase MLL2/4 was increased in advanced stages of atherosclerosis (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Histone acetylation and methylation seem to play a decisive role in atherosclerosis, showing significant differences between healthy vessels and vessels at different stages of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Greißel
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen, Germany
| | - Mihaela Culmes
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen, Germany
| | - Rainer Burgkart
- Clinic of Orthopedics, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen, Germany
| | - Alexander Zimmermann
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen, Germany
| | - Hans-Henning Eckstein
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen, Germany
| | - Alma Zernecke
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen, Germany; Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University Hospital, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Jaroslav Pelisek
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen, Germany.
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Kim K, Lee K, Bang H, Kim JY, Choi JK. Intersection of genetics and epigenetics in monozygotic twin genomes. Methods 2015; 102:50-6. [PMID: 26548893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2015.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As a final function of various epigenetic mechanisms, chromatin regulation is a transcription control process that especially demonstrates active interaction with genetic elements. Thus, chromatin structure has become a principal focus in recent genomics researches that strive to characterize regulatory functions of DNA variants related to diseases or other traits. Although researchers have been focusing on DNA methylation when studying monozygotic (MZ) twins, a great model in epigenetics research, interactions between genetics and epigenetics in chromatin level are expected to be an imperative research trend in the future. In this review, we discuss how the genome, epigenome, and transcriptome of MZ twins can be studied in an integrative manner from this perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwoneel Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kibaick Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoeun Bang
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Yeon Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Kyoon Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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Fischle W, Mootz HD, Schwarzer D. Synthetic histone code. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2015; 28:131-40. [PMID: 26256563 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin is the universal template of genetic information in all eukaryotic cells. This complex of DNA and histone proteins not only packages and organizes genomes but also regulates gene expression. A multitude of posttranslational histone modifications and their combinations are thought to constitute a code for directing distinct structural and functional states of chromatin. Methods of protein chemistry, including protein semisynthesis, amber suppression technology, and cysteine bioconjugation, have enabled the generation of so-called designer chromatin containing histones in defined and homogeneous modification states. Several of these approaches have matured from proof-of-concept studies into efficient tools and technologies for studying the biochemistry of chromatin regulation and for interrogating the histone code. We summarize pioneering experiments and recent developments in this exciting field of chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Fischle
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Henning D Mootz
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Dirk Schwarzer
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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12
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Schiza S, Mermigkis C, Margaritopoulos GA, Daniil Z, Harari S, Poletti V, Renzoni EA, Torre O, Visca D, Bouloukaki I, Sourvinos G, Antoniou KM. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sleep disorders: no longer strangers in the night. Eur Respir Rev 2015; 24:327-39. [PMID: 26028644 PMCID: PMC9487812 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.00009114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is continuously increasing in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and, for the first time, the recent IPF guidelines recognise OSA as an important associated comorbidity that can affect patient's survival. Thus, it becomes conceivable that clinicians should refer patients with newly diagnosed IPF to sleep centres for the diagnosis and treatment of OSA as well as for addressing issues regarding the reduced compliance of patients with continuous positive airway pressure therapy. The discovery of biomarkers common to both disorders may help early diagnosis, institution of the most appropriate treatment and follow-up of patients. Better understanding of epigenetic changes may provide useful information about pathogenesis and, possibly, development of new drugs for a dismal disease like IPF. It is now believed that IPF and sleep disorders can coexist in the same patienthttp://ow.ly/LXPSL
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13
