1
|
Pinto TS, Feltran GDS, Fernandes CJDC, de Camargo Andrade AF, Coque ADC, Silva SL, Abuderman AA, Zambuzzi WF, Foganholi da Silva RA. Epigenetic changes in shear-stressed endothelial cells. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:665-681. [PMID: 38420868 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12138] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic changes, particularly histone compaction modifications, have emerged as critical regulators in the epigenetic pathway driving endothelial cell phenotype under constant exposure to laminar forces induced by blood flow. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms governing endothelial cell behavior in this context remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted in vitro experiments using human umbilical vein endothelial cells subjected to various tensional forces simulating pathophysiological blood flow shear stress conditions, ranging from normotensive to hypertensive forces. Our study uncovers a noteworthy observation wherein endothelial cells exposed to high shear stress demonstrate a decrease in the epigenetic marks H3K4ac and H3K27ac, accompanied by significant alterations in the levels of HDAC (histone deacetylase) proteins. Moreover, we demonstrate a negative regulatory effect of increased shear stress on HOXA13 gene expression and a concomitant increase in the expression of the long noncoding RNA, HOTTIP, suggesting a direct association with the suppression of HOXA13. Collectively, these findings represent the first evidence of the role of histone-related epigenetic modifications in modulating chromatin compaction during mechanosignaling of endothelial cells in response to elevated shear stress forces. Additionally, our results highlight the importance of understanding the physiological role of HOXA13 in vascular biology and hypertensive patients, emphasizing the potential for developing small molecules to modulate its activity. These findings warrant further preclinical investigations and open new avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting epigenetic mechanisms in hypertensive conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Silva Pinto
- Lab. of Bioassays and Cellular Dynamics, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Paulista State University-UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Geórgia da Silva Feltran
- Lab. of Bioassays and Cellular Dynamics, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Paulista State University-UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Célio Júnior da C Fernandes
- Lab. of Bioassays and Cellular Dynamics, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Paulista State University-UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Fantini de Camargo Andrade
- Lab. of Bioassays and Cellular Dynamics, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Paulista State University-UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alex de Camargo Coque
- Epigenetic Study Center and Gene Regulation-CEEpiRG, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone L Silva
- School of Dentistry, University of Taubaté, Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Abdulwahab A Abuderman
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Willian F Zambuzzi
- Lab. of Bioassays and Cellular Dynamics, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Paulista State University-UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A Foganholi da Silva
- Epigenetic Study Center and Gene Regulation-CEEpiRG, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- School of Dentistry, University of Taubaté, Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gökbuget D, Boileau RM, Lenshoek K, Blelloch R. MLL3/MLL4 enzymatic activity shapes DNA replication timing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.07.569680. [PMID: 38106216 PMCID: PMC10723431 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.07.569680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian genomes are replicated in a precise order during S phase, which is cell-type-specific1-3 and correlates with local transcriptional activity2,4-8, chromatin modifications9 and chromatin architecture1,10,11,12. However, the causal relationships between these features and the key regulators of DNA replication timing (RT) are largely unknown. Here, machine learning was applied to quantify chromatin features, including epigenetic marks, histone variants and chromatin architectural factors, best predicting local RT under steady-state and RT changes during early embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation. About one-third of genome exhibited RT changes during the differentiation. Combined, chromatin features predicted steady-state RT and RT changes with high accuracy. Of these features, histone H3 lysine 4 monomethylation (H3K4me1) catalyzed by MLL3/4 (also known as KMT2C/D) emerged as a top predictor. Loss of Mll3/4 (but not Mll3 alone) or their enzymatic activity resulted in erasure of genome-wide RT dynamics during ES cell differentiation. Sites that normally gain H3K4me1 in a MLL3/4-dependent fashion during the transition failed to transition towards earlier RT, often with transcriptional activation unaffected. Further analysis revealed a requirement for MLL3/4 in promoting DNA replication initiation zones through MCM2 recruitment, providing a direct link for its role in regulating RT. Our results uncover MLL3/4-dependent H3K4me1 as a functional regulator of RT and highlight a causal relationship between the epigenome and RT that is largely uncoupled from transcription. These findings uncover a previously unknown role for MLL3/4-dependent chromatin functions which is likely relevant to the numerous diseases associated with MLL3/4 mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Gökbuget
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ryan M. Boileau
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Present address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kayla Lenshoek
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Robert Blelloch
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hu X, Wang Y, Zhang X, Li C, Zhang X, Yang D, Liu Y, Li L. DNA methylation of HOX genes and its clinical implications in cancer. Exp Mol Pathol 2023; 134:104871. [PMID: 37696326 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2023.104871] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) genes encode highly conserved transcription factors that play vital roles in embryonic development. DNA methylation is a pivotal regulatory epigenetic signaling mark responsible for regulating gene expression. Abnormal DNA methylation is largely associated with the aberrant expression of HOX genes, which is implicated in a broad range of human diseases, including cancer. Numerous studies have clarified the mechanisms of DNA methylation in both physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we focus on how DNA methylation regulates HOX genes and briefly discuss drug development approaches targeting these mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China; Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhangqiu District People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan 250200, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Chensheng Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Xikun Zhang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250031, Shandong, China
| | - Dongxia Yang
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China
| | - Lianlian Li
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China; Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Amin HM, Szabo B, Abukhairan R, Zeke A, Kardos J, Schad E, Tantos A. In Vivo and In Vitro Characterization of the RNA Binding Capacity of SETD1A (KMT2F). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16032. [PMID: 38003223 PMCID: PMC10671326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216032] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
For several histone lysine methyltransferases (HKMTs), RNA binding has been already shown to be a functionally relevant feature, but detailed information on the RNA interactome of these proteins is not always known. Of the six human KMT2 proteins responsible for the methylation of the H3K4 residue, two-SETD1A and SETD1B-contain RNA recognition domains (RRMs). Here we investigated the RNA binding capacity of SETD1A and identified a broad range of interacting RNAs within HEK293T cells. Our analysis revealed that similar to yeast Set1, SETD1A is also capable of binding several coding and non-coding RNAs, including RNA species related to RNA processing. We also show direct RNA binding activity of the individual RRM domain in vitro, which is in contrast with the RRM domain found in yeast Set1. Structural modeling revealed important details on the possible RNA recognition mode of SETD1A and highlighted some fundamental differences between SETD1A and Set1, explaining the differences in the RNA binding capacity of their respective RRMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harem Muhamad Amin
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (H.M.A.); (B.S.); (R.A.); (E.S.)
