1
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Zhao A, Xu W, Han R, Wei J, Yu Q, Wang M, Li H, Li M, Chi G. Role of histone modifications in neurogenesis and neurodegenerative disease development. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 98:102324. [PMID: 38762100 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102324] [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] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Progressive neuronal dysfunction and death are key features of neurodegenerative diseases; therefore, promoting neurogenesis in neurodegenerative diseases is crucial. With advancements in proteomics and high-throughput sequencing technology, it has been demonstrated that histone post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) are often altered during neurogenesis when the brain is affected by disease or external stimuli and that the degree of histone modification is closely associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. This review aimed to show the regulatory role of histone modifications in neurogenesis and neurodegenerative diseases by discussing the changing patterns and functional significance of histone modifications, including histone methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and lactylation. Finally, we explored the control of neurogenesis and the development of neurodegenerative diseases by artificially modulating histone modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wenhong Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Junyuan Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Qi Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Haokun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Meiying Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Guangfan Chi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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2
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Crain AT, Butler MB, Hill CA, Huynh M, McGinty RK, Duronio RJ. Drosophila melanogaster Set8 and L(3)mbt function in gene expression independently of histone H4 lysine 20 methylation. Genes Dev 2024; 38:455-472. [PMID: 38866557 PMCID: PMC11216177 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351698.124] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Monomethylation of lysine 20 of histone H4 (H4K20me1) is catalyzed by Set8 and thought to play important roles in many aspects of genome function that are mediated by H4K20me binding proteins. We interrogated this model in a developing animal by comparing in parallel the transcriptomes of Set8 null , H4 K20R/A , and l(3)mbt mutant Drosophila melanogaster We found that the gene expression profiles of H4 K20A and H4 K20R larvae are markedly different than Set8 null larvae despite similar reductions in H4K20me1. Set8 null mutant cells have a severely disrupted transcriptome and fail to proliferate in vivo, but these phenotypes are not recapitulated by mutation of H4 K20 , indicating that the developmental defects of Set8 null animals are largely due to H4K20me1-independent effects on gene expression. Furthermore, the H4K20me1 binding protein L(3)mbt is recruited to the transcription start sites of most genes independently of H4K20me even though genes bound by L(3)mbt have high levels of H4K20me1. Moreover, both Set8 and L(3)mbt bind to purified H4K20R nucleosomes in vitro. We conclude that gene expression changes in Set8 null and H4 K20 mutants cannot be explained by loss of H4K20me1 or L(3)mbt binding to chromatin and therefore that H4K20me1 does not play a large role in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron T Crain
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
| | - Megan B Butler
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
| | - Christina A Hill
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
| | - Mai Huynh
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
| | - Robert K McGinty
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
| | - Robert J Duronio
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA;
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
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3
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Ni S, Takada Y, Ando T, Yu S, Yamashita Y, Takahashi Y, Sawada M, Oba M, Itoh Y, Suzuki T. Identification of a novel histone H2A mono-ubiquitination-inhibiting cell-active small molecule. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 105:129759. [PMID: 38636717 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129759] [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] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Histone H2A mono-ubiquitination plays important roles in epigenetic gene expression and is also involved in tumorigenesis. Small molecules controlling H2A ubiquitination are of interest as potential chemical tools and anticancer drugs. To identify novel small molecule inhibitors of H2A ubiquitination, we synthesized and evaluated several compounds designed based on PRT4165 (1), which is a reported histone ubiquitin ligase RING1A inhibitor. We found that compound 11b strongly inhibited the viability and reduced histone H2A mono-ubiquitination in human osteosarcoma U2OS cells. Therefore, compound 11b is a promising lead compound for the development of H2A histone ubiquitination-inhibiting small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyao Ni
- SANKEN, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Yuri Takada
- SANKEN, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Takaaki Ando
- SANKEN, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Shengwang Yu
- SANKEN, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | | | - Yukari Takahashi
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0823, Japan
| | - Miho Sawada
- SANKEN, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Makoto Oba
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0823, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Itoh
- SANKEN, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan.
| | - Takayoshi Suzuki
- SANKEN, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan.
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4
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Ghate NB, Nadkarni KS, Barik GK, Tat SS, Sahay O, Santra MK. Histone ubiquitination: Role in genome integrity and chromatin organization. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2024; 1867:195044. [PMID: 38763317 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2024.195044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Maintenance of genome integrity is a precise but tedious and complex job for the cell. Several post-translational modifications (PTMs) play vital roles in maintaining the genome integrity. Although ubiquitination is one of the most crucial PTMs, which regulates the localization and stability of the nonhistone proteins in various cellular and developmental processes, ubiquitination of the histones is a pivotal epigenetic event critically regulating chromatin architecture. In addition to genome integrity, importance of ubiquitination of core histones (H2A, H2A, H3, and H4) and linker histone (H1) have been reported in several cellular processes. However, the complex interplay of histone ubiquitination and other PTMs, as well as the intricate chromatin architecture and dynamics, pose a significant challenge to unravel how histone ubiquitination safeguards genome stability. Therefore, further studies are needed to elucidate the interactions between histone ubiquitination and other PTMs, and their role in preserving genome integrity. Here, we review all types of histone ubiquitinations known till date in maintaining genomic integrity during transcription, replication, cell cycle, and DNA damage response processes. In addition, we have also discussed the role of histone ubiquitination in regulating other histone PTMs emphasizing methylation and acetylation as well as their potential implications in chromatin architecture. Further, we have also discussed the involvement of deubiquitination enzymes (DUBs) in controlling histone ubiquitination in modulating cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Baban Ghate
- Cancer Biology Division, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India.
| | - Kaustubh Sanjay Nadkarni
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| | - Ganesh Kumar Barik
- Cancer Biology Division, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India; Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| | - Sharad Shriram Tat
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| | - Osheen Sahay
- Cancer Biology Division, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India; Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| | - Manas Kumar Santra
- Cancer Biology Division, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India.
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5
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Crain AT, Nevil M, Leatham-Jensen MP, Reeves KB, Matera AG, McKay DJ, Duronio RJ. Redesigning the Drosophila histone gene cluster: An improved genetic platform for spatiotemporal manipulation of histone function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.25.591202. [PMID: 38712307 PMCID: PMC11071459 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.25.591202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Mutating replication-dependent (RD) histone genes is an important tool for understanding chromatin-based epigenetic regulation. Deploying this tool in metazoan models is particularly challenging because RD histones in these organisms are typically encoded by many genes, often located at multiple loci. Such RD histone gene arrangements make the ability to generate homogenous histone mutant genotypes by site-specific gene editing quite difficult. Drosophila melanogaster provides a solution to this problem because the RD histone genes are organized into a single large tandem array that can be deleted and replaced with transgenes containing mutant histone genes. In the last ∼15 years several different RD histone gene replacement platforms have been developed using this simple strategy. However, each platform contains weaknesses that preclude full use of the powerful developmental genetic capabilities available to Drosophila researchers. Here we describe the development of a newly engineered platform that rectifies many of these weaknesses. We used CRISPR to precisely delete the RD histone gene array ( HisC ), replacing it with a multifunctional cassette that permits site-specific insertion of either one or two synthetic gene arrays using selectable markers. We designed this cassette with the ability to selectively delete each of the integrated gene arrays in specific tissues using site-specific recombinases. We also present a method for rapidly synthesizing histone gene arrays of any genotype using Golden Gate cloning technologies. These improvements facilitate generation of histone mutant cells in various tissues at different stages of Drosophila development and provide an opportunity to apply forward genetic strategies to interrogate chromatin structure and gene regulation.
