1
|
Yang SC, Park M, Hong KH, La H, Park C, Wang P, Li G, Chen Q, Choi Y, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP, Skalnik DG, Lim HJ, Hong SH, Park SH, Kim YS, Kim HR, Song H. CFP1 governs uterine epigenetic landscapes to intervene in progesterone responses for uterine physiology and suppression of endometriosis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3220. [PMID: 37270588 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39008-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) is required for the preparation of the endometrium for a successful pregnancy. P4 resistance is a leading cause of the pathogenesis of endometrial disorders like endometriosis, often leading to infertility; however, the underlying epigenetic cause remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that CFP1, a regulator of H3K4me3, is required for maintaining epigenetic landscapes of P4-progesterone receptor (PGR) signaling networks in the mouse uterus. Cfp1f/f;Pgr-Cre (Cfp1d/d) mice showed impaired P4 responses, leading to complete failure of embryo implantation. mRNA and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analyses showed that CFP1 regulates uterine mRNA profiles not only in H3K4me3-dependent but also in H3K4me3-independent manners. CFP1 directly regulates important P4 response genes, including Gata2, Sox17, and Ihh, which activate smoothened signaling pathway in the uterus. In a mouse model of endometriosis, Cfp1d/d ectopic lesions showed P4 resistance, which was rescued by a smoothened agonist. In human endometriosis, CFP1 was significantly downregulated, and expression levels between CFP1 and these P4 targets are positively related regardless of PGR levels. In brief, our study provides that CFP1 intervenes in the P4-epigenome-transcriptome networks for uterine receptivity for embryo implantation and the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Chel Yang
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13488, Korea
| | - Mira Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13488, Korea
| | - Kwon-Ho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Hyeonwoo La
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Chanhyeok Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Peike Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Gaizhen Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Qionghua Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Youngsok Choi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Department of Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, 12233, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David G Skalnik
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Hyunjung J Lim
- Department of Veterinary Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24431, Korea
- KW-Bio Co., Ltd, Wonju, 26493, Korea
| | - So Hee Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13488, Korea
| | - Yeon Sun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13488, Korea
| | - Hye-Ryun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13488, Korea
| | - Haengseok Song
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13488, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu Z, Wang M, Cheng A, Ou X, Mao S, Yang Q, Wu Y, Zhao XX, Huang J, Gao Q, Zhang S, Sun D, Tian B, Jia R, Chen S, Liu M, Zhu D. Gene regulation in animal miRNA biogenesis. Epigenomics 2022; 14:1197-1212. [PMID: 36382497 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
miRNAs are a class of noncoding RNAs of approximately 19-22 nucleotides that are widely found in animals, plants, bacteria and even viruses. Dysregulation of the expression profile of miRNAs is importantly linked to the development of diseases. Epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression and control cellular phenotypes. Although miRNAs are used as an epigenetic regulation tool, the biogenesis of miRNAs is also regulated by epigenetic events. Here the authors review the mechanisms and roles of epigenetic modification (DNA methylation, histone modifications), RNA modification and ncRNAs in the biogenesis of miRNAs, aiming to deepen the understanding of the miRNA biogenesis regulatory network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zezheng Liu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Xumin Ou
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Sai Mao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Yang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Xin Zhao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Huang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Gao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaqiu Zhang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Sun
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Tian
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Renyong Jia
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Shun Chen
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Mafeng Liu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Dekang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City, Sichuan, 611130, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ki BS, Shim SH, Park C, Yoo H, La H, Lee OH, Kwon Y, Skalnik DG, Okada Y, Yoon HG, Kim JH, Hong K, Choi Y. Epigenetic regulator Cfp1 safeguards male meiotic progression by regulating meiotic gene expression. EXPERIMENTAL & MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2022; 54:1098-1108. [PMID: 35918532 PMCID: PMC9440128 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00813-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Meiosis occurs specifically in germ cells to produce sperm and oocytes that are competent for sexual reproduction. Multiple factors are required for successful meiotic entry, progression, and termination. Among them, trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 4 (H3K4me3), a mark of active transcription, has been implicated in spermatogenesis by forming double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, the role of H3K4me in transcriptional regulation during meiosis remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal that mouse CXXC finger protein 1 (Cfp1), a component of the H3K4 methyltransferase Setd1a/b, is dynamically expressed in differentiating male germ cells and safeguards meiosis by controlling gene expression. Genetic ablation of mouse CFP1 in male germ cells caused complete infertility with failure in prophase I of the 1st meiosis. Mechanistically, CFP1 binds to genes essential for spermatogenesis, and its loss leads to a reduction in H3K4me3 levels and gene expression. Importantly, CFP1 is highly enriched within the promoter/TSS of target genes to elevate H3K4me3 levels and gene expression at the pachytene stage of meiotic prophase I. The most enriched genes were associated with meiosis and homologous recombination during the differentiation of spermatocytes to round spermatids. Therefore, our study establishes a mechanistic link between CFP1-mediated transcriptional control and meiotic progression and might provide an unprecedented genetic basis for understanding human sterility. Details of the role of a protein in the development of sperm cells in mice could lead to new understanding of sterility in men. An international research team led by Youngsok Choi and Kwonho Hong at Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea, investigated the role of protein Cfp1, which they found to be required for sperm formation in mice. The protein is a component of an enzyme complex that transfers methyl groups (CH3) onto other proteins involved in controlling gene activity. The researchers identified key aspects of the mechanism by which Cfp1 controls the activity of genes essential for sperm formation to proceed normally. Absence of Cfp1 specifically interferes with the process of meiosis, which generates sperm cells containing only one copy of each chromosome instead of the two copies found in other cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byeong Seong Ki
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Han Shim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanhyeok Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Center, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjin Yoo
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Center, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonwoo La
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Center, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok-Hee Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjoo Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - David G Skalnik
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Yuki Okada
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
| | - Ho-Geun Yoon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Center, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwonho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Center, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Youngsok Choi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Center, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang Y, Yang Y, Chan K, Couture JF. Analyzing the impact of CFP1 mutational landscape on epigenetic signaling. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21790. [PMID: 34320252 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100427r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
CXXC Zinc finger protein 1 (CFP1) is a multitasking protein playing essential roles during various developmental processes. Its ability to interact with several proteins contribute to several epigenetic events. Here, we review CFP1's functions and its impact on DNA methylation and the post-translational modification of histone proteins such as lysine acetylation and methylation. We will also discuss the potential role of CFP1 in carcinogenesis and the impact of the mutations identified in patients suffering from various cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yidai Yang
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica-University of Ottawa Research Center in Systems and Personalized Pharmacology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yaqing Yang
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kin Chan
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jean-Francois Couture