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Klingberg R, Jost JO, Schümann M, Gelato KA, Fischle W, Krause E, Schwarzer D. Analysis of phosphorylation-dependent protein-protein interactions of histone h3. ACS Chem Biol 2015; 10:138-45. [PMID: 25330109 DOI: 10.1021/cb500563n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Multiple posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of histone proteins including site-specific phosphorylation of serine and threonine residues govern the accessibility of chromatin. According to the histone code theory, PTMs recruit regulatory proteins or block their access to chromatin. Here, we report a general strategy for simultaneous analysis of both of these effects based on a SILAC MS scheme. We applied this approach for studying the biochemical role of phosphorylated S10 of histone H3. Differential pull-down experiments with H3-tails synthesized from l- and d-amino acids uncovered that histone acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1) and retinoblastoma-binding protein 7 (RBBP7) are part of the protein network, which interacts with the unmodified H3-tail. An additional H3-derived bait containing the nonhydrolyzable phospho-serine mimic phosphonomethylen-alanine (Pma) at S10 recruited several isoforms of the 14-3-3 family and blocked the recruitment of HAT1 and RBBP7 to the unmodified H3-tail. Our observations provide new insights into the many functions of H3S10 phosphorylation. In addition, the outlined methodology is generally applicable for studying specific binding partners of unmodified histone tails.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Oliver Jost
- Interfaculty
Institute of Biochemistry (IFIB), University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse
4, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Kathy Ann Gelato
- Laboratory
of Chromatin Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Fischle
- Laboratory
of Chromatin Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Schwarzer
- Interfaculty
Institute of Biochemistry (IFIB), University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse
4, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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14
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Regulation of MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation by GSK-3β involves epigenetic modifications under high glucose conditions. Exp Cell Res 2014; 324:75-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Abstract
In humans, genomic DNA is organized in 23 chromosome pairs coding for roughly 25,000 genes. Not all of them are active at all times. During development, a broad range of different cell types needs to be generated in a highly ordered and reproducible manner, requiring selective gene expression programs. Epigenetics can be regarded as the information management system that is able to index or bookmark distinct regions in our genome to regulate the readout of DNA. It further comprises the molecular memory of any given cell, allowing it to store information of previously experienced external (e.g., environmental) or internal (e.g., developmental) stimuli, to learn from this experience and to respond. The underlying epigenetic mechanisms can be synergistic, antagonistic, or mutually exclusive and their large variety combined with the variability and interdependence is thought to provide the molecular basis for any phenotypic variation in physiological and pathological conditions. Thus, widespread reconfiguration of the epigenome is not only a key feature of neurodevelopment, brain maturation, and adult brain function but also disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Kobow
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Schwabachanlage, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ingmar Blümcke
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Schwabachanlage, Erlangen, Germany.
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16
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Kutanzi K, Kovalchuk O. Exposure to estrogen and ionizing radiation causes epigenetic dysregulation, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, and genome instability in the mammary gland of ACI rats. Cancer Biol Ther 2013; 14:564-73. [PMID: 23792640 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.24599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of environmental mutagens and carcinogens on the mammary gland has recently received a lot of attention. Among the most generally accepted carcinogenic agents identified as factors that may increase breast cancer incidence are ionizing radiation and elevated estrogen levels. However, the molecular mechanisms of mammary gland aberrations associated with radiation and estrogen exposure still need to be further elucidated, especially the interplay between elevated hormone levels and radiation. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated molecular changes induced in rat mammary gland tissue by estrogen, ionizing radiation, and the combined action of these two carcinogens using a well-established ACI rat model. We found that continuous exposure of intact female ACI rats to elevated levels of estrogen or to both estrogen and radiation resulted in significant hyperproliferative changes in rat mammary glands. In contrast, radiation exposure alone did not induce hyperplasia. Interestingly, despite the obvious disparity in mammary gland morphology, we did not detect significant differences in the levels of genomic methylation among animals exposed to estrogen, radiation, or both agents together. Specifically, we observed a significant global genomic hypomethylation at 6 weeks of exposure. However, by 12 and 18 weeks, the levels of global DNA methylation returned to those of age-matched controls. We also found that combined exposure to radiation and estrogen significantly altered the levels of histone H3 and H4 methylation and acetylation. Most importantly, we for the first time demonstrated that estrogen and radiation exposure caused a significant induction of p42/44 MAPK and p38 pathways that was paralleled by elevated levels of H3S10 phosphorylation, a well-established biomarker of genome and chromosome instability. The precise role of MAPK pathways and their inter-relationship with H3S10 phosphorylation and genome instability in mammary gland tissues needs to be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Kutanzi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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17
