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Arimbasseri AG, Shukla A, Pradhan AK, Bhargava P. Increased histone acetylation is the signature of repressed state on the genes transcribed by RNA polymerase III. Gene 2024; 893:147958. [PMID: 37923095 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Several covalent modifications are found associated with the transcriptionally active chromatin regions constituted by the genes transcribed by RNA polymerase (pol) II. Pol III-transcribed genes code for the small, stable RNA species, which participate in many cellular processes, essential for survival. Pol III transcription is repressed under most of the stress conditions by its negative regulator Maf1. We found that most of the histone acetylations increase with starvation-induced repression on several genes transcribed by the yeast pol III. On one of these genes, SNR6 (coding for the U6snRNA), a strongly positioned nucleosome in the gene upstream region plays regulatory role under repression. On this nucleosome, the changes in H3K9 and H3K14 acetylations show different dynamics. During repression, acetylation levels on H3K9 show steady increase whereas H3K14 acetylation increases with a peak at 40 min after which levels reduce. Both the levels settle by 2 hr to a level higher than the active state, which revert to normal levels with nutrient repletion. The increase in H3 acetylations is seen in the mutants reported to show reduced SNR6 transcription but not in the maf1Δ cells. This increase on a regulatory nucleosome may be part of the signaling mechanisms, which prepare cells for the stress-related quick repression as well as reactivation. The contrasting association of the histone acetylations with pol II and pol III transcription may be an important consideration to make in research studies focused on drug developments targeting histone modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashutosh Shukla
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Ashis Kumar Pradhan
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Purnima Bhargava
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India.
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2
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Yague-Sanz C, Migeot V, Larochelle M, Bachand F, Wéry M, Morillon A, Hermand D. Chromatin remodeling by Pol II primes efficient Pol III transcription. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3587. [PMID: 37328480 PMCID: PMC10276017 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The packaging of the genetic material into chromatin imposes the remodeling of this barrier to allow efficient transcription. RNA polymerase II activity is coupled with several histone modification complexes that enforce remodeling. How RNA polymerase III (Pol III) counteracts the inhibitory effect of chromatin is unknown. We report here a mechanism where RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) transcription is required to prime and maintain nucleosome depletion at Pol III loci and contributes to efficient Pol III recruitment upon re-initiation of growth from stationary phase in Fission yeast. The Pcr1 transcription factor participates in the recruitment of Pol II, which affects local histone occupancy through the associated SAGA complex and a Pol II phospho-S2 CTD / Mst2 pathway. These data expand the central role of Pol II in gene expression beyond mRNA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Yague-Sanz
- URPHYM-GEMO, The University of Namur, rue de Bruxelles, 61, Namur, 5000, Belgium
| | - Valérie Migeot
- URPHYM-GEMO, The University of Namur, rue de Bruxelles, 61, Namur, 5000, Belgium
| | - Marc Larochelle
- RNA Group, Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - François Bachand
- RNA Group, Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Maxime Wéry
- ncRNA, Epigenetic and Genome Fluidity, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, CNRS UMR 3244, Paris, France
| | - Antonin Morillon
- ncRNA, Epigenetic and Genome Fluidity, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, CNRS UMR 3244, Paris, France
| | - Damien Hermand
- URPHYM-GEMO, The University of Namur, rue de Bruxelles, 61, Namur, 5000, Belgium.
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3
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Vinayachandran V, Bhargava P. Structural Features of the Nucleosomal DNA Modulate the Functional Binding of a Transcription Factor and Productive Transcription. Front Genet 2022; 13:870700. [PMID: 35646068 PMCID: PMC9136082 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.870700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A small non-histone protein of budding yeast, Nhp6 has been reported to specifically influence the transcription of a yeast gene, SNR6. The gene is essential, transcribed by the enzyme RNA polymerase III, and codes for the U6snRNA required for mRNA splicing. A translationally positioned nucleosome on the gene body enables the assembly factor TFIIIC binding by juxtaposing its otherwise widely separated binding sites, boxes A and B. We found histone depletion results in the loss of U6 snRNA production. Changing the rotational phase of the boxes and the linear distance between them with deletions in 5 bp steps displayed a helical periodicity in transcription, which gradually reduced with incremental deletions up to 40 bp but increased on further deletions enclosing the pseudoA boxes. Nhp6 influences the transcription in a dose-dependent manner, which is modulated by its previously reported co-operator, an upstream stretch of seven T residues centered between the TATA box and transcription start site. Nhp6 occupancy on the gene in vivo goes up at least 2-fold under the repression conditions. Nhp6 absence, T7 disruption, or shorter A–B box distance all cause the downstream initiation of transcription. The right +1 site is selected with the correct placement of TFIIIC before the transcription initiation factor TFIIIB. Thus, the T7 sequence and Nhp6 help the assembly and placement of the transcription complex at the right position. Apart from the chromatin remodelers, the relative rotational orientation of the promoter elements in nucleosomal DNA, and Nhp6 regulate the transcription of the SNR6 gene with precision.