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6
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Zhao J, Lan J, Wang M, Liu C, Fang Z, Song A, Zhang T, Wang L, Zhu B, Chen P, Yu J, Li G. H2AK119ub1 differentially fine-tunes gene expression by modulating canonical PRC1- and H1-dependent chromatin compaction. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1191-1205.e7. [PMID: 38458202 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.02.017] [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] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) is a key transcriptional regulator in development via modulating chromatin structure and catalyzing histone H2A ubiquitination at Lys119 (H2AK119ub1). H2AK119ub1 is one of the most abundant histone modifications in mammalian cells. However, the function of H2AK119ub1 in polycomb-mediated gene silencing remains debated. In this study, we reveal that H2AK119ub1 has two distinct roles in gene expression, through differentially modulating chromatin compaction mediated by canonical PRC1 and the linker histone H1. Interestingly, we find that H2AK119ub1 plays a positive role in transcription through interfering with the binding of canonical PRC1 to nucleosomes and therefore counteracting chromatin condensation. Conversely, we demonstrate that H2AK119ub1 facilitates H1-dependent chromatin condensation and enhances the silencing of developmental genes in mouse embryonic stem cells, suggesting that H1 may be one of several possible pathways for H2AK119ub1 in repressing transcription. These results provide insights and molecular mechanisms by which H2AK119ub1 differentially fine-tunes developmental gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jicheng Zhao
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jie Lan
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Min Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Cuifang Liu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zheng Fang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Aoqun Song
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structure Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bing Zhu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ping Chen
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Juan Yu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Guohong Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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7
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Ryan CW, Peirent ER, Regan SL, Guxholli A, Bielas SL. H2A monoubiquitination: insights from human genetics and animal models. Hum Genet 2024; 143:511-527. [PMID: 37086328 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02557-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Metazoan development arises from spatiotemporal control of gene expression, which depends on epigenetic regulators like the polycomb group proteins (PcG) that govern the chromatin landscape. PcG proteins facilitate the addition and removal of histone 2A monoubiquitination at lysine 119 (H2AK119ub1), which regulates gene expression, cell fate decisions, cell cycle progression, and DNA damage repair. Regulation of these processes by PcG proteins is necessary for proper development, as pathogenic variants in these genes are increasingly recognized to underly developmental disorders. Overlapping features of developmental syndromes associated with pathogenic variants in specific PcG genes suggest disruption of central developmental mechanisms; however, unique clinical features observed in each syndrome suggest additional non-redundant functions for each PcG gene. In this review, we describe the clinical manifestations of pathogenic PcG gene variants, review what is known about the molecular functions of these gene products during development, and interpret the clinical data to summarize the current evidence toward an understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles W Ryan
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
- Medical Science Training Program, University of Michigan Medical School, 3703 Med Sci II, 1241 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Emily R Peirent
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Samantha L Regan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, 3703 Med Sci II, 1241 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Alba Guxholli
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, 3703 Med Sci II, 1241 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48199-5618, USA
| | - Stephanie L Bielas
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, 3703 Med Sci II, 1241 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48199-5618, USA.
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8
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Shen X, Chen C, Wang Y, Zheng W, Zheng J, Jones AE, Zhu B, Zhang H, Lyons C, Rijal A, Moley JA, Cao G, Liu K, Winn R, Dickinson A, Zhang K, Wang H. Role of histone variants H2BC1 and H2AZ.2 in H2AK119ub nucleosome organization and Polycomb gene silencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.16.575234. [PMID: 38293106 PMCID: PMC10827191 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.16.575234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Ubiquitination of histone H2A at lysine 119 residue (H2AK119ub) plays critical roles in a wide range of physiological processes, including Polycomb gene silencing 1,2 , replication 3-5 , DNA damage repair 6-10 , X inactivation 11,12 , and heterochromatin organization 13,14 . However, the underlying mechanism and structural basis of H2AK119ub remains largely elusive. In this study, we report that H2AK119ub nucleosomes have a unique composition, containing histone variants H2BC1 and H2AZ.2, and importantly, this composition is required for H2AK119ub and Polycomb gene silencing. Using the UAB domain of RSF1, we purified H2AK119ub nucleosomes to a sufficient amount and purity. Mass spectrometry analyses revealed that H2AK119ub nucleosomes contain the histone variants H2BC1 and H2AZ.2. A cryo-EM study resolved the structure of native H2AK119ub nucleosomes to a 2.6A resolution, confirming H2BC1 in one subgroup of H2AK119ub nucleosomes. Tandem GST-UAB pulldown, Flag-H2AZ.2, and HA-H2BC1 immunoprecipitation revealed that H2AK119ub nucleosomes could be separated into distinct subgroups, suggesting their composition heterogeneity and potential dynamic organization. Knockout or knockdown of H2BC1 or H2AZ.2 reduced cellular H2AK119ub levels, establishing H2BC1 and H2AZ.2 as critical determinants of H2AK119ub. Furthermore, genomic binding profiles of H2BC1 and H2AZ.2 overlapped significantly with H2AK119ub binding, with the most significant overlapping in the gene body and intergenic regions. Finally, assays in developing embryos reveal an interaction of H2AZ.2, H2BC1, and RING1A in vivo . Thus, this study revealed, for the first time, that the H2AK119ub nucleosome has a unique composition, and this composition is required for H2AK119ub and Polycomb gene silencing.
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9
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Seif E, Francis NJ. A Two-Step Mechanism for Creating Stable, Condensed Chromatin with the Polycomb Complex PRC1. Molecules 2024; 29:323. [PMID: 38257239 PMCID: PMC10821450 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020323] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila PRC1 complex regulates gene expression by modifying histone proteins and chromatin architecture. Two PRC1 subunits, PSC and Ph, are most implicated in chromatin architecture. In vitro, PRC1 compacts chromatin and inhibits transcription and nucleosome remodeling. The long disordered C-terminal region of PSC (PSC-CTR) is important for these activities, while Ph has little effect. In cells, Ph is important for condensate formation, long-range chromatin interactions, and gene regulation, and its polymerizing sterile alpha motif (SAM) is implicated in these activities. In vitro, truncated Ph containing the SAM and two other conserved domains (mini-Ph) undergoes phase separation with chromatin, suggesting a mechanism for SAM-dependent condensate formation in vivo. How the distinct activities of PSC and Ph on chromatin function together in PRC1 is not known. To address this question, we analyzed structures formed with large chromatin templates and PRC1 in vitro. PRC1 bridges chromatin into extensive fibrillar networks. Ph, its SAM, and SAM polymerization activity have little effect on these structures. Instead, the PSC-CTR controls their growth, and is sufficient for their formation. To understand how phase separation driven by Ph SAM intersects with the chromatin bridging activity of the PSC-CTR, we used mini-Ph to form condensates with chromatin and then challenged them with PRC1 lacking Ph (PRC1ΔPh). PRC1ΔPh converts mini-Ph chromatin condensates into clusters of small non-fusing condensates and bridged fibers. These condensates retain a high level of chromatin compaction and do not intermix. Thus, phase separation of chromatin by mini-Ph, followed by the action of the PSC-CTR, creates a unique chromatin organization with regions of high nucleosome density and extraordinary stability. We discuss how this coordinated sequential activity of two proteins found in the same complex may occur and the possible implications of stable chromatin architectures in maintaining transcription states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Seif
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada;
| | - Nicole J. Francis
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada;
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Département de Biochimie et Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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10
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Liu J, Fan H, Liang X, Chen Y. Polycomb repressor complex: Its function in human cancer and therapeutic target strategy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115897. [PMID: 37981459 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115897] [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] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb Repressor Complex (PRC) plays a pivotal role in gene regulation during development and disease, with dysregulation contributing significantly to various human cancers. The intricate interplay between PRC and cellular signaling pathways sheds light on cancer complexity. PRC presents promising therapeutic opportunities, with inhibitors undergoing rigorous evaluation in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we emphasize the critical role of PRC complex in gene regulation, particularly PcG proteins mediated chromatin compaction through phase separation. We also highlight the pathological implications of PRC complex dysregulation in various tumors, elucidating underlying mechanisms driving cancer progression. The burgeoning field of therapeutic strategies targeting PRC complexes, notably EZH2 inhibitors, has advanced significantly. However, we explore the need for combination therapies to enhance PRC targeted treatments efficacy, providing a glimpse into the future of cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrong Liu
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Hongjie Fan
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Yang Chen
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
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11
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Barrasa JI, Kahn TG, Lundkvist MJ, Schwartz YB. DNA elements tether canonical Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 to human genes. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11613-11633. [PMID: 37855680 PMCID: PMC10681801 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of multicellular animals requires epigenetic repression by Polycomb group proteins. The latter assemble in multi-subunit complexes, of which two kinds, Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) and Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), act together to repress key developmental genes. How PRC1 and PRC2 recognize specific genes remains an open question. Here we report the identification of several hundreds of DNA elements that tether canonical PRC1 to human developmental genes. We use the term tether to describe a process leading to a prominent presence of canonical PRC1 at certain genomic sites, although the complex is unlikely to interact with DNA directly. Detailed analysis indicates that sequence features associated with PRC1 tethering differ from those that favour PRC2 binding. Throughout the genome, the two kinds of sequence features mix in different proportions to yield a gamut of DNA elements that range from those tethering predominantly PRC1 or PRC2 to ones capable of tethering both complexes. The emerging picture is similar to the paradigmatic targeting of Polycomb complexes by Polycomb Response Elements (PREs) of Drosophila but providing for greater plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan I Barrasa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tatyana G Kahn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Moa J Lundkvist
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Yuri B Schwartz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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12
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de Potter B, Raas MWD, Seidl MF, Verrijzer CP, Snel B. Uncoupled evolution of the Polycomb system and deep origin of non-canonical PRC1. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1144. [PMID: 37949928 PMCID: PMC10638273 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05501-x] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group proteins, as part of the Polycomb repressive complexes, are essential in gene repression through chromatin compaction by canonical PRC1, mono-ubiquitylation of histone H2A by non-canonical PRC1 and tri-methylation of histone H3K27 by PRC2. Despite prevalent models emphasizing tight functional coupling between PRC1 and PRC2, it remains unclear whether this paradigm indeed reflects the evolution and functioning of these complexes. Here, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the presence or absence of cPRC1, nPRC1 and PRC2 across the entire eukaryotic tree of life, and find that both complexes were present in the Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor (LECA). Strikingly, ~42% of organisms contain only PRC1 or PRC2, showing that their evolution since LECA is largely uncoupled. The identification of ncPRC1-defining subunits in unicellular relatives of animals and fungi suggests ncPRC1 originated before cPRC1, and we propose a scenario for the evolution of cPRC1 from ncPRC1. Together, our results suggest that crosstalk between these complexes is a secondary development in evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastiaan de Potter
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Hubrecht institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Maximilian W D Raas
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Hubrecht institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Michael F Seidl
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - C Peter Verrijzer
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Berend Snel
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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13
