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Mendoza H, Jash E, Davis MB, Haines RA, Van Diepenbos S, Csankovszki G. Distinct regulatory mechanisms by the nuclear Argonautes HRDE-1 and NRDE-3 in the soma of Caenorhabditis elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.25.615038. [PMID: 39386440 PMCID: PMC11463658 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.25.615038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference is a conserved silencing mechanism that depends on the generation of small RNA molecules that disrupt synthesis of their corresponding transcripts. Nuclear RNA interference is a unique process that triggers regulation through epigenetic alterations to the genome. This pathway has been extensively characterized in Caenorhabditis elegans and involves the nuclear recruitment of H3K9 histone methyltransferases by the Argonautes HRDE-1 and NRDE-3. The coordinate regulation of genetic targets by H3K9 methylation and the nuclear Argonautes is highly complex and has been mainly described based on the small RNA populations that are involved. Recent studies have also linked the nuclear RNAi pathway to the compaction of the hermaphrodite X chromosomes during dosage compensation, a mechanism that balances genetic differences between the biological sexes by repressing X chromosomes in hermaphrodites. This chromosome-wide process provides an excellent opportunity to further investigate the relationship between H3K9 methylation and the nuclear Argonautes from the perspective of the transcriptome. Our work suggests that the nuclear RNAi and the H3K9 methylation pathways each contribute to the condensation of the X chromosomes during dosage compensation but the consequences on their transcriptional output are minimal. Instead, nuclear RNAi mutants exhibit global transcriptional differences, in which HRDE-1 and NRDE-3 affect expression of their native targets through different modes of regulation and different relationships to H3K9 methylation. ARTICLE SUMMARY This study examines the transcriptional consequences during the disruption of the nuclear RNAi silencing mechanism in C. elegans . Through microscopy and bioinformatic work, we demonstrate that although nuclear RNAi mutants exhibit significantly decondensed X chromosomes, chromosome-wide transcriptional de-repression is not detectable. Downstream analyses further explore the global influence of the nuclear RNAi pathway, indicating that the nuclear Argonautes HRDE-1 and NRDE-3 function through two distinct mechanisms.
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2
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Woodruff GC, Willis JH, Johnson E, Phillips PC. Widespread changes in gene expression accompany body size evolution in nematodes. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae110. [PMID: 38775657 PMCID: PMC11304970 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Body size is a fundamental trait that drives multiple evolutionary and ecological patterns. Caenorhabditis inopinata is a fig-associated nematode that is exceptionally large relative to other members of the genus, including Caenorhabditis elegans. We previously showed that C. inopinata is large primarily due to postembryonic cell size expansion that occurs during the larval-to-adult transition. Here, we describe gene expression patterns in C. elegans and C. inopinata throughout this developmental period to understand the transcriptional basis of body size change. We performed RNA-seq in both species across the L3, L4, and adult stages. Most genes are differentially expressed across all developmental stages, consistent with C. inopinata's divergent ecology and morphology. We also used a model comparison approach to identify orthologues with divergent dynamics across this developmental period between the 2 species. This included genes connected to neurons, behavior, stress response, developmental timing, and small RNA/chromatin regulation. Multiple hypodermal collagens were also observed to harbor divergent developmental dynamics across this period, and genes important for molting and body morphology were also detected. Genes associated with transforming growth factor β signaling revealed idiosyncratic and unexpected transcriptional patterns given their role in body size regulation in C. elegans. This widespread transcriptional divergence between these species is unexpected and maybe a signature of the ecological and morphological divergence of C. inopinata. Alternatively, transcriptional turnover may be the rule in the Caenorhabditis genus, indicative of widespread developmental system drift among species. This work lays the foundation for future functional genetic studies interrogating the bases of body size evolution in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin C Woodruff
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - John H Willis
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Erik Johnson
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Patrick C Phillips
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
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3
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Atinbayeva N, Valent I, Zenk F, Loeser E, Rauer M, Herur S, Quarato P, Pyrowolakis G, Gomez-Auli A, Mittler G, Cecere G, Erhardt S, Tiana G, Zhan Y, Iovino N. Inheritance of H3K9 methylation regulates genome architecture in Drosophila early embryos. EMBO J 2024; 43:2685-2714. [PMID: 38831123 PMCID: PMC11217351 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00127-z] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Constitutive heterochromatin is essential for transcriptional silencing and genome integrity. The establishment of constitutive heterochromatin in early embryos and its role in early fruitfly development are unknown. Lysine 9 trimethylation of histone H3 (H3K9me3) and recruitment of its epigenetic reader, heterochromatin protein 1a (HP1a), are hallmarks of constitutive heterochromatin. Here, we show that H3K9me3 is transmitted from the maternal germline to the next generation. Maternally inherited H3K9me3, and the histone methyltransferases (HMT) depositing it, are required for the organization of constitutive heterochromatin: early embryos lacking H3K9 methylation display de-condensation of pericentromeric regions, centromere-centromere de-clustering, mitotic defects, and nuclear shape irregularities, resulting in embryo lethality. Unexpectedly, quantitative CUT&Tag and 4D microscopy measurements of HP1a coupled with biophysical modeling revealed that H3K9me2/3 is largely dispensable for HP1a recruitment. Instead, the main function of H3K9me2/3 at this developmental stage is to drive HP1a clustering and subsequent heterochromatin compaction. Our results show that HP1a binding to constitutive heterochromatin in the absence of H3K9me2/3 is not sufficient to promote proper embryo development and heterochromatin formation. The loss of H3K9 HMTs and H3K9 methylation alters genome organization and hinders embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazerke Atinbayeva
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Fahnenbergplatz, 79085, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Iris Valent
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Zoological Institute, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Fides Zenk
- Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences EPFL, SV3809, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eva Loeser
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Michael Rauer
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Shwetha Herur
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Piergiuseppe Quarato
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgos Pyrowolakis
- Centre for Biological signaling studies, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Alejandro Gomez-Auli
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Gerhard Mittler
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Germano Cecere
- Institute Pasteur, Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, UMR3738, CNRS, 75724, Cedex 15, Paris, France
| | - Sylvia Erhardt
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Zoological Institute, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Guido Tiana
- Università degli Studi di Milano and INFN, Milan, Italy
| | - Yinxiu Zhan
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology-IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Nicola Iovino
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
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4
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Reckard AT, Pandeya A, Voris JM, Gonzalez Cruz CG, Oluwadare O, Klocko AD. A Constitutive Heterochromatic Region Shapes Genome Organization and Impacts Gene Expression in Neurospora crassa. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.07.597955. [PMID: 39229016 PMCID: PMC11370578 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.07.597955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Genome organization is essential for proper function, including gene expression. In metazoan genome organization, chromatin loops and Topologically Associated Domains (TADs) facilitate local gene clustering, while chromosomes form distinct nuclear territories characterized by compartmentalization of silent heterochromatin at the nuclear periphery and active euchromatin in the nucleus center. A similar hierarchical organization occurs in the fungus Neurospora crassa where its seven chromosomes form a Rabl conformation, where heterochromatic centromeres and telomeres independently cluster at the nuclear membrane, while interspersed heterochromatic loci in Neurospora aggregate across megabases of linear genomic distance for forming TAD-like structures. However, the role of individual heterochromatic loci in normal genome organization and function is unknown. Here, we examined the genome organization of a Neurospora strain harboring a ~47.4 kilobase facultative (temporarily silent) heterochromatic region deletion, as well as the genome organization of a strain deleted of a 110.6 kilobase permanently silent constitutive heterochromatic region. While the facultative heterochromatin deletion had little effect on local chromatin structure, the constitutive heterochromatin deletion altered local TAD-like structures, gene expression, and the predicted 3D genome structure by qualitatively repositioning genes into the nucleus center. Our work elucidates the role of individual heterochromatic regions for genome organization and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Reckard
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA
| | - Abhishek Pandeya
- Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA
| | - Jacob M Voris
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA
| | - Carlos G Gonzalez Cruz
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA
| | - Oluwatosin Oluwadare
- Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA
| | - Andrew D Klocko
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA
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5
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Thapa I, Sellin Jeffries MK, Stewart MD. One of these strains is not like the others: C. elegans DW102 has an altered dependence on brc-1 and brd-1 for regulation of cyp gene transcription. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2024; 2024:10.17912/micropub.biology.001152. [PMID: 38894809 PMCID: PMC11184413 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Several strains of Caenorhabditis elegans with mutations in brc-1 or brd-1 are readily available to aid in elucidating the functions of these two genes in DNA damage repair, meiosis, and gene repression. DW102 is the only C. elegans strain to our knowledge with mutations in both brc-1 and brd-1 . However, several groups have reported the DW102 strain is indistinguishable from wild-type when observing levels of embryonic lethality, sensitivity to radiation, and rates of male progeny, while strains with mutations in either brc-1 or brd-1 display increased occurrence of these phenotypes. Here, RT-qPCR analysis of the cyp-13A gene family, reveals distinctive and aberrant expression patterns in DW102 compared to other brc-1 or brd-1 mutant strains underscoring the need for caution in choosing this strain to draw conclusions about brc-1 and brd-1 functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishor Thapa
- Biology Department, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | | | - Mikaela D. Stewart
- Biology Department, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
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6
