The histone fold subunits of Drosophila CHRAC facilitate nucleosome sliding through dynamic DNA interactions

Association of Mutations in Replicative DNA Polymerase Genes with Human Disease: Possible Application of Drosophila Models for Studies

Replicative DNA polymerases, such as DNA polymerase α-primase, δ and ε, are multi-subunit complexes that are responsible for the bulk of nuclear DNA replication during the S phase. Over the last decade, extensive genome-wide association studies and expression profiling studies of the replicative DNA polymerase genes in human patients have revealed a link between the replicative DNA polymerase genes and various human diseases and disorders including cancer, intellectual disability, microcephalic primordial dwarfism and immunodeficiency. These studies suggest the importance of dissecting the mechanisms involved in the functioning of replicative DNA polymerases in understanding and treating a range of human diseases. Previous studies in Drosophila have established this organism as a useful model to understand a variety of human diseases. Here, we review the studies on Drosophila that explored the link between DNA polymerases and human disease. First, we summarize the recent studies linking replicative DNA polymerases to various human diseases and disorders. We then review studies on replicative DNA polymerases in Drosophila. Finally, we suggest the possible use of Drosophila models to study human diseases and disorders associated with replicative DNA polymerases.

Dpb4 promotes resection of DNA double-strand breaks and checkpoint activation by acting in two different protein complexes

Budding yeast Dpb4 (POLE3/CHRAC17 in mammals) is a highly conserved histone fold protein that is shared by two protein complexes: the chromatin remodeler ISW2/hCHRAC and the DNA polymerase ε (Pol ε) holoenzyme. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Dpb4 forms histone-like dimers with Dls1 in the ISW2 complex and with Dpb3 in the Pol ε complex. Here, we show that Dpb4 plays two functions in sensing and processing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Dpb4 promotes histone removal and DSB resection by interacting with Dls1 to facilitate the association of the Isw2 ATPase to DSBs. Furthermore, it promotes checkpoint activation by interacting with Dpb3 to facilitate the association of the checkpoint protein Rad9 to DSBs. Persistence of both Isw2 and Rad9 at DSBs is enhanced by the A62S mutation that is located in the Dpb4 histone fold domain and increases Dpb4 association at DSBs. Thus, Dpb4 exerts two distinct functions at DSBs depending on its interactors.

The histone folding protein Dpb4 forms histone-like dimers within the ISW2 complex and the Pol ε complex in S. cerevisiae. Here the authors reveal insights into two distinct functions that Dpb4 exerts at DSBs depending on its interactors.

Protein intrinsic disorder on a dynamic nucleosomal landscape

The complex nucleoprotein landscape of the eukaryotic cell nucleus is rich in dynamic proteins that lack a stable three-dimensional structure. Many of these intrinsically disordered proteins operate directly on the first fundamental level of genome compaction: the nucleosome. Here we give an overview of how disordered interactions with and within nucleosomes shape the dynamics, architecture, and epigenetic regulation of the genetic material, controlling cellular transcription patterns. We highlight experimental and computational challenges in the study of protein disorder and illustrate how integrative approaches are increasingly unveiling the fine details of nuclear interaction networks. We finally dissect sequence properties encoded in disordered regions and assess common features of disordered nucleosome-binding proteins. As drivers of many critical biological processes, disordered proteins are integral to a comprehensive molecular view of the dynamic nuclear milieu.

The Gcn5 complexes in Drosophila as a model for metazoa

The histone acetyltransferase Gcn5 is conserved throughout eukaryotes where it functions as part of large multi-subunit transcriptional coactivator complexes that stimulate gene expression. Here, we describe how studies in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster have provided insight into the essential roles played by Gcn5 in the development of multicellular organisms. We outline the composition and activity of the four different Gcn5 complexes in Drosophila: the Spt-Ada-Gcn5 Acetyltransferase (SAGA), Ada2a-containing (ATAC), Ada2/Gcn5/Ada3 transcription activator (ADA), and Chiffon Histone Acetyltransferase (CHAT) complexes. Whereas the SAGA and ADA complexes are also present in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ATAC has only been identified in other metazoa such as humans, and the CHAT complex appears to be unique to insects. Each of these Gcn5 complexes is nucleated by unique Ada2 homologs or splice isoforms that share conserved N-terminal domains, and differ only in their C-terminal domains. We describe the common and specialized developmental functions of each Gcn5 complex based on phenotypic analysis of mutant flies. In addition, we outline how gene expression studies in mutant flies have shed light on the different biological roles of each complex. Together, these studies highlight the key role that Drosophila has played in understanding the expanded biological function of Gcn5 in multicellular eukaryotes.