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Brown HE, Weasner BP, Weasner BM, Kumar JP. Polycomb safeguards imaginal disc specification through control of the Vestigial-Scalloped complex. Development 2023; 150:dev201872. [PMID: 37702007 PMCID: PMC10560572 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201872] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental goal of developmental biology is to understand how cell and tissue fates are specified. The imaginal discs of Drosophila are excellent model systems for addressing this paradigm as their fate can be redirected when discs regenerate after injury or when key selector genes are misregulated. Here, we show that when Polycomb expression is reduced, the wing selector gene vestigial is ectopically activated. This leads to the inappropriate formation of the Vestigial-Scalloped complex, which forces the eye to transform into a wing. We further demonstrate that disrupting this complex does not simply block wing formation or restore eye development. Instead, immunohistochemistry and high-throughput genomic analysis show that the eye-antennal disc unexpectedly undergoes hyperplastic growth with multiple domains being organized into other imaginal discs and tissues. These findings provide insight into the complex developmental landscape that tissues must navigate before adopting their final fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley E. Brown
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | | | - Bonnie M. Weasner
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Justin P. Kumar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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14
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Brown HE, Weasner BP, Weasner BM, Kumar JP. Polycomb safeguards imaginal disc specification through control of the Vestigial-Scalloped complex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.11.536444. [PMID: 37090526 PMCID: PMC10120697 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.11.536444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental goal of developmental biology is to understand how cell and tissue fates are specified. The imaginal discs of Drosophila are excellent model systems for addressing this paradigm as their fate can be redirected when discs regenerate after injury or when key selector genes are mis-regulated. Here, we show that when Polycomb expression is reduced, the wing selector gene vestigial is ectopically activated. This leads to the inappropriate formation of the Vestigial-Scalloped complex which forces the eye to transform into a wing. We further demonstrate that disrupting this complex does not simply block wing formation or restore eye development. Instead, immunohistochemistry and high throughput genomic analysis show that the eye-antennal disc unexpectedly undergoes hyperplastic growth with multiple domains being organized into other imaginal discs and tissues. These findings provide insight into the complex developmental landscape that tissues must navigate before adopting their final fate. Summary Statement Here we describe a novel mechanism by which Pc promotes an eye fate during normal development and how the eye is reprogrammed into a wing in its absence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley E. Brown
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
| | | | - Bonnie M. Weasner
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
| | - Justin P. Kumar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
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15
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Yao L, Li J, Jiang B, Zhang Z, Li X, Ouyang X, Xiao Y, Liu G, Wang Z, Zhang G. RNF2 inhibits E-Cadherin transcription to promote hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis via inducing histone mono-ubiquitination. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:261. [PMID: 37037816 PMCID: PMC10085990 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05785-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
RNF2 is a RING domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediate histone H2A mono-ubiquitination to repress gene transcription, but its expression patterns and molecular function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Herein, we extracted data from TGCA database and validated RNF2 expression in our own cohort, which revealed that RNF2 was highly expressed in HCC and was associated with malignant characteristics and poor prognosis of HCC. Moreover, RNF2 was demonstrated to promote HCC metastasis via enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, RNF2 repressed E-Cadherin transcription by increasing the deposition of H2K119ub at the E-Cadherin promoter region. In addition, RNF2-regulated crosstalk between H2AK119ub, H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 synergistically reduced E-Cadherin transcription, which promoted EMT and HCC metastasis. These results indicate that RNF2 played an oncogenic role in HCC progression via inducing EMT, and RNF2 could be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of thyroid surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1, East Construction Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Xinying Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Xiwu Ouyang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guodong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Gewen Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China.
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16
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H2A Ubiquitination Alters H3-tail Dynamics on Linker-DNA to Enhance H3K27 Methylation. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167936. [PMID: 36610636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and PRC2 are responsible for epigenetic gene regulation. PRC1 ubiquitinates histone H2A (H2Aub), which subsequently promotes PRC2 to introduce the H3 lysine 27 tri-methyl (H3K27me3) repressive chromatin mark. Although this mechanism provides a link between the two key transcriptional repressors, PRC1 and PRC2, it is unknown how histone-tail dynamics contribute to this process. Here, we have examined the effect of H2A ubiquitination and linker-DNA on H3-tail dynamics and H3K27 methylation by PRC2. In naïve nucleosomes, the H3-tail dynamically contacts linker DNA in addition to core DNA, and the linker-DNA is as important for H3K27 methylation as H2A ubiquitination. H2A ubiquitination alters contacts between the H3-tail and DNA to improve the methyltransferase activity of the PRC2-AEBP2-JARID2 complex. Collectively, our data support a model in which H2A ubiquitination by PRC1 synergizes with linker-DNA to hold H3 histone tails poised for their methylation by PRC2-AEBP2-JARID2.
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17
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Corcoran ET, Jacob Y. Direct assessment of histone function using histone replacement. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:53-70. [PMID: 35853806 PMCID: PMC9789166 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Histones serve many purposes in eukaryotic cells in the regulation of diverse genomic processes, including transcription, replication, DNA repair, and chromatin organization. As such, experimental systems to assess histone function are fundamental resources toward elucidating the regulation of activities occurring on chromatin. One set of important tools for investigating histone function are histone replacement systems, in which endogenous histone expression can be partially or completely replaced with a mutant histone. Histone replacement systems allow systematic screens of histone regulatory functions and the direct assessment of functions for histone residues. In this review, we describe existing histone replacement systems in model organisms, the benefits and limitations of these systems, and opportunities for future research with histone replacement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Tung Corcoran
- Yale University, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Yannick Jacob
- Yale University, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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18
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RINGs, DUBs and Abnormal Brain Growth-Histone H2A Ubiquitination in Brain Development and Disease. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:epigenomes6040042. [PMID: 36547251 PMCID: PMC9778336 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6040042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
During mammalian neurodevelopment, signaling pathways converge upon transcription factors (TFs) to establish appropriate gene expression programmes leading to the production of distinct neural and glial cell types. This process is partially regulated by the dynamic modulation of chromatin states by epigenetic systems, including the polycomb group (PcG) family of co-repressors. PcG proteins form multi-subunit assemblies that sub-divide into distinct, yet functionally related families. Polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2 (PRC1 and 2) modify the chemical properties of chromatin by covalently modifying histone tails via H2A ubiquitination (H2AK119ub1) and H3 methylation, respectively. In contrast to the PRCs, the Polycomb repressive deubiquitinase (PR-DUB) complex removes H2AK119ub1 from chromatin through the action of the C-terminal hydrolase BAP1. Genetic screening has identified several PcG mutations that are causally associated with a range of congenital neuropathologies associated with both localised and/or systemic growth abnormalities. As PRC1 and PR-DUB hold opposing functions to control H2AK119ub1 levels across the genome, it is plausible that such neurodevelopmental disorders arise through a common mechanism. In this review, we will focus on advancements regarding the composition and opposing molecular functions of mammalian PRC1 and PR-DUB, and explore how their dysfunction contributes to the emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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19
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Sijm A, Atlasi Y, van der Knaap JA, Wolf van der Meer J, Chalkley GE, Bezstarosti K, Dekkers DHW, Doff WAS, Ozgur Z, van IJcken WFJ, Demmers JAA, Verrijzer CP. USP7 regulates the ncPRC1 Polycomb axis to stimulate genomic H2AK119ub1 deposition uncoupled from H3K27me3. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq7598. [PMID: 36332031 PMCID: PMC9635827 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq7598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) has been implicated in cancer progression and neurodevelopment. However, its molecular targets remain poorly characterized. We combined quantitative proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics to define the core USP7 network. Our multi-omics analysis reveals USP7 as a control hub that links genome regulation, tumor suppression, and histone H2A ubiquitylation (H2AK119ub1) by noncanonical Polycomb-repressive complexes (ncPRC1s). USP7 strongly stabilizes ncPRC1.6 and, to a lesser extent, ncPRC1.1. Moreover, USP7 represses expression of AUTS2, which suppresses H2A ubiquitylation by ncPRC1.3/5. Collectively, these USP7 activities promote the genomic deposition of H2AK119ub1 by ncPRC1, especially at transcriptionally repressed loci. Notably, USP7-dependent changes in H2AK119ub1 levels are uncoupled from H3K27me3. Even complete loss of the PRC1 catalytic core and H2AK119ub1 has only a limited effect on H3K27me3. Besides defining the USP7 regulome, our results reveal that H2AK119ub1 dosage is largely disconnected from H3K27me3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayestha Sijm
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Yaser Atlasi
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Jan A. van der Knaap
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Gillian E. Chalkley
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karel Bezstarosti
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Proteomics Center, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dick H. W. Dekkers
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Proteomics Center, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wouter A. S. Doff
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Proteomics Center, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Zeliha Ozgur
- Center for Biomics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Jeroen A. A. Demmers
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Proteomics Center, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - C. Peter Verrijzer
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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20
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Kim JJ, Kingston RE. Context-specific Polycomb mechanisms in development. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:680-695. [PMID: 35681061 PMCID: PMC9933872 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00499-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are crucial chromatin regulators that maintain repression of lineage-inappropriate genes and are therefore required for stable cell fate. Recent advances show that PcG proteins form distinct multi-protein complexes in various cellular environments, such as in early development, adult tissue maintenance and cancer. This surprising compositional diversity provides the basis for mechanistic diversity. Understanding this complexity deepens and refines the principles of PcG complex recruitment, target-gene repression and inheritance of memory. We review how the core molecular mechanism of Polycomb complexes operates in diverse developmental settings and propose that context-dependent changes in composition and mechanism are essential for proper epigenetic regulation in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongmin J. Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology and MGH Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert E. Kingston
- Department of Molecular Biology and MGH Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,
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21
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Scholl A, De S. Epigenetic Regulation by Polycomb Complexes from Drosophila to Human and Its Relation to Communicable Disease Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012285. [PMID: 36293135 PMCID: PMC9603650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although all cells in the human body are made of the same DNA, these cells undergo differentiation and behave differently during development, through integration of external and internal stimuli via 'specific mechanisms.' Epigenetics is one such mechanism that comprises DNA/RNA, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs that regulate transcription without changing the genetic code. The discovery of the first Polycomb mutant phenotype in Drosophila started the study of epigenetics more than 80 years ago. Since then, a considerable number of Polycomb Group (PcG) genes in Drosophila have been discovered to be preserved in mammals, including humans. PcG proteins exert their influence through gene repression by acting in complexes, modifying histones, and compacting the chromatin within the nucleus. In this article, we discuss how our knowledge of the PcG repression mechanism in Drosophila translates to human communicable disease research.