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica-University of Ottawa Research Center in Systems and Personalized Pharmacology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pereira SC, Martins AD, Monteiro MP, Pinto S, Barros A, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Expression of obesity-related genes in human spermatozoa affects the outcomes of reproductive treatments. F&S SCIENCE 2021; 2:164-175. [PMID: 35559751 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the abundance of obesity-related gene (ORG) mRNA in human spermatozoa and its association with sperm quality parameters, embryonic development, and pregnancy rates after assisted reproduction treatment (ART). DESIGN Cross-sectional study of spermatozoa ORG mRNA expression, and sperm and embryonic development parameters of infertile couples attending a single ART center. SETTING University, in collaboration with a medically assisted reproduction center. PATIENT(S) One hundred six couples seeking fertility treatment and receiving ART. INTERVENTION(S) Expression of spermatozoa ORG mRNA was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Sperm and embryonic development parameters were measured by board-certified embryologists. Serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels and fetal heartbeat detection on ultrasound were used to document biochemical and clinical pregnancy, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Correlations between the abundance of ORG transcripts in spermatozoa and sperm quality, embryonic development, and achievement of pregnancy. RESULTS The abundance of spermatozoa FTO mRNA was positively correlated with total sperm count (r = 0.5030), fertilization rate (r = 0.4854), embryo cleavage rate (r = 0.5705), and high-quality embryo rate (r = 0.6982). The abundance of spermatozoa MC4R transcript was negatively correlated with sperm viability (r = -0.3111) and positively correlated with biochemical pregnancy (r = 0.4420). The abundance of MC4R and GNPDA2 transcripts was higher in spermatozoa of men with asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia than in those with normozoospermia. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that the abundance of MC4R and FTO transcripts in spermatozoa is associated with sperm and embryo quality parameters, as well as pregnancy rates. Overall, these results further support the view that male factors beyond classic sperm quality parameters, namely the abundance of ORG transcripts, also affect the outcome of ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Pereira
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Anatomy, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana D Martins
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Anatomy, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Química Orgânica, Produtos Naturais e Agroalimentares (QOPNA) and Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde (LAQV), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mariana P Monteiro
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Anatomy, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Soraia Pinto
- Center for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Center for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Química Orgânica, Produtos Naturais e Agroalimentares (QOPNA) and Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde (LAQV), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Anatomy, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Nucleosomes wrap DNA and impede access for the machinery of transcription. The core histones that constitute nucleosomes are subject to a diversity of posttranslational modifications, or marks, that impact the transcription of genes. Their functions have sometimes been difficult to infer because the enzymes that write and read them are complex, multifunctional proteins. Here, we examine the evidence for the functions of marks and argue that the major marks perform a fairly small number of roles in either promoting transcription or preventing it. Acetylations and phosphorylations on the histone core disrupt histone-DNA contacts and/or destabilize nucleosomes to promote transcription. Ubiquitylations stimulate methylations that provide a scaffold for either the formation of silencing complexes or resistance to those complexes, and carry a memory of the transcriptional state. Tail phosphorylations deconstruct silencing complexes in particular contexts. We speculate that these fairly simple roles form the basis of transcriptional regulation by histone marks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Talbert
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA;
| | - Steven Henikoff
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Uncoupling histone H3K4 trimethylation from developmental gene expression via an equilibrium of COMPASS, Polycomb and DNA methylation. Nat Genet 2020; 52:615-625. [PMID: 32393859 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-020-0618-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The COMPASS protein family catalyzes histone H3 Lys 4 (H3K4) methylation and its members are essential for regulating gene expression. MLL2/COMPASS methylates H3K4 on many developmental genes and bivalent clusters. To understand MLL2-dependent transcriptional regulation, we performed a CRISPR-based screen with an MLL2-dependent gene as a reporter in mouse embryonic stem cells. We found that MLL2 functions in gene expression by protecting developmental genes from repression via repelling PRC2 and DNA methylation machineries. Accordingly, repression in the absence of MLL2 is relieved by inhibition of PRC2 and DNA methyltransferases. Furthermore, DNA demethylation on such loci leads to reactivation of MLL2-dependent genes not only by removing DNA methylation but also by opening up previously CpG methylated regions for PRC2 recruitment, diluting PRC2 at Polycomb-repressed genes. These findings reveal how the context and function of these three epigenetic modifiers of chromatin can orchestrate transcriptional decisions and demonstrate that prevention of active repression by the context of the enzyme and not H3K4 trimethylation underlies transcriptional regulation on MLL2/COMPASS targets.
Collapse
|
8
|
Hansel, Gretel, and the Consequences of Failing to Remove Histone Methylation Breadcrumbs. Trends Genet 2020; 36:160-176. [PMID: 32007289 PMCID: PMC10047806 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Like breadcrumbs in the forest, cotranscriptionally acquired histone methylation acts as a memory of prior transcription. Because it can be retained through cell divisions, transcriptional memory allows cells to coordinate complex transcriptional programs during development. However, if not reprogrammed properly during cell fate transitions, it can also disrupt cellular identity. In this review, we discuss the consequences of failure to reprogram histone methylation during three crucial epigenetic reprogramming windows: maternal reprogramming at fertilization, embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation, and the continuous maintenance of cell identity in differentiated cells. In addition, we discuss how following the wrong breadcrumb trail of transcriptional memory provides a framework for understanding how heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in histone-modifying enzymes may cause severe neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
DNA methylation at the 5-position of cytosine (5mC) plays vital roles in mammalian development. DNA methylation is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and the two DNMT families, DNMT3 and DNMT1, are responsible for methylation establishment and maintenance, respectively. Since their discovery, biochemical and structural studies have revealed the key mechanisms underlying how DNMTs catalyze de novo and maintenance DNA methylation. In particular, recent development of low-input genomic and epigenomic technologies has deepened our understanding of DNA methylation regulation in germ lines and early stage embryos. In this review, we first describe the methylation machinery including the DNMTs and their essential cofactors. We then discuss how DNMTs are recruited to or excluded from certain genomic elements. Lastly, we summarize recent understanding of the regulation of DNA methylation dynamics in mammalian germ lines and early embryos with a focus on both mice and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Chen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; , .,Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; , .,Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
van de Lagemaat LN, Flenley M, Lynch MD, Garrick D, Tomlinson SR, Kranc KR, Vernimmen D. CpG binding protein (CFP1) occupies open chromatin regions of active genes, including enhancers and non-CpG islands. Epigenetics Chromatin 2018; 11:59. [PMID: 30292235 PMCID: PMC6173865 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-018-0230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism by which protein complexes interact to regulate the deposition of post-translational modifications of histones remains poorly understood. This is particularly important at regulatory regions, such as CpG islands (CGIs), which are known to recruit Trithorax (TrxG) and Polycomb group proteins. The CxxC zinc finger protein 1 (CFP1, also known as CGBP) is a subunit of the TrxG SET1 protein complex, a major catalyst of trimethylation of H3K4 (H3K4me3). RESULTS Here, we used ChIP followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) to analyse genomic occupancy of CFP1 in two human haematopoietic cell types. We demonstrate that CFP1 occupies CGIs associated with active transcription start sites (TSSs), and is mutually exclusive with H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), a marker of polycomb repressive complex 2. Strikingly, rather than being restricted to active CGI TSSs, CFP1 also occupies a substantial fraction of active non-CGI TSSs and enhancers of transcribed genes. However, relative to other TrxG subunits, CFP1 was specialised to TSSs. Finally, we found enrichment of CpG-containing DNA motifs in CFP1 peaks at CGI promoters. CONCLUSIONS We found that CFP1 is not solely recruited to CpG islands as it was originally defined, but also other regions including non-CpG island promoters and enhancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louie N. van de Lagemaat
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG UK
| | - Maria Flenley
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute for Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS UK
| | - Magnus D. Lynch
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute for Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS UK
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, 28th Floor Guy’s Tower, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT UK
- st John’s institute of dermatology, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT UK
| | - David Garrick
- INSERM, UMRS-1126, Institut Universitaire d’Hématologie, Université Paris Diderot, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Simon R. Tomlinson
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU UK
| | - Kamil R. Kranc
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU UK
- Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Leukaemia Biology, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ UK
| | - Douglas Vernimmen
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