CenH3-Independent Kinetochore Assembly in Lepidoptera Requires CCAN, Including CENP-T

Accurate chromosome segregation requires assembly of the multiprotein kinetochore complex at centromeres. In most eukaryotes, kinetochore assembly is primed by the histone H3 variant CenH3 (also called CENP-A), which physically interacts with components of the inner kinetochore constitutive centromere-associated network (CCAN). Unexpectedly, regarding its critical function, previous work identified that select eukaryotic lineages, including several insects, have lost CenH3 while having retained homologs of the CCAN. These findings imply alternative CCAN assembly pathways in these organisms that function in CenH3-independent manners. Here we study the composition and assembly of CenH3-deficient kinetochores of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). We show that lepidopteran kinetochores consist of previously identified CCAN homologs as well as additional components, including a divergent CENP-T homolog, that are required for accurate mitotic progression. Our study focuses on CENP-T, which we found to be sufficient to recruit the Mis12 and Ndc80 outer kinetochore complexes. In addition, CRISPR-mediated gene editing in Bombyx mori establishes an essential function of CENP-T in vivo. Finally, the retention of CENP-T and additional CCAN homologs in other independently derived CenH3-deficient insects indicates a conserved mechanism of kinetochore assembly between these lineages. Our study provides the first functional insights into CCAN-based kinetochore assembly pathways that function independently of CenH3, contributing to the emerging picture of an unexpected plasticity to build a kinetochore.

Computational Prediction of Intrinsic Disorder in Protein Sequences with the disCoP Meta-predictor

Intrinsically disordered proteins are either entirely disordered or contain disordered regions in their native state. These proteins and regions function without the prerequisite of a stable structure and were found to be abundant across all kingdoms of life. Experimental annotation of disorder lags behind the rapidly growing number of sequenced proteins, motivating the development of computational methods that predict disorder in protein sequences. DisCoP is a user-friendly webserver that provides accurate sequence-based prediction of protein disorder. It relies on meta-architecture in which the outputs generated by multiple disorder predictors are combined together to improve predictive performance. The architecture of disCoP is presented, and its accuracy relative to several other disorder predictors is briefly discussed. We describe usage of the web interface and explain how to access and read results generated by this computational tool. We also provide an example of prediction results and interpretation. The disCoP's webserver is publicly available at http://biomine.cs.vcu.edu/servers/disCoP/ .

The role of aTp-dependent chromatin remodeling factors in chromatin assembly in vivo

Chromatin assembly is a fundamental process essential for chromosome duplication subsequent to DNA replication. In addition, histone removal and incorporation take place constantly throughout the cell cycle in the course of DNA-utilizing processes, such as transcription, damage repair or recombination. In vitro studies have revealed that nucleosome assembly relies on the combined action of core histone chaperones and ATP-utilizing molecular motor proteins such as ACF or CHD1. Despite extensive biochemical characterization of ATP-dependent chromatin assembly and remodeling factors, it has remained unclear to what extent nucleosome assembly is an ATP-dependent process in vivo. Our original and published data about the functions of ATP-dependent chromatin assembly and remodeling factors clearly demonstrated that these proteins are important for nucleosome assembly and histone exchange in vivo. During male pronucleus reorganization after fertilization CHD1 has a critical role in the genomescale, replication-independent nucleosome assembly involving the histone variant H3.3. Thus, the molecular motor proteins, such as CHD1, function not only in the remodeling of existing nucleosomes but also in de novo nucleosome assembly from DNA and histones in vivo. ATP-dependent chromatin assembly and remodeling factors have been implicated in the process of histone exchange during transcription and DNA repair, in the maintenance of centromeric chromatin and in the loading and remodeling of nucleosomes behind a replication fork. Thus, chromatin remodeling factors are involved in the processes of both replication-dependent and replication-independent chromatin assembly. The role of these proteins is especially prominent in the processes of large-scale chromatin reorganization; for example, during male pronucleus formation or in DNA repair. Together, ATP-dependent chromatin assembly factors, histone chaperones and chromatin modifying enzymes form a “chromatin integrity network” to ensure proper maintenance and propagation of chromatin landscape.