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Beata Szabo
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (H.M.A.); (B.S.); (R.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Rawan Abukhairan
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (H.M.A.); (B.S.); (R.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Andras Zeke
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (H.M.A.); (B.S.); (R.A.); (E.S.)
| | - József Kardos
- ELTE NAP Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Eva Schad
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (H.M.A.); (B.S.); (R.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Agnes Tantos
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (H.M.A.); (B.S.); (R.A.); (E.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zeng C, Chen J, Cooke EW, Subuddhi A, Roodman ET, Chen FX, Cao K. Demethylase-independent roles of LSD1 in regulating enhancers and cell fate transition. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4944. [PMID: 37607921 PMCID: PMC10444793 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40606-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The major enhancer regulator lysine-specific histone demethylase 1A (LSD1) is required for mammalian embryogenesis and is implicated in human congenital diseases and multiple types of cancer; however, the underlying mechanisms remain enigmatic. Here, we dissect the role of LSD1 and its demethylase activity in gene regulation and cell fate transition. Surprisingly, the catalytic inactivation of LSD1 has a mild impact on gene expression and cellular differentiation whereas the loss of LSD1 protein de-represses enhancers globally and impairs cell fate transition. LSD1 deletion increases H3K27ac levels and P300 occupancy at LSD1-targeted enhancers. The gain of H3K27ac catalyzed by P300/CBP, not the loss of CoREST complex components from chromatin, contributes to the transcription de-repression of LSD1 targets and differentiation defects caused by LSD1 loss. Together, our study demonstrates a demethylase-independent role of LSD1 in regulating enhancers and cell fate transition, providing insight into treating diseases driven by LSD1 mutations and misregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Jiwei Chen
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Emmalee W Cooke
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Arijita Subuddhi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Eliana T Roodman
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Fei Xavier Chen
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaixiang Cao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao Z, Cao K, Watanabe J, Philips CN, Zeidner JM, Ishi Y, Wang Q, Gold SR, Junkins K, Bartom ET, Yue F, Chandel NS, Hashizume R, Ben-Sahra I, Shilatifard A. Therapeutic targeting of metabolic vulnerabilities in cancers with MLL3/4-COMPASS epigenetic regulator mutations. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e169993. [PMID: 37252797 PMCID: PMC10313365 DOI: 10.1172/jci169993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic status-altering mutations in chromatin-modifying enzymes are a feature of human diseases, including many cancers. However, the functional outcomes and cellular dependencies arising from these mutations remain unresolved. In this study, we investigated cellular dependencies, or vulnerabilities, that arise when enhancer function is compromised by loss of the frequently mutated COMPASS family members MLL3 and MLL4. CRISPR dropout screens in MLL3/4-depleted mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) revealed synthetic lethality upon suppression of purine and pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis pathways. Consistently, we observed a shift in metabolic activity toward increased purine synthesis in MLL3/4-KO mESCs. These cells also exhibited enhanced sensitivity to the purine synthesis inhibitor lometrexol, which induced a unique gene expression signature. RNA-Seq identified the top MLL3/4 target genes coinciding with suppression of purine metabolism, and tandem mass tag proteomic profiling further confirmed upregulation of purine synthesis in MLL3/4-KO cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that compensation by MLL1/COMPASS was underlying these effects. Finally, we demonstrated that tumors with MLL3 and/or MLL4 mutations were highly sensitive to lometrexol in vitro and in vivo, both in culture and in animal models of cancer. Our results depicted a targetable metabolic dependency arising from epigenetic factor deficiency, providing molecular insight to inform therapy for cancers with epigenetic alterations secondary to MLL3/4 COMPASS dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zibo Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics
| | - Kaixiang Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics
| | - Jun Watanabe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Robert H. Lurie NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Cassandra N. Philips
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics
| | - Jacob M. Zeidner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics
| | - Yukitomo Ishi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Robert H. Lurie NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Qixuan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics
| | - Sarah R. Gold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics
| | - Katherine Junkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics
| | - Elizabeth T. Bartom
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics
| | - Feng Yue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics
| | - Navdeep S. Chandel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics
- Robert H. Lurie NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rintaro Hashizume
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Robert H. Lurie NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Issam Ben-Sahra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hughes AL, Szczurek AT, Kelley JR, Lastuvkova A, Turberfield AH, Dimitrova E, Blackledge NP, Klose RJ. A CpG island-encoded mechanism protects genes from premature transcription termination. Nat Commun 2023; 14:726. [PMID: 36759609 PMCID: PMC9911701 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36236-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription must be tightly controlled to regulate gene expression and development. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that influence transcription and how these are coordinated in cells to ensure normal gene expression remains rudimentary. Here, by dissecting the function of the SET1 chromatin-modifying complexes that bind to CpG island-associated gene promoters, we discover that they play a specific and essential role in enabling the expression of low to moderately transcribed genes. Counterintuitively, this effect can occur independently of SET1 complex histone-modifying activity and instead relies on an interaction with the RNA Polymerase II-binding protein WDR82. Unexpectedly, we discover that SET1 complexes enable gene expression by antagonising premature transcription termination by the ZC3H4/WDR82 complex at CpG island-associated genes. In contrast, at extragenic sites of transcription, which typically lack CpG islands and SET1 complex occupancy, we show that the activity of ZC3H4/WDR82 is unopposed. Therefore, we reveal a gene regulatory mechanism whereby CpG islands are bound by a protein complex that specifically protects genic transcripts from premature termination, effectively distinguishing genic from extragenic transcription and enabling normal gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Anna Lastuvkova
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | - Robert J Klose
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mohibi S, Chen M, Chen X, Zhang J. Poly zinc finger protein ZFP14 suppresses lymphomagenesis and abnormal inflammatory response via the HOXA gene cluster. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166587. [PMID: 36349645 PMCID: PMC10907336 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Poly zinc finger proteins (ZFP) that contain a KRAB (Krüppel-associated box) domain represent the largest class of transcription factors in higher organisms, but their roles in development and pathogenesis are largely undefined. ZFP14 (also known as ZNF531) contains thirteen zinc fingers and is highly conserved across species. Notably, we found that ZFP14 is frequently down-regulated in a multitude of human cancers, which correlates with poor prognosis of patients. Since ZFP14 has never been characterized, we generated a Zfp14-deficient mouse model to investigate the role of ZFP14 in development and pathogenesis. We showed that the mice deficient in Zfp14 had a short lifespan and were prone to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), hyperplasia in multiple organs, systemic chronic inflammation, liver steatosis, and pancreatitis. Additionally, several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL18, and TNFα, were highly expressed in inflamed Zfp14-/- mice spleens, livers, kidneys and lungs. To determine the underlying mechanism, RNA-seq analysis was performed and showed that the loss of ZFP14 led to increased expression of inflammatory and tumor-promoting genes. Out of the various tumor-promoting genes upregulated by ZFP14 loss, the HOXA gene cluster, which is known to promote lymphomagenesis and conserved between mouse and human, is consistently induced by loss of ZFP14. Moreover, we showed that the HOXA gene expression was inversely correlated with that of ZFP14 in human cancer patients and higher HOXA1 expression was correlated with poor patient prognosis. Together, we postulate that ZFP14 suppresses lymphomagenesis and abnormal inflammatory response by maintaining proper expression of the HOXA gene cluster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shakur Mohibi
- Comparative Oncology Laboratory, Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America.
| | - Mingyi Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Xinbin Chen
- Comparative Oncology Laboratory, Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America.
| | - Jin Zhang
- Comparative Oncology Laboratory, Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Current challenges in understanding the role of enhancers in disease. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:1148-1158. [PMID: 36482255 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00896-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Enhancers play a central role in the spatiotemporal control of gene expression and tend to work in a cell-type-specific manner. In addition, they are suggested to be major contributors to phenotypic variation, evolution and disease. There is growing evidence that enhancer dysfunction due to genetic, structural or epigenetic mechanisms contributes to a broad range of human diseases referred to as enhanceropathies. Such mechanisms often underlie the susceptibility to common diseases, but can also play a direct causal role in cancer or Mendelian diseases. Despite the recent gain of insights into enhancer biology and function, we still have a limited ability to predict how enhancer dysfunction impacts gene expression. Here we discuss the major challenges that need to be overcome when studying the role of enhancers in disease etiology and highlight opportunities and directions for future studies, aiming to disentangle the molecular basis of enhanceropathies.