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Bhargava P. Regulatory networking of the three RNA polymerases helps the eukaryotic cells cope with environmental stress. Curr Genet 2021; 67:595-603. [PMID: 33778898 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-021-01179-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Environmental stress influences the cellular physiology in multiple ways. Transcription by all the three RNA polymerases (Pols I, II, or III) in eukaryotes is a highly regulated process. With latest advances in technology, which have made many extensive genome-wide studies possible, it is increasingly recognized that all the cellular processes may be interconnected. A comprehensive view of the current research observations brings forward an interesting possibility that Pol II-associated factors may be directly involved in the regulation of expression from the Pol III-transcribed genes and vice versa, thus enabling a cross-talk between the two polymerases. An equally important cross-talk between the Pol I and Pol II/III has also been documented. Collectively, these observations lead to a change in the current perception that looks at the transcription of a set of genes transcribed by the three Pols in isolation. Emergence of an inclusive perspective underscores that all stress signals may converge on common mechanisms of transcription regulation, requiring an extensive cross-talk between the regulatory partners. Of the three RNA polymerases, Pol III turns out as the hub of these cross-talks, an essential component of the cellular stress-response under which the majority of the cellular transcriptional activity is shut down or re-aligned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purnima Bhargava
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India.
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5
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Shukla A, Bhalla P, Potdar PK, Jampala P, Bhargava P. Transcription-dependent enrichment of the yeast FACT complex influences nucleosome dynamics on the RNA polymerase III-transcribed genes. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 27:rna.077974.120. [PMID: 33277439 PMCID: PMC7901838 DOI: 10.1261/rna.077974.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The FACT (FAcilitates Chromatin Transactions) complex influences transcription initiation and enables passage of RNA polymerase (pol) II through gene body nucleosomes during elongation. In the budding yeast, ~280 non-coding RNA genes highly transcribed in vivo by pol III are found in the nucleosome-free regions bordered by positioned nucleosomes. The downstream nucleosome dynamics was found to regulate transcription via controlling the gene terminator accessibility and hence, terminator-dependent pol III recycling. As opposed to the enrichment at the 5'-ends of pol II-transcribed genes, our genome-wide mapping found transcription-dependent enrichment of the FACT subunit Spt16 near the 3'-end of all pol III-transcribed genes. Spt16 physically associates with the pol III transcription complex and shows gene-specific occupancy levels on the individual genes. On the non-tRNA pol III-transcribed genes, Spt16 facilitates transcription by reducing the nucleosome occupany on the gene body. On the tRNA genes, it maintains the position of the nucleosome at the 3' gene-end and affects transcription in gene-specific manner. Under nutritional stress, Spt16 enrichment is abolished in the gene downstream region of all pol III-transcribed genes and reciprocally changed on the induced or repressed pol II-transcribed ESR genes. Under the heat and replicative stress, its occupancy on the pol III-transcribed genes increases significantly. Our results show that Spt16 elicits a differential, gene-specific and stress-responsive dynamics, which provides a novel stress-sensor mechanism of regulating transcription against external stress. By primarily influencing the nucleosomal organization, FACT links the downstream nucleosome dynamics to transcription and environmental stress on the pol III-transcribed genes.
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6
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Yeast PAF1 complex counters the pol III accumulation and replication stress on the tRNA genes. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12892. [PMID: 31501524 PMCID: PMC6733944 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49316-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA polymerase (pol) III transcribes mostly short, house-keeping genes, which produce stable, non-coding RNAs. The tRNAs genes, highly transcribed by pol III in vivo are known replication fork barriers. One of the transcription factors, the PAF1C (RNA polymerase II associated factor 1 complex) is reported to associate with pol I and pol II and influence their transcription. We found low level PAF1C occupancy on the yeast pol III-transcribed genes, which is not correlated with nucleosome positions, pol III occupancy and transcription. PAF1C interacts with the pol III transcription complex and causes pol III loss from the genes under replication stress. Genotoxin exposure causes pol III but not Paf1 loss from the genes. In comparison, Paf1 deletion leads to increased occupancy of pol III, γ-H2A and DNA pol2 in gene-specific manner. Paf1 restricts the accumulation of pol III by influencing the pol III pause on the genes, which reduces the pol III barrier to the replication fork progression.