Plant Flowering: Imposing DNA Specificity on Histone-Fold Subunits

CONSTANS (CO) is a master regulator of flowering time, although the mechanisms underlying its role as a transcriptional regulator are not well understood. The DNA-binding domain of CO shares homology with that of NUCLEAR FACTOR YA (NF-YA), a subunit of the CCAAT-binding trimer NF-Y. Recent publications indicate that CO and its rice homolog HEADING DATE 1 (Hd1) form heterotrimers with the histone-fold subunits of NF-Y to efficiently bind promoter elements in the florigen genes. Differences in the DNA-binding specificities of NF-Y and NF-CO can be conceptualized based on our knowledge of the 3D structure of the NF-Y/CCAAT complex. Here we discuss the modes of assembly of NF-Y-like heterotrimers and possible models for their activity as flexible sequence-specific transcriptional regulators.

CHRAC/ACF contribute to the repressive ground state of chromatin

Chromatin accessibility complex/ATP-utilizing chromatin assembly and remodeling factor help to establish basal transcriptional repression, conceivably through improving the regular spacing of nucleosomes in euchromatin.

The chromatin remodeling complexes chromatin accessibility complex and ATP-utilizing chromatin assembly and remodeling factor (ACF) combine the ATPase ISWI with the signature subunit ACF1. These enzymes catalyze well-studied nucleosome sliding reactions in vitro, but how their actions affect physiological gene expression remains unclear. Here, we explored the influence of Drosophila melanogaster chromatin accessibility complex/ACF on transcription by using complementary gain- and loss-of-function approaches. Targeting ACF1 to multiple reporter genes inserted at many different genomic locations revealed a context-dependent inactivation of poorly transcribed reporters in repressive chromatin. Accordingly, single-embryo transcriptome analysis of an Acf knock-out allele showed that only lowly expressed genes are derepressed in the absence of ACF1. Finally, the nucleosome arrays in Acf-deficient chromatin show loss of physiological regularity, particularly in transcriptionally inactive domains. Taken together, our results highlight that ACF1-containing remodeling factors contribute to the establishment of an inactive ground state of the genome through chromatin organization.

The Eukaryotic Replisome Goes Under the Microscope

The machinery at the eukaryotic replication fork has seen many new structural advances using electron microscopy and crystallography. Recent structures of eukaryotic replisome components include the Mcm2-7 complex, the CMG helicase, DNA polymerases, a Ctf4 trimer hub and the first look at a core replisome of 20 different proteins containing the helicase, primase, leading polymerase and a lagging strand polymerase. The eukaryotic core replisome shows an unanticipated architecture, with one polymerase sitting above the helicase and the other below. Additionally, structures of Mcm2 bound to an H3/H4 tetramer suggest a direct role of the replisome in handling nucleosomes, which are important to DNA organization and gene regulation. This review provides a summary of some of the many recent advances in the structure of the eukaryotic replisome.

Structural determinants for NF-Y/DNA interaction at the CCAAT box

The recently determined crystal structures of the sequence-specific transcription factor NF-Y have illuminated the structural mechanism underlying transcription at the CCAAT box. NF-Y is a trimeric protein complex composed by the NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC subunits. NF-YB and NF-YC contain a histone-like domain and assemble on a head-to-tail fashion to form a dimer, which provides the structural scaffold for the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone binding (mimicking the nucleosome H2A/H2B-DNA assembly) and for the interaction with NF-YA. The NF-YA subunit hosts two structurally extended α-helices; one is involved in NF-YB/NF-YC binding and the other inserts deeply into the DNA minor groove, providing exquisite sequence-specificity for recognition and binding of the CCAAT box. The analysis of these structural data is expected to serve as a powerful guide for future experiments aimed at understanding the role of post-translational modification at NF-Y regulation sites and to unravel the three-dimensional architecture of higher order complexes formed between NF-Y and other transcription factors that act synergistically for transcription activation. Moreover, these structures represent an excellent starting point to challenge the formation of a stable hybrid nucleosome between NF-Y and core histone proteins, and to rationalize the fine molecular details associated with the wide combinatorial association of plant NF-Y subunits. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear Factor Y in Development and Disease, edited by Prof. Roberto Mantovani.

PHF13 is a molecular reader and transcriptional co-regulator of H3K4me2/3

PHF13 is a chromatin affiliated protein with a functional role in differentiation, cell division, DNA damage response and higher chromatin order. To gain insight into PHF13's ability to modulate these processes, we elucidate the mechanisms targeting PHF13 to chromatin, its genome wide localization and its molecular chromatin context. Size exclusion chromatography, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography and ChIP sequencing demonstrate that PHF13 binds chromatin in a multivalent fashion via direct interactions with H3K4me2/3 and DNA, and indirectly via interactions with PRC2 and RNA PolII. Furthermore, PHF13 depletion disrupted the interactions between PRC2, RNA PolII S5P, H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 and resulted in the up and down regulation of genes functionally enriched in transcriptional regulation, DNA binding, cell cycle, differentiation and chromatin organization. Together our findings argue that PHF13 is an H3K4me2/3 molecular reader and transcriptional co-regulator, affording it the ability to impact different chromatin processes.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10607.001