Collapse
|
10
|
Poreba E, Lesniewicz K, Durzynska J. Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (KMT2) complexes - a new perspective. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2022; 790:108443. [PMID: 36154872 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2022.108443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Histone H3 Lys4 (H3K4) methylation is catalyzed by the Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase 2 (KMT2) protein family, and its members are required for gene expression control. In vertebrates, the KMT2s function in large multisubunit complexes known as COMPASS or COMPASS-like complexes (COMplex of Proteins ASsociated with Set1). The activity of these complexes is critical for proper development, and mutation-induced defects in their functioning have frequently been found in human cancers. Moreover, inherited or de novo mutations in KMT2 genes are among the etiological factors in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Kabuki and Kleefstra syndromes. The canonical role of KMT2s is to catalyze H3K4 methylation, which results in a permissive chromatin environment that drives gene expression. However, current findings described in this review demonstrate that these enzymes can regulate processes that are not dependent on methylation: noncatalytic functions of KMT2s include DNA damage response, cell division, and metabolic activities. Moreover, these enzymes may also methylate non-histone substrates and play a methylation-dependent function in the DNA damage response. In this review, we present an overview of the new, noncanonical activities of KMT2 complexes in a variety of cellular processes. These discoveries may have crucial implications for understanding the functions of these methyltransferases in developmental processes, disease, and epigenome-targeting therapeutic strategies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Poreba
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Lesniewicz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Julia Durzynska
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pinglay S, Bulajić M, Rahe DP, Huang E, Brosh R, Mamrak NE, King BR, German S, Cadley JA, Rieber L, Easo N, Lionnet T, Mahony S, Maurano MT, Holt LJ, Mazzoni EO, Boeke JD. Synthetic regulatory reconstitution reveals principles of mammalian Hox cluster regulation. Science 2022; 377:eabk2820. [PMID: 35771912 PMCID: PMC9648154 DOI: 10.1126/science.abk2820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Precise Hox gene expression is crucial for embryonic patterning. Intra-Hox transcription factor binding and distal enhancer elements have emerged as the major regulatory modules controlling Hox gene expression. However, quantifying their relative contributions has remained elusive. Here, we introduce "synthetic regulatory reconstitution," a conceptual framework for studying gene regulation, and apply it to the HoxA cluster. We synthesized and delivered variant rat HoxA clusters (130 to 170 kilobases) to an ectopic location in the mouse genome. We found that a minimal HoxA cluster recapitulated correct patterns of chromatin remodeling and transcription in response to patterning signals, whereas the addition of distal enhancers was needed for full transcriptional output. Synthetic regulatory reconstitution could provide a generalizable strategy for deciphering the regulatory logic of gene expression in complex genomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudarshan Pinglay
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Milica Bulajić
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Dylan P. Rahe
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Emily Huang
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ran Brosh
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Nicholas E. Mamrak
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Benjamin R. King
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sergei German
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - John A. Cadley
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Lila Rieber
- Center for Eukaryotic Gene Regulation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Nicole Easo
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Timothée Lionnet
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Shaun Mahony
- Center for Eukaryotic Gene Regulation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Matthew T. Maurano
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Liam J. Holt
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | | | - Jef D. Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cui G, Xu Y, Cao S, Shi K. Inducing somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells is an important platform to study the mechanism of early embryonic development. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:70-85. [PMID: 35075695 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The early embryonic development starts with the totipotent zygote upon fertilization of differentiated sperm and egg, which undergoes a range of reprogramming and transformation to acquire pluripotency. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), a nonclonal technique to produce stem cells, are originated from differentiated somatic cells via accomplishment of cell reprogramming, which shares common reprogramming process with early embryonic development. iPSCs are attractive in recent years due to the potentially significant applications in disease modeling, potential value in genetic improvement of husbandry animal, regenerative medicine, and drug screening. This review focuses on introducing the research advance of both somatic cell reprogramming and early embryonic development, indicating that the mechanisms of iPSCs also shares common features with that of early embryonic development in several aspects, such as germ cell factors, DNA methylation, histone modification, and/or X chromosome inactivation. As iPSCs can successfully avoid ethical concerns that are naturally present in the embryos and/or embryonic stem cells, the practicality of somatic cell reprogramming (iPSCs) could provide an insightful platform to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the early embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guina Cui
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Yanwen Xu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Shuyuan Cao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Kerong Shi
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Su G, Wang W, Zhao X, Chen J, Zheng J, Liu M, Bi J, Guo D, Chen B, Zhao Z, Shi J, Zhang L, Lu W. Enhancer architecture-dependent multilayered transcriptional regulation orchestrates RA signaling-induced early lineage differentiation of ESCs. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:11575-11595. [PMID: 34723340 PMCID: PMC8599802 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling pathway-driven target gene transcription is critical for fate determination of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), but enhancer-dependent transcriptional regulation in these processes remains poorly understood. Here, we report enhancer architecture-dependent multilayered transcriptional regulation at the Halr1–Hoxa1 locus that orchestrates retinoic acid (RA) signaling-induced early lineage differentiation of ESCs. We show that both homeobox A1 (Hoxa1) and Hoxa adjacent long non-coding RNA 1 (Halr1) are identified as direct downstream targets of RA signaling and regulated by RARA/RXRA via RA response elements (RAREs). Chromosome conformation capture-based screens indicate that RA signaling promotes enhancer interactions essential for Hoxa1 and Halr1 expression and mesendoderm differentiation of ESCs. Furthermore, the results also show that HOXA1 promotes expression of Halr1 through binding to enhancer; conversely, loss of Halr1 enhances interaction between Hoxa1 chromatin and four distal enhancers but weakens interaction with chromatin inside the HoxA cluster, leading to RA signaling-induced Hoxa1 overactivation and enhanced endoderm differentiation. These findings reveal complex transcriptional regulation involving synergistic regulation by enhancers, transcription factors and lncRNA. This work provides new insight into intrinsic molecular mechanisms underlying ESC fate determination during RA signaling-induced early differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangsong Su
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China
| | - Wenbin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China
| | - Xueyuan Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China
| | - Jun Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China
| | - Jian Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China
| | - Man Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China
| | - Jinfang Bi
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China
| | - Dianhao Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China
| | - Bohan Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China
| | - Zhongfang Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China
| | - Jiandang Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China
| | - Wange Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin City, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Katakia YT, Thakkar NP, Thakar S, Sakhuja A, Goyal R, Sharma H, Dave R, Mandloi A, Basu S, Nigam I, Kuncharam BVR, Chowdhury S, Majumder S. Dynamic alterations of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 at ADAM17 and Jagged-1 gene promoters cause an inflammatory switch of endothelial cells. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:992-1012. [PMID: 34520565 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Histone protein modifications control the inflammatory state of many immune cells. However, how dynamic alteration in histone methylation causes endothelial inflammation and apoptosis is not clearly understood. To examine this, we explored two contrasting histone methylations; an activating histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and a repressive histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) in endothelial cells (EC) undergoing inflammation. Through computer-aided reconstruction and 3D printing of the human coronary artery, we developed a unique model where EC were exposed to a pattern of oscillatory/disturbed flow as similar to in vivo conditions. Upon induction of endothelial inflammation, we detected a significant rise in H3K4me3 caused by an increase in the expression of SET1/COMPASS family of H3K4 methyltransferases, including MLL1, MLL2, and SET1B. In contrast, EC undergoing inflammation exhibited truncated H3K27me3 level engendered by EZH2 cytosolic translocation through threonine 367 phosphorylation and an increase in the expression of histone demethylating enzyme JMJD3 and UTX. Additionally, many SET1/COMPASS family of proteins, including MLL1 (C), MLL2, and WDR5, were associated with either UTX or JMJD3 or both and such association was elevated in EC upon exposure to inflammatory stimuli. Dynamic enrichment of H3K4me3 and loss of H3K27me3 at Notch-associated gene promoters caused ADAM17 and Jagged-1 derepression and abrupt Notch activation. Conversely, either reducing H3K4me3 or increasing H3K27me3 in EC undergoing inflammation attenuated Notch activation, endothelial inflammation, and apoptosis. Together, these findings indicate that dynamic chromatin modifications may cause an inflammatory and apoptotic switch of EC and that epigenetic reprogramming can potentially improve outcomes in endothelial inflammation-associated cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yash T Katakia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Pilani, India