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Koryakov DE. Diversity and functional specialization of H3K9-specific histone methyltransferases. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300163. [PMID: 38058121 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300163] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Histone modifications play a critical role in the control over activities of the eukaryotic genome; among these chemical alterations, the methylation of lysine K9 in histone H3 (H3K9) is one of the most extensively studied. The number of enzymes capable of methylating H3K9 varies greatly across different organisms: in fission yeast, only one such methyltransferase is present, whereas in mammals, 10 are known. If there are several such enzymes, each of them must have some specific function, and they can interact with one another. Thus arises a complex system of interchangeability, "division of labor," and contacts with each other and with diverse proteins. Histone methyltransferases specialize in the number of methyl groups that they attach and have different intracellular localizations as well as different distributions on chromosomes. Each also shows distinct binding to different types of sequences and has a specific set of nonhistone substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry E Koryakov
- Lab of Molecular Cytogenetics, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Novosibirsk, Russia
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7
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Sands B, Yun SR, Oshima J, Mendenhall AR. Maternal histone methyltransferases antagonistically regulate monoallelic expression in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.22.576748. [PMID: 38328214 PMCID: PMC10849558 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.22.576748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Undefined epigenetic programs act to probabilistically silence individual autosomal alleles, generating unique individuals, even from genetic clones. This sort of random monoallelic expression can explain variation in traits and diseases that differences in genes and environments cannot. Here, we developed the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to study monoallelic expression in whole tissues, and defined a developmental genetic regulation pathway. We found maternal H3K9 histone methyltransferase (HMT) SET-25/SUV39/G9a works with HPL-2/HP1 and LIN-61/L3MBTL2 to randomly silence alleles in the intestinal progenitor E-cell of 8-cell embryos to cause monoallelic expression. SET-25 was antagonized by another maternal H3K9 HMT, MET-2/SETDB1, which works with LIN-65/ATF7ZIP and ARLE-14/ARL14EP to prevent monoallelic expression. The HMT-catalytic SET domains of both MET-2 and SET-25 were required for regulating monoallelic expression. Our data support a model wherein SET-25 and MET-2 regulate histones during development to generate patterns of somatic monoallelic expression that are persistent but not heritable.
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8
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Woodruff GC, Willis JH, Johnson E, Phillips PC. Widespread changes in gene expression accompany body size evolution in nematodes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.30.564729. [PMID: 37961435 PMCID: PMC10635002 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.30.564729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Body size is a fundamental trait that drives multiple evolutionary and ecological patterns. Caenorhabditis inopinata is a fig-associated nematode that is exceptionally large relative to other members of the genus, including C. elegans. We previously showed that C. inopinata is large primarily due to postembryonic cell size expansion that occurs during the larval-to-adult transition. Here, we describe gene expression patterns in C. elegans and C. inopinata throughout this developmental period to understand the transcriptional basis of body size change. We performed RNA-seq in both species across the L3, L4, and adult stages. Most genes are differentially expressed across all developmental stages, consistent with C. inopinata's divergent ecology and morphology. We also used a model comparison approach to identify orthologs with divergent dynamics across this developmental period between the two species. This included genes connected to neurons, behavior, stress response, developmental timing, and small RNA/chromatin regulation. Multiple hypodermal collagens were also observed to harbor divergent developmental dynamics across this period, and genes important for molting and body morphology were also detected. Genes associated with TGF-β signaling revealed idiosyncratic and unexpected transcriptional patterns given their role in body size regulation in C. elegans. Widespread transcriptional divergence between these species is unexpected and may be a signature of the ecological and morphological divergence of C. inopinata. Alternatively, transcriptional turnover may be the rule in the Caenorhabditis genus, indicative of widespread developmental system drift among species. This work lays the foundation for future functional genetic studies interrogating the bases of body size evolution in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin C Woodruff
- University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Current institution: University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
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9
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Gasser SM. Transient chromatin compaction in fork restart. Nat Cell Biol 2023:10.1038/s41556-023-01181-1. [PMID: 37414848 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01181-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Gasser
- ISREC Foundation, Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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10
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Gaggioli V, Lo CSY, Reverón-Gómez N, Jasencakova Z, Domenech H, Nguyen H, Sidoli S, Tvardovskiy A, Uruci S, Slotman JA, Chai Y, Gonçalves JGSCS, Manolika EM, Jensen ON, Wheeler D, Sridharan S, Chakrabarty S, Demmers J, Kanaar R, Groth A, Taneja N. Dynamic de novo heterochromatin assembly and disassembly at replication forks ensures fork stability. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1017-1032. [PMID: 37414849 PMCID: PMC10344782 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01167-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin is dynamically reorganized when DNA replication forks are challenged. However, the process of epigenetic reorganization and its implication for fork stability is poorly understood. Here we discover a checkpoint-regulated cascade of chromatin signalling that activates the histone methyltransferase EHMT2/G9a to catalyse heterochromatin assembly at stressed replication forks. Using biochemical and single molecule chromatin fibre approaches, we show that G9a together with SUV39h1 induces chromatin compaction by accumulating the repressive modifications, H3K9me1/me2/me3, in the vicinity of stressed replication forks. This closed conformation is also favoured by the G9a-dependent exclusion of the H3K9-demethylase JMJD1A/KDM3A, which facilitates heterochromatin disassembly upon fork restart. Untimely heterochromatin disassembly from stressed forks by KDM3A enables PRIMPOL access, triggering single-stranded DNA gap formation and sensitizing cells towards chemotherapeutic drugs. These findings may help in explaining chemotherapy resistance and poor prognosis observed in patients with cancer displaying elevated levels of G9a/H3K9me3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gaggioli
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Calvin S Y Lo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nazaret Reverón-Gómez
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zuzana Jasencakova
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Heura Domenech
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hong Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, VILLUM Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences and Centre for Epigenetics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Andrey Tvardovskiy
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, VILLUM Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences and Centre for Epigenetics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics (IFE), Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sidrit Uruci
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johan A Slotman
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Optical Imaging Centre, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yi Chai
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Eleni Maria Manolika
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ole N Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, VILLUM Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences and Centre for Epigenetics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - David Wheeler
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sriram Sridharan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Jeroen Demmers
- Proteomics Center and Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roland Kanaar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anja Groth
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nitika Taneja
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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11
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Cerón J. Caenorhabditis elegans for research on cancer hallmarks. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050079. [PMID: 37278614 PMCID: PMC10259857 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050079] [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] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
After decades of research, our knowledge of the complexity of cancer mechanisms, elegantly summarized as 'hallmarks of cancer', is expanding, as are the therapeutic opportunities that this knowledge brings. However, cancer still needs intense research to diminish its tremendous impact. In this context, the use of simple model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans, in which the genetics of the apoptotic pathway was discovered, can facilitate the investigation of several cancer hallmarks. Amenable for genetic and drug screens, convenient for fast and efficient genome editing, and aligned with the 3Rs ('Replacement, Reduction and Refinement') principles for ethical animal research, C. elegans plays a significant role in unravelling the intricate network of cancer mechanisms and presents a promising option in clinical diagnosis and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Cerón
- Modeling Human Diseases in C. elegans Group – Genes, Disease and Therapy Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute – IDIBELL, 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Thapa I, Vahrenkamp R, Witus SR, Lightle C, Falkenberg O, Sellin Jeffries M, Klevit R, Stewart MD. Conservation of transcriptional regulation by BRCA1 and BARD1 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:2108-2116. [PMID: 36250637 PMCID: PMC10018340 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor-suppressor proteins BRCA1 and BARD1 function as an E3 ubiquitin ligase to facilitate transcriptional repression and DNA damage repair. This is mediated in-part through its ability to mono-ubiquitylate histone H2A in nucleosomes. Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans have been used to elucidate numerous functions of BRCA1 and BARD1; however, it has not been established that the C. elegans orthologs, BRC-1 and BRD-1, retain all the functions of their human counterparts. Here we explore the conservation of enzymatic activity toward nucleosomes which leads to repression of estrogen-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (cyp) genes in humans. Biochemical assays establish that BRC-1 and BRD-1 contribute to ubiquitylation of histone H2A in the nucleosome. Mutational analysis shows that while BRC-1 likely binds the nucleosome using a conserved interface, BRD-1 and BARD1 have evolved different modes of binding, resulting in a difference in the placement of ubiquitin on H2A. Gene expression analysis reveals that in spite of this difference, BRC-1 and BRD-1 also contribute to cyp gene repression in C. elegans. Establishing conservation of these functions in C. elegans allows for use of this powerful model organism to address remaining questions regarding regulation of gene expression by BRCA1 and BARD1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Samuel R Witus
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Caitlin Lightle
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | - Owen Falkenberg
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | | | - Rachel E Klevit
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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13