In human and other eukaryotic cells, DNA is packaged around proteins called histones to form a structure known as chromatin. Chemical tags added to the histones alter how the DNA is packaged and the activity of the genes encoded by that DNA. For example, many active genes are packaged around histone H3 proteins that have “Lysine 4 tri-methyl” tags attached to them. Another protein that is associated with chromatin is called PHF13 and it has several roles, including repairing damaged DNA. However, it was not known whether PHF13 binds to chromatin via the chemical tags, or in another way.

Ho-Ryun, Xu, Fuchs et al. used several biochemical techniques in mouse and human cells to explore how PHF13 specifically interacts with chromatin. These experiments showed that PHF13 binds specifically to DNA and to two types of methyl tags (lysine 4-tri-methyl or lysine 4-di-methyl). These chemical tags are predominantly found at active promoters as well as at a small subset of less active promoters known as bivalent promoters. PHF13 interacted with other proteins on the chromatin that are known to either drive or repress gene activity and it’s depletion affected the activity of many genes. Whether PHF13 increased or decreased gene activity depended on whether it was bound to active or bivalent promoters. The active promoters targeted by PHF13 had higher numbers of the tri-methyl tags whereas the di-methyl tags were more common on the bivalent promoters.

These findings provide preliminary evidence that a protein binding to different methyl tags in the same place on histone H3 can have opposite effects on gene activity. Ho-Ryun, Xu, Fuchs et al. now intend to find out more about the other proteins that interact with PHF13 on chromatin.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10607.002

A role for tuned levels of nucleosome remodeler subunit ACF1 during Drosophila oogenesis

The Chromatin Accessibility Complex (CHRAC) consists of the ATPase ISWI, the large ACF1 subunit and a pair of small histone-like proteins, CHRAC-14/16. CHRAC is a prototypical nucleosome sliding factor that mobilizes nucleosomes to improve the regularity and integrity of the chromatin fiber. This may facilitate the formation of repressive chromatin. Expression of the signature subunit ACF1 is restricted during embryonic development, but remains high in primordial germ cells. Therefore, we explored roles for ACF1 during Drosophila oogenesis. ACF1 is expressed in somatic and germline cells, with notable enrichment in germline stem cells and oocytes. The asymmetrical localization of ACF1 to these cells depends on the transport of the Acf1 mRNA by the Bicaudal-D/Egalitarian complex. Loss of ACF1 function in the novel Acf1(7) allele leads to defective egg chambers and their elimination through apoptosis. In addition, we find a variety of unusual 16-cell cyst packaging phenotypes in the previously known Acf1(1) allele, with a striking prevalence of egg chambers with two functional oocytes at opposite poles. Surprisingly, we found that the Acf1(1) deletion--despite disruption of the Acf1 reading frame--expresses low levels of a PHD-bromodomain module from the C-terminus of ACF1 that becomes enriched in oocytes. Expression of this module from the Acf1 genomic locus leads to packaging defects in the absence of functional ACF1, suggesting competitive interactions with unknown target molecules. Remarkably, a two-fold overexpression of CHRAC (ACF1 and CHRAC-16) leads to increased apoptosis and packaging defects. Evidently, finely tuned CHRAC levels are required for proper oogenesis.

The Arabidopsis thaliana Nuclear Factor Y Transcription Factors

Nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) is an evolutionarily conserved trimeric transcription factor complex present in nearly all eukaryotes. The heterotrimeric NF-Y complex consists of three subunits, NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC, and binds to the CCAAT box in the promoter regions of its target genes to regulate their expression. Yeast and mammal genomes generally have single genes with multiple splicing isoforms that encode each NF-Y subunit. By contrast, plant genomes generally have multi-gene families encoding each subunit and these genes are differentially expressed in various tissues or stages. Therefore, different subunit combinations can lead to a wide variety of NF-Y complexes in various tissues, stages, and growth conditions, indicating the potentially diverse functions of this complex in plants. Indeed, many recent studies have proved that the NF-Y complex plays multiple essential roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. In this review, we highlight recent progress on NF-Y in Arabidopsis thaliana, including NF-Y protein structure, heterotrimeric complex formation, and the molecular mechanism by which NF-Y regulates downstream target gene expression. We then focus on its biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms. Finally, possible directions for future research on NF-Y are also presented.