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Kobow K, Blümcke I. The emerging role of DNA methylation in epileptogenesis. Epilepsia 2013; 53 Suppl 9:11-20. [PMID: 23216575 DOI: 10.1111/epi.12031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a covalent chromatin modification, characterized by the biochemical addition of a methyl group (-CH3) to cytosine nucleotides via a DNA methyltransferase enzyme. 5'-Methylcytosine (5-mC), frequently called the fifth base, has been implicated in genome stability, silencing of transposable elements, and repression of gene expression. Through the latter, DNA methylation dynamics broadly influence brain development, function, and aging. Aberrant DNA methylation patterns, either localized to specific gene regions or scattered throughout the genome, are associated with many neurologic disorders. Herein, we discuss the emerging role of DNA methylation in epileptogenesis and the perspectives arising from epigenetic medicine as new therapeutic strategy in difficult-to-treat epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Kobow
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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18
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Functional networks of human epigenetic factors. Epigenomics 2012. [DOI: 10.1017/cbo9780511777271.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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19
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Phenotypic diversity and epigenomic variation – The utility of mass spectrometric analysis of DNA methylation. J Proteomics 2012; 75:3400-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2012.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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20
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Brinkman AB, Gu H, Bartels SJJ, Zhang Y, Matarese F, Simmer F, Marks H, Bock C, Gnirke A, Meissner A, Stunnenberg HG. Sequential ChIP-bisulfite sequencing enables direct genome-scale investigation of chromatin and DNA methylation cross-talk. Genome Res 2012; 22:1128-38. [PMID: 22466170 PMCID: PMC3371717 DOI: 10.1101/gr.133728.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cross-talk between DNA methylation and histone modifications drives the establishment of composite epigenetic signatures and is traditionally studied using correlative rather than direct approaches. Here, we present sequential ChIP-bisulfite-sequencing (ChIP-BS-seq) as an approach to quantitatively assess DNA methylation patterns associated with chromatin modifications or chromatin-associated factors directly. A chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-capturing step is used to obtain a restricted representation of the genome occupied by the epigenetic feature of interest, for which a single-base resolution DNA methylation map is then generated. When applied to H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), we found that H3K27me3 and DNA methylation are compatible throughout most of the genome, except for CpG islands, where these two marks are mutually exclusive. Further ChIP-BS-seq-based analysis in Dnmt triple-knockout (TKO) embryonic stem cells revealed that total loss of CpG methylation is associated with alteration of H3K27me3 levels throughout the genome: H3K27me3 in localized peaks is decreased while broad local enrichments (BLOCs) of H3K27me3 are formed. At an even broader scale, these BLOCs correspond to regions of high DNA methylation in wild-type ES cells, suggesting that DNA methylation prevents H3K27me3 deposition locally and at a megabase scale. Our strategy provides a unique way of investigating global interdependencies between DNA methylation and other chromatin features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arie B Brinkman
- Radboud University, Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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21
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Dhar S, Thota A, Rao MRS. Insights into role of bromodomain, testis-specific (Brdt) in acetylated histone H4-dependent chromatin remodeling in mammalian spermiogenesis. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:6387-405. [PMID: 22215678 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.288167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermiogenesis is of considerable biological interest especially due to the unique chromatin remodeling events that take place during spermatid maturation. Here, we have studied the expression of chromatin remodeling factors in different spermatogenic stages and narrowed it down to bromodomain, testis-specific (Brdt) as a key molecule participating in chromatin remodeling during rat spermiogenesis. Our immunocytochemistry experiments reveal that Brdt colocalizes with acetylated H4 in elongating spermatids. Remodeling assays showed an acetylation-dependent but ATP-independent chromatin reorganization property of Brdt in haploid round spermatids. Furthermore, Brdt interacts with Smarce1, a member of the SWI/SNF family. We have studied the genomic organization of smarce1 and identified that it has two splice variants expressed during spermatogenesis. The N terminus of Brdt is involved in the recognition of Smarce1 as well as in the reorganization of hyperacetylated round spermatid chromatin. Interestingly, the interaction between Smarce1 and Brdt increases dramatically upon histone hyperacetylation both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, our results indicate this interaction to be a vital step in the chromatin remodeling process during mammalian spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Dhar
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore 560064, India
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22