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7
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Bhalla P, Vernekar DV, Gilquin B, Couté Y, Bhargava P. Interactome of the yeast RNA polymerase III transcription machinery constitutes several chromatin modifiers and regulators of the genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II. Gene 2018; 702:205-214. [PMID: 30593915 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic transcription is a highly regulated fundamental life process. A large number of regulatory proteins and complexes, many of them with sequence-specific DNA-binding activity are known to influence transcription by RNA polymerase (pol) II with a fine precision. In comparison, only a few regulatory proteins are known for pol III, which transcribes genes encoding small, stable, non-translated RNAs. The pol III transcription is precisely regulated under various stress conditions. We used pol III transcription complex (TC) components TFIIIC (Tfc6), pol III (Rpc128) and TFIIIB (Brf1) as baits and mass spectrometry to identify their potential interactors in vivo. A large interactome constituting chromatin modifiers, regulators and factors of transcription by pol I and pol II supports the possibility of a crosstalk between the three transcription machineries. The association of proteins and complexes involved in various basic life processes like ribogenesis, RNA processing, protein folding and degradation, DNA damage response, replication and transcription underscores the possibility of the pol III TC serving as a signaling hub for communication between the transcription and other cellular physiological activities under normal growth conditions. We also found an equally large number of proteins and complexes interacting with the TC under nutrient starvation condition, of which at least 25% were non-identical under the two conditions. The data reveal the possibility of a large number of signaling cues for pol III transcription against adverse conditions, necessary for an efficient co-ordination of various cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Bhalla
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Hyderabad, India
| | - Dipti Vinayak Vernekar
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Hyderabad, India
| | - Benoit Gilquin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INSERM, BIG-BGE, Grenoble, France
| | - Yohann Couté
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INSERM, BIG-BGE, Grenoble, France
| | - Purnima Bhargava
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Hyderabad, India.
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8
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Didychuk AL, Butcher SE, Brow DA. The life of U6 small nuclear RNA, from cradle to grave. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 24:437-460. [PMID: 29367453 PMCID: PMC5855946 DOI: 10.1261/rna.065136.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Removal of introns from precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) and some noncoding transcripts is an essential step in eukaryotic gene expression. In the nucleus, this process of RNA splicing is carried out by the spliceosome, a multi-megaDalton macromolecular machine whose core components are conserved from yeast to humans. In addition to many proteins, the spliceosome contains five uridine-rich small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) that undergo an elaborate series of conformational changes to correctly recognize the splice sites and catalyze intron removal. Decades of biochemical and genetic data, along with recent cryo-EM structures, unequivocally demonstrate that U6 snRNA forms much of the catalytic core of the spliceosome and is highly dynamic, interacting with three snRNAs, the pre-mRNA substrate, and >25 protein partners throughout the splicing cycle. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on how U6 snRNA is synthesized, modified, incorporated into snRNPs and spliceosomes, recycled, and degraded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Didychuk
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Samuel E Butcher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - David A Brow
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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9
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Arimbasseri GA. Interactions between RNAP III transcription machinery and tRNA processing factors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1861:354-360. [PMID: 29428193 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotes have at least three nuclear RNA polymerases to carry out transcription. While RNA polymerases I and II are responsible for ribosomal RNA transcription and messenger RNA transcription, respectively, RNA Polymerase III transcribes approximately up to 300 nt long noncoding RNAs, including tRNA. For all three RNAPs, the nascent transcripts generated undergo extensive post-transcriptional processing. Transcription of mRNAs by RNAP II and their processing are coupled with the aid of the C-terminal domain of the RNAP II. RNAP I transcription and the processing of its transcripts are co-localized to the nucleolus and to some extent, rRNA processing occurs co-transcriptionally. Here, I review the current evidence for the interaction between tRNA processing factors and RNA polymerase III. These interactions include the moonlighting functions of tRNA processing factors in RNAP III transcription and the indirect effect of tRNA transcription levels on tRNA modification machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Aneeshkumar Arimbasseri
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India.
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10
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Shukla A, Bhargava P. Regulation of tRNA gene transcription by the chromatin structure and nucleosome dynamics. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2017; 1861:295-309. [PMID: 29313808 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The short, non-coding genes transcribed by the RNA polymerase (pol) III, necessary for survival of a cell, need to be repressed under the stress conditions in vivo. The pol III-transcribed genes have adopted several novel chromatin-based regulatory mechanisms to their advantage. In the budding yeast, the sub-nucleosomal size tRNA genes are found in the nucleosome-free regions, flanked by positioned nucleosomes at both the ends. With their chromosomes-wide distribution, all tRNA genes have a different chromatin context. A single nucleosome dynamics controls the accessibility of the genes for transcription. This dynamics operates under the influence of several chromatin modifiers in a gene-specific manner, giving the scope for differential regulation of even the isogenes within a tRNA gene family. The chromatin structure around the pol III-transcribed genes provides a context conducive for steady-state transcription as well as gene-specific transcriptional regulation upon signaling from the environmental cues. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: SI: Regulation of tRNA synthesis and modification in physiological conditions and disease edited by Dr. Boguta Magdalena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Shukla
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Purnima Bhargava
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India.