The architecture of a eukaryotic replisome

At the eukaryotic DNA replication fork, it is widely believed that the Cdc45-Mcm2-7-GINS (CMG) helicase is positioned in front to unwind DNA and that DNA polymerases trail behind the helicase. Here we used single-particle EM to directly image a Saccharomyces cerevisiae replisome. Contrary to expectations, the leading strand Pol ɛ is positioned ahead of CMG helicase, whereas Ctf4 and the lagging-strand polymerase (Pol) α-primase are behind the helicase. This unexpected architecture indicates that the leading-strand DNA travels a long distance before reaching Pol ɛ, first threading through the Mcm2-7 ring and then making a U-turn at the bottom and reaching Pol ɛ at the top of CMG. Our work reveals an unexpected configuration of the eukaryotic replisome, suggests possible reasons for this architecture and provides a basis for further structural and biochemical replisome studies.

Identification of the ISWI Chromatin Remodeling Complex of the Early Branching Eukaryote Trypanosoma brucei

ISWI chromatin remodelers are highly conserved in eukaryotes and are important for the assembly and spacing of nucleosomes, thereby controlling transcription initiation and elongation. ISWI is typically associated with different subunits, forming specialized complexes with discrete functions. In the unicellular parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which causes African sleeping sickness, TbISWI down-regulates RNA polymerase I (Pol I)-transcribed variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene expression sites (ESs), which are monoallelically expressed. Here, we use tandem affinity purification to determine the interacting partners of TbISWI. We identify three proteins that do not show significant homology with known ISWI-associated partners. Surprisingly, one of these is nucleoplasmin-like protein (NLP), which we had previously shown to play a role in ES control. In addition, we identify two novel ISWI partners, regulator of chromosome condensation 1-like protein (RCCP) and phenylalanine/tyrosine-rich protein (FYRP), both containing protein motifs typically found on chromatin proteins. Knockdown of RCCP or FYRP in bloodstream form T. brucei results in derepression of silent variant surface glycoprotein ESs, as had previously been shown for TbISWI and NLP. All four proteins are expressed and interact with each other in both major life cycle stages and show similar distributions at Pol I-transcribed loci. They are also found at Pol II strand switch regions as determined with ChIP. ISWI, NLP, RCCP, and FYRP therefore appear to form a single major ISWI complex in T. brucei (TbIC). This reduced complexity of ISWI regulation and the presence of novel ISWI partners highlights the early divergence of trypanosomes in evolution.

Evolutionary and structural analyses of heterodimeric proteins composed of subunits with same fold

Heterodimeric proteins with homologous subunits of same fold are involved in various biological processes. The objective of this study is to understand the evolution of structural and functional features of such heterodimers. Using a non-redundant dataset of 70 such heterodimers of known 3D structure and an independent dataset of 173 heterodimers from yeast, we note that the mean sequence identity between interacting homologous subunits is only 23-24% suggesting that, generally, highly diverged paralogues assemble to form such a heterodimer. We also note that the functional roles of interacting subunits/domains are generally quite different. This suggests that, though the interacting subunits/domains are homologous, the high evolutionary divergence characterize their high functional divergence which contributes to a gross function for the heterodimer considered as a whole. The inverse relationship between sequence identity and RMSD of interacting homologues in heterodimers is not followed. We also addressed the question of formation of homodimers of the subunits of heterodimers by generating models of fictitious homodimers on the basis of the 3D structures of the heterodimers. Interaction energies associated with these homodimers suggests that, in overwhelming majority of the cases, such homodimers are unlikely to be stable. Majority of the homologues of heterodimers of known structures form heterodimers (51.8%) and a small proportion (14.6%) form homodimers. Comparison of 3D structures of heterodimers with homologous homodimers suggests that interfacial nature of residues is not well conserved. In over 90% of the cases we note that the interacting subunits of heterodimers are co-localized in the cell.

Genome-wide expression analysis of soybean NF-Y genes reveals potential function in development and drought response

Nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y), a heterotrimeric transcription factor, is composed of NF-YA, NF-YB and NF-YC proteins. In plants, there are usually more than 10 genes for each family and their members have been identified to be key regulators in many developmental and physiological processes controlling gametogenesis, embryogenesis, nodule development, seed development, abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, flowering time, primary root elongation, blue light responses, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and drought tolerance. Taking the advantages of the recent soybean genome draft and information on functional characterizations of nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) transcription factor family in plants, we identified 21 GmNF-YA, 32 GmNF-YB, and 15 GmNF-YC genes in the soybean (Glycine max) genome. Phylogenetic analyses show that soybean's proteins share strong homology to Arabidopsis and many of them are closely related to functionally characterized NF-Y in plants. Expression analysis in various tissues of flower, leaf, root, seeds of different developmental stages, root hairs under rhizobium inoculation, and drought-treated roots and leaves revealed that certain groups of soybean NF-Y are likely involved in specific developmental and stress responses. This study provides extensive evaluation of the soybean NF-Y family and is particularly useful for further functional characterization of GmNF-Y proteins in seed development, nodulation and drought adaptation of soybean.