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Eglen RM, Reisine T. Screening for Compounds That Modulate Epigenetic Regulation of the Transcriptome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 16:1137-52. [DOI: 10.1177/1087057111417871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic control of the transciptome is a complex and highly coordinated cellular process. One critical mechanism involves DNA methylation, mediated by distinct but related DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Although several DNMT inhibitors are available, most are nonselective; selective DNMT inhibitors, therefore, could be optimal as therapeutics, as well acting as chemical probes to elucidate the fundamental biology of individual DNMTs. DNA methylation is a stable chemical modification, yet posttranslational modification of histones is transitory, with reversible effects on gene expression. Histone posttranslational modifications influence access of transcription factors to DNA target sites to affect gene activity. Histones are regulated by several enzymes, including acetylases (HATs), deacetylases (HDACs), methyltransferases (HMTs), and demethylases (HDMTs). Generally, HATs activate, whereas HDACs suppress gene activity. Specifically, HMTs and HDMTs can either activate or inhibit gene expression, depending on the site and extent of the methylation pattern. There is growing interest in drugs that target enzymes involved in epigenetic control. Currently, a range of high-throughput screening (HTS) technologies are used to identify selective compounds against these enzymes. This review focuses on the rationale for drug development of these enzymes, as well the utility of HTS methods used in identifying and optimizing novel selective compounds that modulate epigenetic control of the human transcriptome.
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23
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Rust HL, Thompson PR. Kinase consensus sequences: a breeding ground for crosstalk. ACS Chem Biol 2011; 6:881-92. [PMID: 21721511 DOI: 10.1021/cb200171d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The best characterized examples of crosstalk between two or more different post-translational modifications (PTMs) occur with respect to histones. These examples demonstrate the critical roles that crosstalk plays in regulating cell signaling pathways. Recently, however, non-histone crosstalk has been observed between serine/threonine phosphorylation and the modification of arginine and lysine residues within kinase consensus sequences. Interestingly, many kinase consensus sequences contain critical arginine/lysine residues surrounding the substrate serine/threonine residue. Therefore, we hypothesize that non-histone crosstalk between serine/threonine phosphorylation and arginine/lysine modifications is a global mechanism for the modulation of cellular signaling. In this review, we discuss several recent examples of non-histone kinase consensus sequence crosstalk, as well as provide the biophysical basis for these observations. In addition, we predict likely examples of crosstalk between protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) and Akt and discuss the future implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L. Rust
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, 631 Sumter Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Paul R. Thompson
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
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24
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Abstract
The DNA in our bodies is wrapped around octamers of histone proteins to form nucleosomes. This structural organization facilitates packaging of the entire genome into a single nucleus but is also a platform for post-translational modifications which have functional roles within the cell. Over the last few years, modifications of histone residues have been identified and potential roles of individual modifications in processes such as DNA repair, replication and gene transcription have been uncovered. However, we know much less about the combinatorial action of the individual marks and how one modification impacts on the function of another. Recent developments in quantitative proteomics methodology and increasing amounts of genomic data generated using high-throughput techniques are allowing insights into how multiple modifications are interpreted by the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Wood
- Institute of Membrane & Systems Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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25
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Oikawa Y, Omori R, Nishii T, Ishida Y, Kawaichi M, Matsuda E. The methyl-CpG-binding protein CIBZ suppresses myogenic differentiation by directly inhibiting myogenin expression. Cell Res 2011; 21:1578-90. [PMID: 21625269 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2011.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Postnatal growth and regeneration of skeletal muscle are carried out mainly by satellite cells, which, upon stimulation, begin to express myogenin (Myog), the critical determinant of myogenic differentiation. DNA methylation status has been associated with the expression of Myog, but the causative mechanism remains almost unknown. Here, we report that the level of CIBZ, a methyl-CpG-binding protein, decreases upon myogenic differentiation of satellite-derived C2C12 cells, and during skeletal muscle regeneration in mice. We present data showing that the loss of CIBZ promotes myogenic differentiation, whereas exogenous expression of CIBZ impairs it, in cultured cells. CIBZ binds to a Myog promoter-proximal region and inhibits Myog transcription in a methylation-dependent manner. These data suggest that the suppression of myogenic differentiation by CIBZ is dependent, at least in part, on the regulation of Myog. Our data show that the methylation status of this proximal Myog promoter inversely correlates with Myog transcription in cells and tissues, and during postnatal growth of skeletal muscle. Notably, induction of Myog transcription by CIBZ suppression is independent of the demethylation of CpG sites in the Myog promoter. These observations provide the first reported molecular mechanism illustrating how Myog transcription is coordinately regulated by a methyl-CpG-binding protein and the methylation status of the proximal Myog promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Oikawa