| | - Niyati P Thakkar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Pilani, India
| | - Sumukh Thakar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Pilani, India
| | - Ashima Sakhuja
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Pilani, India
| | - Raghav Goyal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Pilani, India
| | - Harshita Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Pilani, India
| | - Rakshita Dave
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Pilani, India
| | - Ayushi Mandloi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Pilani, India
| | - Sayan Basu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Pilani, India
| | - Ishan Nigam
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Pilani, India
| | - Bhanu V R Kuncharam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Pilani, India
| | - Shibasish Chowdhury
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Pilani, India
| | - Syamantak Majumder
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani Campus, Pilani, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zheng J, Su G, Wang W, Zhao X, Liu M, Bi J, Zhao Z, Shi J, Lu W, Zhang L. Two Enhancers Regulate HoxB Genes Expression During Retinoic Acid-Induced Early Embryonic Stem Cells Differentiation Through Long-Range Chromatin Interactions. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:683-695. [PMID: 34030475 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox B cluster (HoxB) genes play important roles in retinoic acid (RA)-induced early embryonic stem cells (ESCs) differentiation. Knowledge of regulation network of HoxB is important to further unveil the mechanism of ESCs differentiation. In this study, we identified two enhancers that were activated by RA treatment and 4C data showed long-range interactions between HoxB genes and the two enhancers. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated individual or compound deletion of the two enhancers significantly inhibits HoxB gene expression, and transcriptome analysis revealed that RA-induced early ESCs differentiation was blocked in the enhancer KO cells. We propose new mechanism by which two enhancers regulate HoxB gene expression by different regulation modes during RA-induced early ESCs differentiation through long-range chromatin interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangsong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenbin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueyuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Man Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinfang Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongfang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiandang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wange Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
The transcription factor code: a beacon for histone methyltransferase docking. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 31:792-800. [PMID: 34016504 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Histone methylation is required for the establishment and maintenance of gene expression patterns that determine cellular identity, and its perturbation often leads to aberrant development and disease. Recruitment of histone methyltransferases (HMTs) to gene regulatory elements (GREs) of developmental genes is important for the correct activation and silencing of these genes, but the drivers of this recruitment are largely unknown. Here we propose that lineage-instructive transcription factors (Lin-TFs) act as general recruiters of HMT complexes to cell type-specific GREs through protein-protein interactions. We also postulate that the specificity of these interactions is dictated by Lin-TF post-translational modifications (PTMs), which act as a 'transcription factor code' that can determine the directionality of cell fate decisions during differentiation and development.
Collapse
|
17
|
CTCF-binding element regulates ESC differentiation via orchestrating long-range chromatin interaction between enhancers and HoxA. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100413. [PMID: 33581110 PMCID: PMC7960549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper expression of Homeobox A cluster genes (HoxA) is essential for embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation and individual development. However, mechanisms controlling precise spatiotemporal expression of HoxA during early ESC differentiation remain poorly understood. Herein, we identified a functional CTCF-binding element (CBE+47) closest to the 3'-end of HoxA within the same topologically associated domain (TAD) in ESC. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion of CBE+47 significantly upregulated HoxA expression and enhanced early ESC differentiation induced by retinoic acid (RA) relative to wild-type cells. Mechanistic analysis by chromosome conformation capture assay (Capture-C) revealed that CBE+47 deletion decreased interactions between adjacent enhancers, enabling formation of a relatively loose enhancer-enhancer interaction complex (EEIC), which overall increased interactions between that EEIC and central regions of HoxA chromatin. These findings indicate that CBE+47 organizes chromatin interactions between its adjacent enhancers and HoxA. Furthermore, deletion of those adjacent enhancers synergistically inhibited HoxA activation, suggesting that these enhancers serve as an EEIC required for RA-induced HoxA activation. Collectively, these results provide new insight into RA-induced HoxA expression during early ESC differentiation, also highlight precise regulatory roles of the CTCF-binding element in orchestrating high-order chromatin structure.
Collapse
|
18
|
Hussain I, Deb P, Chini A, Obaid M, Bhan A, Ansari KI, Mishra BP, Bobzean SA, Udden SMN, Alluri PG, Das HK, Brothers RM, Perrotti LI, Mandal SS. HOXA5 Expression Is Elevated in Breast Cancer and Is Transcriptionally Regulated by Estradiol. Front Genet 2021; 11:592436. [PMID: 33384715 PMCID: PMC7770181 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.592436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HOXA5 is a homeobox-containing gene associated with the development of the lung, gastrointestinal tract, and vertebrae. Here, we investigate potential roles and the gene regulatory mechanism in HOXA5 in breast cancer cells. Our studies demonstrate that HOXA5 expression is elevated in breast cancer tissues and in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells. HOXA5 expression is critical for breast cancer cell viability. Biochemical studies show that estradiol (E2) regulates HOXA5 gene expression in cultured breast cancer cells in vitro. HOXA5 expression is also upregulated in vivo in the mammary tissues of ovariectomized female rats. E2-induced HOXA5 expression is coordinated by ERs. Knockdown of either ERα or ERβ downregulated E2-induced HOXA5 expression. Additionally, ER co-regulators, including CBP/p300 (histone acetylases) and MLL-histone methylases (MLL2, MLL3), histone acetylation-, and H3K4 trimethylation levels are enriched at the HOXA5 promoter in present E2. In summary, our studies demonstrate that HOXA5 is overexpressed in breast cancer and is transcriptionally regulated via estradiol in breast cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imran Hussain
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Paromita Deb
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Avisankar Chini
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Monira Obaid
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Arunoday Bhan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Khairul I Ansari
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Bibhu P Mishra
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Samara A Bobzean
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - S M Nashir Udden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Prasanna G Alluri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Hriday K Das
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Institute for Healthy Aging, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Robert Matthew Brothers
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Linda I Perrotti
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Subhrangsu S Mandal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
DOT1L-controlled cell-fate determination and transcription elongation are independent of H3K79 methylation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:27365-27373. [PMID: 33077595 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2001075117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Actively transcribed genes in mammals are decorated by H3K79 methylation, which is correlated with transcription levels and is catalyzed by the histone methyltransferase DOT1L. DOT1L is required for mammalian development, and the inhibition of its catalytic activity has been extensively studied for cancer therapy; however, the mechanisms underlying DOT1L's functions in normal development and cancer pathogenesis remain elusive. To dissect the relationship between H3K79 methylation, cellular differentiation, and transcription regulation, we systematically examined the role of DOT1L and its catalytic activity in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). DOT1L is dispensable for ESC self-renewal but is required for establishing the proper expression signature of neural progenitor cells, while catalytic inactivation of DOT1L has a lesser effect. Furthermore, DOT1L loss, rather than its catalytic inactivation, causes defects in glial cell specification. Although DOT1L loss by itself has no major defect in transcription elongation, transcription elongation defects seen with the super elongation complex inhibitor KL-2 are exacerbated in DOT1L knockout cells, but not in catalytically dead DOT1L cells, revealing a role of DOT1L in promoting productive transcription elongation that is independent of H3K79 methylation. Taken together, our study reveals a catalytic-independent role of DOT1L in modulating cell-fate determination and in transcriptional elongation control.