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11
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Park JL, Lee YS, Kunkeaw N, Kim SY, Kim IH, Lee YS. Epigenetic regulation of noncoding RNA transcription by mammalian RNA polymerase III. Epigenomics 2017; 9:171-187. [PMID: 28112569 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase III (Pol III) synthesizes a range of medium-sized noncoding RNAs (collectively 'Pol III genes') whose early established biological roles were so essential that they were considered 'housekeeping genes'. Besides these fundamental functions, diverse unconventional roles of mammalian Pol III genes have recently been recognized and their expression must be exquisitely controlled. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic regulation of Pol III genes by chromatin structure, histone modification and CpG DNA methylation. We also recapitulate the association between dysregulation of Pol III genes and diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. Additionally, we will discuss why in-depth molecular studies of Pol III genes have not been attempted and how nc886, a Pol III gene, may resolve this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Lyul Park
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 305-806, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 305-806, Korea
| | - Yeon-Su Lee
- Cancer Genomics Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Nawapol Kunkeaw
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1072, USA.,Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Seon-Young Kim
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 305-806, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 305-806, Korea
| | - In-Hoo Kim
- Graduate School of Cancer Science & Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Yong Sun Lee
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1072, USA.,Graduate School of Cancer Science & Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
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12
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Helbo AS, Lay FD, Jones PA, Liang G, Grønbæk K. Nucleosome Positioning and NDR Structure at RNA Polymerase III Promoters. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41947. [PMID: 28176797 PMCID: PMC5296907 DOI: 10.1038/srep41947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin is structurally involved in the transcriptional regulation of all genes. While the nucleosome positioning at RNA polymerase II (pol II) promoters has been extensively studied, less is known about the chromatin structure at pol III promoters in human cells. We use a high-resolution analysis to show substantial differences in chromatin structure of pol II and pol III promoters, and between subtypes of pol III genes. Notably, the nucleosome depleted region at the transcription start site of pol III genes extends past the termination sequences, resulting in nucleosome free gene bodies. The +1 nucleosome is located further downstream than at pol II genes and furthermore displays weak positioning. The variable position of the +1 location is seen not only within individual cell populations and between cell types, but also between different pol III promoter subtypes, suggesting that the +1 nucleosome may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of pol III genes. We find that expression and DNA methylation patterns correlate with distinct accessibility patterns, where DNA methylation associates with the silencing and inaccessibility at promoters. Taken together, this study provides the first high-resolution map of nucleosome positioning and occupancy at human pol III promoters at specific loci and genome wide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Søgaard Helbo
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Fides D Lay
- Department of Urology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 90089, USA
| | - Peter A Jones
- Department of Urology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 90089, USA.,Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, 49503, USA
| | - Gangning Liang
- Department of Urology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 90089, USA
| | - Kirsten Grønbæk
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
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13
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Belagal P, Normand C, Shukla A, Wang R, Léger-Silvestre I, Dez C, Bhargava P, Gadal O. Decoding the principles underlying the frequency of association with nucleoli for RNA polymerase III-transcribed genes in budding yeast. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:3164-3177. [PMID: 27559135 PMCID: PMC5063623 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-03-0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In budding yeast, RNA polymerase III–transcribed genes preferentially associate with the nucleolar and nuclear periphery when permitted by the Rabl-like orientation of interphase chromosomes. The association of RNA polymerase III (Pol III)–transcribed genes with nucleoli seems to be an evolutionarily conserved property of the spatial organization of eukaryotic genomes. However, recent studies of global chromosome architecture in budding yeast have challenged this view. We used live-cell imaging to determine the intranuclear positions of 13 Pol III–transcribed genes. The frequency of association with nucleolus and nuclear periphery depends on linear genomic distance from the tethering elements—centromeres or telomeres. Releasing the hold of the tethering elements by inactivating centromere attachment to the spindle pole body or changing the position of ribosomal DNA arrays resulted in the association of Pol III–transcribed genes with nucleoli. Conversely, ectopic insertion of a Pol III–transcribed gene in the vicinity of a centromere prevented its association with nucleolus. Pol III–dependent transcription was independent of the intranuclear position of the gene, but the nucleolar recruitment of Pol III–transcribed genes required active transcription. We conclude that the association of Pol III–transcribed genes with the nucleolus, when permitted by global chromosome architecture, provides nucleolar and/or nuclear peripheral anchoring points contributing locally to intranuclear chromosome organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Belagal