- Division of Gene Function in Animals, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
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26
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Strauss J, Reyes-Dominguez Y. Regulation of secondary metabolism by chromatin structure and epigenetic codes. Fungal Genet Biol 2011; 48:62-9. [PMID: 20659575 PMCID: PMC3935439 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2010.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Revised: 07/02/2010] [Accepted: 07/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin, composed of DNA wrapped around an octamer of histones, is the relevant substrate for all genetic processes in eukaryotic nuclei. Changes in chromatin structure are associated with the activation and silencing of gene transcription and reversible post-translational modifications of histones are now known to direct chromatin structure transitions. Recent studies in several fungal species have identified a chromatin-based regulation of secondary metabolism (SM) gene clusters representing an upper-hierarchical level for the coordinated control of large chromosomal elements. Regulation by chromatin transition processes provides a mechanistic model to explain how different SM clusters located at dispersed genomic regions can be simultaneously silenced during primary metabolism. Activation of SM clusters has been shown to be associated with increased acetylation of histones H3 and H4 and, consequently, inhibition of histone de-acetylase activities also leads to increased production of secondary metabolites. New findings suggest that SM clusters are silenced by heterochromatic histone marks and that the "closed" heterochromatic structures are reversed during SM activation. This process is mediated by the conserved activator of SM, LaeA. Despite the increase in knowledge about these processes, much remains to be learned from chromatin-level regulation of SM. For example, which proteins "position" the chromatin restructuring signal onto SM clusters or how exactly LaeA works to mediate the low level of heterochromatic marks inside different clusters remain open questions. Answers to these and other chromatin-related questions would certainly complete our understanding of SM gene regulation and signaling and, because for many predicted SM clusters corresponding products have not been identified so far, anti-silencing strategies would open new ways for the identification of novel bioactive substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Strauss
- Corresponding author. Fax: +43 1 36006 6392. (J. Strauss)
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27
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Abstract
Post-translational modifications of histone proteins in conjunction with DNA methylation represent important events in the regulation of local and global genome functions. Advances in the study of these chromatin modifications established temporal and spatial co-localization of several distinct 'marks' on the same histone and/or the same nucleosome. Such complex modification patterns suggest the possibility of combinatorial effects. This idea was originally proposed to establish a code of histone modifications that regulates the interpretation of the genetic code of DNA. Indeed, interdependency of different modifications is now well documented in the literature. Our current understanding is that the function of a given histone modification is influenced by neighbouring or additional modifications. Such context sensitivity of the readout of a modification provides more flexible translation than would be possible if distinct modifications function as isolated units. The mechanistic principles for modification cross-talk can originate in the modulation of the activity of histone-modifying enzymes or may be due to selective recognition of these marks via modification of specific binding proteins. In the present chapter, we discuss fundamental biochemical principles of modification cross-talk and reflect on the interplay of chromatin marks in cellular signalling, cell-cycle progression and cell-fate determination.
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28
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Estève PO, Chang Y, Samaranayake M, Upadhyay AK, Horton JR, Feehery GR, Cheng X, Pradhan S. A methylation and phosphorylation switch between an adjacent lysine and serine determines human DNMT1 stability. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2010; 18:42-8. [PMID: 21151116 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.1939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 09/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The protein lysine methyltransferase SET7 regulates DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) activity in mammalian cells by promoting degradation of DNMT1 and thus allows epigenetic changes via DNA demethylation. Here we reveal an interplay between monomethylation of DNMT1 Lys142 by SET7 and phosphorylation of DNMT1 Ser143 by AKT1 kinase. These two modifications are mutually exclusive, and structural analysis suggests that Ser143 phosphorylation interferes with Lys142 monomethylation. AKT1 kinase colocalizes and directly interacts with DNMT1 and phosphorylates Ser143. Phosphorylated DNMT1 peaks during DNA synthesis, before DNMT1 methylation. Depletion of AKT1 or overexpression of dominant-negative AKT1 increases methylated DNMT1, resulting in a decrease in DNMT1 abundance. In mammalian cells, phosphorylated DNMT1 is more stable than methylated DNMT1. These results reveal cross-talk on DNMT1, through modifications mediated by AKT1 and SET7, that affects cellular DNMT1 levels.