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
The Trithorax group (TrxG) of proteins is a large family of epigenetic regulators that form multiprotein complexes to counteract repressive developmental gene expression programmes established by the Polycomb group of proteins and to promote and maintain an active state of gene expression. Recent studies are providing new insights into how two crucial families of the TrxG - the COMPASS family of histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferases and the SWI/SNF family of chromatin remodelling complexes - regulate gene expression and developmental programmes, and how misregulation of their activities through genetic abnormalities leads to pathologies such as developmental disorders and malignancies.
Collapse
|
21
|
Sze CC, Ozark PA, Cao K, Ugarenko M, Das S, Wang L, Marshall SA, Rendleman EJ, Ryan CA, Zha D, Douillet D, Chen FX, Shilatifard A. Coordinated regulation of cellular identity-associated H3K4me3 breadth by the COMPASS family. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaaz4764. [PMID: 32637595 PMCID: PMC7314515 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz4764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Set1A and Set1B, two members of the COMPASS family of methyltransferases that methylate the histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) residue, have been accredited as primary depositors of global H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) in mammalian cells. Our previous studies in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) demonstrated that deleting the enzymatic SET domain of Set1A does not perturb bulk H3K4me3, indicating possible compensatory roles played by other COMPASS methyltransferases. Here, we generated a series of ESC lines harboring compounding mutations of COMPASS methyltransferases. We find that Set1B is functionally redundant to Set1A in implementing H3K4me3 at highly expressed genes, while Mll2 deposits H3K4me3 at less transcriptionally active promoters. While Set1A-B/COMPASS is responsible for broad H3K4me3 peaks, Mll2/COMPASS establishes H3K4me3 with narrow breadth. Additionally, Mll2 helps preserve global H3K4me3 levels and peak breadth in the absence of Set1A-B activity. Our results illustrate the biological flexibility of such enzymes in regulating transcription in a context-dependent manner to maintain stem cell identity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christie C. Sze
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Patrick A. Ozark
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kaixiang Cao
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Michal Ugarenko
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Siddhartha Das
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lu Wang
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Stacy A. Marshall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Emily J. Rendleman
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Caila A. Ryan
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Didi Zha
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Delphine Douillet
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Fei Xavier Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Robert H. Lurie NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Dong W, Kong M, Zhu Y, Shao Y, Wu D, Lu J, Guo J, Xu Y. Activation of TWIST Transcription by Chromatin Remodeling Protein BRG1 Contributes to Liver Fibrosis in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:340. [PMID: 32478075 PMCID: PMC7237740 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a complex pathophysiological process to which many different cell types contribute. Endothelial cells play versatile roles in the regulation of liver fibrosis. The underlying epigenetic mechanism is not fully appreciated. In the present study, we investigated the role of BRG1, a chromatin remodeling protein, in the modulation of endothelial cells in response to pro-fibrogenic stimuli in vitro and liver fibrosis in mice. We report that depletion of BRG1 by siRNA abrogated TGF-β or hypoxia induced down-regulation of endothelial marker genes and up-regulation of mesenchymal marker genes in cultured endothelial cells. Importantly, endothelial-specific BRG1 deletion attenuated CCl4 induced liver fibrosis in mice. BRG1 knockdown in vitro or BRG1 knockout in vivo was accompanied by the down-regulation of TWIST, a key regulator of endothelial phenotype. Mechanistically, BRG1 interacted with and was recruited to the TWIST promoter by HIF-1α to activate TWIST transcription. BRG1 silencing rendered a more repressive chromatin structure surrounding the TWIST promoter likely contributing to TWIST down-regulation. Inhibition of HIF-1α activity dampened liver fibrosis in mice. Similarly, pharmaceutical inhibition of TWIST alleviated liver fibrosis in mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that epigenetic activation of TWIST by BRG1 contributes to the modulation of endothelial phenotype and liver fibrosis. Therefore, targeting the HIF1α-BRG1-TWIST axis may yield novel therapeutic solutions to treat liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Shao
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research of the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Dongmei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology on Medical Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology on Medical Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Junli Guo
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research of the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ghasemi R, Struthers H, Wilson ER, Spencer DH. Contribution of CTCF binding to transcriptional activity at the HOXA locus in NPM1-mutant AML cells. Leukemia 2020; 35:404-416. [PMID: 32398790 PMCID: PMC7657955 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-020-0856-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation of the HOXA genes is thought to involve CTCF-mediated chromatin loops and the opposing actions of the COMPASS and Polycomb epigenetic complexes. We investigated the role of these mechanisms at the HOXA cluster in AML cells with the common NPM1c mutation, which express both HOXA and HOXB genes. CTCF binding at the HOXA locus is conserved across primary AML samples, regardless of HOXA gene expression, and defines a continuous chromatin domain marked by COMPASS-associated histone H3 trimethylation in NPM1-mutant primary AML samples. Profiling of the three-dimensional chromatin architecture in primary AML samples with the NPM1c mutation identified chromatin loops between the HOXA cluster and loci in the SNX10 and SKAP2 genes, and an intergenic region located 1.4 Mbp upstream of the HOXA locus. Deletion of CTCF binding sites in the NPM1-mutant OCI-AML3 AML cell line reduced multiple long-range interactions, but resulted in CTCF-independent loops with sequences in SKAP2 that were marked by enhancer-associated histone modifications in primary AML samples. HOXA gene expression was maintained in CTCF binding site mutants, indicating that transcriptional activity at the HOXA locus in NPM1-mutant AML cells may be sustained through persistent interactions with SKAP2 enhancers, or by intrinsic factors within the HOXA gene cluster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Ghasemi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Section of Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Heidi Struthers
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Section of Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Elisabeth R Wilson
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Section of Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David H Spencer
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Section of Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. .,McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Uncoupling histone H3K4 trimethylation from developmental gene expression via an equilibrium of COMPASS, Polycomb and DNA methylation. Nat Genet 2020; 52:615-625. [PMID: 32393859 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-020-0618-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The COMPASS protein family catalyzes histone H3 Lys 4 (H3K4) methylation and its members are essential for regulating gene expression. MLL2/COMPASS methylates H3K4 on many developmental genes and bivalent clusters. To understand MLL2-dependent transcriptional regulation, we performed a CRISPR-based screen with an MLL2-dependent gene as a reporter in mouse embryonic stem cells. We found that MLL2 functions in gene expression by protecting developmental genes from repression via repelling PRC2 and DNA methylation machineries. Accordingly, repression in the absence of MLL2 is relieved by inhibition of PRC2 and DNA methyltransferases. Furthermore, DNA demethylation on such loci leads to reactivation of MLL2-dependent genes not only by removing DNA methylation but also by opening up previously CpG methylated regions for PRC2 recruitment, diluting PRC2 at Polycomb-repressed genes. These findings reveal how the context and function of these three epigenetic modifiers of chromatin can orchestrate transcriptional decisions and demonstrate that prevention of active repression by the context of the enzyme and not H3K4 trimethylation underlies transcriptional regulation on MLL2/COMPASS targets.