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire Eucaryote, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Christophe Normand
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire Eucaryote, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Ashutosh Shukla
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Renjie Wang
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire Eucaryote, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Isabelle Léger-Silvestre
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire Eucaryote, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Christophe Dez
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire Eucaryote, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Purnima Bhargava
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Olivier Gadal
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire Eucaryote, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France
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14
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Vernekar DV, Bhargava P. Yeast Bud27 modulates the biogenesis of Rpc128 and Rpc160 subunits and the assembly of RNA polymerase III. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2015; 1849:1340-53. [PMID: 26423792 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Yeast Bud27, an unconventional prefoldin is reported to affect the expression of nutrient-responsive genes, translation initiation and assembly of the multi-subunit eukaryotic RNA polymerases (pols), at a late step. We found that Bud27 associates with pol III in active as well as repressed states. Pol III transcription and occupancy at the target genes reduce with the deletion of BUD27. It promotes the interaction of pol III with the chromatin remodeler RSC found on most of the pol III targets, and with the heat shock protein Ssa4, which helps in nuclear import of the assembled pol III. Under nutrient-starvation, Ssa4-pol III interaction increases, while pol III remains inside the nucleus. Bud27 but not Ssa4 is required for RSC-pol III interaction, which reduces under nutrient-starvation. In the bud27Δ cells, total protein level of the largest pol III subunit Rpc160 but not of Rpc128, Rpc34 and Rpc53 subunits is reduced. This is accompanied by lower transcription of RPC128 gene and lower RPC160 translation due to reduced association of mRNA with the ribosomes. The resultant alteration in the normal cellular ratio of the two largest subunits of pol III core leads to reduced association of other pol III subunits and hampers the normal assembly of pol III at an early step in the cytoplasm. Our results show that Bud27 is required in multiple activities responsible for pol III biogenesis and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipti Vinayak Vernekar
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Purnima Bhargava
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India.
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Haghighat-Khah RE, Scaife S, Martins S, St John O, Matzen KJ, Morrison N, Alphey L. Site-specific cassette exchange systems in the Aedes aegypti mosquito and the Plutella xylostella moth. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121097. [PMID: 25830287 PMCID: PMC4382291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically engineered insects are being evaluated as potential tools to decrease the economic and public health burden of mosquitoes and agricultural pest insects. Here we describe a new tool for the reliable and targeted genome manipulation of pest insects for research and field release using recombinase mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) mechanisms. We successfully demonstrated the established ΦC31-RMCE method in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, which is the first report of RMCE in mosquitoes. A new variant of this RMCE system, called iRMCE, combines the ΦC31-att integration system and Cre or FLP-mediated excision to remove extraneous sequences introduced as part of the site-specific integration process. Complete iRMCE was achieved in two important insect pests, Aedes aegypti and the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, demonstrating the transferability of the system across a wide phylogenetic range of insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Elaine Haghighat-Khah
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxitec Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sara Martins
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxitec Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver St John
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxitec Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Luke Alphey
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxitec Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (LA); (KJM)
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Genome-wide mapping of yeast histone chaperone anti-silencing function 1 reveals its role in condensin binding with chromatin. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108652. [PMID: 25264624 PMCID: PMC4181348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide participation and importance of the histone chaperone Asf1 (Anti-Silencing Function 1) in diverse DNA transactions like replication, repair, heterochromatic silencing and transcription are well documented. Yet its genome-wide targets have not been reported. Using ChIP-seq method, we found that yeast Asf1 associates with 590 unique targets including centromeres, telomeres and condensin-binding sites. It is found selectively on highly transcribed regions, which include replication fork pause sites. Asf1 preferentially associates with the genes transcribed by RNA polymerase (pol) III where its presence affects RNA production and replication-independent histone exchange. On pol II-transcribed genes, a negative correlation is found between Asf1 and nucleosome occupancy. It is not enriched on most of the reported sites of histone exchange or on the genes, which are misregulated in the asf1Δ cells. Interestingly, chromosome-wide distributions of Asf1 and one of the condensin subunits, Brn1 show a nearly identical pattern. Moreover, Brn1 shows reduced occupancy at various condensin-binding sites in asf1Δ cells. These results along with high association of Asf1 with heterochromatic centromeres and telomeres ascribe novel roles to Asf1 in condensin loading and chromatin dynamics.