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Hou X, Xu M, Zhu C, Gao J, Li M, Chen X, Sun C, Nashan B, Zang J, Zhou Y, Guang S, Feng X. Systematic characterization of chromodomain proteins reveals an H3K9me1/2 reader regulating aging in C. elegans. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1254. [PMID: 36878913 PMCID: PMC9988841 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36898-y] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The chromatin organization modifier domain (chromodomain) is an evolutionally conserved motif across eukaryotic species. The chromodomain mainly functions as a histone methyl-lysine reader to modulate gene expression, chromatin spatial conformation and genome stability. Mutations or aberrant expression of chromodomain proteins can result in cancer and other human diseases. Here, we systematically tag chromodomain proteins with green fluorescent protein (GFP) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology in C. elegans. By combining ChIP-seq analysis and imaging, we delineate a comprehensive expression and functional map of chromodomain proteins. We then conduct a candidate-based RNAi screening and identify factors that regulate the expression and subcellular localization of the chromodomain proteins. Specifically, we reveal an H3K9me1/2 reader, CEC-5, both by in vitro biochemistry and in vivo ChIP assays. MET-2, an H3K9me1/2 writer, is required for CEC-5 association with heterochromatin. Both MET-2 and CEC-5 are required for the normal lifespan of C. elegans. Furthermore, a forward genetic screening identifies a conserved Arginine124 of CEC-5's chromodomain, which is essential for CEC-5's association with chromatin and life span regulation. Thus, our work will serve as a reference to explore chromodomain functions and regulation in C. elegans and allow potential applications in aging-related human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhao Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingjing Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chengming Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianing Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Meili Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiangyang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Björn Nashan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianye Zang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Shouhong Guang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China.
| | - Xuezhu Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The USTC RNA Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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14
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Zhao Y, Simon M, Seluanov A, Gorbunova V. DNA damage and repair in age-related inflammation. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:75-89. [PMID: 35831609 PMCID: PMC10106081 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00751-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genomic instability is an important driver of ageing. The accumulation of DNA damage is believed to contribute to ageing by inducing cell death, senescence and tissue dysfunction. However, emerging evidence shows that inflammation is another major consequence of DNA damage. Inflammation is a hallmark of ageing and the driver of multiple age-related diseases. Here, we review the evidence linking DNA damage, inflammation and ageing, highlighting how premature ageing syndromes are associated with inflammation. We discuss the mechanisms by which DNA damage induces inflammation, such as through activation of the cGAS-STING axis and NF-κB activation by ATM. The triggers for activation of these signalling cascades are the age-related accumulation of DNA damage, activation of transposons, cellular senescence and the accumulation of persistent R-loops. We also discuss how epigenetic changes triggered by DNA damage can lead to inflammation and ageing via redistribution of heterochromatin factors. Finally, we discuss potential interventions against age-related inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Physiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Matthew Simon
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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15
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Gospodinov A, Dzhokova S, Petrova M, Ugrinova I. Chromatin regulators in DNA replication and genome stability maintenance during S-phase. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 135:243-280. [PMID: 37061334 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The duplication of genetic information is central to life. The replication of genetic information is strictly controlled to ensure that each piece of genomic DNA is copied only once during a cell cycle. Factors that slow or stop replication forks cause replication stress. Replication stress is a major source of genome instability in cancer cells. Multiple control mechanisms facilitate the unimpeded fork progression, prevent fork collapse and coordinate fork repair. Chromatin alterations, caused by histone post-translational modifications and chromatin remodeling, have critical roles in normal replication and in avoiding replication stress and its consequences. This text reviews the chromatin regulators that ensure DNA replication and the proper response to replication stress. We also briefly touch on exploiting replication stress in therapeutic strategies. As chromatin regulators are frequently mutated in cancer, manipulating their activity could provide many possibilities for personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastas Gospodinov
- Roumen Tsanev Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Stefka Dzhokova
- Roumen Tsanev Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Petrova
- Roumen Tsanev Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Iva Ugrinova
- Roumen Tsanev Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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16
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Lascarez-Lagunas LI, Martinez-Garcia M, Nadarajan S, Diaz-Pacheco BN, Berson E, Colaiácovo MP. Chromatin landscape, DSB levels, and cKU-70/80 contribute to patterning of meiotic DSB processing along chromosomes in C. elegans. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010627. [PMID: 36706157 PMCID: PMC9907818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation is essential for achieving accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis. DSB repair timing and template choice are tightly regulated. However, little is known about how DSB distribution and the choice of repair pathway are regulated along the length of chromosomes, which has direct effects on the recombination landscape and chromosome remodeling at late prophase I. Here, we use the spatiotemporal resolution of meiosis in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline along with genetic approaches to study distribution of DSB processing and its regulation. High-resolution imaging of computationally straightened chromosomes immunostained for the RAD-51 recombinase marking DSB repair sites reveals that the pattern of RAD-51 foci throughout pachytene resembles crossover distribution in wild type. Specifically, RAD-51 foci occur primarily along the gene-poor distal thirds of the chromosomes in both early and late pachytene, and on both the X and the autosomes. However, this biased off-center distribution can be abrogated by the formation of excess DSBs. Reduced condensin function, but not an increase in total physical axial length, results in a homogeneous distribution of RAD-51 foci, whereas regulation of H3K9 methylation is required for the enrichment of RAD-51 at off-center positions. Finally, the DSB recognition heterodimer cKU-70/80, but not the non-homologous end-joining canonical ligase LIG-4, contributes to the enriched off-center distribution of RAD-51 foci. Taken together, our data supports a model by which regulation of the chromatin landscape, DSB levels, and DSB detection by cKU-70/80 collaborate to promote DSB processing by homologous recombination at off-center regions of the chromosomes in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura I. Lascarez-Lagunas
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Marina Martinez-Garcia
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Saravanapriah Nadarajan
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brianna N. Diaz-Pacheco
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elizaveta Berson
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mónica P. Colaiácovo
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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17
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Li Q, Kaur A, Okada K, McKenney RJ, Engebrecht J. Differential requirement for BRCA1-BARD1 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in DNA damage repair and meiosis in the Caenorhabditis elegans germ line. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010457. [PMID: 36716349 PMCID: PMC9910797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor BRCA1-BARD1 complex regulates many cellular processes; of critical importance to its tumor suppressor function is its role in genome integrity. Although RING E3 ubiquitin ligase activity is the only known enzymatic activity of the complex, the in vivo requirement for BRCA1-BARD1 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity has been controversial. Here we probe the role of BRCA1-BARD1 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in vivo using C. elegans. Genetic, cell biological, and biochemical analyses of mutants defective for E3 ligase activity suggest there is both E3 ligase-dependent and independent functions of the complex in the context of DNA damage repair and meiosis. We show that E3 ligase activity is important for nuclear accumulation of the complex and specifically to concentrate at meiotic recombination sites but not at DNA damage sites in proliferating germ cells. While BRCA1 alone is capable of monoubiquitylation, BARD1 is required with BRCA1 to promote polyubiquitylation. We find that the requirement for E3 ligase activity and BARD1 in DNA damage signaling and repair can be partially alleviated by driving the nuclear accumulation and self-association of BRCA1. Our data suggest that in addition to E3 ligase activity, BRCA1 may serve a structural role for DNA damage signaling and repair while BARD1 plays an accessory role to enhance BRCA1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyan Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Arshdeep Kaur
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Kyoko Okada
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Richard J. McKenney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - JoAnne Engebrecht
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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18
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Pathological Nuclear Hallmarks in Dentate Granule Cells of Alzheimer’s Patients: A Biphasic Regulation of Neurogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112873. [PMID: 36361662 PMCID: PMC9654738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The dentate gyrus (DG) of the human hippocampus is a complex and dynamic structure harboring mature and immature granular neurons in diverse proliferative states. While most mammals show persistent neurogenesis through adulthood, human neurogenesis is still under debate. We found nuclear alterations in granular cells in autopsied human brains, detected by immunohistochemistry. These alterations differ from those reported in pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal circuit. Aging and early AD chromatin were clearly differentiated by the increased epigenetic markers H3K9me3 (heterochromatin suppressive mark) and H3K4me3 (transcriptional euchromatin mark). At early AD stages, lamin B2 was redistributed to the nucleoplasm, indicating cell-cycle reactivation, probably induced by hippocampal nuclear pathology. At intermediate and late AD stages, higher lamin B2 immunopositivity in the perinucleus suggests fewer immature neurons, less neurogenesis, and fewer adaptation resources to environmental factors. In addition, senile samples showed increased nuclear Tau interacting with aged chromatin, likely favoring DNA repair and maintaining genomic stability. However, at late AD stages, the progressive disappearance of phosphorylated Tau forms in the nucleus, increased chromatin disorganization, and increased nuclear autophagy support a model of biphasic neurogenesis in AD. Therefore, designing therapies to alleviate the neuronal nuclear pathology might be the only pathway to a true rejuvenation of brain circuits.