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29
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30
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Prestel M, Feller C, Straub T, Mitlöhner H, Becker PB. The activation potential of MOF is constrained for dosage compensation. Mol Cell 2010; 38:815-26. [PMID: 20620953 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2010.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2009] [Revised: 01/12/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The H4K16 acetyltransferase MOF plays a crucial role in dosage compensation in Drosophila but has additional, global functions. We compared the molecular context and effect of MOF in male and female flies, combining chromosome-wide mapping and transcriptome studies with analyses of defined reporter loci in transgenic flies. MOF distributes dynamically between two complexes, the dosage compensation complex and a complex containing MBD-R2, a global facilitator of transcription. These different targeting principles define the distribution of MOF between the X chromosome and autosomes and at transcription units with 5' or 3' enrichment. The male X chromosome differs from all other chromosomes in that H4K16 acetylation levels do not correlate with transcription output. The reconstitution of this phenomenon at a model locus revealed that the activation potential of MOF is constrained in male cells in the context of the DCC to arrive at the 2-fold activation of transcription characteristic of dosage compensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Prestel
- Adolf-Butenandt-Institute and Centre for Integrated Protein Science, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80336 Munich, Germany
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31
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Szarc vel Szic K, Ndlovu MN, Haegeman G, Vanden Berghe W. Nature or nurture: let food be your epigenetic medicine in chronic inflammatory disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2010; 80:1816-32. [PMID: 20688047 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2010.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Revised: 07/19/2010] [Accepted: 07/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Numerous clinical, physiopathological and epidemiological studies have underlined the detrimental or beneficial role of nutritional factors in complex inflammation related disorders such as allergy, asthma, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Today, nutritional research has shifted from alleviating nutrient deficiencies to chronic disease prevention. It is known that lifestyle, environmental conditions and nutritional compounds influence gene expression. Gene expression states are set by transcriptional activators and repressors and are often locked in by cell-heritable chromatin states. Only recently, it has been observed that the environmental conditions and daily diet can affect transgenerational gene expression via "reversible" heritable epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic changes in DNA methylation patterns at CpG sites (epimutations) or corrupt chromatin states of key inflammatory genes and noncoding RNAs, recently emerged as major governing factors in cancer, chronic inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Reciprocally, inflammation, metabolic stress and diet composition can also change activities of the epigenetic machinery and indirectly or directly change chromatin marks. This has recently launched re-exploration of anti-inflammatory bioactive food components for characterization of their effects on epigenome modifying enzymatic activities (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, ribosylation, oxidation, ubiquitination, sumoylation). This may allow to improve healthy aging by reversing disease prone epimutations involved in chronic inflammatory and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Szarc vel Szic
- Laboratory of Eukaryotic Gene Expression and Signal Transduction (LEGEST), Department of Physiology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, Gent, Belgium
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32
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Hofmann A, Brünner M, Schwendemann A, Strödicke M, Karberg S, Klebes A, Saumweber H, Korge G. The winged-helix transcription factor JUMU regulates development, nucleolus morphology and function, and chromatin organization of Drosophila melanogaster. Chromosome Res 2010; 18:307-24. [PMID: 20213139 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-010-9118-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2009] [Accepted: 02/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The PEV-modifying winged-helix/forkhead domain transcription factor JUMU of Drosophila is an essential protein of pleiotropic function. The correct gene dose of jumu is required for nucleolar integrity and correct nucleolus function. Overexpression of jumu results in bloating of euchromatic chromosome arms, displacement of the JUMU protein from the chromocenter and the nucleolus, fragile weak points, and disrupted chromocenter of polytene chromosomes. Overexpression of the acidic C terminus of JUMU alone causes nucleolus disorganization. In addition, euchromatic genes are overexpressed and HP1, which normally accumulates in the pericentric heterochromatin and spreads into euchromatic chromosome arms, although H3-K9 di-methylation remains restricted to the pericentric heterochromatin. The human winged-helix nude gene shows similarities to jumu and its overexpression in Drosophila causes bristle mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Hofmann