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Epigenetic regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase III. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2013; 1829:1015-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2013.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 05/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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18
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Albert B, Mathon J, Shukla A, Saad H, Normand C, Léger-Silvestre I, Villa D, Kamgoue A, Mozziconacci J, Wong H, Zimmer C, Bhargava P, Bancaud A, Gadal O. Systematic characterization of the conformation and dynamics of budding yeast chromosome XII. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 202:201-10. [PMID: 23878273 PMCID: PMC3718979 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201208186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomes architecture is viewed as a key component of gene regulation, but principles of chromosomal folding remain elusive. Here we used high-throughput live cell microscopy to characterize the conformation and dynamics of the longest chromosome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (XII). Chromosome XII carries the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) that defines the nucleolus, a major hallmark of nuclear organization. We determined intranuclear positions of 15 loci distributed every ~100 kb along the chromosome, and investigated their motion over broad time scales (0.2-400 s). Loci positions and motions, except for the rDNA, were consistent with a computational model of chromosomes based on tethered polymers and with the Rouse model from polymer physics, respectively. Furthermore, rapamycin-dependent transcriptional reprogramming of the genome only marginally affected the chromosome XII internal large-scale organization. Our comprehensive investigation of chromosome XII is thus in agreement with recent studies and models in which long-range architecture is largely determined by the physical principles of tethered polymers and volume exclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Albert
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire des Eucaryotes du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Toulouse, F-31000 Toulouse, France
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19
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Kumar Y, Bhargava P. A unique nucleosome arrangement, maintained actively by chromatin remodelers facilitates transcription of yeast tRNA genes. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:402. [PMID: 23767421 PMCID: PMC3698015 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background RNA polymerase (pol) III transcribes a unique class of genes with intra-genic promoters and high transcriptional activity. The major contributors to the pol III transcriptome, tRNAs genes are found scattered on all chromosomes of yeast. A prototype tDNA of <150 bp length, is generally considered nucleosome-free while some pol III-transcribed genes have been shown to have nucleosome-positioning properties. Results Using high resolution ChIP-chip and ChIP-seq methods, we found several unique features associated with nucleosome profiles on all tRNA genes of budding yeast, not seen on nucleosome-dense counterparts in fission yeast and resting human CD4+ T cells. The nucleosome-free region (NFR) on all but three yeast tDNAs is found bordered by an upstream (US) nucleosome strongly positioned at −140 bp position and a downstream (DS) nucleosome at variable positions with respect to the gene terminator. Perturbation in this nucleosomal arrangement interferes with the tRNA production. Three different chromatin remodelers generate and maintain the NFR by targeting different gene regions. Isw1 localizes to the gene body and makes it nucleosome-depleted, Isw2 maintains periodicity in the upstream nucleosomal array, while RSC targets the downstream nucleosome. Direct communication of pol III with RSC serves as a stress-sensory mechanism for these genes. In its absence, the downstream nucleosome moves towards the gene terminator. Levels of tRNAs from different families are found to vary considerably as different pol III levels are seen even on isogenes within a family. Pol III levels show negative correlation with the nucleosome occupancies on different genes. Conclusions Budding yeast tRNA genes maintain an open chromatin structure, which is not due to sequence-directed nucleosome positioning or high transcription activity of genes. Unlike 5′ NFR on pol II-transcribed genes, the tDNA NFR, which facilitates tDNA transcription, results from action of chromatin remodeler Isw1, aided by Isw2 and RSC. The RSC-regulated nucleosome dynamics at the 3′ gene-end serves as a novel regulatory mechanism for pol III transcription in vivo, probably by controlling terminator-dependent facilitated recycling of pol III. Salient features of yeast tDNA chromatin structure reported in this study can explain the basis of the novel non-transcriptional roles ascribed to tDNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatendra Kumar
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India
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20
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Arimbasseri AG, Rijal K, Maraia RJ. Transcription termination by the eukaryotic RNA polymerase III. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2013; 1829:318-30. [PMID: 23099421 PMCID: PMC3568203 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2012.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
RNA polymerase (pol) III transcribes a multitude of tRNA and 5S rRNA genes as well as other small RNA genes distributed through the genome. By being sequence-specific, precise and efficient, transcription termination by pol III not only defines the 3' end of the nascent RNA which directs subsequent association with the stabilizing La protein, it also prevents transcription into downstream DNA and promotes efficient recycling. Each of the RNA polymerases appears to have evolved unique mechanisms to initiate the process of termination in response to different types of termination signals. However, in eukaryotes much less is known about the final stage of termination, destabilization of the elongation complex with release of the RNA and DNA from the polymerase active center. By comparison to pols I and II, pol III exhibits the most direct coupling of the initial and final stages of termination, both of which occur at a short oligo(dT) tract on the non-template strand (dA on the template) of the DNA. While pol III termination is autonomous involving the core subunits C2 and probably C1, it also involves subunits C11, C37 and C53, which act on the pol III catalytic center and exhibit homology to the pol II elongation factor TFIIS and TFIIFα/β respectively. Here we compile knowledge of pol III termination and associate mutations that affect this process with structural elements of the polymerase that illustrate the importance of C53/37 both at its docking site on the pol III lobe and in the active center. The models suggest that some of these features may apply to the other eukaryotic pols. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Transcription by Odd Pols.