GSK3 inhibition, but not epigenetic remodeling, mediates efficient derivation of germline embryonic stem cells from nonobese diabetic mice. Stem Cell Res 2018; 31:5-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
|
12
|
Brown DA, Di Cerbo V, Feldmann A, Ahn J, Ito S, Blackledge NP, Nakayama M, McClellan M, Dimitrova E, Turberfield AH, Long HK, King HW, Kriaucionis S, Schermelleh L, Kutateladze TG, Koseki H, Klose RJ. The SET1 Complex Selects Actively Transcribed Target Genes via Multivalent Interaction with CpG Island Chromatin. Cell Rep 2018; 20:2313-2327. [PMID: 28877467 PMCID: PMC5603731 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin modifications and the promoter-associated epigenome are important for the regulation of gene expression. However, the mechanisms by which chromatin-modifying complexes are targeted to the appropriate gene promoters in vertebrates and how they influence gene expression have remained poorly defined. Here, using a combination of live-cell imaging and functional genomics, we discover that the vertebrate SET1 complex is targeted to actively transcribed gene promoters through CFP1, which engages in a form of multivalent chromatin reading that involves recognition of non-methylated DNA and histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3). CFP1 defines SET1 complex occupancy on chromatin, and its multivalent interactions are required for the SET1 complex to place H3K4me3. In the absence of CFP1, gene expression is perturbed, suggesting that normal targeting and function of the SET1 complex are central to creating an appropriately functioning vertebrate promoter-associated epigenome. The CFP1/SET1 complex engages in dynamic and stable chromatin-binding events CFP1 uses multivalent chromatin interactions to select active CpG island promoters SET1A occupancy at CpG island promoters is predominately defined by CFP1 CFP1 targets SET1 to shape promoter-associated H3K4me3 and gene expression
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Brown
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Vincenzo Di Cerbo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Angelika Feldmann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Jaewoo Ahn
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Shinsuke Ito
- Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), 1-7-2 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Neil P Blackledge
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Manabu Nakayama
- Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), 1-7-2 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Michael McClellan
- Ludwig Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Emilia Dimitrova
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | | | - Hannah K Long
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Hamish W King
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Skirmantas Kriaucionis
- Ludwig Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | - Tatiana G Kutateladze
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Haruhiko Koseki
- Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), 1-7-2 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Robert J Klose
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sharifi-Zarchi A, Gerovska D, Adachi K, Totonchi M, Pezeshk H, Taft RJ, Schöler HR, Chitsaz H, Sadeghi M, Baharvand H, Araúzo-Bravo MJ. DNA methylation regulates discrimination of enhancers from promoters through a H3K4me1-H3K4me3 seesaw mechanism. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:964. [PMID: 29233090 PMCID: PMC5727985 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4353-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA methylation at promoters is largely correlated with inhibition of gene expression. However, the role of DNA methylation at enhancers is not fully understood, although a crosstalk with chromatin marks is expected. Actually, there exist contradictory reports about positive and negative correlations between DNA methylation and H3K4me1, a chromatin hallmark of enhancers. Results We investigated the relationship between DNA methylation and active chromatin marks through genome-wide correlations, and found anti-correlation between H3K4me1 and H3K4me3 enrichment at low and intermediate DNA methylation loci. We hypothesized “seesaw” dynamics between H3K4me1 and H3K4me3 in the low and intermediate DNA methylation range, in which DNA methylation discriminates between enhancers and promoters, marked by H3K4me1 and H3K4me3, respectively. Low methylated regions are H3K4me3 enriched, while those with intermediate DNA methylation levels are progressively H3K4me1 enriched. Additionally, the enrichment of H3K27ac, distinguishing active from primed enhancers, follows a plateau in the lower range of the intermediate DNA methylation level, corresponding to active enhancers, and decreases linearly in the higher range of the intermediate DNA methylation. Thus, the decrease of the DNA methylation switches smoothly the state of the enhancers from a primed to an active state. We summarize these observations into a rule of thumb of one-out-of-three methylation marks: “In each genomic region only one out of these three methylation marks {DNA methylation, H3K4me1, H3K4me3} is high. If it is the DNA methylation, the region is inactive. If it is H3K4me1, the region is an enhancer, and if it is H3K4me3, the region is a promoter”. To test our model, we used available genome-wide datasets of H3K4 methyltransferases knockouts. Our analysis suggests that CXXC proteins, as readers of non-methylated CpGs would regulate the “seesaw” mechanism that focuses H3K4me3 to unmethylated sites, while being repulsed from H3K4me1 decorated enhancers and CpG island shores. Conclusions Our results show that DNA methylation discriminates promoters from enhancers through H3K4me1-H3K4me3 seesaw mechanism, and suggest its possible function in the inheritance of chromatin marks after cell division. Our analyses suggest aberrant formation of promoter-like regions and ectopic transcription of hypomethylated regions of DNA. Such mechanism process can have important implications in biological process in where it has been reported abnormal DNA methylation status such as cancer and aging. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-017-4353-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Sharifi-Zarchi
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.,Computer Science Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Computer Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Daniela Gerovska
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Kenjiro Adachi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Pezeshk
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.,School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hans R Schöler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany.,Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hamidreza Chitsaz
- Computer Science Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Mehdi Sadeghi
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran.,National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Marcos J Araúzo-Bravo
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014, San Sebastián, Spain. .,Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany. .,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
DUSP9 Modulates DNA Hypomethylation in Female Mouse Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cell Stem Cell 2017; 20:706-719.e7. [PMID: 28366588 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Blastocyst-derived embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and gonad-derived embryonic germ cells (EGCs) represent two classic types of pluripotent cell lines, yet their molecular equivalence remains incompletely understood. Here, we compare genome-wide methylation patterns between isogenic ESC and EGC lines to define epigenetic similarities and differences. Surprisingly, we find that sex rather than cell type drives methylation patterns in ESCs and EGCs. Cell fusion experiments further reveal that the ratio of X chromosomes to autosomes dictates methylation levels, with female hybrids being hypomethylated and male hybrids being hypermethylated. We show that the X-linked MAPK phosphatase DUSP9 is upregulated in female compared to male ESCs, and its heterozygous loss in female ESCs leads to male-like methylation levels. However, male and female blastocysts are similarly hypomethylated, indicating that sex-specific methylation differences arise in culture. Collectively, our data demonstrate the epigenetic similarity of sex-matched ESCs and EGCs and identify DUSP9 as a regulator of female-specific hypomethylation.
Collapse
|
15
|
Festuccia N, Gonzalez I, Navarro P. The Epigenetic Paradox of Pluripotent ES Cells. J Mol Biol 2016; 429:1476-1503. [PMID: 27988225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The propagation and maintenance of gene expression programs are at the foundation of the preservation of cell identity. A large and complex set of epigenetic mechanisms enables the long-term stability and inheritance of transcription states. A key property of authentic epigenetic regulation is being independent from the instructive signals used for its establishment. This makes epigenetic regulation, particularly epigenetic silencing, extremely robust and powerful to lock regulatory states and stabilise cell identity. In line with this, the establishment of epigenetic silencing during development restricts cell potency and maintains the cell fate choices made by transcription factors (TFs). However, how more immature cells that have not yet established their definitive fate maintain their transitory identity without compromising their responsiveness to signalling cues remains unclear. A paradigmatic example is provided by pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells derived from a transient population of cells of the blastocyst. Here, we argue that ES cells represent an interesting "epigenetic paradox": even though they are captured in a self-renewing state characterised by extremely efficient maintenance of their identity, which is a typical manifestation of robust epigenetic regulation, they seem not to heavily rely on classical epigenetic mechanisms. Indeed, self-renewal strictly depends on the TFs that previously instructed their undifferentiated identity and relies on a particular signalling-dependent chromatin state where repressive chromatin marks play minor roles. Although this "epigenetic paradox" may underlie their exquisite responsiveness to developmental cues, it suggests that alternative mechanisms to faithfully propagate gene regulatory states might be prevalent in ES cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Festuccia
- Epigenetics of Stem Cells, Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3738, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Inma Gonzalez