Collapse
|
25
|
Kranz A, Anastassiadis K. The role of SETD1A and SETD1B in development and disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194578. [PMID: 32389824 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Trithorax-related Set1 H3K4 methyltransferases are conserved from yeast to human. In yeast loss of Set1 causes pleiotropic effects but is compatible with life. In contrast, both mammalian Set1 orthologs: SETD1A and SETD1B are essential for embryonic development, however they have distinct functions. SETD1A is required shortly after epiblast formation whereas SETD1B becomes indispensible during early organogenesis. In adult mice both SETD1A and SETD1B regulate hematopoiesis differently: SETD1A is required for the establishment of definitive hematopoiesis whereas SETD1B is important for the maintenance of long-term hematopoietic stem cells. Both are implicated in different diseases with accumulating evidence for the association of SETD1A variants in neurological disorders and SETD1B variants with cancer. Why the two paralogs cannot or only partially compensate for the loss of each other is part of the puzzle that we try to sort out in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kranz
- Genomics, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Anastassiadis
- Stem Cell Engineering, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Understanding the interplay between CpG island-associated gene promoters and H3K4 methylation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194567. [PMID: 32360393 PMCID: PMC7294231 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The precise regulation of gene transcription is required to establish and maintain cell type-specific gene expression programs during multicellular development. In addition to transcription factors, chromatin, and its chemical modification, play a central role in regulating gene expression. In vertebrates, DNA is pervasively methylated at CG dinucleotides, a modification that is repressive to transcription. However, approximately 70% of vertebrate gene promoters are associated with DNA elements called CpG islands (CGIs) that are refractory to DNA methylation. CGIs integrate the activity of a range of chromatin-regulating factors that can post-translationally modify histones and modulate gene expression. This is exemplified by the trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3), which is enriched at CGI-associated gene promoters and correlates with transcriptional activity. Through studying H3K4me3 at CGIs it has become clear that CGIs shape the distribution of H3K4me3 and, in turn, H3K4me3 influences the chromatin landscape at CGIs. Here we will discuss our understanding of the emerging relationship between CGIs, H3K4me3, and gene expression.
Collapse
|
27
|
Su G, Guo D, Chen J, Liu M, Zheng J, Wang W, Zhao X, Yin Q, Zhang L, Zhao Z, Shi J, Lu W. A distal enhancer maintaining Hoxa1 expression orchestrates retinoic acid-induced early ESCs differentiation. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:6737-6752. [PMID: 31147716 PMCID: PMC6649716 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) induces rapid differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), partly by activating expression of the transcription factor Hoxa1, which regulates downstream target genes that promote ESCs differentiation. However, mechanisms of RA-induced Hoxa1 expression and ESCs early differentiation remain largely unknown. Here, we identify a distal enhancer interacting with the Hoxa1 locus through a long-range chromatin loop. Enhancer deletion significantly inhibited expression of RA-induced Hoxa1 and endoderm master control genes such as Gata4 and Gata6. Transcriptome analysis revealed that RA-induced early ESCs differentiation was blocked in Hoxa1 enhancer knockout cells, suggesting a requirement for the enhancer. Restoration of Hoxa1 expression partly rescued expression levels of ∼40% of genes whose expression changed following enhancer deletion, and ∼18% of promoters of those rescued genes were directly bound by Hoxa1. Our data show that a distal enhancer maintains Hoxa1 expression through long-range chromatin loop and that Hoxa1 directly regulates downstream target genes expression and then orchestrates RA-induced early differentiation of ESCs. This discovery reveals mechanisms of a novel enhancer regulating RA-induced Hoxa genes expression and early ESCs differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangsong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Dianhao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Man Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Jian Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Wenbin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Xueyuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Qingqing Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongfang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Jiandang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Wange Lu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhang M, Hill MC, Kadow ZA, Suh JH, Tucker NR, Hall AW, Tran TT, Swinton PS, Leach JP, Margulies KB, Ellinor PT, Li N, Martin JF. Long-range Pitx2c enhancer-promoter interactions prevent predisposition to atrial fibrillation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:22692-22698. [PMID: 31636200 PMCID: PMC6842642 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1907418116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies found that increased risk for atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common human heart arrhythmia, is associated with noncoding sequence variants located in proximity to PITX2 Cardiomyocyte-specific epigenomic and comparative genomics uncovered 2 AF-associated enhancers neighboring PITX2 with varying conservation in mice. Chromosome conformation capture experiments in mice revealed that the Pitx2c promoter directly contacted the AF-associated enhancer regions. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of a 20-kb topologically engaged enhancer led to reduced Pitx2c transcription and AF predisposition. Allele-specific chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing on hybrid heterozygous enhancer knockout mice revealed that long-range interaction of an AF-associated region with the Pitx2c promoter was required for maintenance of the Pitx2c promoter chromatin state. Long-range looping was mediated by CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), since genetic disruption of the intronic CTCF-binding site caused reduced Pitx2c expression, AF predisposition, and diminished active chromatin marks on Pitx2 AF risk variants located at 4q25 reside in genomic regions possessing long-range transcriptional regulatory functions directed at PITX2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127 Shanghai, China
| | - Matthew C Hill
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Zachary A Kadow
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Ji Ho Suh
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Nathan R Tucker
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Amelia W Hall
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Tien T Tran
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Paul S Swinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX 77030
| | - John P Leach
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Kenneth B Margulies
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Patrick T Ellinor
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Na Li
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - James F Martin
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030;
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX 77030
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Roles and regulation of histone methylation in animal development. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2019; 20:625-641. [PMID: 31267065 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-019-0151-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Histone methylation can occur at various sites in histone proteins, primarily on lysine and arginine residues, and it can be governed by multiple positive and negative regulators, even at a single site, to either activate or repress transcription. It is now apparent that histone methylation is critical for almost all stages of development, and its proper regulation is essential for ensuring the coordinated expression of gene networks that govern pluripotency, body patterning and differentiation along appropriate lineages and organogenesis. Notably, developmental histone methylation is highly dynamic. Early embryonic systems display unique histone methylation patterns, prominently including the presence of bivalent (both gene-activating and gene-repressive) marks at lineage-specific genes that resolve to monovalent marks during differentiation, which ensures that appropriate genes are expressed in each tissue type. Studies of the effects of methylation on embryonic stem cell pluripotency and differentiation have helped to elucidate the developmental roles of histone methylation. It has been revealed that methylation and demethylation of both activating and repressive marks are essential for establishing embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages, for ensuring gene dosage compensation via genomic imprinting and for establishing body patterning via HOX gene regulation. Not surprisingly, aberrant methylation during embryogenesis can lead to defects in body patterning and in the development of specific organs. Human genetic disorders arising from mutations in histone methylation regulators have revealed their important roles in the developing skeletal and nervous systems, and they highlight the overlapping and unique roles of different patterns of methylation in ensuring proper development.