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Moir RD, Willis IM. Regulation of pol III transcription by nutrient and stress signaling pathways. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2012; 1829:361-75. [PMID: 23165150 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2012.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Revised: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Transcription by RNA polymerase III (pol III) is responsible for ~15% of total cellular transcription through the generation of small structured RNAs such as tRNA and 5S RNA. The coordinate synthesis of these molecules with ribosomal protein mRNAs and rRNA couples the production of ribosomes and their tRNA substrates and balances protein synthetic capacity with the growth requirements of the cell. Ribosome biogenesis in general and pol III transcription in particular is known to be regulated by nutrient availability, cell stress and cell cycle stage and is perturbed in pathological states. High throughput proteomic studies have catalogued modifications to pol III subunits, assembly, initiation and accessory factors but most of these modifications have yet to be linked to functional consequences. Here we review our current understanding of the major points of regulation in the pol III transcription apparatus, the targets of regulation and the signaling pathways known to regulate their function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Transcription by Odd Pols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn D Moir
- Departments of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Acker J, Conesa C, Lefebvre O. Yeast RNA polymerase III transcription factors and effectors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2012; 1829:283-95. [PMID: 23063749 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2012.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent data indicate that the well-defined transcription machinery of RNA polymerase III (Pol III) is probably more complex than commonly thought. In this review, we describe the yeast basal transcription factors of Pol III and their involvements in the transcription cycle. We also present a list of proteins detected on genes transcribed by Pol III (class III genes) that might participate in the transcription process. Surprisingly, several of these proteins are involved in RNA polymerase II transcription. Defining the role of these potential new effectors in Pol III transcription in vivo will be the challenge of the next few years. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Transcription by Odd Pols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joël Acker
- CEA, iBiTecS, Gif Sur Yvette, F-91191, France
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Mahapatra S, Dewari PS, Bhardwaj A, Bhargava P. Yeast H2A.Z, FACT complex and RSC regulate transcription of tRNA gene through differential dynamics of flanking nucleosomes. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 39:4023-34. [PMID: 21266479 PMCID: PMC3105386 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq1286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
FACT complex is involved in elongation and ensures fidelity in the initiation step of transcription by RNA polymerase (pol) II. Histone variant H2A.Z is found in nucleosomes at the 5'-end of many genes. We report here H2A.Z-chaperone activity of the yeast FACT complex on the short, nucleosome-free, non-coding, pol III-transcribed yeast tRNA genes. On a prototype gene, yeast SUP4, chromatin remodeler RSC and FACT regulate its transcription through novel mechanisms, wherein the two gene-flanking nucleosomes containing H2A.Z, play different roles. Nhp6, which ensures transcription fidelity and helps load yFACT onto the gene flanking nucleosomes, has inhibitory role. RSC maintains a nucleosome abutting the gene terminator downstream, which results in reduced transcription rate in active state while H2A.Z probably helps RSC in keeping the gene nucleosome-free and serves as stress-sensor. All these factors maintain an epigenetic state which allows the gene to return quickly from repressed to active state and tones down the expression from the active SUP4 gene, required probably to maintain the balance in cellular tRNA pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahasransu Mahapatra
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India
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Ishibashi T, Dryhurst D, Rose KL, Shabanowitz J, Hunt DF, Ausió J. Acetylation of vertebrate H2A.Z and its effect on the structure of the nucleosome. Biochemistry 2009; 48:5007-17. [PMID: 19385636 DOI: 10.1021/bi900196c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Purified histone H2A.Z from chicken erythrocytes and a sodium butyrate-treated chicken erythroleukemic cell line was used as a model system to identify the acetylation sites (K4, K7, K11, K13, and K15) and quantify their distribution in this vertebrate histone variant. To understand the role played by acetylation in the modulation of the H2A.Z nucleosome core particle (NCP) stability and conformation, an extensive analysis was conducted on NCPs reconstituted from acetylated forms of histones, including H2A.Z and recombinant H2A.Z (K/Q) acetylation mimic mutants. Although the overall global acetylation of core histones destabilizes the NCP, we found that H2A.Z stabilizes the NCP regardless of its state of acetylation. Interestingly and quite unexpectedly, we found that the change in NCP conformation induced by global histone acetylation is dependent on H2A/H2A.Z acetylation. This suggests that acetylated H2A variants act synergistically with the acetylated forms of the core histone complement to alter the particle conformation. Furthermore, the simultaneous occurrence of H2A.Z and H2A in heteromorphic NCPs that most likely occurs in vivo slightly destabilizes the NCP, but only in the presence of acetylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toyotaka Ishibashi
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology and The Center for Biomedical Research, University of Victoria, Petch Building, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3P6