- Epigenetics of Stem Cells, Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3738, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Pablo Navarro
- Epigenetics of Stem Cells, Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3738, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
|
17
|
Yang W, Ernst P. SET/MLL family proteins in hematopoiesis and leukemia. Int J Hematol 2016; 105:7-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s12185-016-2118-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
18
|
Illingworth RS, Hölzenspies JJ, Roske FV, Bickmore WA, Brickman JM. Polycomb enables primitive endoderm lineage priming in embryonic stem cells. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27723457 PMCID: PMC5056788 DOI: 10.7554/elife.14926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), like the blastocyst from which they are derived, contain precursors of the epiblast (Epi) and primitive endoderm (PrEn) lineages. While transient in vivo, these precursor populations readily interconvert in vitro. We show that altered transcription is the driver of these coordinated changes, known as lineage priming, in a process that exploits novel polycomb activities. We find that intragenic levels of the polycomb mark H3K27me3 anti-correlate with changes in transcription, irrespective of the gene's developmental trajectory or identity as a polycomb target. In contrast, promoter proximal H3K27me3 is markedly higher for PrEn priming genes. Consequently, depletion of this modification stimulates the degree to which ESCs are primed towards PrEn when challenged to differentiate, but has little effect on gene expression in self-renewing ESC culture. These observations link polycomb with dynamic changes in transcription and stalled lineage commitment, allowing cells to explore alternative choices prior to a definitive decision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Illingworth
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jurriaan J Hölzenspies
- The Danish Stem Cell Centre - DanStem, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, Univeristy of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fabian V Roske
- The Danish Stem Cell Centre - DanStem, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Wendy A Bickmore
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua M Brickman
- The Danish Stem Cell Centre - DanStem, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, Univeristy of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kurum E, Benayoun BA, Malhotra A, George J, Ucar D. Computational inference of a genomic pluripotency signature in human and mouse stem cells. Biol Direct 2016; 11:47. [PMID: 27639379 PMCID: PMC5027095 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-016-0148-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Recent analyses of next-generation sequencing datasets have shown that cell-specific regulatory elements in stem cells are marked with distinguishable patterns of transcription factor (TF) binding and epigenetic marks. For example, we recently demonstrated that promoters of cell-specific genes are covered with expanded trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) marks (i.e., broad H3K4me3 domains). Moreover, binding of specific TFs, such as OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2, have been shown to play a critical role in maintaining the pluripotency of stem cells. Despite these observations, a systematic exploration of genomic and epigenomic features of stem-cell-specific gene promoters has not been conducted. Advanced machine-learning models can capture distinguishable genomic and epigenomic characteristics of stem-cell-specific promoters by taking advantage of the wealth of publicly available datasets. Here, we propose a three-step framework to discover novel data characteristics of high-throughput next generation sequencing datasets that distinguish pluripotency genes in human and mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Our framework involves: i) feature extraction to identify novel features of genomic datasets; ii) feature selection using a logistic regression model combined with the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) method to find the most critical datasets and features; and iii) cross validation with features selected using LASSO method to assess the predictive power of selected data features in distinguishing pluripotency genes. We show that specific epigenetic marks, and specific features of these marks, are enriched at pluripotency gene promoters. Moreover, we also assess both the individual and combined effect of TF binding, epigenetic mark deposition, gene expression datasets for marking pluripotency genes. Our findings are consistent with the existence of a conserved, complex and integrative genomic signature in ESCs that can be exploited to flag important candidate pluripotency genes. They also validate our computational framework for fostering a deeper understanding of genomic datasets in stem cells, in the future, could be extended to study cell-type-specific genomic landscapes in other cell types. REVIEWERS This article was reviewed by Zoltan Gaspari and Piotr Zielenkiewicz.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Kurum
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | | | - Ankit Malhotra
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Joshy George
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Duygu Ucar
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mahadevan J, Skalnik DG. Efficient differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells requires the binding of CXXC finger protein 1 to DNA or methylated histone H3-Lys4. Gene 2016; 594:1-9. [PMID: 27590438 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian CXXC finger protein 1 (Cfp1) is a DNA-binding protein that is a component of the Setd1 histone methyltransferase complexes and is a critical epigenetic regulator of both histone and cytosine methylation. Murine embryonic stem (ES) cells lacking Cfp1 exhibit a loss of histone H3-Lys4 tri-methylation (H3K4me3) at many CpG islands, and a mis-localization of this epigenetic mark to heterochromatic sub-nuclear domains. Furthermore, these cells fail to undergo cellular differentiation in vitro. These defects are rescued upon introduction of a Cfp1-expression vector. Cfp1 contains an N-terminal plant homeodomain (PHD), a motif frequently observed in chromatin associated proteins that functions as a reader module of histone marks. Here, we report that the Cfp1 PHD domain directly and specifically binds to histone H3K4me1/me2/me3 marks. Introduction of individual mutations at key Cfp1 PHD residues (Y28, D44, or W49) ablates this histone interaction both in vitro and in vivo. The W49A point mutation does not affect the ability of Cfp1 to rescue appropriate restriction of histone H3K4me3 to euchromatic sub-nuclear domains or in vitro cellular differentiation in Cfp1-null ES cells. Similarly, a mutated form of Cfp1 that lacks DNA-binding activity (C169A) rescues in vitro cellular differentiation. However, rescue of Cfp1-null ES cells with a double mutant form of Cfp1 (W49A, C169A) results in partially defective in vitro differentiation. These data define the Cfp1 PHD domain as a reader of histone H3K4me marks and provide evidence that this activity is involved in the regulation of lineage commitment in ES cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyothi Mahadevan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - David G Skalnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States; Biology Department, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cao W, Guo J, Wen X, Miao L, Lin F, Xu G, Ma R, Yin S, Hui Z, Chen T, Guo S, Chen W, Huang Y, Liu Y, Wang J, Wei L, Wang L. CXXC finger protein 1 is critical for T-cell intrathymic development through regulating H3K4 trimethylation. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11687. [PMID: 27210293 PMCID: PMC4879243 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell development in the thymus is largely controlled by an epigenetic program, involving in both DNA methylation and histone modifications. Previous studies have identified Cxxc1 as a regulator of both cytosine methylation and histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3). However, it is unknown whether Cxxc1 plays a role in thymocyte development. Here we show that T-cell development in the thymus is severely impaired in Cxxc1-deficient mice. Furthermore, we identify genome-wide Cxxc1-binding sites and H3K4me3 modification sites in wild-type and Cxxc1-deficient thymocytes. Our results demonstrate that Cxxc1 directly controls the expression of key genes important for thymocyte survival such as RORγt and for T-cell receptor signalling including Zap70 and CD8, through maintaining the appropriate H3K4me3 on their promoters. Importantly, we show that RORγt, a direct target of Cxxc1, can rescue the survival defects in Cxxc1-deficient thymocytes. Our data strongly support a critical role of Cxxc1 in thymocyte development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Cao
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Li Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Feng Lin
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Guanxin Xu
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ruoyu Ma
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shengxia Yin
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Hui
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Shixin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224, USA
| | - Yingying Huang
- Core Facilities, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jianli Wang
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lai Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Lie Wang
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Boulard M, Edwards JR, Bestor TH. FBXL10 protects Polycomb-bound genes from hypermethylation. Nat Genet 2015; 47:479-85. [DOI: 10.1038/ng.3272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
23
|