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22
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Abstract
The Polycomb system modulates chromatin structure to maintain gene repression during cell differentiation. Polycomb repression involves methylation of histone H3K27 (H3K27me3) by Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), monoubiquitylation of H2A (H2Aub1) by noncanonical PRC1 (ncPRC1), and chromatin compaction by canonical PRC1 (cPRC1), which is independent of its enzymatic activity. Puzzlingly, Polycomb repression also requires deubiquitylation of H2Aub1 by Polycomb repressive deubiquitinase (PR-DUB). In this issue of Genes & Development, Bonnet and colleagues (pp. 1046-1061) resolve this paradox by showing that high levels of H2Aub1 in Drosophila lacking PR-DUB activity promotes open chromatin and gene expression in spite of normal H3K27me3 levels and PRC binding. Pertinently, gene repression is restored by concomitant loss of PRC1 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity but depends on its chromatin compaction activity. These findings suggest that PR-DUB ensures just-right levels of H2Aub1 to allow chromatin compaction by cPRC1.
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23
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Bonnet J, Boichenko I, Kalb R, Le Jeune M, Maltseva S, Pieropan M, Finkl K, Fierz B, Müller J. PR-DUB preserves Polycomb repression by preventing excessive accumulation of H2Aub1, an antagonist of chromatin compaction. Genes Dev 2022; 36:1046-1061. [PMID: 36357125 PMCID: PMC9744231 DOI: 10.1101/gad.350014.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The Polycomb repressive complexes PRC1, PRC2, and PR-DUB repress target genes by modifying their chromatin. In Drosophila, PRC1 compacts chromatin and monoubiquitinates histone H2A at lysine 118 (H2Aub1), whereas PR-DUB is a major H2Aub1 deubiquitinase, but how H2Aub1 levels must be balanced for Polycomb repression remains unclear. We show that in early embryos, H2Aub1 is enriched at Polycomb target genes, where it facilitates H3K27me3 deposition by PRC2 to mark genes for repression. During subsequent stages of development, H2Aub1 becomes depleted from these genes and is no longer enriched when Polycomb maintains them repressed. Accordingly, Polycomb targets remain repressed in H2Aub1-deficient animals. In PR-DUB catalytic mutants, high levels of H2Aub1 accumulate at Polycomb target genes, and Polycomb repression breaks down. These high H2Aub1 levels do not diminish Polycomb protein complex binding or H3K27 trimethylation but increase DNA accessibility. We show that H2Aub1 interferes with nucleosome stacking and chromatin fiber folding in vitro. Consistent with this, Polycomb repression defects in PR-DUB mutants are exacerbated by reducing PRC1 chromatin compaction activity, but Polycomb repression is restored if PRC1 E3 ligase activity is removed. PR-DUB therefore acts as a rheostat that removes excessive H2Aub1 that, although deposited by PRC1, antagonizes PRC1-mediated chromatin compaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Bonnet
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Iulia Boichenko
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry of Macromolecules, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Kalb
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Mathilde Le Jeune
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry of Macromolecules, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Svetlana Maltseva
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Mattia Pieropan
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Katja Finkl
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Beat Fierz
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry of Macromolecules, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Müller
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
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24
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Millán-Zambrano G, Burton A, Bannister AJ, Schneider R. Histone post-translational modifications - cause and consequence of genome function. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:563-580. [PMID: 35338361 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00468-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 125.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Much has been learned since the early 1960s about histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) and how they affect DNA-templated processes at the molecular level. This understanding has been bolstered in the past decade by the identification of new types of histone PTM, the advent of new genome-wide mapping approaches and methods to deposit or remove PTMs in a locally and temporally controlled manner. Now, with the availability of vast amounts of data across various biological systems, the functional role of PTMs in important processes (such as transcription, recombination, replication, DNA repair and the modulation of genomic architecture) is slowly emerging. This Review explores the contribution of histone PTMs to the regulation of genome function by discussing when these modifications play a causative (or instructive) role in DNA-templated processes and when they are deposited as a consequence of such processes, to reinforce and record the event. Important advances in the field showing that histone PTMs can exert both direct and indirect effects on genome function are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Millán-Zambrano
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Adam Burton
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrew J Bannister
- Gurdon Institute and Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Robert Schneider
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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25
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Doyle EJ, Morey L, Conway E. Know when to fold 'em: Polycomb complexes in oncogenic 3D genome regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:986319. [PMID: 36105358 PMCID: PMC9464936 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.986319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin is spatially and temporally regulated through a series of orchestrated processes resulting in the formation of 3D chromatin structures such as topologically associating domains (TADs), loops and Polycomb Bodies. These structures are closely linked to transcriptional regulation, with loss of control of these processes a frequent feature of cancer and developmental syndromes. One such oncogenic disruption of the 3D genome is through recurrent dysregulation of Polycomb Group Complex (PcG) functions either through genetic mutations, amplification or deletion of genes that encode for PcG proteins. PcG complexes are evolutionarily conserved epigenetic complexes. They are key for early development and are essential transcriptional repressors. PcG complexes include PRC1, PRC2 and PR-DUB which are responsible for the control of the histone modifications H2AK119ub1 and H3K27me3. The spatial distribution of the complexes within the nuclear environment, and their associated modifications have profound effects on the regulation of gene transcription and the 3D genome. Nevertheless, how PcG complexes regulate 3D chromatin organization is still poorly understood. Here we glean insights into the role of PcG complexes in 3D genome regulation and compaction, how these processes go awry during tumorigenesis and the therapeutic implications that result from our insights into these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J. Doyle
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lluis Morey
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Human Genetics, Biomedical Research Building, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Eric Conway
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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26
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Oss-Ronen L, Sarusi T, Cohen I. Histone Mono-Ubiquitination in Transcriptional Regulation and Its Mark on Life: Emerging Roles in Tissue Development and Disease. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152404. [PMID: 35954248 PMCID: PMC9368181 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays an essential role in driving precise transcriptional programs during development and homeostasis. Among epigenetic mechanisms, histone mono-ubiquitination has emerged as an important post-transcriptional modification. Two major histone mono-ubiquitination events are the mono-ubiquitination of histone H2A at lysine 119 (H2AK119ub), placed by Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), and histone H2B lysine 120 mono-ubiquitination (H2BK120ub), placed by the heteromeric RNF20/RNF40 complex. Both of these events play fundamental roles in shaping the chromatin epigenetic landscape and cellular identity. In this review we summarize the current understandings of molecular concepts behind histone mono-ubiquitination, focusing on their recently identified roles in tissue development and pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Idan Cohen
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-8-6477593; Fax: +972-8-6477626
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27
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Liu X, Liu X. PRC2, Chromatin Regulation, and Human Disease: Insights From Molecular Structure and Function. Front Oncol 2022; 12:894585. [PMID: 35800061 PMCID: PMC9255955 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.894585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a multisubunit histone-modifying enzyme complex that mediates methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27). Trimethylated H3K27 (H3K27me3) is an epigenetic hallmark of gene silencing. PRC2 plays a crucial role in a plethora of fundamental biological processes, and PRC2 dysregulation has been repeatedly implicated in cancers and developmental disorders. Here, we review the current knowledge on mechanisms of cellular regulation of PRC2 function, particularly regarding H3K27 methylation and chromatin targeting. PRC2-related disease mechanisms are also discussed. The mode of action of PRC2 in gene regulation is summarized, which includes competition between H3K27 methylation and acetylation, crosstalk with transcription machinery, and formation of high-order chromatin structure. Recent progress in the structural biology of PRC2 is highlighted from the aspects of complex assembly, enzyme catalysis, and chromatin recruitment, which together provide valuable insights into PRC2 function in close-to-atomic detail. Future studies on the molecular function and structure of PRC2 in the context of native chromatin and in the presence of other regulators like RNAs will continue to deepen our understanding of the stability and plasticity of developmental transcriptional programs broadly impacted by PRC2.