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25
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Thambirajah AA, Li A, Ishibashi T, Ausió J. New developments in post-translational modifications and functions of histone H2A variants. Biochem Cell Biol 2009; 87:7-17. [PMID: 19234519 DOI: 10.1139/o08-103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural variability within histone families, such as H2A, can be achieved through 2 primary mechanisms: the expression of histone variants and the incorporation of chemical modifications. The histone H2A family contains several variants in addition to the canonical H2A forms. In this review, recent developments in the study of the heteromorphous variants H2A.X, H2A.Z, and macroH2A will be discussed. Particular focus will be given to the post-translational modifications (PTMs) of these variants, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, and methylation. The combination of the newly identified N- and C-terminal tail PTMs expands the multiplicity of roles that the individual H2A variants can perform. It is of additional interest that analogous sites within these different histone variants can be similarly modified. Whether this is a redundant function or a finely tuned one, designed to meet specific needs, remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita A Thambirajah
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology and The Center for Biomedical Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BCV8W3P6, Canada
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Vinayachandran V, Pusarla RH, Bhargava P. Multiple sequence-directed possibilities provide a pool of nucleosome position choices in different states of activity of a gene. Epigenetics Chromatin 2009; 2:4. [PMID: 19291282 PMCID: PMC2667510 DOI: 10.1186/1756-8935-2-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Accepted: 03/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome-wide mappings of nucleosome occupancy in different species have shown presence of well-positioned nucleosomes. While the DNA sequences may help decide their locations, the observed positions in vivo are end-results of chromatin remodeling, the state of gene activity and binding of the sequence-specific factors to the DNA, all of which influence nucleosome positions. Thus, the observed nucleosome locations in vivo do not reflect the true contribution of DNA sequence to the mapped position. Moreover, the naturally occurring nucleosome-positioning sequences are known to guide multiple translational positionings. RESULTS We show that yeast SNR6, a gene transcribed by RNA polymerase III, constitutes nucleosome-positioning sequence. In the absence of a chromatin remodeler or any factor binding, the gene sequence confers a unique rotational phase to nucleosomes in the gene region, and directs assembly of several translationally positioned nucleosomes on approximately 1.2 kb DNA from the gene locus, including the short approximately 250 bp gene region. Mapping of all these gene sequence-directed nucleosome positions revealed that the array of nucleosomes in the gene upstream region occupy the same positions as those observed in vivo but the nucleosomes on the gene region can be arranged in three distinct registers. Two of these arrangements differ from each other in the position of only one nucleosome, and match with the nucleosome positions on the gene in repressed and active states in vivo, where the gene-specific factor is known to occupy the gene in both the states. The two positions are interchanged by an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler in vivo. The third register represents the positions which block the access of the factor to the gene promoter elements. CONCLUSION On a gene locus, multiple nucleosome positions are directed by a gene sequence to provide a pool of possibilities, out of which the preferred ones are selected by the chromatin remodeler and transcription factor of the gene under different states of activity of the gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinesh Vinayachandran
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500007, India.
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Birch JL, Tan BCM, Panov KI, Panova TB, Andersen JS, Owen-Hughes TA, Russell J, Lee SC, Zomerdijk JCBM. FACT facilitates chromatin transcription by RNA polymerases I and III. EMBO J 2009; 28:854-65. [PMID: 19214185 PMCID: PMC2647773 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2009.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2008] [Accepted: 01/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient transcription elongation from a chromatin template requires RNA polymerases (Pols) to negotiate nucleosomes. Our biochemical analyses demonstrate that RNA Pol I can transcribe through nucleosome templates and that this requires structural rearrangement of the nucleosomal core particle. The subunits of the histone chaperone FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription), SSRP1 and Spt16, co-purify and co-immunoprecipitate with mammalian Pol I complexes. In cells, SSRP1 is detectable at the rRNA gene repeats. Crucially, siRNA-mediated repression of FACT subunit expression in cells results in a significant reduction in 47S pre-rRNA levels, whereas synthesis of the first 40 nt of the rRNA is not affected, implying that FACT is important for Pol I transcription elongation through chromatin. FACT also associates with RNA Pol III complexes, is present at the chromatin of genes transcribed by Pol III and facilitates their transcription in cells. Our findings indicate that, beyond the established role in Pol II transcription, FACT has physiological functions in chromatin transcription by all three nuclear RNA Pols. Our data also imply that local chromatin dynamics influence transcription of the active rRNA genes by Pol I and of Pol III-transcribed genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L Birch
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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