Chun KT, Li B, Dobrota E, Tate C, Lee JH, Khan S, Haneline L, HogenEsch H, Skalnik DG. The epigenetic regulator CXXC finger protein 1 is essential for murine hematopoiesis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113745. [PMID: 25470594 PMCID: PMC4254612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CXXC finger protein 1 (Cfp1), encoded by the Cxxc1 gene, binds to DNA sequences containing an unmethylated CpG dinucleotide and is an epigenetic regulator of both cytosine and histone methylation. Cxxc1-null mouse embryos fail to gastrulate, and Cxxc1-null embryonic stem cells are viable but cannot differentiate, suggesting that Cfp1 is required for chromatin remodeling associated with stem cell differentiation and embryogenesis. Mice homozygous for a conditional Cxxc1 deletion allele and carrying the inducible Mx1-Cre transgene were generated to assess Cfp1 function in adult animals. Induction of Cre expression in adult animals led to Cfp1 depletion in hematopoietic cells, a failure of hematopoiesis with a nearly complete loss of lineage-committed progenitors and mature cells, elevated levels of apoptosis, and death within two weeks. A similar pathology resulted following transplantation of conditional Cxxc1 bone marrow cells into wild type recipients, demonstrating this phenotype is intrinsic to Cfp1 function within bone marrow cells. Remarkably, the Lin- Sca-1+ c-Kit+ population of cells in the bone marrow, which is enriched for hematopoietic stem cells and multi-potential progenitor cells, persists and expands in the absence of Cfp1 during this time frame. Thus, Cfp1 is necessary for hematopoietic stem and multi-potential progenitor cell function and for the developmental potential of differentiating hematopoietic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin T Chun
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America; Biology Department, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Binghui Li
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Erika Dobrota
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Courtney Tate
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Jeong-Heon Lee
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Shehnaz Khan
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Laura Haneline
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America; Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Cellular & Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Harm HogenEsch
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - David G Skalnik
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America; Biology Department, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wachter E, Quante T, Merusi C, Arczewska A, Stewart F, Webb S, Bird A. Synthetic CpG islands reveal DNA sequence determinants of chromatin structure. eLife 2014; 3:e03397. [PMID: 25259796 PMCID: PMC4204011 DOI: 10.7554/elife.03397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian genome is punctuated by CpG islands (CGIs), which differ sharply from the bulk genome by being rich in G + C and the dinucleotide CpG. CGIs often include transcription initiation sites and display ‘active’ histone marks, notably histone H3 lysine 4 methylation. In embryonic stem cells (ESCs) some CGIs adopt a ‘bivalent’ chromatin state bearing simultaneous ‘active’ and ‘inactive’ chromatin marks. To determine whether CGI chromatin is developmentally programmed at specific genes or is imposed by shared features of CGI DNA, we integrated artificial CGI-like DNA sequences into the ESC genome. We found that bivalency is the default chromatin structure for CpG-rich, G + C-rich DNA. A high CpG density alone is not sufficient for this effect, as A + T-rich sequence settings invariably provoke de novo DNA methylation leading to loss of CGI signature chromatin. We conclude that both CpG-richness and G + C-richness are required for induction of signature chromatin structures at CGIs. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03397.001 The building blocks of DNA are four molecules commonly named ‘A’, ‘T’, ‘C’ and ‘G’. The order of these DNA letters in a gene contains the instructions to make specific proteins or other molecules. Other stretches of DNA contain codes that direct the cell's machinery to genes that need to be switched on or switched off. The start of a gene, for example, has a stretch of DNA called a promoter, which is where the molecular machinery that switches on the gene is assembled. A human cell can contain over two and half metres of DNA. To get this length to fit inside the cell, the DNA is wrapped tightly around proteins to form a structure called chromatin. However, this packing can make it difficult to access the right gene at the right time. As such, chromatin is often marked with small chemical tags that earmark which genes should be either activated or inactivated, and/or that cause the DNA to unpack. Most gene promoters contain a sequence of DNA with many Cs and Gs found one after the other, called a CpG island. Researchers have previously shown that the chromatin of CpG islands has two types of chemical markings—one that normally marks active genes, and another that often marks inactive genes. It was suggested that having both kinds of markings allows CpG islands to prime nearby genes, so that they are ready to be quickly switched on or off as the cell develops. However, the features of the DNA sequence in these CpG islands that are important for this process had not been directly tested. Wachter et al. have now inserted an artificial DNA sequence that included a CpG island into mouse stem cells. The chromatin around these CpG islands was readily marked with both activating and inactivating chemical marks. Furthermore, by changing the sequence of the artificial DNA, Wachter et al. revealed that these chemical marks were only added when the DNA sequences contained a lot of Cs followed by Gs. Other artificial sequences with lots of Cs and Gs, but where Gs were rarely found immediately after the Cs, had neither of the two chemical marks on the chromatin. This suggests that nearby genes would be harder to locate and activate as the cell grows and develops. On the other hand, when the DNA contained a lot of As and Ts, the chemical marks were added directly to the DNA (rather than to the chromatin)—and this prevented both the activating and the inactivating chemical marks being added to the chromatin. Now that the common features of CpG islands that influence chromatin are known, the next step is to find out how this is achieved. Further work will be needed to uncover which proteins in a cell interpret these DNA sequence such that nearby genes can be switched on or off. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03397.002
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Wachter
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Timo Quante
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Cara Merusi
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandra Arczewska
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Francis Stewart
- Genomics and Biotechnology Centre, Technische Universitaet Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Shaun Webb
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Bird
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Clouaire T, Webb S, Bird A. Cfp1 is required for gene expression-dependent H3K4 trimethylation and H3K9 acetylation in embryonic stem cells. Genome Biol 2014; 15:451. [PMID: 25201068 PMCID: PMC4189735 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-014-0451-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) accumulates at promoters in a gene activity-dependent manner. The Set1 complex is responsible for most H3K4me3 in somatic cells and contains the conserved subunit Cfp1, which is implicated in targeting the Set1 complex to CpG islands in mammals. In mouse embryonic stem cells, Cfp1 is necessary for H3K4me3 accumulation at constitutively active gene promoters, but is not required to maintain steady-state transcription of the associated gene. RESULTS Here we show that Cfp1 is instrumental for targeting H3K4me3 to promoters upon rapid transcriptional induction in response to external stimuli. Surprisingly, H3K4me3 accumulation is not required to ensure appropriate transcriptional output but rather plays gene-specific roles. We also show that Cfp1-dependent H3K4me3 deposition contributes to H3K9 acetylation genome-wide, suggesting that Cfp1-dependent H3K4me3 regulates overall H3K9 acetylation dynamics and is necessary for histone acetyl transferase recruitment. Finally, we observe increased antisense transcription at the start and end of genes that require Cfp1 for accurate deposition of H3K4me3 and H3K9ac. CONCLUSIONS Our results assign a key role for Cfp1 in establishing a complex active promoter chromatin state and shed light on how chromatin signaling pathways provide context-dependent transcriptional outcomes.
Collapse
|
26
|
Bledau AS, Schmidt K, Neumann K, Hill U, Ciotta G, Gupta A, Torres DC, Fu J, Kranz A, Stewart AF, Anastassiadis K. The H3K4 methyltransferase Setd1a is first required at the epiblast stage, whereas Setd1b becomes essential after gastrulation. Development 2014; 141:1022-35. [PMID: 24550110 DOI: 10.1242/dev.098152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation is a universal epigenetic mark. In mammals, there are six H3K4 methyltransferases related to yeast Set1 and fly Trithorax, including two orthologs of Set1: Setd1a and Setd1b. Here we show that mouse Setd1a is required for gastrulation, whereas Setd1b-deficient embryos survive to E11.5 but are grossly retarded. Setd1a knockout embryos implant but do not proceed past the epiblast. Furthermore, Setd1a is not required until the inner cell mass has formed, at which stage it has replaced Mll2 as the major H3K4 methyltransferase. Setd1a is required for embryonic, epiblast and neural stem cell survival and neural stem cell reprogramming, whereas Setd1b is dispensable. Deletion of Setd1a in embryonic stem cells resulted in rapid losses of bulk H3K4 methylation, pluripotency gene expression and proliferation, with G1 pileup. Setd1b overexpression could not rescue the proliferation defects caused by loss of Setd1a in embryonic stem cells. The precise developmental requirement for Setd1a suggests that gastrulation is regulated by a switch between the major H3K4 methyltransferases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita S Bledau
- Stem Cell Engineering, Technische Universität Dresden, BioInnovationsZentrum, Tatzberg 47, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Vertebrate DNA can be chemically modified by methylation of the 5 position of the cytosine base in the context of CpG dinucleotides. This modification creates a binding site for MBD (methyl-CpG-binding domain) proteins which target chromatin-modifying activities that are thought to contribute to transcriptional repression and maintain heterochromatic regions of the genome. In contrast with DNA methylation, which is found broadly across vertebrate genomes, non-methylated DNA is concentrated in regions known as CGIs (CpG islands). Recently, a family of proteins which encode a ZF-CxxC (zinc finger-CxxC) domain have been shown to specifically recognize non-methylated DNA and recruit chromatin-modifying activities to CGI elements. For example, CFP1 (CxxC finger protein 1), MLL (mixed lineage leukaemia protein), KDM (lysine demethylase) 2A and KDM2B regulate lysine methylation on histone tails, whereas TET (ten-eleven translocation) 1 and TET3 hydroxylate methylated cytosine bases. In the present review, we discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of how ZF-CxxC domain-containing proteins recognize non-methylated DNA and describe their role in chromatin modification at CGIs.