Collapse
|
30
|
Hamdan FH, Johnsen SA. Perturbing Enhancer Activity in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050634. [PMID: 31067678 PMCID: PMC6563029 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tight regulation of gene transcription is essential for normal development, tissue homeostasis, and disease-free survival. Enhancers are distal regulatory elements in the genome that provide specificity to gene expression programs and are frequently misregulated in cancer. Recent studies examined various enhancer-driven malignant dependencies and identified different approaches to specifically target these programs. In this review, we describe numerous features that make enhancers good transcriptional targets in cancer therapy and discuss different approaches to overcome enhancer perturbation. Interestingly, a number of approved therapeutic agents, such as cyclosporine, steroid hormones, and thiazolidinediones, actually function by affecting enhancer landscapes by directly targeting very specific transcription factor programs. More recently, a broader approach to targeting deregulated enhancer programs has been achieved via Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET) inhibition or perturbation of transcription-related cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK). One challenge to enhancer-targeted therapy is proper patient stratification. We suggest that monitoring of enhancer RNA (eRNA) expression may serve as a unique biomarker of enhancer activity that can help to predict and monitor responsiveness to enhancer-targeted therapies. A more thorough investigation of cancer-specific enhancers and the underlying mechanisms of deregulation will pave the road for an effective utilization of enhancer modulators in a precision oncology approach to cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feda H Hamdan
- Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Molecular Epigenetics Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Molecular Epigenetics Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Brunetti L, Gundry MC, Goodell MA. New insights into the biology of acute myeloid leukemia with mutated NPM1. Int J Hematol 2019; 110:150-160. [DOI: 10.1007/s12185-018-02578-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
32
|
Festuccia N, Halbritter F, Corsinotti A, Gagliardi A, Colby D, Tomlinson SR, Chambers I. Esrrb extinction triggers dismantling of naïve pluripotency and marks commitment to differentiation. EMBO J 2018; 37:e95476. [PMID: 30275266 PMCID: PMC6213284 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201695476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-renewal of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) cultured in LIF/fetal calf serum (FCS) is incomplete with some cells initiating differentiation. While this is reflected in heterogeneous expression of naive pluripotency transcription factors (TFs), the link between TF heterogeneity and differentiation is not fully understood. Here, we purify ESCs with distinct TF expression levels from LIF/FCS cultures to uncover early events during commitment from naïve pluripotency. ESCs carrying fluorescent Nanog and Esrrb reporters show Esrrb downregulation only in Nanoglow cells. Independent Esrrb reporter lines demonstrate that Esrrbnegative ESCs cannot effectively self-renew. Upon Esrrb loss, pre-implantation pluripotency gene expression collapses. ChIP-Seq identifies different regulatory element classes that bind both OCT4 and NANOG in Esrrbpositive cells. Class I elements lose NANOG and OCT4 binding in Esrrbnegative ESCs and associate with genes expressed preferentially in naïve ESCs. In contrast, Class II elements retain OCT4 but not NANOG binding in ESRRB-negative cells and associate with more broadly expressed genes. Therefore, mechanistic differences in TF function act cumulatively to restrict potency during exit from naïve pluripotency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Festuccia
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Florian Halbritter
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrea Corsinotti
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Alessia Gagliardi
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Douglas Colby
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Simon R Tomlinson
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ian Chambers
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Morgan MA, Shilatifard A. Epigenetic ConFUSION: SS18-SSX Fusion Rewires BAF Complex to Activate Bivalent Genes in Synovial Sarcoma. Cancer Cell 2018; 33:951-953. [PMID: 29894696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Cancer Cell, McBride and colleagues report that the synovial sarcoma SS18-SSX fusion drives BAF complex recruitment to bivalent domains repressed by PRC2 complex to orchestrate aberrant transcriptional activation. Redistribution of BAF localization is a major driver of synovial sarcoma proliferation and presents a promising therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Morgan
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhang X, Zheng X, Yang H, Yan J, Fu X, Wei R, Xu X, Zhang Z, Yu A, Zhou K, Ding J, Geng M, Huang X. Piribedil disrupts the MLL1-WDR5 interaction and sensitizes MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Cancer Lett 2018; 431:150-160. [PMID: 29857126 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Targeting WT MLL for the treatment of MLL-r leukemia, which is highly aggressive and resistant to chemotherapy, has been shown to be a promising strategy. However, drug treatments targeting WT MLL are lacking. We used an in vitro histone methyltransferase assay to screen a library consists of 592 FDA-approved drugs for MLL1 inhibitors by measuring alterations in HTRF signal and found that Piribedil represented a potent activity. Piribedil specifically inhibited the proliferation of MLL-r cells by inducing cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis and myeloid differentiation with little toxicity to the non-MLL cells. Mechanism study showed Piribedil blocked the MLL1-WDR5 interaction and thus selectively reduced MLL1-dependent H3K4 methylation. Importantly, MLL1 depletion induced gene expression that was similar to that induced by Piribedil and rendered the MLL-r cells resistant to Piribedil-induced toxicity, revealing Piribedil exerted anti-leukemia effects by targeting MLL1. Furthermore, both the Piribedil treatment and MLL1 depletion sensitized the MLL-r cells to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Our study support the hypothesis that Piribedil could serve as a new drug for the treatment of MLL-r AML and provide new insight for further optimization of targeting MLL1 HMT activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xingling Zheng
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Juan Yan
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xuhong Fu
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Rongrui Wei
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhuqing Zhang
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Aisong Yu
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kaixin Zhou
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jian Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China; Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Meiyu Geng
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Xun Huang
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Rickels R, Shilatifard A. Enhancer Logic and Mechanics in Development and Disease. Trends Cell Biol 2018; 28:608-630. [PMID: 29759817 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Enhancers are distally located genomic cis-regulatory elements that integrate spatiotemporal cues to coordinate gene expression in a tissue-specific manner during metazoan development. Enhancer function depends on a combination of bound transcription factors and cofactors that regulate local chromatin structure, as well as on the topological interactions that are necessary for their activity. Numerous genome-wide studies concur that the vast majority of disease-associated variations occur within non-coding genomic sequences, in other words the 'cis-regulome', and this underscores their relevance for human health. Advances in DNA sequencing and genome-editing technologies have dramatically expanded our ability to identify enhancers and investigate their properties in vivo, revealing an extraordinary level of interconnectivity underlying cis-regulatory networks. We discuss here these recently developed methodologies, as well as emerging trends and remaining questions in the field of enhancer biology, and how perturbation of enhancer activities/functions results in enhanceropathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Rickels
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Cao K, Collings CK, Morgan MA, Marshall SA, Rendleman EJ, Ozark PA, Smith ER, Shilatifard A. An Mll4/COMPASS-Lsd1 epigenetic axis governs enhancer function and pluripotency transition in embryonic stem cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaap8747. [PMID: 29404406 PMCID: PMC5796793 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aap8747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin regulators control cellular differentiation by orchestrating dynamic developmental gene expression programs, and hence, malfunctions in the regulation of chromatin state contribute to both developmental disorders and disease state. Mll4 (Kmt2d), a member of the COMPASS (COMplex of Proteins ASsociated with Set1) protein family that implements histone H3 lysine 4 monomethylation (H3K4me1) at enhancers, is essential for embryonic development and functions as a pancancer tumor suppressor. We define the roles of Mll4/COMPASS and its catalytic activity in the maintenance and exit of ground-state pluripotency in murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Mll4 is required for ESC to exit the naive pluripotent state; however, its intrinsic catalytic activity is dispensable for this process. The depletion of the H3K4 demethylase Lsd1 (Kdm1a) restores the ability of Mll4 null ESCs to transition from naive to primed pluripotency. Thus, we define an opposing regulatory axis, wherein Lsd1 and associated co-repressors directly repress Mll4-activated gene targets. This finding has broad reaching implications for human developmental syndromes and the treatment of tumors carrying Mll4 mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaixiang Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Clayton K. Collings