- Institut für Biologie-Genetik, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
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33
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Collins R, Cheng X. A case study in cross-talk: the histone lysine methyltransferases G9a and GLP. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 38:3503-11. [PMID: 20159995 PMCID: PMC2887955 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone code hypothesis predicts that the post-translational modification of histones can bring about distinct chromatin states, and it therefore serves a key regulatory role in chromatin biology. The impact of one mark on another has been termed cross-talk. Some marks are mutually exclusive, while others act in concert. As multiple marks contributing to one outcome are generally brought about by complexes containing multiple catalytic and binding domains, it appears regulation of chromatin involves a web of writers and readers of histone modifications, chromatin remodeling activities and DNA methylation. Here, we focus on the protein lysine methyltransferases G9a and GLP as examples of this extended cross-talk. G9a and GLP can catalyze the formation of and bind to the same methyl mark via distinct domains. We consider the impact of other histone modifications on G9a/GLP activity and the coordination of activities within G9a/GLP containing complexes. We evaluate the potential impact of product binding on product specificity and on maintenance and propagation of the methyl mark. Lastly, we examine the recruitment of other silencing factors by G9a/GLP. Regulated assembly of specific complexes around key marks may reinforce or alter the biological outcome associated with given histone modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Collins
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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34
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Thambirajah AA, Ausió J. A moment's pause: putative nucleosome-based influences on MeCP2 regulation. Biochem Cell Biol 2010; 87:791-8. [PMID: 19898528 DOI: 10.1139/o09-054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been a hotbed of activity surrounding MeCP2 research in the past number of years. Despite better characterizing the functions and nature of this protein, it has become abundantly clear that MeCP2 is involved in far more complex activities than perhaps initially anticipated. Recent publications have shown that MeCP2 is dynamically post-translationally modified, and it is possible that these marks permit MeCP2 to inhabit very diverse chromatin environments. It is also of interest to consider how nucleosome composition differs in these varying chromatin regions, and how the chromatin template itself contributes to diversifying the regulatory roles of MeCP2. These will be critical points to examine when seeking to understand how MeCP2 behaviour differentiates in tissues other than the brain. By understanding the chromatin and (or) tissue context in which MeCP2 interacts, it may be possible to discern the specific etiology of diseases linked to MeCP2 dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita A Thambirajah
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W3P6, Canada
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35
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Beck IME, Vanden Berghe W, Vermeulen L, Yamamoto KR, Haegeman G, De Bosscher K. Crosstalk in inflammation: the interplay of glucocorticoid receptor-based mechanisms and kinases and phosphatases. Endocr Rev 2009; 30:830-82. [PMID: 19890091 PMCID: PMC2818158 DOI: 10.1210/er.2009-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2009] [Accepted: 08/18/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroidal ligands for the GC receptor (GR), which can function as a ligand-activated transcription factor. These steroidal ligands and derivatives thereof are the first line of treatment in a vast array of inflammatory diseases. However, due to the general surge of side effects associated with long-term use of GCs and the potential problem of GC resistance in some patients, the scientific world continues to search for a better understanding of the GC-mediated antiinflammatory mechanisms. The reversible phosphomodification of various mediators in the inflammatory process plays a key role in modulating and fine-tuning the sensitivity, longevity, and intensity of the inflammatory response. As such, the antiinflammatory GCs can modulate the activity and/or expression of various kinases and phosphatases, thus affecting the signaling efficacy toward the propagation of proinflammatory gene expression and proinflammatory gene mRNA stability. Conversely, phosphorylation of GR can affect GR ligand- and DNA-binding affinity, mobility, and cofactor recruitment, culminating in altered transactivation and transrepression capabilities of GR, and consequently leading to a modified antiinflammatory potential. Recently, new roles for kinases and phosphatases have been described in GR-based antiinflammatory mechanisms. Moreover, kinase inhibitors have become increasingly important as antiinflammatory tools, not only for research but also for therapeutic purposes. In light of these developments, we aim to illuminate the integrated interplay between GR signaling and its correlating kinases and phosphatases in the context of the clinically important combat of inflammation, giving attention to implications on GC-mediated side effects and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse M E Beck