Arabidopsis DPB3-1, a DREB2A interactor, specifically enhances heat stress-induced gene expression by forming a heat stress-specific transcriptional complex with NF-Y subunits

DEHYDRATION-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING PROTEIN2A (DREB2A) is a key transcription factor for drought and heat stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. DREB2A induces the expression of dehydration- and heat stress-inducible genes under the corresponding stress conditions. Target gene selectivity is assumed to require stress-specific posttranslational regulation, but the mechanisms of this process are not yet understood. Here, we identified DNA POLYMERASE II SUBUNIT B3-1 (DPB3-1), which was previously annotated as NUCLEAR FACTOR Y, SUBUNIT C10 (NF-YC10), as a DREB2A interactor, through a yeast two-hybrid screen. The overexpression of DPB3-1 in Arabidopsis enhanced the expression of a subset of heat stress-inducible DREB2A target genes but did not affect dehydration-inducible genes. Similarly, the depletion of DPB3-1 expression resulted in reduced expression of heat stress-inducible genes. Interaction and expression pattern analyses suggested the existence of a trimer comprising NF-YA2, NF-YB3, and DPB3-1 that could synergistically activate a promoter of the heat stress-inducible gene with DREB2A in protoplasts. These results suggest that DPB3-1 could form a transcriptional complex with NF-YA and NF-YB subunits and that the identified trimer enhances heat stress-inducible gene expression during heat stress responses in cooperation with DREB2A. We propose that the identified trimer contributes to the target gene selectivity of DREB2A under heat stress conditions.

Quantitative determination of binding of ISWI to nucleosomes and DNA shows allosteric regulation of DNA binding by nucleotides

The regulation of chromatin structure is controlled by a family of molecular motors called chromatin remodelers. The ability of these enzymes to remodel chromatin structure is dependent on their ability to couple ATP binding and hydrolysis into the mechanical work that drives nucleosome repositioning. The necessary first step in determining how these essential enzymes perform this function is to characterize both how they bind nucleosomes and how this interaction is regulated by ATP binding and hydrolysis. With this goal in mind, we monitored the interaction of the chromatin remodeler ISWI with fluorophore-labeled nucleosomes and DNA through associated changes in fluorescence anisotropy of the fluorophore upon binding of ISWI to these substrates. We determined that one ISWI molecule binds to a 20 bp double-stranded DNA substrate with an affinity of 18 ± 2 nM. In contrast, two ISWI molecules can bind to the core nucleosome with short linker DNA with stoichiometric macroscopic equilibrium constants: 1/β₁ = 1.3 ± 0.6 nM, and 1/β₂ = 13 ± 7 nM². Furthermore, to improve our understanding of the mechanism of DNA translocation by ISWI, and hence nucleosome repositioning, we determined the effect of nucleotide analogues on substrate binding by ISWI. While the affinity of ISWI for the nucleosome substrate with short lengths of flanking DNA was not affected by the presence of nucleotides, the affinity of ISWI for the DNA substrate is weakened in the presence of nonhydrolyzable ATP analogues but not by ADP.

Regulation of ISWI chromatin remodelling activity

The packaging of the eukaryotic genome into chromatin facilitates the storage of the genetic information within the nucleus, but prevents the access to the underlying DNA sequences. Structural changes in chromatin are mediated by several mechanisms. Among them, ATP-dependent remodelling complexes belonging to ISWI family provides one of the best examples that eukaryotic cells evolved to finely regulate these changes. ISWI-containing complexes use the energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to rearrange nucleosomes on chromatin in order to favour specific nuclear reactions. The combination of regulatory nuclear factors associated with the ATPase subunit as well as its modulation by specific histone modifications, specializes the nuclear function of each ISWI-containing complex. Here we review the different ways by which ISWI enzymatic activity can be modulated and regulated in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Mouse BAZ1A (ACF1) is dispensable for double-strand break repair but is essential for averting improper gene expression during spermatogenesis

ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers control DNA access for transcription, recombination, and other processes. Acf1 (also known as BAZ1A in mammals) is a defining subunit of the conserved ISWI-family chromatin remodelers ACF and CHRAC, first purified over 15 years ago from Drosophila melanogaster embryos. Much is known about biochemical properties of ACF and CHRAC, which move nucleosomes in vitro and in vivo to establish ordered chromatin arrays. Genetic studies in yeast, flies and cultured human cells clearly implicate these complexes in transcriptional repression via control of chromatin structures. RNAi experiments in transformed mammalian cells in culture also implicate ACF and CHRAC in DNA damage checkpoints and double-strand break repair. However, their essential in vivo roles in mammals are unknown. Here, we show that Baz1a-knockout mice are viable and able to repair developmentally programmed DNA double-strand breaks in the immune system and germ line, I-SceI endonuclease-induced breaks in primary fibroblasts via homologous recombination, and DNA damage from mitomycin C exposure in vivo. However, Baz1a deficiency causes male-specific sterility in accord with its high expression in male germ cells, where it displays dynamic, stage-specific patterns of chromosomal localization. Sterility is caused by pronounced defects in sperm development, most likely a consequence of massively perturbed gene expression in spermatocytes and round spermatids in the absence of BAZ1A: the normal spermiogenic transcription program is largely intact but more than 900 other genes are mis-regulated, primarily reflecting inappropriate up-regulation. We propose that large-scale changes in chromatin composition that occur during spermatogenesis create a window of vulnerability to promiscuous transcription changes, with an essential function of ACF and/or CHRAC chromatin remodeling activities being to safeguard against these alterations.

The eukaryotic genome is packaged into a periodic nucleoprotein complex known as chromatin. Wrapping of DNA around nucleosomes, the basic repeat unit of chromatin, enables packing of long stretches of DNA into a compact nucleus but also impedes access by protein factors involved in essential cellular processes such as transcription, replication, recombination and repair. Chromatin remodeling factors are multi-protein complexes that utilize the energy released during ATP-hydrolysis to assemble, reposition, restructure and disassemble nucleosomes. These complexes disrupt histone-DNA contacts to ‘remodel’ the chromatin and grant access to the genome. Alternatively, access can also be denied to repress transcription, for example. Spermatogenesis, the developmental program that produces sperm, comprises a dramatic chromatin makeover and the induction of a transcriptional program that engages nearly one-third of the genome. Here we provide evidence suggesting that these large-scale alterations leave the genomic material vulnerable to spurious transcriptional changes which are normally repressed by ACF1 (BAZ1A in mammals), the defining member of the well-studied ACF/CHRAC chromatin remodeling complex. These findings indicate that Baz1a plays a previously unrealized role in male fertility and may represent a novel target for male contraceptive development.

The H2A/H2B-like histone-fold domain proteins at the crossroad between chromatin and different DNA metabolisms

Core histones are the building block of chromatin and among the most highly conserved proteins in eukaryotes. The related "deviant" histones share the histone-fold domain, and serve various roles in DNA metabolism. We provide here a structural and functional outlook of H2A/H2B-like deviant histones in transcription, replication and remodeling.

Sequence-specific transcription factor NF-Y displays histone-like DNA binding and H2B-like ubiquitination

The sequence-specific transcription factor NF-Y binds the CCAAT box, one of the sequence elements most frequently found in eukaryotic promoters. NF-Y is composed of the NF-YA and NF-YB/NF-YC subunits, the latter two hosting histone-fold domains (HFDs). The crystal structure of NF-Y bound to a 25 bp CCAAT oligonucleotide shows that the HFD dimer binds to the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone, mimicking the nucleosome H2A/H2B-DNA assembly. NF-YA both binds to NF-YB/NF-YC and inserts an α helix deeply into the DNA minor groove, providing sequence-specific contacts to the CCAAT box. Structural considerations and mutational data indicate that NF-YB ubiquitination at Lys138 precedes and is equivalent to H2B Lys120 monoubiquitination, important in transcriptional activation. Thus, NF-Y is a sequence-specific transcription factor with nucleosome-like properties of nonspecific DNA binding and helps establish permissive chromatin modifications at CCAAT promoters. Our findings suggest that other HFD-containing proteins may function in similar ways.

The promiscuous life of plant NUCLEAR FACTOR Y transcription factors

The CCAAT box is one of the most common cis-elements present in eukaryotic promoters and is bound by the transcription factor NUCLEAR FACTOR Y (NF-Y). NF-Y is composed of three subunits, NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC. Unlike animals and fungi, plants have significantly expanded the number of genes encoding NF-Y subunits. We provide a comprehensive classification of NF-Y genes, with a separation of closely related, but distinct, histone fold domain proteins. We additionally review recent experiments that have placed NF-Y at the center of many developmental stress-responsive processes in the plant lineage.