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Marc A. Morgan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Stacy A. Marshall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Emily J. Rendleman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Patrick A. Ozark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Edwin R. Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Collinear regulation of Hox genes in space and time has been an outstanding question ever since the initial work of Ed Lewis in 1978. Here we discuss recent advances in our understanding of this phenomenon in relation to novel concepts associated with large-scale regulation and chromatin structure during the development of both axial and limb patterns. We further discuss how this sequential transcriptional activation marks embryonic stem cell-like axial progenitors in mammals and, consequently, how a temporal genetic system is further translated into spatial coordinates via the fate of these progenitors. In this context, we argue the benefit and necessity of implementing this unique mechanism as well as the difficulty in evolving an alternative strategy to deliver this critical positional information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Deschamps
- Hubrecht Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Denis Duboule
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale, Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Morgan MAJ, Rickels RA, Collings CK, He X, Cao K, Herz HM, Cozzolino KA, Abshiru NA, Marshall SA, Rendleman EJ, Sze CC, Piunti A, Kelleher NL, Savas JN, Shilatifard A. A cryptic Tudor domain links BRWD2/PHIP to COMPASS-mediated histone H3K4 methylation. Genes Dev 2017; 31:2003-2014. [PMID: 29089422 PMCID: PMC5710144 DOI: 10.1101/gad.305201.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In this study, Morgan et al. identify an evolutionarily conserved factor, BRWD2/PHIP, that localizes with histone H3K4 methylation genome-wide in human cells, mouse embryonic stem cells, and Drosophila. Depletion of the Drosophila sole homolog dBRWD3 results in altered histone H3 Lys27 acetylation patterns at enhancers and promoters and changes in gene expression, suggesting a cross-talk between these epigenetic modifications and transcription through the BRWD family. Histone H3 Lys4 (H3K4) methylation is a chromatin feature enriched at gene cis-regulatory sequences such as promoters and enhancers. Here we identify an evolutionarily conserved factor, BRWD2/PHIP, which colocalizes with histone H3K4 methylation genome-wide in human cells, mouse embryonic stem cells, and Drosophila. Biochemical analysis of BRWD2 demonstrated an association with the Cullin-4–RING ubiquitin E3 ligase-4 (CRL4) complex, nucleosomes, and chromatin remodelers. BRWD2/PHIP binds directly to H3K4 methylation through a previously unidentified chromatin-binding module related to Royal Family Tudor domains, which we named the CryptoTudor domain. Using CRISPR–Cas9 genetic knockouts, we demonstrate that COMPASS H3K4 methyltransferase family members differentially regulate BRWD2/PHIP chromatin occupancy. Finally, we demonstrate that depletion of the single Drosophila homolog dBRWD3 results in altered gene expression and aberrant patterns of histone H3 Lys27 acetylation at enhancers and promoters, suggesting a cross-talk between these chromatin modifications and transcription through the BRWD protein family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc A J Morgan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Ryan A Rickels
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Clayton K Collings
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Xiaolin He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Kaixiang Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Hans-Martin Herz
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | | | - Nebiyu A Abshiru
- Department of Chemistry, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Stacy A Marshall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Emily J Rendleman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Christie C Sze
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Andrea Piunti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Neil L Kelleher
- Department of Chemistry, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | | | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wang L, Collings CK, Zhao Z, Cozzolino KA, Ma Q, Liang K, Marshall SA, Sze CC, Hashizume R, Savas JN, Shilatifard A. A cytoplasmic COMPASS is necessary for cell survival and triple-negative breast cancer pathogenesis by regulating metabolism. Genes Dev 2017; 31:2056-2066. [PMID: 29138278 PMCID: PMC5733497 DOI: 10.1101/gad.306092.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, Wang et al. report that SET1B/COMPASS has a cytoplasmic variant with a novel catalytic-independent function. They identified ADIPOR1 signaling as a key target of SET1B/COMPASS, and their findings demonstrate a cytoplasmic function for a member of the COMPASS family in fatty acid metabolism. Mutations and translocations within the COMPASS (complex of proteins associated with Set1) family of histone lysine methyltransferases are associated with a large number of human diseases, including cancer. Here we report that SET1B/COMPASS, which is essential for cell survival, surprisingly has a cytoplasmic variant. SET1B, but not its SET domain, is critical for maintaining cell viability, indicating a novel catalytic-independent role of SET1B/COMPASS. Loss of SET1B or its unique cytoplasmic-interacting protein, BOD1, leads to up-regulation of expression of numerous genes modulating fatty acid metabolism, including ADIPOR1 (adiponectin receptor 1), COX7C, SDC4, and COQ7. Our detailed molecular studies identify ADIPOR1 signaling, which is inactivated in both obesity and human cancers, as a key target of SET1B/COMPASS. Collectively, our study reveals a cytoplasmic function for a member of the COMPASS family, which could be harnessed for therapeutic regulation of signaling in human diseases, including cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Clayton K Collings
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Zibo Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Kira Alia Cozzolino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.,Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Quanhong Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Kaiwei Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Stacy A Marshall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Christie C Sze
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Rintaro Hashizume
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Jeffrey Nicholas Savas
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.,Robert H. Lurie National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Histone H3K4 methylation-dependent and -independent functions of Set1A/COMPASS in embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Genes Dev 2017; 31:1732-1737. [PMID: 28939616 PMCID: PMC5666672 DOI: 10.1101/gad.303768.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Of the six members of the COMPASS (complex of proteins associated with Set1) family of histone H3 Lys4 (H3K4) methyltransferases identified in mammals, Set1A has been shown to be essential for early embryonic development and the maintenance of embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal. Like its familial relatives, Set1A possesses a catalytic SET domain responsible for histone H3K4 methylation. Whether H3K4 methylation by Set1A/COMPASS is required for ESC maintenance and during differentiation has not yet been addressed. Here, we generated ESCs harboring the deletion of the SET domain of Set1A (Set1AΔSET); surprisingly, the Set1A SET domain is dispensable for ESC proliferation and self-renewal. The removal of the Set1A SET domain does not diminish bulk H3K4 methylation in ESCs; instead, only a subset of genomic loci exhibited reduction in H3K4me3 in Set1AΔSET cells, suggesting a role for Set1A independent of its catalytic domain in ESC self-renewal. However, Set1AΔSET ESCs are unable to undergo normal differentiation, indicating the importance of Set1A-dependent H3K4 methylation during differentiation. Our data also indicate that during differentiation, Set1A but not Mll2 functions as the H3K4 methylase on bivalent genes and is required for their expression, supporting a model for transcriptional switch between Mll2 and Set1A during the self-renewing-to-differentiation transition. Together, our study implicates a critical role for Set1A catalytic methyltransferase activity in regulating ESC differentiation but not self-renewal and suggests the existence of context-specific H3K4 methylation that regulates transcriptional outputs during ESC pluripotency.
Collapse
|
41
|
Chen FX, Xie P, Collings CK, Cao K, Aoi Y, Marshall SA, Rendleman EJ, Ugarenko M, Ozark PA, Zhang A, Shiekhattar R, Smith ER, Zhang MQ, Shilatifard A. PAF1 regulation of promoter-proximal pause release via enhancer activation. Science 2017; 357:1294-1298. [PMID: 28860207 DOI: 10.1126/science.aan3269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression in metazoans is regulated by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) promoter-proximal pausing and its release. Previously, we showed that Pol II-associated factor 1 (PAF1) modulates the release of paused Pol II into productive elongation. Here, we found that PAF1 occupies transcriptional enhancers and restrains hyperactivation of a subset of these enhancers. Enhancer activation as the result of PAF1 loss releases Pol II from paused promoters of nearby PAF1 target genes. Knockout of PAF1-regulated enhancers attenuates the release of paused Pol II on PAF1 target genes without major interference in the establishment of pausing at their cognate promoters. Thus, a subset of enhancers can primarily modulate gene expression by controlling the release of paused Pol II in a PAF1-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xavier Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Clayton K Collings
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kaixiang Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yuki Aoi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Stacy A Marshall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Emily J Rendleman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Michal Ugarenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Patrick A Ozark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Anda Zhang
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ramin Shiekhattar
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Edwin R Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Michael Q Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA.,MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics Division and Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, TNLIST, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. .,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|