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Sankar A, Mohammad F, Sundaramurthy AK, Wang H, Lerdrup M, Tatar T, Helin K. Histone editing elucidates the functional roles of H3K27 methylation and acetylation in mammals. Nat Genet 2022; 54:754-760. [PMID: 35668298 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01091-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Posttranslational modifications of histones (PTMs) are associated with specific chromatin and gene expression states1,2. Although studies in Drosophila melanogaster have revealed phenotypic associations between chromatin-modifying enzymes and their histone substrates, comparable studies in mammalian models do not exist3-5. Here, we use CRISPR base editing in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to address the regulatory role of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27), a substrate for Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-mediated methylation and CBP/EP300-mediated acetylation6,7. By generating pan-H3K27R (pK27R) mutant mESCs, where all 28 alleles of H3.1, H3.2 and H3.3 have been mutated, we demonstrate similarity in transcription patterns of genes and differentiation to PRC2-null mutants. Moreover, H3K27 acetylation is not essential for gene derepression linked to loss of H3K27 methylation, or de novo activation of genes during cell-fate transition to epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs). In conclusion, our results show that H3K27 is an essential substrate for PRC2 in mESCs, whereas other PTMs in addition to H3K27 acetylation are likely involved in mediating CBP/EP300 function. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of large-scale multicopy gene editing to interrogate histone PTM function in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Sankar
- Biotech Research Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Faizaan Mohammad
- Biotech Research Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arun Kumar Sundaramurthy
- Biotech Research Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hua Wang
- Cell Biology Program and Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mads Lerdrup
- Center for Chromosome Stability (CCS), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tulin Tatar
- Biotech Research Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, UK
| | - Kristian Helin
- Biotech Research Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Cell Biology Program and Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA. .,The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, UK.
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29
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Wang P, Guo K, Su Q, Deng J, Zhang X, Tu L. Histone ubiquitination controls organ size in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 110:1005-1020. [PMID: 35218092 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitination plays a vital role in modifying protein activity and destiny. Ub-conjugating enzyme E2 is one of the enzymes that participates in this precise process. There are at least 169 E2 proteins in the allotetraploid cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), but their function remains unknown. Here we identify an E2 gene GhUBC2L and show its positive role in cell proliferation and expansion. Complete knock-down of GhUBC2L in cotton resulted in retarded growth and reduced organ size. Conversely, overexpression of GhUBC2L promoted cotton growth, generating enlarged organs in size. Monoubiquitination of H2A and H2B was strongly impaired in GhUBC2L-suppressed cotton but slightly enhanced in GhUBC2L-overexpressed plant. GhUbox8, a U-box type E3 ligase protein, was found to interact with GhUBC2L both in vivo and in vitro, indicating their synergistical function in protein ubiquitination. Furthermore, GhUbox8 was shown to interact with a series of histone proteins, including histone H2A and H2B, indicating its potential monoubiquitination on H2A and H2B. Expression of genes relating to cell cycle and organ development were altered when the expression of GhUBC2L was changed. Our results show that GhUBC2L modulates histone monoubiquitination synergistically with GhUbox8 to regulate the expression of genes involved in organ development and cell cycle, thus controlling organ size in cotton. This research provides new insights into the role of protein ubiquitination in organ size control. Histone monoubiquitination plays an important role in plant development. Here, we identified an E2 enzyme GhUBC2L that modulates histone monoubiquitination synergistically with an E3 ligase GhUbox8 to mediate organ size control in cotton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Kai Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Qian Su
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Jinwu Deng
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xianlong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Lili Tu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
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30
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Melo GA, Calôba C, Brum G, Passos TO, Martinez GJ, Pereira RM. Epigenetic regulation of T cells by Polycomb group proteins. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 111:1253-1267. [DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2ri0122-039r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme A. Melo
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Carolina Calôba
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Gabrielle Brum
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Thaís O. Passos
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Gustavo J. Martinez
- Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Discipline of Microbiology and Immunology Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Renata M. Pereira
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
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31
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Levy S, Somasundaram L, Raj IX, Ic-Mex D, Phal A, Schmidt S, Ng WI, Mar D, Decarreau J, Moss N, Alghadeer A, Honkanen H, Sarthy J, Vitanza N, Hawkins RD, Mathieu J, Wang Y, Baker D, Bomsztyk K, Ruohola-Baker H. dCas9 fusion to computer-designed PRC2 inhibitor reveals functional TATA box in distal promoter region. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110457. [PMID: 35235780 PMCID: PMC8984963 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bifurcation of cellular fates, a critical process in development, requires histone 3 lysine 27 methylation (H3K27me3) marks propagated by the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). However, precise chromatin loci of functional H3K27me3 marks are not yet known. Here, we identify critical PRC2 functional sites at high resolution. We fused a computationally designed protein, EED binder (EB), which competes with EZH2 and thereby inhibits PRC2 function, to dCas9 (EBdCas9) to allow for PRC2 inhibition at a precise locus using gRNA. Targeting EBdCas9 to four different genes (TBX18, p16, CDX2, and GATA3) results in precise H3K27me3 and EZH2 reduction, gene activation, and functional outcomes in the cell cycle (p16) or trophoblast transdifferentiation (CDX2 and GATA3). In the case of TBX18, we identify a PRC2-controlled, functional TATA box >500 bp upstream of the TBX18 transcription start site (TSS) using EBdCas9. Deletion of this TATA box eliminates EBdCas9-dependent TATA binding protein (TBP) recruitment and transcriptional activation. EBdCas9 technology may provide a broadly applicable tool for epigenomic control of gene regulation. Levy et al. fused a computationally designed protein, EED binder (EB), which competes with EZH2 and thereby inhibits PRC2 function, to dCas9 (EBdCas9). EBdCas9 represses PRC2 action in precise loci, remodels epigenomic marks, exposes transcriptional elements, and induces transdifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiri Levy
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Logeshwaran Somasundaram
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Infencia Xavier Raj
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Diego Ic-Mex
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ashish Phal
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Sven Schmidt
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Weng I Ng
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Daniel Mar
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Justin Decarreau
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Nicholas Moss
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ammar Alghadeer
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, School of Dentistry, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Biomedical Dental Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, College of Dentistry, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Henrik Honkanen
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jay Sarthy
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Cancer and Blood Disorder Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Nicholas Vitanza
- The Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - R David Hawkins
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Julie Mathieu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yuliang Wang
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Karol Bomsztyk
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Hannele Ruohola-Baker
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, School of Dentistry, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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32
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Liaw GJ. Polycomb repressive complex 1 initiates and maintains tailless repression in Drosophila embryo. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194786. [PMID: 35032681 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Maternally-deposited morphogens specify the fates of embryonic cells via hierarchically regulating the expression of zygotic genes that encode various classes of developmental regulators. Once the cell fates are determined, Polycomb-group proteins frequently maintain the repressed state of the genes. This study investigates how Polycomb-group proteins repress the expression of tailless, which encodes a developmental regulator in Drosophila embryo. Previous studies have shown that maternal Tramtrack69 facilitates maternal GAGA-binding factor and Heat shock factor binding to the torso response element (tor-RE) to initiate tailless repression in the stage-4 embryo. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation and genetic-interaction studies exhibit that maternally-deposited Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) recruited by the tor-RE-associated Tramtrack69 represses tailless expression in the stage-4 embryo. A noncanonical Polycomb-group response element (PRE) is mapped to the tailless proximal region. High levels of Bric-a-brac, Tramtrack, and Broad (BTB)-domain proteins are fundamental for maintaining tailless repression in the stage-8 to -10 embryos. Trmtrack69 sporadically distributes in the linear BTB-domain oligomer, which recruits and retains a high level of PRC1 near the GCCAT cluster for repressing tll expression in the stage-14 embryos. Disrupting the retention of PRC1 decreases the levels of PRC1 and Pleiohomeotic protein substantially on the PRE and causes tailless derepression in the stage-14 embryo. Furthermore, the retained PRC1 potentially serves as a second foundation for assembling the well-characterized polymer of the Sterile alpha motif domain in Polyhomeotic protein, which compacts chromatin to maintain the repressed state of tailless in the embryos after stage 14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwo-Jen Liaw
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genomic Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Yangming Campus, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 112, Taiwan.