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19
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Di Stefano L. All Quiet on the TE Front? The Role of Chromatin in Transposable Element Silencing. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162501. [PMID: 36010577 PMCID: PMC9406493 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that constitute a sizeable portion of many eukaryotic genomes. Through their mobility, they represent a major source of genetic variation, and their activation can cause genetic instability and has been linked to aging, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, tight regulation of TE transcription is necessary for normal development. Chromatin is at the heart of TE regulation; however, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the precise role of chromatin marks in TE silencing and how chromatin marks are established and maintained at TE loci. In this review, I discuss evidence documenting the contribution of chromatin-associated proteins and histone marks in TE regulation across different species with an emphasis on Drosophila and mammalian systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Di Stefano
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31062 Toulouse, France
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20
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Hicks T, Koury E, McCabe C, Williams C, Crahan C, Smolikove S. R-loop-induced irreparable DNA damage evades checkpoint detection in the C. elegans germline. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:8041-8059. [PMID: 35871299 PMCID: PMC9371901 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of DNA–RNA hybrids in the form of R-loops can result in replication–transcription conflict that leads to the formation of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). Using null mutants for the two Caenorhabditis elegans genes encoding for RNaseH1 and RNaseH2, we identify novel effects of R-loop accumulation in the germline. R-loop accumulation leads, as expected, to replication stress, followed by the formation of DSBs. A subset of these DSBs are irreparable. However, unlike irreparable DSBs generated in other systems, which trigger permanent cell cycle arrest, germline irreparable DSBs are propagated to oocytes. Despite DNA damage checkpoint activation in the stem cell niche, the signaling cannot be sustained and nuclei with irreparable DNA damage progress into meiosis. Moreover, unlike other forms of DNA damage that increase germline apoptosis, R-loop-generated DSBs remain undetected by the apoptotic checkpoint. This coincides with attenuation of ATM/ATR signaling in mid-to-late meiotic prophase I. These data altogether indicate that in the germline, DSBs that are generated by R-loops can lead to irreparable DSBs that evade cellular machineries designed for damage recognition. These studies implicate germline R-loops as an especially dangerous driver of germline mutagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Hicks
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa , IA City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Emily Koury
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa , IA City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Caleb McCabe
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa , IA City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Cameron Williams
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa , IA City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Caroline Crahan
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa , IA City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sarit Smolikove
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa , IA City, IA 52242, USA
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21
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Guo Y, Chomiak A, Hong Y, Lowe CC, Kopsidas CA, Chan WC, Andrade J, Pan H, Zhou X, Monuki ES, Feng Y. Histone H2A ubiquitination resulting from Brap loss of function connects multiple aging hallmarks and accelerates neurodegeneration. iScience 2022; 25:104519. [PMID: 35754718 PMCID: PMC9213774 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is an intricate process characterized by multiple hallmarks including stem cell exhaustion, genome instability, epigenome alteration, impaired proteostasis, and cellular senescence. Whereas each of these traits is detrimental at the cellular level, it remains unclear how they are interconnected to cause systemic organ deterioration. Here we show that abrogating Brap, a BRCA1-associated protein essential for neurogenesis, results in persistent DNA double-strand breaks and elevation of histone H2A mono- and poly-ubiquitination (H2Aub). These defects extend to cellular senescence and proteasome-mediated histone H2A proteolysis with alterations in cells' proteomic and epigenetic states. Brap deletion in the mouse brain causes neuroinflammation, impaired proteostasis, accelerated neurodegeneration, and substantially shortened the lifespan. We further show the elevation of H2Aub also occurs in human brain tissues with Alzheimer's disease. These data together suggest that chromatin aberrations mediated by H2Aub may act as a nexus of multiple aging hallmarks and promote tissue-wide degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Guo
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alison.A. Chomiak
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ye Hong
- University of Turku, Turku 20500, Finland
| | - Clara C. Lowe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Caroline A. Kopsidas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Wen-Ching Chan
- Center for Research Informatics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jorge Andrade
- Center for Research Informatics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hongna Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Edwin S. Monuki
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Yuanyi Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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22
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Establishment of H3K9-methylated heterochromatin and its functions in tissue differentiation and maintenance. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:623-640. [PMID: 35562425 PMCID: PMC9099300 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00483-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Heterochromatin is characterized by dimethylated or trimethylated histone H3 Lys9 (H3K9me2 or H3K9me3, respectively) and is found at transposable elements, satellite repeats and genes, where it ensures their transcriptional silencing. The histone methyltransferases (HMTs) that methylate H3K9 — in mammals Suppressor of variegation 3–9 homologue 1 (SUV39H1), SUV39H2, SET domain bifurcated 1 (SETDB1), SETDB2, G9A and G9A-like protein (GLP) — and the ‘readers’ of H3K9me2 or H3K9me3 are highly conserved and show considerable redundancy. Despite their redundancy, genetic ablation or mistargeting of an individual H3K9 methyltransferase can correlate with impaired cell differentiation, loss of tissue identity, premature aging and/or cancer. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the roles of the known H3K9-specific HMTs in ensuring transcriptional homeostasis during tissue differentiation in mammals. We examine the effects of H3K9-methylation-dependent gene repression in haematopoiesis, muscle differentiation and neurogenesis in mammals, and compare them with mechanistic insights obtained from the study of model organisms, notably Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. In all these organisms, H3K9-specific HMTs have both unique and redundant roles that ensure the maintenance of tissue integrity by restricting the binding of transcription factors to lineage-specific promoters and enhancer elements. Histone H3 Lys9 (H3K9)-methylated heterochromatin ensures transcriptional silencing of repetitive elements and genes, and its deregulation leads to impaired cell and tissue identity, premature aging and cancer. Recent studies in mammals clarified the roles H3K9-specific histone methyltransferases in ensuring transcriptional homeostasis during tissue differentiation.
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23
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Athar F, Templeman NM. C. elegans as a model organism to study female reproductive health. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 266:111152. [PMID: 35032657 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Female reproductive health has been historically understudied and underfunded. Here, we present the advantages of using a free-living nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, as an animal system to study fundamental aspects of female reproductive health. C. elegans is a powerful high-throughput model organism that shares key genetic and physiological similarities with humans. In this review, we highlight areas of pressing medical and biological importance in the 21st century within the context of female reproductive health. These include the decline in female reproductive capacity with increasing chronological age, reproductive dysfunction arising from toxic environmental insults, and cancers of the reproductive system. C. elegans has been instrumental in uncovering mechanistic insights underlying these processes, and has been valuable for developing and testing therapeutics to combat them. Adopting a convenient model organism such as C. elegans for studying reproductive health will encourage further research into this field, and broaden opportunities for making advancements into evolutionarily conserved mechanisms that control reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faria Athar
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Nicole M Templeman
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada.