Collapse
|
28
|
Bina M, Wyss P, Novorolsky E, Zulkelfi N, Xue J, Price R, Fay M, Gutmann Z, Fogler B, Wang D. Discovery of MLL1 binding units, their localization to CpG Islands, and their potential function in mitotic chromatin. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:927. [PMID: 24373511 PMCID: PMC3890651 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mixed Lineage Leukemia 1 (MLL1) is a mammalian ortholog of the Drosophila Trithorax. In Drosophila, Trithorax complexes transmit the memory of active genes to daughter cells through interactions with Trithorax Response Elements (TREs). However, despite their functional importance, nothing is known about sequence features that may act as TREs in mammalian genomic DNA. Results By analyzing results of reported DNA binding assays, we identified several CpG rich motifs as potential MLL1 binding units (defined as morphemes). We find that these morphemes are dispersed within a relatively large collection of human promoter sequences and appear densely packed near transcription start sites of protein-coding genes. Genome wide analyses localized frequent morpheme occurrences to CpG islands. In the human HOX loci, the morphemes are spread across CpG islands and in some cases tail into the surrounding shores and shelves of the islands. By analyzing results of chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we found a connection between morpheme occurrences, CpG islands, and chromatin segments reported to be associated with MLL1. Furthermore, we found a correspondence of reported MLL1-driven “bookmarked” regions in chromatin to frequent occurrences of MLL1 morphemes in CpG islands. Conclusion Our results implicate the MLL1 morphemes in sequence-features that define the mammalian TREs and provide a novel function for CpG islands. Apparently, our findings offer the first evidence for existence of potential TREs in mammalian genomic DNA and the first evidence for a connection between CpG islands and gene-bookmarking by MLL1 to transmit the memory of highly active genes during mitosis. Our results further suggest a role for overlapping morphemes in producing closely packed and multiple MLL1 binding events in genomic DNA so that MLL1 molecules could interact and reside simultaneously on extended potential transcriptional maintenance elements in human chromosomes to transmit the memory of highly active genes during mitosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minou Bina
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Schweikert G, Cseke B, Clouaire T, Bird A, Sanguinetti G. MMDiff: quantitative testing for shape changes in ChIP-Seq data sets. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:826. [PMID: 24267901 PMCID: PMC4008153 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cell-specific gene expression is controlled by epigenetic modifications and transcription factor binding. While genome-wide maps for these protein-DNA interactions have become widely available, quantitative comparison of the resulting ChIP-Seq data sets remains challenging. Current approaches to detect differentially bound or modified regions are mainly borrowed from RNA-Seq data analysis, thus focusing on total counts of fragments mapped to a region, ignoring any information encoded in the shape of the peaks. Results Here, we present MMDiff, a robust, broadly applicable method for detecting differences between sequence count data sets. Based on quantifying shape changes in signal profiles, it overcomes challenges imposed by the highly structured nature of the data and the paucity of replicates. We first use a simulated data set to compare the performance of MMDiff with results obtained by four alternative methods. We demonstrate that MMDiff excels when peak profiles change between samples. We next use MMDiff to re-analyse a recent data set of the histone modification H3K4me3 elucidating the establishment of this prominent epigenomic marker. Our empirical analysis shows that the method yields reproducible results across experiments, and is able to detect functional important changes in histone modifications. To further explore the broader applicability of MMDiff, we apply it to two ENCODE data sets: one investigating the histone modification H3K27ac and one measuring the genome-wide binding of the transcription factor CTCF. In both cases, MMDiff proves to be complementary to count-based methods. In addition, we can show that MMDiff is capable of directly detecting changes of homotypic binding events at neighbouring binding sites. MMDiff is readily available as a Bioconductor package. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that higher order features of ChIP-Seq peaks carry relevant and often complementary information to total counts, and hence are important in assessing differential histone modifications and transcription factor binding. We have developed a new computational method, MMDiff, that is capable of exploring these features and therefore closes an existing gap in the analysis of ChIP-Seq data sets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Schweikert
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, 10 Crichton Street, Edinburgh EH89AB, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gu B, Lee MG. Histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferases and demethylases in self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells. Cell Biosci 2013; 3:39. [PMID: 24172249 PMCID: PMC3953348 DOI: 10.1186/2045-3701-3-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are fundamental to understanding the regulatory networks of
gene expression that govern stem cell maintenance and differentiation.
Methylated histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) has emerged as a key epigenetic signal for
gene transcription; it is dynamically modulated by several specific H3K4
methyltransferases and demethylases. Recent studies have described new
epigenetic mechanisms by which H3K4 methylation modifiers control self-renewal
and lineage commitments of stem cells. Such advances in stem cell biology would
have a high impact on the research fields of cancer stem cell and regenerative
medicine. In this review, we discuss the recent progress in understanding the
roles of H3K4 methylation modifiers in regulating embryonic and adult stem
cells’ fates.
Collapse
|
31
|
Paccez JD, Vogelsang M, Parker MI, Zerbini LF. The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in cancer: biological functions and therapeutic implications. Int J Cancer 2013; 134:1024-33. [PMID: 23649974 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl has been implicated in the malignancy of different types of cancer. Emerging evidence of Axl upregulation in numerous cancers, as well as reports demonstrating that its inhibition blocks tumor formation in animal models, highlight the importance of Axl as a new potential therapeutic target. Furthermore, recent data demonstrate that Axl plays a pivotal role in resistance to chemotherapeutic regimens. In this review we discuss the functions of Axl and its regulation and role in cancer development, resistance to therapy, and its importance as a potential drug target, focusing on acute myeloid leukemia, breast, prostate and non-small cell lung cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliano D Paccez
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mohan KN, Chaillet JR. Cell and molecular biology of DNA methyltransferase 1. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 306:1-42. [PMID: 24016522 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407694-5.00001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The DNA cytosine methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is a ubiquitous nuclear enzyme that catalyzes the well-established reaction of placing methyl groups on the unmethylated cytosines in methyl-CpG:CpG base pairs in the hemimethylated DNA formed by methylated parent and unmethylated daughter strands. This activity regenerates fully methylated methyl-CpG:methyl-CpG pairs. Despite the straightforward nature of its catalytic activity, detailed biochemical, genetic, and developmental studies revealed intricate details of the central regulatory role of DNMT1 in governing the epigenetic makeup of the nuclear genome. DNMT1 mediates demethylation and also participates in seemingly wide cellular functions unrelated to maintenance DNA methylation. This review brings together mechanistic details of maintenance methylation by DNMT1, its regulation at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels, and the seemingly unexpected functions of DNMT1 in the context of DNA methylation which is central to epigenetic changes that occur during development and the process of cell differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Naga Mohan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Cfp1 integrates both CpG content and gene activity for accurate H3K4me3 deposition in embryonic stem cells. Genes Dev 2012; 26:1714-28. [PMID: 22855832 DOI: 10.1101/gad.194209.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Trimethylation of histone H3 Lys 4 (H3K4me3) is a mark of active and poised promoters. The Set1 complex is responsible for most somatic H3K4me3 and contains the conserved subunit CxxC finger protein 1 (Cfp1), which binds to unmethylated CpGs and links H3K4me3 with CpG islands (CGIs). Here we report that Cfp1 plays unanticipated roles in organizing genome-wide H3K4me3 in embryonic stem cells. Cfp1 deficiency caused two contrasting phenotypes: drastic loss of H3K4me3 at expressed CGI-associated genes, with minimal consequences for transcription, and creation of "ectopic" H3K4me3 peaks at numerous regulatory regions. DNA binding by Cfp1 was dispensable for targeting H3K4me3 to active genes but was required to prevent ectopic H3K4me3 peaks. The presence of ectopic peaks at enhancers often coincided with increased expression of nearby genes. This suggests that CpG targeting prevents "leakage" of H3K4me3 to inappropriate chromatin compartments. Our results demonstrate that Cfp1 is a specificity factor that integrates multiple signals, including promoter CpG content and gene activity, to regulate genome-wide patterns of H3K4me3.