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33
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Allen JM, Balagtas M, Barajas E, Cano Macip C, Alvarez Zepeda S, Iberkleid I, Duncan EM, Zayas RM. RNAi Screen of RING/U-Box Domain Ubiquitin Ligases Identifies Critical Regulators of Tissue Regeneration in Planarians. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:803419. [PMID: 35127720 PMCID: PMC8807557 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.803419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative processes depend on the interpretation of signals to coordinate cell behaviors. The role of ubiquitin-mediated signaling is known to be important in many cellular and biological contexts, but its role in regeneration is not well understood. To investigate how ubiquitylation impacts tissue regeneration in vivo, we are studying planarians that are capable of regenerating after nearly any injury using a population of stem cells. Here we used RNAi to screen RING/U-box E3 ubiquitin ligases that are highly expressed in planarian stem cells and stem cell progeny. RNAi screening identified nine genes with functions in regeneration, including the spliceosomal factor prpf19 and histone modifier rnf2; based on their known roles in developmental processes, we further investigated these two genes. We found that prpf19 was required for animal survival but not for stem cell maintenance, suggesting a role in promoting cell differentiation. Because RNF2 is the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1), we also examined other putative members of this complex (CBX and PHC). We observed a striking phenotype of regional tissue misspecification in cbx and phc RNAi planarians. To identify genes regulated by PRC1, we performed RNA-seq after knocking down rnf2 or phc. Although these proteins are predicted to function in the same complex, we found that the set of genes differentially expressed in rnf2 versus phc RNAi were largely non-overlapping. Using in situ hybridization, we showed that rnf2 regulates gene expression levels within a tissue type, whereas phc is necessary for the spatial restriction of gene expression, findings consistent with their respective in vivo phenotypes. This work not only uncovered roles for RING/U-box E3 ligases in stem cell regulation and regeneration, but also identified differential gene targets for two putative PRC1 factors required for maintaining cell-type-specific gene expression in planarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Allen
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
- Deparment of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Madison Balagtas
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Barajas
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Carolina Cano Macip
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Ionit Iberkleid
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth M Duncan
- Deparment of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Ricardo M Zayas
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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Baile F, Gómez-Zambrano Á, Calonje M. Roles of Polycomb complexes in regulating gene expression and chromatin structure in plants. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 3:100267. [PMID: 35059633 PMCID: PMC8760139 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2021.100267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved Polycomb Group (PcG) repressive system comprises two central protein complexes, PcG repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and PRC2. These complexes, through the incorporation of histone modifications on chromatin, have an essential role in the normal development of eukaryotes. In recent years, a significant effort has been made to characterize these complexes in the different kingdoms, and despite there being remarkable functional and mechanistic conservation, some key molecular principles have diverged. In this review, we discuss current views on the function of plant PcG complexes. We compare the composition of PcG complexes between animals and plants, highlight the role of recently identified plant PcG accessory proteins, and discuss newly revealed roles of known PcG partners. We also examine the mechanisms by which the repression is achieved and how these complexes are recruited to target genes. Finally, we consider the possible role of some plant PcG proteins in mediating local and long-range chromatin interactions and, thus, shaping chromatin 3D architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Baile
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis (IBVF-CSIC-US), Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Ángeles Gómez-Zambrano
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis (IBVF-CSIC-US), Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Myriam Calonje
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis (IBVF-CSIC-US), Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Seville, Spain
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35
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Blackledge NP, Klose RJ. The molecular principles of gene regulation by Polycomb repressive complexes. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:815-833. [PMID: 34400841 PMCID: PMC7612013 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Precise control of gene expression is fundamental to cell function and development. Although ultimately gene expression relies on DNA-binding transcription factors to guide the activity of the transcription machinery to genes, it has also become clear that chromatin and histone post-translational modification have fundamental roles in gene regulation. Polycomb repressive complexes represent a paradigm of chromatin-based gene regulation in animals. The Polycomb repressive system comprises two central protein complexes, Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and PRC2, which are essential for normal gene regulation and development. Our early understanding of Polycomb function relied on studies in simple model organisms, but more recently it has become apparent that this system has expanded and diverged in mammals. Detailed studies are now uncovering the molecular mechanisms that enable mammalian PRC1 and PRC2 to identify their target sites in the genome, communicate through feedback mechanisms to create Polycomb chromatin domains and control transcription to regulate gene expression. In this Review, we discuss and contextualize the emerging principles that define how this fascinating chromatin-based system regulates gene expression in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert J Klose
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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36
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Sanchez A, Lee D, Kim DI, Miller KM. Making Connections: Integrative Signaling Mechanisms Coordinate DNA Break Repair in Chromatin. Front Genet 2021; 12:747734. [PMID: 34659365 PMCID: PMC8514019 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.747734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are hazardous to genome integrity and can promote mutations and disease if not handled correctly. Cells respond to these dangers by engaging DNA damage response (DDR) pathways that are able to identify DNA breaks within chromatin leading ultimately to their repair. The recognition and repair of DSBs by the DDR is largely dependent on the ability of DNA damage sensing factors to bind to and interact with nucleic acids, nucleosomes and their modified forms to target these activities to the break site. These contacts orientate and localize factors to lesions within chromatin, allowing signaling and faithful repair of the break to occur. Coordinating these events requires the integration of several signaling and binding events. Studies are revealing an enormously complex array of interactions that contribute to DNA lesion recognition and repair including binding events on DNA, as well as RNA, RNA:DNA hybrids, nucleosomes, histone and non-histone protein post-translational modifications and protein-protein interactions. Here we examine several DDR pathways that highlight and provide prime examples of these emerging concepts. A combination of approaches including genetic, cellular, and structural biology have begun to reveal new insights into the molecular interactions that govern the DDR within chromatin. While many questions remain, a clearer picture has started to emerge for how DNA-templated processes including transcription, replication and DSB repair are coordinated. Multivalent interactions with several biomolecules serve as key signals to recruit and orientate proteins at DNA lesions, which is essential to integrate signaling events and coordinate the DDR within the milieu of the nucleus where competing genome functions take place. Genome architecture, chromatin structure and phase separation have emerged as additional vital regulatory mechanisms that also influence genome integrity pathways including DSB repair. Collectively, recent advancements in the field have not only provided a deeper understanding of these fundamental processes that maintain genome integrity and cellular homeostasis but have also started to identify new strategies to target deficiencies in these pathways that are prevalent in human diseases including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Sanchez
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.,Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Doohyung Lee
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.,Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Dae In Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.,Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Kyle M Miller
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.,Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.,Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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37
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Liu S, Trejo-Arellano MS, Qiu Y, Eklund DM, Köhler C, Hennig L. H2A ubiquitination is essential for Polycomb Repressive Complex 1-mediated gene regulation in Marchantia polymorpha. Genome Biol 2021; 22:253. [PMID: 34465381 PMCID: PMC8408974 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02476-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and PRC2 are chromatin regulators maintaining transcriptional repression. The deposition of H3 lysine 27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3) by PRC2 is known to be required for transcriptional repression, whereas the contribution of H2A ubiquitination (H2Aub) in the Polycomb repressive system remains unclear in plants. RESULTS We directly test the requirement of H2Aub for gene regulation in Marchantia polymorpha by generating point mutations in H2A that prevent ubiquitination by PRC1. These mutants show reduced H3K27me3 levels on the same target sites as mutants defective in PRC1 subunits MpBMI1 and the homolog MpBMI1L, revealing that PRC1-catalyzed H2Aub is essential for Polycomb system function. Furthermore, by comparing transcriptome data between mutants in MpH2A and MpBMI1/1L, we demonstrate that H2Aub contributes to the PRC1-mediated transcriptional level of genes and transposable elements. CONCLUSION Together, our data demonstrates that H2Aub plays a direct role in H3K27me3 deposition and is required for PRC1-mediated transcriptional changes in both genes and transposable elements in Marchantia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Liu
- Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Minerva S Trejo-Arellano
- Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
- Present address: Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Yichun Qiu
- Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - D Magnus Eklund
- Department of Plant Ecology and Evolution, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Claudia Köhler
- Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
| | - Lars Hennig
- Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
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38
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Oss-Ronen L, Cohen I. Epigenetic regulation and signalling pathways in Merkel cell development. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:1051-1064. [PMID: 34152646 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cells are specialized epithelial cells connected to afferent nerve endings responsible for light-touch sensations, formed at specific locations in touch-sensitive regions of the mammalian skin. Although Merkel cells are descendants of the epidermal lineage, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for the development of these unique mechanosensory cells. Recent studies have highlighted that the Polycomb group (PcG) of proteins play a significant role in spatiotemporal regulation of Merkel cell formation. In addition, several of the major signalling pathways involved in skin development have been shown to regulate Merkel cell development as well. Here, we summarize the current understandings of the role of developmental regulators in Merkel cell formation, including the interplay between the epigenetic machinery and key signalling pathways, and the lineage-specific transcription factors involved in the regulation of Merkel cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Oss-Ronen
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Idan Cohen
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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39
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Luo X, Schoch K, Jangam SV, Bhavana VH, Graves HK, Kansagra S, Jasien JM, Stong N, Keren B, Mignot C, Ravelli C, Bellen HJ, Wangler MF, Shashi V, Yamamoto S. Rare deleterious de novo missense variants in Rnf2/Ring2 are associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder with unique clinical features. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1283-1292. [PMID: 33864376 PMCID: PMC8255132 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb group (PcG) gene RNF2 (RING2) encodes a catalytic subunit of the Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), an evolutionarily conserved machinery that post-translationally modifies chromatin to maintain epigenetic transcriptional repressive states of target genes including Hox genes. Here, we describe two individuals, each with rare de novo missense variants in RNF2. Their phenotypes include intrauterine growth retardation, severe intellectual disabilities, behavioral problems, seizures, feeding difficulties and dysmorphic features. Population genomics data suggest that RNF2 is highly constrained for loss-of-function (LoF) and missense variants, and both p.R70H and p.S82R variants have not been reported to date. Structural analyses of the two alleles indicate that these changes likely impact the interaction between RNF2 and BMI1, another PRC1 subunit or its substrate Histone H2A, respectively. Finally, we provide functional data in Drosophila that these two missense variants behave as LoF alleles in vivo. The evidence provide support for deleterious alleles in RNF2 being associated with a new and recognizable genetic disorder. This tentative gene-disease association in addition to the 12 previously identified disorders caused by PcG genes attests to the importance of these chromatin regulators in Mendelian disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Luo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kelly Schoch
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sharayu V Jangam
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Venkata Hemanjani Bhavana
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hillary K Graves
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sujay Kansagra
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joan M Jasien
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Nicholas Stong
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Boris Keren
- Département de Génétique, Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, Paris 75013, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris 75006, France
| | - Cyril Mignot
- Sorbonne Université, Paris 75006, France
- APHP, Sorbonne Université, Département de Génétique et Centre de Référence Déficiences Intellectuelles de Causes Rares, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière et Hôpital Trousseau, Paris 75013, France
| | - Claudia Ravelli
- Sorbonne Université, Paris 75006, France
- Département de Neuropédiatrie, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, APHP, Paris 75012, France
| | | | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vandana Shashi
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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40
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Bacheva AV, Gotmanova NN, Belogurov AA, Kudriaeva AA. Control of Genome through Variative Nature of Histone-Modifying Ubiquitin Ligases. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:S71-S95. [PMID: 33827401 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921140066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Covalent attachment of ubiquitin residue is not only the proteasomal degradation signal, but also a widespread posttranslational modification of cellular proteins in eukaryotes. One of the most important targets of the regulatory ubiquitination are histones. Localization of ubiquitin residue in different regions of the nucleosome attracts a strictly determined set of cellular factors with varied functionality. Depending on the type of histone and the particular lysine residue undergoing modification, histone ubiquitination can lead both to transcription activation and to gene repression, as well as contribute to DNA repair via different mechanisms. An extremely interesting feature of the family of RING E3 ubiquitin ligases catalyzing histone ubiquitination is the striking structural diversity of the domains providing high specificity of modification very similar initial targets. It is obvious that further elucidation of peculiarities of the ubiquitination system involved in histone modification, as well as understanding of physiological role of this process in the maintenance of homeostasis of both single cells and the entire organism, will substantially expand the possibilities of treating a number of socially significant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Bacheva
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | | | - Alexey A Belogurov
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.,Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Anna A Kudriaeva
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
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41
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Abstract
Nucleosomes wrap DNA and impede access for the machinery of transcription. The core histones that constitute nucleosomes are subject to a diversity of posttranslational modifications, or marks, that impact the transcription of genes. Their functions have sometimes been difficult to infer because the enzymes that write and read them are complex, multifunctional proteins. Here, we examine the evidence for the functions of marks and argue that the major marks perform a fairly small number of roles in either promoting transcription or preventing it. Acetylations and phosphorylations on the histone core disrupt histone-DNA contacts and/or destabilize nucleosomes to promote transcription. Ubiquitylations stimulate methylations that provide a scaffold for either the formation of silencing complexes or resistance to those complexes, and carry a memory of the transcriptional state. Tail phosphorylations deconstruct silencing complexes in particular contexts. We speculate that these fairly simple roles form the basis of transcriptional regulation by histone marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Talbert
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA;
| | - Steven Henikoff
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA;
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42
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Piunti A, Shilatifard A. The roles of Polycomb repressive complexes in mammalian development and cancer. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:326-345. [PMID: 33723438 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00341-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
More than 80 years ago, the first Polycomb-related phenotype was identified in Drosophila melanogaster. Later, a group of diverse genes collectively called Polycomb group (PcG) genes were identified based on common mutant phenotypes. PcG proteins, which are well-conserved in animals, were originally characterized as negative regulators of gene transcription during development and subsequently shown to function in various biological processes; their deregulation is associated with diverse phenotypes in development and in disease, especially cancer. PcG proteins function on chromatin and can form two distinct complexes with different enzymatic activities: Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) is a histone ubiquitin ligase and PRC2 is a histone methyltransferase. Recent studies have revealed the existence of various mutually exclusive PRC1 and PRC2 variants. In this Review, we discuss new concepts concerning the biochemical and molecular functions of these new PcG complex variants, and how their epigenetic activities are involved in mammalian development and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Piunti
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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43
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Regadas I, Dahlberg O, Vaid R, Ho O, Belikov S, Dixit G, Deindl S, Wen J, Mannervik M. A unique histone 3 lysine 14 chromatin signature underlies tissue-specific gene regulation. Mol Cell 2021; 81:1766-1780.e10. [PMID: 33631105 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Organismal development and cell differentiation critically depend on chromatin state transitions. However, certain developmentally regulated genes lack histone 3 lysine 9 and 27 acetylation (H3K9ac and H3K27ac, respectively) and histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation, histone modifications common to most active genes. Here we describe a chromatin state featuring unique histone 3 lysine 14 acetylation (H3K14ac) peaks in key tissue-specific genes in Drosophila and human cells. Replacing H3K14 in Drosophila demonstrates that H3K14 is essential for expression of genes devoid of canonical histone modifications in the embryonic gut and larval wing imaginal disc, causing lethality and defective wing patterning. We find that the SWI/SNF protein Brahma (Brm) recognizes H3K14ac, that brm acts in the same genetic pathway as H3K14R, and that chromatin accessibility at H3K14ac-unique genes is decreased in H3K14R mutants. Our results show that acetylation of a single lysine is essential at genes devoid of canonical histone marks and uncover an important requirement for H3K14 in tissue-specific gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Regadas
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olle Dahlberg
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roshan Vaid
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oanh Ho
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75237, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sergey Belikov
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunjan Dixit
- Department of Genome Sciences, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Sebastian Deindl
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75237, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jiayu Wen
- Department of Genome Sciences, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.