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24
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Vourc’h C, Dufour S, Timcheva K, Seigneurin-Berny D, Verdel A. HSF1-Activated Non-Coding Stress Response: Satellite lncRNAs and Beyond, an Emerging Story with a Complex Scenario. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13040597. [PMID: 35456403 PMCID: PMC9032817 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, the heat shock response is orchestrated by a transcription factor named Heat Shock Factor 1 (HSF1). HSF1 is mostly characterized for its role in activating the expression of a repertoire of protein-coding genes, including the heat shock protein (HSP) genes. Remarkably, a growing set of reports indicate that, upon heat shock, HSF1 also targets various non-coding regions of the genome. Focusing primarily on mammals, this review aims at reporting the identity of the non-coding genomic sites directly bound by HSF1, and at describing the molecular function of the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) produced in response to HSF1 binding. The described non-coding genomic targets of HSF1 are pericentric Satellite DNA repeats, (sub)telomeric DNA repeats, Short Interspersed Nuclear Element (SINE) repeats, transcriptionally active enhancers and the NEAT1 gene. This diverse set of non-coding genomic sites, which already appears to be an integral part of the cellular response to stress, may only represent the first of many. Thus, the study of the evolutionary conserved heat stress response has the potential to emerge as a powerful cellular context to study lncRNAs, produced from repeated or unique DNA regions, with a regulatory function that is often well-documented but a mode of action that remains largely unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Vourc’h
- Université de Grenoble Alpes (UGA), 38700 La Tronche, France
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (A.V.)
| | - Solenne Dufour
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Centre de Recherche UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS UMR 5309, Site Santé-Allée des Alpes, 38700 La Tronche, France; (S.D.); (K.T.); (D.S.-B.)
| | - Kalina Timcheva
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Centre de Recherche UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS UMR 5309, Site Santé-Allée des Alpes, 38700 La Tronche, France; (S.D.); (K.T.); (D.S.-B.)
| | - Daphné Seigneurin-Berny
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Centre de Recherche UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS UMR 5309, Site Santé-Allée des Alpes, 38700 La Tronche, France; (S.D.); (K.T.); (D.S.-B.)
| | - André Verdel
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Centre de Recherche UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS UMR 5309, Site Santé-Allée des Alpes, 38700 La Tronche, France; (S.D.); (K.T.); (D.S.-B.)
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (A.V.)
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SETDB1-like MET-2 promotes transcriptional silencing and development independently of its H3K9me-associated catalytic activity. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:85-96. [PMID: 35102319 PMCID: PMC8850192 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-021-00712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptionally silenced heterochromatin bearing methylation of histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me) is critical for maintaining organismal viability and tissue integrity. Here we show that in addition to ensuring H3K9me, MET-2, the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of the SETDB1 histone methyltransferase, has a noncatalytic function that contributes to gene repression. Subnuclear foci of MET-2 coincide with H3K9me deposition, yet these foci also form when MET-2 is catalytically deficient and H3K9me is compromised. Whereas met-2 deletion triggers a loss of silencing and increased histone acetylation, foci of catalytically deficient MET-2 maintain silencing of a subset of genes, blocking acetylation on H3K9 and H3K27. In normal development, this noncatalytic MET-2 activity helps to maintain fertility. Under heat stress MET-2 foci disperse, coinciding with increased acetylation and transcriptional derepression. Our study suggests that the noncatalytic, focus-forming function of this SETDB1-like protein and its intrinsically disordered cofactor LIN-65 is physiologically relevant. Genetic and genome-wide analysis of a catalytically deficient SETDB1-like enzyme, MET-2, in Caenorhabditiselegans reveals that MET-2 promotes transcriptional silencing and fertility through both H3K9 methylation and focus formation, which blocks histone acetylation.
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26
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The Sound of Silence: How Silenced Chromatin Orchestrates the Repair of Double-Strand Breaks. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091415. [PMID: 34573397 PMCID: PMC8467445 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic nucleus is continuously being exposed to endogenous and exogenous sources that cause DNA breaks, whose faithful repair requires the activity of dedicated nuclear machineries. DNA is packaged into a variety of chromatin domains, each characterized by specific molecular properties that regulate gene expression and help maintain nuclear structure. These different chromatin environments each demand a tailored response to DNA damage. Silenced chromatin domains in particular present a major challenge to the cell’s DNA repair machinery due to their specific biophysical properties and distinct, often repetitive, DNA content. To this end, we here discuss the interplay between silenced chromatin domains and DNA damage repair, specifically double-strand breaks, and how these processes help maintain genome stability.
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Replication stress: from chromatin to immunity and beyond. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 71:136-142. [PMID: 34455237 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Replication stress (RS) is a hallmark of cancer cells that is associated with increased genomic instability. RS occurs when replication forks encounter obstacles along the DNA. Stalled forks are signaled by checkpoint kinases that prevent fork collapse and coordinate fork repair pathways. Fork restart also depends on chromatin remodelers to increase the accessibility of nascent chromatin to recombination and repair factors. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the causes and consequences of RS, with a focus on endogenous replication impediments and their impact on fork velocity. We also discuss recent studies on the interplay between stalled forks and innate immunity, which extends the RS response beyond cell boundaries and opens new avenues for cancer therapy.
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Complete loss of H3K9 methylation dissolves mouse heterochromatin organization. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4359. [PMID: 34272378 PMCID: PMC8285382 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24532-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation is a central epigenetic modification that defines heterochromatin from unicellular to multicellular organisms. In mammalian cells, H3K9 methylation can be catalyzed by at least six distinct SET domain enzymes: Suv39h1/Suv39h2, Eset1/Eset2 and G9a/Glp. We used mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) with a conditional mutation for Eset1 and introduced progressive deletions for the other SET domain genes by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Compound mutant MEFs for all six SET domain lysine methyltransferase (KMT) genes lack all H3K9 methylation states, derepress nearly all families of repeat elements and display genomic instabilities. Strikingly, the 6KO H3K9 KMT MEF cells no longer maintain heterochromatin organization and have lost electron-dense heterochromatin. This is a compelling analysis of H3K9 methylation-deficient mammalian chromatin and reveals a definitive function for H3K9 methylation in protecting heterochromatin organization and genome integrity.
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29
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Role of Histone Methylation in Maintenance of Genome Integrity. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12071000. [PMID: 34209979 PMCID: PMC8307007 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Packaging of the eukaryotic genome with histone and other proteins forms a chromatin structure that regulates the outcome of all DNA mediated processes. The cellular pathways that ensure genomic stability detect and repair DNA damage through mechanisms that are critically dependent upon chromatin structures established by histones and, particularly upon transient histone post-translational modifications. Though subjected to a range of modifications, histone methylation is especially crucial for DNA damage repair, as the methylated histones often form platforms for subsequent repair protein binding at damaged sites. In this review, we highlight and discuss how histone methylation impacts the maintenance of genome integrity through effects related to DNA repair and repair pathway choice.