Collapse
|
34
|
Goll MG, Halpern ME. DNA methylation in zebrafish. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2011; 101:193-218. [PMID: 21507352 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-387685-0.00005-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is crucial for normal development and cellular differentiation in many large-genome eukaryotes. The small tropical freshwater fish Danio rerio (zebrafish) has recently emerged as a powerful system for the study of DNA methylation, especially in the context of development. This review summarizes our current knowledge of DNA methylation in zebrafish and provides evidence for the general conservation of this system with mammals. In addition, emerging strategies are highlighted that use the fish model to address some of the key unanswered questions in DNA methylation research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary G Goll
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Furusawa J, Zhang H, Vural E, Stone A, Fukuda S, Oridate N, Fang H, Ye Y, Suen JY, Fan CY. Distinct epigenetic profiling in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma stem cells. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011; 144:900-9. [PMID: 21493336 DOI: 10.1177/0194599811398786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify unique epigenetic signature in cancer stem cells (CSCs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). STUDY DESIGN Molecular and microarray studies. SETTING Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Head and neck CSCs were isolated in HNSCC cells by CD44 staining and flow cytometry sorting. CSCs with highest CD44 expression (CD44(hi)) and non-stem cells (non-SCs) with lowest CD44 expression (CD44(low)) were then characterized for stemness gene expression and their responses to chemotherapeutic agents, followed by high-throughput epigenetic profiling using the Illumina BeadChip Array, targeting 28,544 CpG sites covering more than 14,956 genes. RESULTS CD44(hi) CSCs expressed higher levels of stem cell markers and were more resistant to chemotherapeutic agents as compared to CD44(low) non-SCs. By DNA methylation microarray analysis, 17 hypomethylated and 9 hypermethylated genes were identified in CD44(hi) CSCs as compared to non-SCs in most HNSCC cell lines. Cluster analysis using these 26 genes showed that CD44(hi) CSCs were epigenetically distinct from the CD44(low) non-SCs in all 5 HNSCC cell lines. CONCLUSION A unique epigenetic profile consisting of 17 hypomethylated and 9 hypermethylated genes was seen in HNSCC CSCs. These genes may be critically required in maintaining the stemness or pluripotency of CSCs and may represent novel molecular targets for anticancer therapies aimed at eradicating CSCs in HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Furusawa
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Chromatin mechanisms regulating gene expression in health and disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 711:12-25. [PMID: 21627039 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8216-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
It is now well established that the interplay of sequence-specific DNA binding proteins with chromatin components and the subsequent expression of differential genetic programs is the major determinant of developmental decisions. The last years have seen an explosion of basic research that has significantly enhanced our understanding of the basic principles of gene expression control. While many questions are still open, we are now at the stage where we can exploit this knowledge to address questions of how deregulated gene expression and aberrant chromatin programming contributes to disease processes. This chapter will give a basic introduction into the principles of epigenetics and the determinants of chromatin structure and will discuss the molecular mechanisms of aberrant gene regulation in blood cell diseases, such as inflammation and leukemia.
Collapse
|
37
|
|
38
|
Abstract
AbstractNumerous epigenetic modifications have been identified and correlated with transcriptionally active euchromatin or repressed heterochromatin and many enzymes responsible for the addition and removal of these marks have been characterized. However, less is known regarding how these enzymes are regulated and targeted to appropriate genomic locations. Mammalian CXXC finger protein 1 is an epigenetic regulator that was originally identified as a protein that binds specifically to any DNA sequence containing an unmethylated CpG dinucleotide. Mouse embryos lacking CXXC finger protein 1 die prior to gastrulation, and embryonic stem cells lacking CXXC finger protein 1 are viable but are unable to achieve cellular differentiation and lineage commitment. CXXC finger protein 1 is a regulator of both cytosine and histone methylation. It physically interacts with DNA methyltransferase 1 and facilitates maintenance cytosine methylation. Rescue studies reveal that CXXC finger protein 1 contains redundant functional domains that are sufficient to support cellular differentiation and proper levels of cytosine methylation. CXXC finger protein 1 is also a component of the Setd1 histone H3-Lys4 methyltransferase complexes and functions to target these enzymes to unmethylated CpG islands. Depletion of CXXC finger protein 1 leads to loss of histone H3-Lys4 tri-methylation at CpG islands and inappropriate drifting of this euchromatin mark into areas of hetero-chromatin. Thus, one function of CXXC finger protein 1 is to serve as an effector protein that interprets cytosine methylation patterns and facilitates crosstalk with histone-modifying enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David G. Skalnik
- 1Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Huang K, Fan G. DNA methylation in cell differentiation and reprogramming: an emerging systematic view. Regen Med 2010; 5:531-44. [PMID: 20632857 DOI: 10.2217/rme.10.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells have the unique ability to indefinitely self-renew and differentiate into any cell type found in the adult body. Differentiated cells can, in turn, be reprogrammed to embryonic stem-like induced pluripotent stem cells, providing exciting opportunities for achieving patient-specific stem cell therapy while circumventing immunological obstacles and ethical controversies. Since both differentiation and reprogramming are governed by major changes in the epigenome, current directions in the field aim to uncover the epigenetic signals that give pluripotent cells their unique properties. DNA methylation is one of the major epigenetic factors that regulates gene expression in mammals and is essential for establishing cellular identity. Recent analyses of pluripotent and somatic cell methylomes have provided important insights into the extensive role of DNA methylation during cell-fate commitment and reprogramming. In this article, the recent progress of differentiation and reprogramming research illuminated by high-throughput studies is discussed in the context of DNA methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Huang
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7088, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pekhov VM, Mazur AM, Prokhorchuk EB. Development of a technique based on the affinity resins for evaluation of DNA methylation status in vertebrates. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2010. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683810070033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
41
|
Tsai CC, Chen CL, Liu HC, Lee YT, Wang HW, Hou LT, Hung SC. Overexpression of hTERT increases stem-like properties and decreases spontaneous differentiation in human mesenchymal stem cell lines. J Biomed Sci 2010; 17:64. [PMID: 20670406 PMCID: PMC2923118 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-17-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To overcome loss of stem-like properties and spontaneous differentiation those hinder the expansion and application of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), we have clonally isolated permanent and stable human MSC lines by ectopic overexpression of primary cell cultures of hMSCs with HPV 16 E6E7 and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) genes. These cells were found to have a differentiation potential far beyond the ordinary hMSCs. They expressed trophoectoderm and germline specific markers upon differentiation with BMP4 and retinoic acid, respectively. Furthermore, they displayed higher osteogenic and neural differentiation efficiency than primary hMSCs or hMSCs expressed HPV16 E6E7 alone with a decrease in methylation level as proven by a global CpG island methylation profile analysis. Notably, the demethylated CpG islands were highly associated with development and differentiation associated genes. Principal component analysis further pointed out the expression profile of the cells converged toward embryonic stem cells. These data demonstrate these cells not only are a useful tool for the studies of cell differentiation both for the mesenchymal and neurogenic lineages, but also provide a valuable source of cells for cell therapy studies in animal models of skeletal and neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chien Tsai
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Medical Research & Education and Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Maltepe E, Bakardjiev AI, Fisher SJ. The placenta: transcriptional, epigenetic, and physiological integration during development. J Clin Invest 2010; 120:1016-25. [PMID: 20364099 DOI: 10.1172/jci41211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta provides critical transport functions between the maternal and fetal circulations during intrauterine development. Formation of this interface relies on coordinated interactions among transcriptional, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Here we describe these mechanisms in the context of the differentiation of placental cells (trophoblasts) and synthesize current knowledge about how they interact to generate a functional placenta. Developing an understanding of these pathways contributes to an improvement of our models for studying trophoblast biology and sheds light on the etiology of pregnancy complications and the in utero programming of adult diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emin Maltepe