| | - Mattias Mannervik
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
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44
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Pyziak K, Sroka-Porada A, Rzymski T, Dulak J, Łoboda A. Potential of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitors for the treatment of SWI/SNF mutant cancers and tumor microenvironment modulation. Drug Dev Res 2021; 82:730-753. [PMID: 33565092 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a catalytic component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is commonly overexpressed or mutated in many cancer types, both of hematological and solid nature. Till now, plenty of EZH2 small molecule inhibitors have been developed and some of them have already been tested in clinical trials. Most of these inhibitors, however, are effective only in limited cases in the context of EZH2 gain-of-function mutated tumors such as lymphomas. Other cancer types with aberrant EZH2 expression and function require alternative approaches for successful treatment. One possibility is to exploit synthetic lethal strategy, which is based on the phenomenon that concurrent loss of two genes is detrimental but the deletion of either of them leaves cell viable. In the context of EZH2/PRC2, the most promising synthetic lethal target seems to be SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable chromatin remodeling complex (SWI/SNF), which is known to counteract PRC2 functions. SWI/SNF is heavily involved in carcinogenesis and its subunits have been found mutated in approximately 20% of tumors of different kinds. In the current review, we summarize the existing knowledge of synthetic lethal relationships between EZH2/PRC2 and components of the SWI/SNF complex and discuss in detail the potential application of existing EZH2 inhibitors in cancer patients harboring mutations in SWI/SNF proteins. We also highlight recent discoveries of EZH2 involvement in tumor microenvironment regulation and consequences for future therapies. Although clinical studies are limited, the fundamental research might help to understand which patients are most likely to benefit from therapies using EZH2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pyziak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,Biology R&D, Ryvu Therapeutics S.A., Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Łoboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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45
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Roles and mechanisms of BAP1 deubiquitinase in tumor suppression. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:606-625. [PMID: 33462414 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00709-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The BAP1 gene has emerged as a major tumor suppressor mutated with various frequencies in numerous human malignancies, including uveal melanoma, malignant pleural mesothelioma, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and thymic epithelial tumors. BAP1 mutations are also observed at low frequency in other malignancies including breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and bladder cancers. BAP1 germline mutations are associated with high incidence of mesothelioma, uveal melanoma, and other cancers, defining the "BAP1 cancer syndrome." Interestingly, germline BAP1 mutations constitute an important paradigm for gene-environment interactions, as loss of BAP1 predisposes to carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis. Inactivating mutations of BAP1 are also identified in sporadic cancers, denoting the importance of this gene for normal tissue homeostasis and tumor suppression, although some oncogenic properties have also been attributed to BAP1. BAP1 belongs to the deubiquitinase superfamily of enzymes, which are responsible for the maturation and turnover of ubiquitin as well as the reversal of substrate ubiquitination, thus regulating ubiquitin signaling. BAP1 is predominantly nuclear and interacts with several chromatin-associated factors, assembling multi-protein complexes with mutually exclusive partners. BAP1 exerts its function through highly regulated deubiquitination of its substrates. As such, BAP1 orchestrates chromatin-associated processes including gene expression, DNA replication, and DNA repair. BAP1 also exerts cytoplasmic functions, notably in regulating Ca2+ signaling at the endoplasmic reticulum. This DUB is also subjected to multiple post-translational modifications, notably phosphorylation and ubiquitination, indicating that several signaling pathways tightly regulate its function. Recent progress indicated that BAP1 plays essential roles in multiple cellular processes including cell proliferation and differentiation, cell metabolism, as well as cell survival and death. In this review, we summarize the biological and molecular functions of BAP1 and explain how the inactivation of this DUB might cause human cancers. We also highlight some of the unresolved questions and suggest potential new directions.
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46
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Xu J, Zhao X, Mao F, Basrur V, Ueberheide B, Chait BT, Allis CD, Taverna SD, Gao S, Wang W, Liu Y. A Polycomb repressive complex is required for RNAi-mediated heterochromatin formation and dynamic distribution of nuclear bodies. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5407-5425. [PMID: 33412588 PMCID: PMC8191774 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are widely utilized for transcriptional repression in eukaryotes. Here, we characterize, in the protist Tetrahymena thermophila, the EZL1 (E(z)-like 1) complex, with components conserved in metazoan Polycomb Repressive Complexes 1 and 2 (PRC1 and PRC2). The EZL1 complex is required for histone H3 K27 and K9 methylation, heterochromatin formation, transposable element control, and programmed genome rearrangement. The EZL1 complex interacts with EMA1, a helicase required for RNA interference (RNAi). This interaction is implicated in co-transcriptional recruitment of the EZL1 complex. Binding of H3K27 and H3K9 methylation by PDD1-another PcG protein interacting with the EZL1 complex-reinforces its chromatin association. The EZL1 complex is an integral part of Polycomb bodies, which exhibit dynamic distribution in Tetrahymena development: Their dispersion is driven by chromatin association, while their coalescence by PDD1, likely via phase separation. Our results provide a molecular mechanism connecting RNAi and Polycomb repression, which coordinately regulate nuclear bodies and reorganize the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fengbiao Mao
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Venkatesha Basrur
- Proteomics Resource Facility, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Beatrix Ueberheide
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Brian T Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - C David Allis
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sean D Taverna
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences and the Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shan Gao
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Shan Gao.
| | - Wei Wang
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Wei Wang.
| | - Yifan Liu
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 323 865 3852;
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47
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Reevaluating the roles of histone-modifying enzymes and their associated chromatin modifications in transcriptional regulation. Nat Genet 2020; 52:1271-1281. [PMID: 33257899 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-020-00736-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Histone-modifying enzymes are implicated in the control of diverse DNA-templated processes including gene expression. Here, we outline historical and current thinking regarding the functions of histone modifications and their associated enzymes. One current viewpoint, based largely on correlative evidence, posits that histone modifications are instructive for transcriptional regulation and represent an epigenetic 'code'. Recent studies have challenged this model and suggest that histone marks previously associated with active genes do not directly cause transcriptional activation. Additionally, many histone-modifying proteins possess non-catalytic functions that overshadow their enzymatic activities. Given that much remains unknown regarding the functions of these proteins, the field should be cautious in interpreting loss-of-function phenotypes and must consider both cellular and developmental context. In this Perspective, we focus on recent progress relating to the catalytic and non-catalytic functions of the Trithorax-COMPASS complexes, Polycomb repressive complexes and Clr4/Suv39 histone-modifying machineries.
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Polycomb group-mediated histone H2A monoubiquitination in epigenome regulation and nuclear processes. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5947. [PMID: 33230107 PMCID: PMC7683540 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone posttranslational modifications are key regulators of chromatin-associated processes including gene expression, DNA replication and DNA repair. Monoubiquitinated histone H2A, H2Aub (K118 in Drosophila or K119 in vertebrates) is catalyzed by the Polycomb group (PcG) repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and reversed by the PcG-repressive deubiquitinase (PR-DUB)/BAP1 complex. Here we critically assess the current knowledge regarding H2Aub deposition and removal, its crosstalk with PcG repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-mediated histone H3K27 methylation, and the recent attempts toward discovering its readers and solving its enigmatic functions. We also discuss mounting evidence of the involvement of H2A ubiquitination in human pathologies including cancer, while highlighting some knowledge gaps that remain to be addressed. Histone H2A monoubiquitination on lysine 119 in vertebrate and lysine 118 in Drosophila (H2Aub) is an epigenomic mark usually associated with gene repression by Polycomb group factors. Here the authors review the current knowledge on the deposition and removal of H2Aub, its function in transcription and other DNA-associated processes as well as its relevance to human disease.
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Geng Z, Gao Z. Mammalian PRC1 Complexes: Compositional Complexity and Diverse Molecular Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8594. [PMID: 33202645 PMCID: PMC7697839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) proteins function as vital epigenetic regulators in various biological processes, including pluripotency, development, and carcinogenesis. PcG proteins form multicomponent complexes, and two major types of protein complexes have been identified in mammals to date, Polycomb Repressive Complexes 1 and 2 (PRC1 and PRC2). The PRC1 complexes are composed in a hierarchical manner in which the catalytic core, RING1A/B, exclusively interacts with one of six Polycomb group RING finger (PCGF) proteins. This association with specific PCGF proteins allows for PRC1 to be subdivided into six distinct groups, each with their own unique modes of action arising from the distinct set of associated proteins. Historically, PRC1 was considered to be a transcription repressor that deposited monoubiquitylation of histone H2A at lysine 119 (H2AK119ub1) and compacted local chromatin. More recently, there is increasing evidence that demonstrates the transcription activation role of PRC1. Moreover, studies on the higher-order chromatin structure have revealed a new function for PRC1 in mediating long-range interactions. This provides a different perspective regarding both the transcription activation and repression characteristics of PRC1. This review summarizes new advancements regarding the composition of mammalian PRC1 and accompanying explanations of how diverse PRC1-associated proteins participate in distinct transcription regulation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangzhuang Geng
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Zhonghua Gao
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- The Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Program, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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Seif E, Kang JJ, Sasseville C, Senkovich O, Kaltashov A, Boulier EL, Kapur I, Kim CA, Francis NJ. Phase separation by the polyhomeotic sterile alpha motif compartmentalizes Polycomb Group proteins and enhances their activity. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5609. [PMID: 33154383 PMCID: PMC7644731 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19435-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins organize chromatin at multiple scales to regulate gene expression. A conserved Sterile Alpha Motif (SAM) in the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) subunit Polyhomeotic (Ph) has been shown to play an important role in chromatin compaction and large-scale chromatin organization. Ph SAM forms helical head to tail polymers, and SAM-SAM interactions between chromatin-bound Ph/PRC1 are believed to compact chromatin and mediate long-range interactions. To understand the underlying mechanism, here we analyze the effects of Ph SAM on chromatin in vitro. We find that incubation of chromatin or DNA with a truncated Ph protein containing the SAM results in formation of concentrated, phase-separated condensates. Ph SAM-dependent condensates can recruit PRC1 from extracts and enhance PRC1 ubiquitin ligase activity towards histone H2A. We show that overexpression of Ph with an intact SAM increases ubiquitylated H2A in cells. Thus, SAM-induced phase separation, in the context of Ph, can mediate large-scale compaction of chromatin into biochemical compartments that facilitate histone modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Seif
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Jin Joo Kang
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Charles Sasseville
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Olga Senkovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Midwestern University, 19555N. 59th St., Glendale, AZ, 85308, USA
| | - Alexander Kaltashov
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Elodie L Boulier
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Ibani Kapur
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Chongwoo A Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Midwestern University, 19555N. 59th St., Glendale, AZ, 85308, USA
| | - Nicole J Francis
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada.
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Département de biochimie et médecine moléculaire Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
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