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30
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Kanne J, Hussong M, Isensee J, Muñoz-López Á, Wolffgramm J, Heß F, Grimm C, Bessonov S, Meder L, Wang J, Reinhardt HC, Odenthal M, Hucho T, Büttner R, Summerer D, Schweiger MR. Pericentromeric Satellite III transcripts induce etoposide resistance. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:530. [PMID: 34031359 PMCID: PMC8144429 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03810-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding RNA from pericentromeric satellite repeats are involved in stress-dependent splicing processes, maintenance of heterochromatin, and are required to protect genome stability. Here we show that the long non-coding satellite III RNA (SatIII) generates resistance against the topoisomerase IIa (TOP2A) inhibitor etoposide in lung cancer. Because heat shock conditions (HS) protect cells against the toxicity of etoposide, and SatIII is significantly induced under HS, we hypothesized that the protective effect could be traced back to SatIII. Using genome methylation profiles of patient-derived xenograft mouse models we show that the epigenetic modification of the SatIII DNA locus and the resulting SatIII expression predict chemotherapy resistance. In response to stress, SatIII recruits TOP2A to nuclear stress bodies, which protects TOP2A from a complex formation with etoposide and results in decreased DNA damage after treatment. We show that BRD4 inhibitors reduce the expression of SatIII, restoring etoposide sensitivity.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Cell Cycle Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Centromere/genetics
- Centromere/metabolism
- DNA Methylation/physiology
- DNA Topoisomerases, Type II/drug effects
- DNA Topoisomerases, Type II/genetics
- DNA Topoisomerases, Type II/metabolism
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Etoposide/therapeutic use
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- HEK293 Cells
- HeLa Cells
- Humans
- Male
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins/drug effects
- Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins/genetics
- Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins/metabolism
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/physiology
- Transcription Factors/antagonists & inhibitors
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Kanne
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michelle Hussong
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg Isensee
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Álvaro Muñoz-López
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jan Wolffgramm
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Felix Heß
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Rheinische Fachhochschule Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christina Grimm
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sergey Bessonov
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lydia Meder
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jie Wang
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - H Christian Reinhardt
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK partner site Essen), Essen, Germany
| | - Margarete Odenthal
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
- Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tim Hucho
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel Summerer
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michal R Schweiger
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Gudipati RK, Braun K, Gypas F, Hess D, Schreier J, Carl SH, Ketting RF, Großhans H. Protease-mediated processing of Argonaute proteins controls small RNA association. Mol Cell 2021; 81:2388-2402.e8. [PMID: 33852894 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Small RNA pathways defend the germlines of animals against selfish genetic elements, yet pathway activities need to be contained to prevent silencing of self genes. Here, we reveal a proteolytic mechanism that controls endogenous small interfering (22G) RNA activity in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline to protect genome integrity and maintain fertility. We find that DPF-3, a P-granule-localized N-terminal dipeptidase orthologous to mammalian dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) 8/9, processes the unusually proline-rich N termini of WAGO-1 and WAGO-3 Argonaute (Ago) proteins. Without DPF-3 activity, these WAGO proteins lose their proper complement of 22G RNAs. Desilencing of repeat-containing and transposon-derived transcripts, DNA damage, and acute sterility ensue. These phenotypes are recapitulated when WAGO-1 and WAGO-3 are rendered resistant to DPF-3-mediated processing, identifying them as critical substrates of DPF-3. We conclude that N-terminal processing of Ago proteins regulates their activity and promotes silencing of selfish genetic elements by ensuring Ago association with appropriate small RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajani Kanth Gudipati
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, Basel 4058, Switzerland.
| | - Kathrin Braun
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Foivos Gypas
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Hess
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Jan Schreier
- Biology of Non-coding RNA, Institute of Molecular Biology, Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany; International PhD Programme on Gene Regulation, Epigenetics & Genome Stability, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sarah H Carl
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - René F Ketting
- Biology of Non-coding RNA, Institute of Molecular Biology, Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany; Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Helge Großhans
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, Basel 4058, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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32
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Spichal M, Heestand B, Billmyre KK, Frenk S, Mello CC, Ahmed S. Germ granule dysfunction is a hallmark and mirror of Piwi mutant sterility. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1420. [PMID: 33658512 PMCID: PMC7930041 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In several species, Piwi/piRNA genome silencing defects cause immediate sterility that correlates with transposon expression and transposon-induced genomic instability. In C. elegans, mutations in the Piwi-related gene (prg-1) and other piRNA deficient mutants cause a transgenerational decline in fertility over a period of several generations. Here we show that the sterility of late generation piRNA mutants correlates poorly with increases in DNA damage signaling. Instead, sterile individuals consistently exhibit altered perinuclear germ granules. We show that disruption of germ granules does not activate transposon expression but induces multiple phenotypes found in sterile prg-1 pathway mutants. Furthermore, loss of the germ granule component pgl-1 enhances prg-1 mutant infertility. Environmental restoration of germ granule function for sterile pgl-1 mutants restores their fertility. We propose that Piwi mutant sterility is a reproductive arrest phenotype that is characterized by perturbed germ granule structure and is phenocopied by germ granule dysfunction, independent of genomic instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Spichal
- grid.410711.20000 0001 1034 1720Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA ,grid.410711.20000 0001 1034 1720Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA ,grid.168645.80000 0001 0742 0364RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA USA
| | - Bree Heestand
- grid.410711.20000 0001 1034 1720Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA ,grid.410711.20000 0001 1034 1720Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Katherine Kretovich Billmyre
- grid.410711.20000 0001 1034 1720Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA ,grid.410711.20000 0001 1034 1720Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA ,grid.250820.d0000 0000 9420 1591Present Address: Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO USA
| | - Stephen Frenk
- grid.410711.20000 0001 1034 1720Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA ,grid.410711.20000 0001 1034 1720Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA ,Present Address: Achilles Therapeutics Limited, London, UK
| | - Craig C. Mello
- grid.168645.80000 0001 0742 0364RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA USA ,grid.413575.10000 0001 2167 1581Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Worcester, MA USA
| | - Shawn Ahmed
- grid.410711.20000 0001 1034 1720Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA ,grid.410711.20000 0001 1034 1720Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA ,grid.410711.20000 0001 1034 1720Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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Misova I, Pitelova A, Budis J, Gazdarica J, Sedlackova T, Jordakova A, Benko Z, Smondrkova M, Mayerova N, Pichlerova K, Strieskova L, Prevorovsky M, Gregan J, Cipak L, Szemes T, Polakova SB. Repression of a large number of genes requires interplay between homologous recombination and HIRA. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:1914-1934. [PMID: 33511417 PMCID: PMC7913671 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During homologous recombination, Dbl2 protein is required for localisation of Fbh1, an F-box helicase that efficiently dismantles Rad51-DNA filaments. RNA-seq analysis of dbl2Δ transcriptome showed that the dbl2 deletion results in upregulation of more than 500 loci in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Compared with the loci with no change in expression, the misregulated loci in dbl2Δ are closer to long terminal and long tandem repeats. Furthermore, the misregulated loci overlap with antisense transcripts, retrotransposons, meiotic genes and genes located in subtelomeric regions. A comparison of the expression profiles revealed that Dbl2 represses the same type of genes as the HIRA histone chaperone complex. Although dbl2 deletion does not alleviate centromeric or telomeric silencing, it suppresses the silencing defect at the outer centromere caused by deletion of hip1 and slm9 genes encoding subunits of the HIRA complex. Moreover, our analyses revealed that cells lacking dbl2 show a slight increase of nucleosomes at transcription start sites and increased levels of methylated histone H3 (H3K9me2) at centromeres, subtelomeres, rDNA regions and long terminal repeats. Finally, we show that other proteins involved in homologous recombination, such as Fbh1, Rad51, Mus81 and Rad54, participate in the same gene repression pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Misova
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Pitelova
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jaroslav Budis
- Comenius University Science Park, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Geneton Ltd., 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information, 811 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Gazdarica
- Geneton Ltd., 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information, 811 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tatiana Sedlackova
- Comenius University Science Park, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Geneton Ltd., 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Anna Jordakova
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Praha 2, Czechia
| | - Zsigmond Benko
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, H-4010 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Maria Smondrkova
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Nina Mayerova
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Karoline Pichlerova
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Strieskova
- Comenius University Science Park, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Geneton Ltd., 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martin Prevorovsky
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Praha 2, Czechia
| | - Juraj Gregan
- Advanced Microscopy Facility, VBCF and Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lubos Cipak
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tomas Szemes
- Comenius University Science Park, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Geneton Ltd., 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information, 811 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Silvia Bagelova Polakova
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
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34
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Gartner A, Engebrecht J. DNA repair, recombination, and damage signaling. Genetics 2021; 220:6522877. [PMID: 35137093 PMCID: PMC9097270 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA must be accurately copied and propagated from one cell division to the next, and from one generation to the next. To ensure the faithful transmission of the genome, a plethora of distinct as well as overlapping DNA repair and recombination pathways have evolved. These pathways repair a large variety of lesions, including alterations to single nucleotides and DNA single and double-strand breaks, that are generated as a consequence of normal cellular function or by external DNA damaging agents. In addition to the proteins that mediate DNA repair, checkpoint pathways have also evolved to monitor the genome and coordinate the action of various repair pathways. Checkpoints facilitate repair by mediating a transient cell cycle arrest, or through initiation of cell suicide if DNA damage has overwhelmed repair capacity. In this chapter, we describe the attributes of Caenorhabditis elegans that facilitate analyses of DNA repair, recombination, and checkpoint signaling in the context of a whole animal. We review the current knowledge of C. elegans DNA repair, recombination, and DNA damage response pathways, and their role during development, growth, and in the germ line. We also discuss how the analysis of mutational signatures in C. elegans is helping to inform cancer mutational signatures in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Gartner
- Department for Biological Sciences, IBS Center for Genomic Integrity, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 689-798, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author: (A.G.); (J.E.)
| | - JoAnne Engebrecht
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA,Corresponding author: (A.G.); (J.E.)