- Laboratory of Eukaryotic Gene Expression and Signal Transduction, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
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Poleshko A, Einarson MB, Shalginskikh N, Zhang R, Adams PD, Skalka AM, Katz RA. Identification of a functional network of human epigenetic silencing factors. J Biol Chem 2009; 285:422-33. [PMID: 19880521 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.064667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic silencing is mediated by families of factors that place, remove, read, and transmit repressive histone and DNA methylation marks on chromatin. How the roles for these functionally diverse factors are specified and integrated is the subject of intense study. To address these questions, HeLa cells harboring epigenetically silent green fluorescent protein reporter genes were interrogated with a small interference RNA library targeting 200 predicted epigenetic regulators, including potential activators, silencers, chromatin remodelers, and ancillary factors. Using this approach, individual, or combinatorial requirements for specific epigenetic silencing factors could be detected by measuring green fluorescent protein reactivation after small interference RNA-based factor knockdown. In our analyses, we identified a specific subset of 15 epigenetic factors that are candidates for participation in a functional epigenetic silencing network in human cells. These factors include histone deacetylase 1, de novo DNA methyltransferase 3A, components of the polycomb PRC1 complex (RING1 and HPH2), and the histone lysine methyltransferases KMT1E and KMT5C. Roles were also detected for two TRIM protein family members, the cohesin component Rad21, and the histone chaperone CHAF1A (CAF-1 p150). Remarkably, combinatorial knockdown of factors was not required for reactivation, indicating little functional redundancy. Consistent with this interpretation, knockdown of either KMT1E or CHAF1A resulted in a loss of multiple histone-repressive marks and concomitant gain of activation marks on the promoter during reactivation. These results reveal how functionally diverse factors may cooperate to maintain gene silencing during normal development or in disease. Furthermore, the findings suggest an avenue for discovery of new targets for epigenetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Poleshko
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
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Cichewicz RH. Epigenome manipulation as a pathway to new natural product scaffolds and their congeners. Nat Prod Rep 2009; 27:11-22. [PMID: 20024091 DOI: 10.1039/b920860g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The covalent modification of chromatin is an important control mechanism used by fungi to modulate the transcription of genes involved in secondary metabolite production. To date, both molecular-based and chemical approaches targeting histone and DNA posttranslational processes have shown great potential for rationally directing the activation and/or suppression of natural-product-encoding gene clusters. In this Highlight, the organization of the fungal epigenome is summarized and strategies for manipulating chromatin-related targets are presented. Applications of these techniques are illustrated using several recently published accounts in which chemical-epigenetic methods and mutant studies were successfully employed for the de novo or enhanced production of structurally diverse fungal natural products (e.g., anthraquinones, cladochromes, lunalides, mycotoxins, and nygerones).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Cichewicz
- Natural Products Discovery Group and Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 620 Parrington Oval, Room 208, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
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Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are heritable chromatin alterations that contribute to the temporal and spatial interpretation of the genome. The epigenetic information is conveyed through a multitude of chemical modifications, including DNA methylation, reversible modifications of histones, and ATP-dependent nucleosomal remodeling. Deregulation of the epigenetic machinery contributes to the development of several pathologies, including cancer. Chromatin modifications are multiple and interdependent and they are dynamically modulated in the course of various biological processes. Combinations of chromatin modifications give rise to a complex code that is superimposed on the genetic code embedded into the DNA sequence to regulate cell function. This review addresses the role of epigenetic modifications in cancer, focusing primarily on histone methylation marks and the enzymes catalyzing their removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotirios C Kampranis
- Molecular Oncology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
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