- Department of Pediatrics, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave. HSE-1401, Box 1346, San Francisco, CA 94143-1346, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bauer AP, Leikam D, Krinner S, Notka F, Ludwig C, Längst G, Wagner R. The impact of intragenic CpG content on gene expression. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 38:3891-908. [PMID: 20203083 PMCID: PMC2896515 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of vaccine components or recombinant therapeutics critically depends on sustained expression of the corresponding transgene. This study aimed to determine the contribution of intragenic CpG content to expression efficiency in transiently and stably transfected mammalian cells. Based upon a humanized version of green fluorescent protein (GFP) containing 60 CpGs within its coding sequence, a CpG-depleted variant of the GFP reporter was established by carefully modulating the codon usage. Interestingly, GFP reporter activity and detectable protein amounts in stably transfected CHO and 293 cells were significantly decreased upon CpG depletion and independent from promoter usage (CMV, EF1α). The reduction in protein expression associated with CpG depletion was likewise observed for other unrelated reporter genes and was clearly reflected by a decline in mRNA copy numbers rather than translational efficiency. Moreover, decreased mRNA levels were neither due to nuclear export restrictions nor alternative splicing or mRNA instability. Rather, the intragenic CpG content influenced de novo transcriptional activity thus implying a common transcription-based mechanism of gene regulation via CpGs. Increased high CpG transcription correlated with changed nucleosomal positions in vitro albeit histone density at the two genes did not change in vivo as monitored by ChIP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asli Petra Bauer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology & Gene Therapy Unit, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Development from separate parental germ cells through fertilization and proceeding to a fully functioning adult animal occurs through an intricate program of transcriptional and chromatin changes. Epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation are an important part of this process. This review looks at the role of DNA methylation in early embryonic development, as well as how this epigenetic mark affects stem cell differentiation and tissue-specific gene expression in somatic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M Geiman
- Laboratory of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, SAIC-Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Tate CM, Lee JH, Skalnik DG. CXXC finger protein 1 restricts the Setd1A histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex to euchromatin. FEBS J 2009; 277:210-23. [PMID: 19951360 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2009.07475.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CXXC finger protein 1 (Cfp1), encoded by the CXXC1 gene, is a component of the euchromatic Setd1A histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex, and is a critical regulator of histone methylation, cytosine methylation, cellular differentiation, and vertebrate development. Murine embryonic stem (ES) cells lacking Cfp1 (CXXC1(-/-)) are viable but show increased levels of global histone H3K4 methylation, suggesting that Cfp1 functions to inhibit or restrict the activity of the Setd1A histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex. The studies reported here reveal that ES cells lacking Cfp1 contain decreased levels of Setd1A and show subnuclear mislocalization of both Setd1A and trimethylation of histone H3K4 with regions of heterochromatin. Remarkably, structure-function studies reveal that expression of either the N-terminal fragment of Cfp1 (amino acids 1-367) or the C-terminal fragment of Cfp1 (amino acids 361-656) is sufficient to restore appropriate levels of Setd1A in CXXC1(-/-) ES cells. Furthermore, functional analysis of various Cfp1 point mutations reveals that retention of either Cfp1 DNA-binding activity or association with the Setd1 histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex is required to restore normal Setd1A levels. In contrast, expression of full-length Cfp1 in CXXC1(-/-) ES cells is required to restrict Setd1A and histone H3K4 trimethylation to euchromatin, indicating that both Cfp1 DNA-binding activity and interaction with the Setd1A complex are required for appropriate genomic targeting of the Setd1A complex. These studies illustrate the complexity of Cfp1 function, and identify Cfp1 as a regulator of Setd1A genomic targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M Tate
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ooi SKT, O'Donnell AH, Bestor TH. Mammalian cytosine methylation at a glance. J Cell Sci 2009; 122:2787-91. [PMID: 19657014 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.015123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Steen K T Ooi
- Department of Genetics and Development, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 701 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tate CM, Fishel ML, Holleran JL, Egorin MJ, Skalnik DG. Embryonic stem cells lacking the epigenetic regulator Cfp1 are hypersensitive to DNA-damaging agents and exhibit decreased Ape1/Ref-1 protein expression and endonuclease activity. DNA Repair (Amst) 2009; 8:1411-23. [PMID: 19836314 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2009.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2009] [Revised: 09/17/2009] [Accepted: 09/23/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Modulation of chromatin structure plays an important role in the recruitment and function of DNA repair proteins. CXXC finger protein 1 (Cfp1), encoded by the CXXC1 gene, is essential for mammalian development and is an important regulator of chromatin structure. Murine embryonic stem (ES) cells lacking Cfp1 (CXXC1(-/-)) are viable but demonstrate a dramatic decrease in cytosine methylation, altered histone methylation, and an inability to differentiate. We find that ES cells lacking Cfp1 are hypersensitive to a variety of DNA-damaging agents. In addition, CXXC1(-/-) ES cells accumulate more DNA damage and exhibit decreased protein expression and endonuclease activity of AP endonuclease (Ape1/Ref-1), an enzyme involved in DNA base excision repair. Expression in CXXC1(-/-) ES cells of either the amino half of Cfp1 (amino acids 1-367) or the carboxyl half of Cfp1 (amino acids 361-656) restores normal Ape1/Ref-1 protein expression and rescues the hypersensitivity to DNA-damaging agents, demonstrating that Cfp1 contains redundant functional domains. Furthermore, retention of either the DNA-binding activity of Cfp1 or interaction with the Setd1A and Setd1B histone H3-Lys4 methyltransferase complexes is required to restore normal sensitivity of CXXC1(-/-) ES cells to DNA-damaging agents. These results implicate Cfp1 as a regulator of DNA repair processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M Tate
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044W. Walnut St. R4-W312, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Butler JS, Palam LR, Tate CM, Sanford JR, Wek RC, Skalnik DG. DNA Methyltransferase protein synthesis is reduced in CXXC finger protein 1-deficient embryonic stem cells. DNA Cell Biol 2009; 28:223-31. [PMID: 19388845 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2009.0854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
CXXC finger protein 1 (CFP1) binds to unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and is required for embryogenesis. CFP1 is also a component of the Setd1A and Setd1B histone H3K4 methyltransferase complexes. Murine embryonic stem (ES) cells lacking CFP1 fail to differentiate, and exhibit a 70% reduction in global genomic cytosine methylation and a 50% reduction in DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1) protein and activity. This study investigated the underlying mechanism for reduced DNMT1 expression in CFP1-deficient ES cells. DNMT1 transcript levels were significantly elevated in ES cells lacking CFP1, despite the observed reduction in DNMT1 protein levels. To address the posttranscriptional mechanisms by which CFP1 regulates DNMT1 protein activity, pulse/chase analyses were carried out, demonstrating a modest reduction in DNMT1 protein half-life in CFP1-deficient ES cells. Additionally, global protein synthesis was decreased in ES cells lacking CFP1, contributing to a reduction in the synthesis of DNMT1 protein. ES cells lacking CFP1 were found to contain elevated levels of phosphorylated eIF2alpha, and an accompanying reduction in translation initiation as revealed by a lower level of polyribosomes. These results reveal a novel role for CFP1 in the regulation of translation initiation, and indicate that loss of CFP1 function leads to decreased DNMT1 protein synthesis and half-life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill S Butler
- Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
CXXC finger protein 1 contains redundant functional domains that support embryonic stem cell cytosine methylation, histone methylation, and differentiation. Mol Cell Biol 2009; 29:3817-31. [PMID: 19433449 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00243-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CXXC finger protein 1 (Cfp1) is a regulator of both cytosine methylation and histone methylation. Murine embryonic stem (ES) cells lacking Cfp1 exhibit a decreased plating efficiency, decreased cytosine methylation, elevated global levels of histone H3-Lys4 trimethylation, and a failure to differentiate in vitro. Remarkably, transfection studies reveal that expression of either the amino half of Cfp1 (amino acids 1 to 367 [Cfp1(1-367)]) or the carboxyl half of Cfp1 (Cfp1(361-656)) is sufficient to correct all of the defects observed with ES cells that lack Cfp1. However, a point mutation (C169A) that abolishes DNA-binding activity of Cfp1 ablates the rescue activity of the Cfp1(1-367) fragment, and a point mutation (C375A) that abolishes the interaction of Cfp1 with the Setd1 histone H3-Lys4 methyltransferase complexes ablates the rescue activity of the Cfp1(361-656) fragment. Introduction of both the C169A and C375A point mutations ablates the rescue activity of the full-length Cfp1 protein. These results indicate that retention of either the Cfp1 DNA-binding domain or Setd1 interaction domain is required for Cfp1 rescue activity, and they illustrate the functional complexity of this critical epigenetic regulator. A model is presented for how epigenetic cross talk may explain the finding of redundant functional domains within Cfp1.
Collapse
|
50
|
Kim C, Amano T, Park J, Carter MG, Tian X, Yang X. Improvement of Embryonic Stem Cell Line Derivation Efficiency with Novel Medium, Glucose Concentration, and Epigenetic Modifications. CLONING AND STEM CELLS 2009; 11:89-100. [DOI: 10.1089/clo.2008.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chul Kim
- Center for Regenerative Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Tomokazu Amano
- Center for Regenerative Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Joonghoon Park
- Center for Regenerative Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Mark G. Carter
- Center for Regenerative Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Xiuchun Tian
- Center for Regenerative Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Xiangzhong Yang
- Center for Regenerative Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| |
Collapse
|