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H3K9me selectively blocks transcription factor activity and ensures differentiated tissue integrity. Nat Cell Biol 2021; 23:1163-1175. [PMID: 34737442 PMCID: PMC8572725 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-021-00776-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The developmental role of histone H3K9 methylation (H3K9me), which typifies heterochromatin, remains unclear. In Caenorhabditis elegans, loss of H3K9me leads to a highly divergent upregulation of genes with tissue and developmental-stage specificity. During development H3K9me is lost from differentiated cell type-specific genes and gained at genes expressed in earlier developmental stages or other tissues. The continuous deposition of H3K9me2 by the SETDB1 homolog MET-2 after terminal differentiation is necessary to maintain repression. In differentiated tissues, H3K9me ensures silencing by restricting the activity of a defined set of transcription factors at promoters and enhancers. Increased chromatin accessibility following the loss of H3K9me is neither sufficient nor necessary to drive transcription. Increased ATAC-seq signal and gene expression correlate at a subset of loci positioned away from the nuclear envelope, while derepressed genes at the nuclear periphery remain poorly accessible despite being transcribed. In conclusion, H3K9me deposition can confer tissue-specific gene expression and maintain the integrity of terminally differentiated muscle by restricting transcription factor activity.
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Padeken J, Methot S, Zeller P, Delaney CE, Kalck V, Gasser SM. Argonaute NRDE-3 and MBT domain protein LIN-61 redundantly recruit an H3K9me3 HMT to prevent embryonic lethality and transposon expression. Genes Dev 2021; 35:82-101. [PMID: 33303642 PMCID: PMC7778263 DOI: 10.1101/gad.344234.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The establishment and maintenance of chromatin domains shape the epigenetic memory of a cell, with the methylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me) defining transcriptionally silent heterochromatin. We show here that the C. elegans SET-25 (SUV39/G9a) histone methyltransferase (HMT), which catalyzes H3K9me1, me2 and me3, can establish repressed chromatin domains de novo, unlike the SETDB1 homolog MET-2. Thus, SET-25 is needed to silence novel insertions of RNA or DNA transposons, and repress tissue-specific genes de novo during development. We identify two partially redundant pathways that recruit SET-25 to its targets. One pathway requires LIN-61 (L3MBTL2), which uses its four MBT domains to bind the H3K9me2 deposited by MET-2. The second pathway functions independently of MET-2 and involves the somatic Argonaute NRDE-3 and small RNAs. This pathway targets primarily highly conserved RNA and DNA transposons. These redundant SET-25 targeting pathways (MET-2-LIN-61-SET-25 and NRDE-3-SET-25) ensure repression of intact transposons and de novo insertions, while MET-2 can act alone to repress simple and satellite repeats. Removal of both pathways in the met-2;nrde-3 double mutant leads to the loss of somatic H3K9me2 and me3 and the synergistic derepression of transposons in embryos, strongly elevating embryonic lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Padeken
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephen Methot
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Zeller
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Colin E Delaney
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Veronique Kalck
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Susan M Gasser
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
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Brown RE, Freudenreich CH. Structure-forming repeats and their impact on genome stability. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 67:41-51. [PMID: 33279816 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive sequences throughout the genome are a major source of endogenous DNA damage, due to the propensity of many of them to form alternative non-B DNA structures that can interfere with replication, transcription, and DNA repair. These repetitive sequences are prone to breakage (fragility) and instability (changes in repeat number). Repeat fragility and expansions are linked to several diseases, including many cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, hence the importance of understanding the mechanisms that cause genome instability and contribute to these diseases. This review focuses on recent findings of mechanisms causing repeat fragility and instability, new associations between repeat expansions and genetic diseases, and potential therapeutic options to target repeat expansions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Brown
- Program in Genetics, Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Catherine H Freudenreich
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; Program in Genetics, Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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Schwartz-Orbach L, Zhang C, Sidoli S, Amin R, Kaur D, Zhebrun A, Ni J, Gu SG. Caenorhabditis elegans nuclear RNAi factor SET-32 deposits the transgenerational histone modification, H3K23me3. eLife 2020; 9:e54309. [PMID: 32804637 PMCID: PMC7431132 DOI: 10.7554/elife.54309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear RNAi provides a highly tractable system to study RNA-mediated chromatin changes and epigenetic inheritance. Recent studies have indicated that the regulation and function of nuclear RNAi-mediated heterochromatin are highly complex. Our knowledge of histone modifications and the corresponding histonemodifying enzymes involved in the system remains limited. In this study, we show that the heterochromatin mark, H3K23me3, is induced by nuclear RNAi at both exogenous and endogenous targets in C. elegans. In addition, dsRNA-induced H3K23me3 can persist for multiple generations after the dsRNA exposure has stopped. We demonstrate that the histone methyltransferase SET-32, methylates H3K23 in vitro. Both set-32 and the germline nuclear RNAi Argonaute, hrde-1, are required for nuclear RNAi-induced H3K23me3 in vivo. Our data poise H3K23me3 as an additional chromatin modification in the nuclear RNAi pathway and provides the field with a new target for uncovering the role of heterochromatin in transgenerational epigenetic silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianna Schwartz-Orbach
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers the State University of New JerseyPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Chenzhen Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers the State University of New JerseyPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, BronxNew YorkUnited States
| | - Richa Amin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers the State University of New JerseyPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Diljeet Kaur
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers the State University of New JerseyPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Anna Zhebrun
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers the State University of New JerseyPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Julie Ni
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers the State University of New JerseyPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Sam G Gu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers the State University of New JerseyPiscatawayUnited States
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39
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Esse R, Grishok A. Caenorhabditis elegans Deficient in DOT-1.1 Exhibit Increases in H3K9me2 at Enhancer and Certain RNAi-Regulated Regions. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081846. [PMID: 32781660 PMCID: PMC7464606 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The methylation of histone H3 at lysine 79 is a feature of open chromatin. It is deposited by the conserved histone methyltransferase DOT1. Recently, DOT1 localization and H3K79 methylation (H3K79me) have been correlated with enhancers in C. elegans and mammalian cells. Since earlier research implicated H3K79me in preventing heterochromatin formation both in yeast and leukemic cells, we sought to inquire whether a H3K79me deficiency would lead to higher levels of heterochromatic histone modifications, specifically H3K9me2, at developmental enhancers in C. elegans. Therefore, we used H3K9me2 ChIP-seq to compare its abundance in control and dot-1.1 loss-of-function mutant worms, as well as in rde-4; dot-1.1 and rde-1; dot-1.1 double mutants. The rde-1 and rde-4 genes are components of the RNAi pathway in C. elegans, and RNAi is known to initiate H3K9 methylation in many organisms, including C. elegans. We have previously shown that dot-1.1(-) lethality is rescued by rde-1 and rde-4 loss-of-function. Here we found that H3K9me2 was elevated in enhancer, but not promoter, regions bound by the DOT-1.1/ZFP-1 complex in dot-1.1(-) worms. We also found increased H3K9me2 at genes targeted by the ALG-3/4-dependent small RNAs and repeat regions. Our results suggest that ectopic H3K9me2 in dot-1.1(-) could, in some cases, be induced by small RNAs.
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40
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Zhang J, Jing L, Tan S, Zeng EM, Lin Y, He L, Hu Z, Liu J, Guo Z. Inhibition of miR-1193 leads to synthetic lethality in glioblastoma multiforme cells deficient of DNA-PKcs. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:602. [PMID: 32732911 PMCID: PMC7393494 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02812-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant primary brain tumor and has the highest mortality rate among cancers and high resistance to radiation and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Although some targeted therapies can partially inhibit oncogenic mutation-driven proliferation of GBM cells, therapies harnessing synthetic lethality are ‘coincidental’ treatments with high effectiveness in cancers with gene mutations, such as GBM, which frequently exhibits DNA-PKcs mutation. By implementing a highly efficient high-throughput screening (HTS) platform using an in-house-constructed genome-wide human microRNA inhibitor library, we demonstrated that miR-1193 inhibition sensitized GBM tumor cells with DNA-PKcs deficiency. Furthermore, we found that miR-1193 directly targets YY1AP1, leading to subsequent inhibition of FEN1, an important factor in DNA damage repair. Inhibition of miR-1193 resulted in accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks and thus increased genomic instability. RPA-coated ssDNA structures enhanced ATR checkpoint kinase activity, subsequently activating the CHK1/p53/apoptosis axis. These data provide a preclinical theory for the application of miR-1193 inhibition as a potential synthetic lethal approach targeting GBM cancer cells with DNA-PKcs deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210097, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China.
| | - Li Jing
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210097, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Subee Tan
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 210093, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Er-Ming Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, R.P. China
| | - Yingbo Lin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17176, Sweden
| | - Lingfeng He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210097, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Zhigang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210097, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Jianping Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210097, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China.
| | - Zhigang Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210097, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China.
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41
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Wamucho A, Heffley A, Tsyusko OV. Epigenetic effects induced by silver nanoparticles in Caenorhabditis elegans after multigenerational exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 725:138523. [PMID: 32305644 PMCID: PMC11370278 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Multigenerational effects of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on reproduction of the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have been observed previously. However, mechanisms of this reproductive sensitivity are unknown. Here we examine whether epigenetic changes occur as a result of multigenerational exposure to Ag-NPs and whether such modifications can be inherited by unexposed generations. Changes at histone methylation markers, histone 3 lysine 4 dimethylation (H3K4me2) and histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3), known to affect reproduction, as well as changes in the expression of the genes encoding demethylases and methyltransferases associated with the selected markers, were investigated. We exposed C. elegans at EC30 to AgNO3, pristine Ag-NPs, and its environmentally transformed product, sulfidized Ag-NPs (sAg-NPs). Histone methylation levels at H3K4me2 increase in response to pristine Ag-NP exposure and did not recover after rescue from the exposure, suggesting transgenerational inheritance. Compared to pristine Ag-NPs, exposure to transformed sAg-NPs significantly decreased H3K4me2 and H3K9me3 levels. These changes in the histone methylation were also supported by expression of spr-5 and jmjd-2 (H3K4me2 and H3K9me3 demethylases, respectively) and set-30 (H3K4me2 methyltransferase). Our study demonstrates that multigenerational exposure to Ag-NPs induces epigenetic changes that are inherited by unexposed offspring. However, environmental transformations of Ag-NPs may also reduce toxicity via epigenetic mechanisms, such as changes at histone methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anye Wamucho
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, 1100 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40546, USA; Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, 1095 V.A. Drive, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Allison Heffley
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, 1100 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40546, USA; Miami University, 501 E. High St., Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Olga V Tsyusko
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, 1100 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40546, USA; Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, 1095 V.A. Drive, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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42
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Histone H3K9 methylation promotes formation of genome compartments in Caenorhabditis elegans via chromosome compaction and perinuclear anchoring. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:11459-11470. [PMID: 32385148 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002068117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic regions preferentially associate with regions of similar transcriptional activity, partitioning genomes into active and inactive compartments within the nucleus. Here we explore mechanisms controlling genome compartment organization in Caenorhabditis elegans and investigate roles for compartments in regulating gene expression. Distal arms of C. elegans chromosomes, which are enriched for heterochromatic histone modifications H3K9me1/me2/me3, interact with each other both in cis and in trans, while interacting less frequently with central regions, leading to genome compartmentalization. Arms are anchored to the nuclear periphery via the nuclear envelope protein CEC-4, which binds to H3K9me. By performing genome-wide chromosome conformation capture experiments (Hi-C), we showed that eliminating H3K9me1/me2/me3 through mutations in the methyltransferase genes met-2 and set-25 significantly impaired formation of inactive Arm and active Center compartments. cec-4 mutations also impaired compartmentalization, but to a lesser extent. We found that H3K9me promotes compartmentalization through two distinct mechanisms: Perinuclear anchoring of chromosome arms via CEC-4 to promote their cis association, and an anchoring-independent mechanism that compacts individual chromosome arms. In both met-2 set-25 and cec-4 mutants, no dramatic changes in gene expression were found for genes that switched compartments or for genes that remained in their original compartment, suggesting that compartment strength does not dictate gene-expression levels. Furthermore, H3K9me, but not perinuclear anchoring, also contributes to formation of another prominent feature of chromosome organization, megabase-scale topologically associating domains on X established by the dosage compensation condensin complex. Our results demonstrate that H3K9me plays crucial roles in regulating genome organization at multiple levels.
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43
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Wells JP, White J, Stirling PC. R Loops and Their Composite Cancer Connections. Trends Cancer 2019; 5:619-631. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Maksimov DA, Koryakov DE. Binding of SU(VAR)3-9 Partially Depends on SETDB1 in the Chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091030. [PMID: 31491894 PMCID: PMC6769583 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
H3K9 methylation is known to play a critical role in gene silencing. This modification is established and maintained by several enzymes, but relationships between them are not fully understood. In the present study, we decipher the interplay between two Drosophila H3K9-specific histone methyltransferases, SU(VAR)3-9 and SETDB1. We asked whether SETDB1 is required for targeting of SU(VAR)3-9. Using DamID-seq, we obtained SU(VAR)3-9 binding profiles for the chromosomes from larval salivary glands and germline cells from adult females, and compared profiles between the wild type and SETDB1-mutant backgrounds. Our analyses indicate that the vast majority of single copy genes in euchromatin are targeted by SU(VAR)3-9 only in the presence of SETDB1, whereas SU(VAR)3-9 binding at repeated sequences in heterochromatin is largely SETDB1-independent. Interestingly, piRNA clusters 42AB and 38C in salivary gland chromosomes bind SU(VAR)3-9 regardless of SETDB1, whereas binding to the same regions in the germline cells is SETDB1-dependent. In addition, we compared SU(VAR)3-9 profiles in female germline cells at different developmental stages (germarium cells in juvenile ovaries and mature nurse cells). It turned out that SU(VAR)3-9 binding is influenced both by the presence of SETDB1, as well as by the differentiation stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil A Maksimov
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Dmitry E Koryakov
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
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45
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Densham RM, Morris JR. Moving Mountains-The BRCA1 Promotion of DNA Resection. Front Mol Biosci 2019; 6:79. [PMID: 31552267 PMCID: PMC6733915 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) occur in our cells in the context of chromatin. This type of lesion is toxic, entirely preventing genome continuity and causing cell death or terminal arrest. Several repair mechanisms can act on DNA surrounding a DSB, only some of which carry a low risk of mutation, so that which repair process is utilized is critical to the stability of genetic material of cells. A key component of repair outcome is the degree of DNA resection directed to either side of the break site. This in turn determines the subsequent forms of repair in which DNA homology plays a part. Here we will focus on chromatin and chromatin-bound complexes which constitute the "mountains" that block resection, with a particular focus on how the breast and ovarian cancer predisposition protein-1 (BRCA1) contributes to repair outcomes through overcoming these blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna R. Morris
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, Medical and Dental Schools, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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46
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Delaney CE, Methot SP, Guidi M, Katic I, Gasser SM, Padeken J. Heterochromatic foci and transcriptional repression by an unstructured MET-2/SETDB1 co-factor LIN-65. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:820-838. [PMID: 30737265 PMCID: PMC6400574 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201811038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The segregation of the genome into accessible euchromatin and histone H3K9-methylated heterochromatin helps silence repetitive elements and tissue-specific genes. In Caenorhabditis elegans, MET-2, the homologue of mammalian SETDB1, catalyzes H3K9me1 and me2, yet like SETDB1, its regulation is enigmatic. Contrary to the cytosolic enrichment of overexpressed MET-2, we show that endogenous MET-2 is nuclear throughout development, forming perinuclear foci in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Mass spectrometry identified two cofactors that bind MET-2: LIN-65, a highly unstructured protein, and ARLE-14, a conserved GTPase effector. All three factors colocalize in heterochromatic foci. Ablation of lin-65, but not arle-14, mislocalizes and destabilizes MET-2, resulting in decreased H3K9 dimethylation, dispersion of heterochromatic foci, and derepression of MET-2 targets. Mutation of met-2 or lin-65 also disrupts the perinuclear anchoring of genomic heterochromatin. Loss of LIN-65, like that of MET-2, compromises temperature stress resistance and germline integrity, which are both linked to promiscuous repeat transcription and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin E Delaney
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephen P Methot
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Micol Guidi
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Iskra Katic
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Susan M Gasser
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Padeken
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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