Interactions and CCAAT-binding of Arabidopsis thaliana NF-Y subunits

Background

NF-Y is a transcription factor that recognizes with high specificity and affinity the widespread CCAAT box promoter element. It is formed by three subunits: NF-YA and the NF-YB/NF-YC- heterodimer containing histone fold domains (HFDs). We previously identified a large NF-Y gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana, composed of 29 members, and characterized their expression patterns in various plant tissues.

Methods

We used yeast Two-hybrids assays (Y2H), pull-down and Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) in vitro experiments with recombinant proteins to dissect AtNF-YB/AtNF-YC interactions and DNA-binding with different AtNF-YAs.

Results

Consistent with robust conservation within HFDs, we show that heterodimerization is possible among all histone-like subunits, including the divergent and related LEC1/AtNF-YB9 and L1L/AtNF-YB6 required for embryo development. DNA-binding to a consensus CCAAT box was investigated with specific AtNF-YB/AtNF-YC combinations and observed with some, but not all AtNF-YA subunits.

Conclusions

Our results highlight (i) the conserved heterodimerization capacity of AtNF-Y histone-like subunits, and (ii) the different affinities of AtNF-YAs for the CCAAT sequence. Because of the general expansion of NF-Y genes in plants, these results most likely apply to other species.

The structure of the FANCM-MHF complex reveals physical features for functional assembly

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disease characterized by chromosomal instability and cancer susceptibility. The Fanconi anemia complementation group protein M (FANCM) forms an evolutionarily conserved DNA-processing complex with MHF1/MHF2 (histone-fold-containing proteins), which is essential for DNA repair in response to genotoxic stress. Here we present the crystal structures of the MHF1-MHF2 complex alone and bound to a fragment of FANCM (FANCM^661-800, designated FANCM-F). The structures show that MHF1 and MHF2 form a compact tetramer to which FANCM-F binds through a “dual-V” shaped structure. FANCM-F and (MHF1-MHF2)₂ cooperate to constitute a new DNA-binding site that is coupled to the canonical L1L2 region. Perturbation of the MHF-FANCM-F structural plasticity changes the localization of FANCM in vivo. The MHF-FANCM interaction and its subcellular localization are altered by a disease-associated mutant of FANCM. These findings reveal the molecular basis of MHF-FANCM recognition and provide mechanistic insights into the pathway leading to FA.

CENP-T-W-S-X forms a unique centromeric chromatin structure with a histone-like fold

The multiprotein kinetochore complex must assemble at a specific site on each chromosome to achieve accurate chromosome segregation. Defining the nature of the DNA-protein interactions that specify the position of the kinetochore and provide a scaffold for kinetochore formation remain key goals. Here, we demonstrate that the centromeric histone-fold-containing CENP-T-W and CENP-S-X complexes coassemble to form a stable CENP-T-W-S-X heterotetramer. High-resolution structural analysis of the individual complexes and the heterotetramer reveals similarity to other histone fold-containing complexes including canonical histones within a nucleosome. The CENP-T-W-S-X heterotetramer binds to and supercoils DNA. Mutants designed to compromise heterotetramerization or the DNA-protein contacts around the heterotetramer strongly reduce the DNA binding and supercoiling activities in vitro and compromise kinetochore assembly in vivo. These data suggest that the CENP-T-W-S-X complex forms a unique nucleosome-like structure to generate contacts with DNA, extending the "histone code" beyond canonical nucleosome proteins.

Intrinsic disorder in cell signaling and gene transcription

Structural disorder, which enables unique modes of action often associated with molecular recognition and folding induced by a partner, is widespread in eukaryotic proteomes. Due to the ensuing advantages, such as specificity without strong binding, adaptability to multiple partners and subtle regulation by post-translational modification, structural disorder is prevalent in proteins of signaling and regulatory functions, such as membrane receptors, scaffold proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, transcription factors and nuclear hormone receptors. In this review we survey the most important aspects of structural disorder, with major focus on features and advantages pertinent to signal transduction. Our major goal is to elucidate how the functional requirements of these protein classes concur with specific functional modes disorder enables.

DNA polymerase ε

DNA polymerase ε (Pol ε) is one of three replicative DNA polymerases in eukaryotic cells. Pol ε is a multi-subunit DNA polymerase with many functions. For example, recent studies in yeast have suggested that Pol ε is essential during the initiation of DNA replication and also participates during leading strand synthesis. In this chapter, we will discuss the structure of Pol ε, the individual subunits and their function.

NF-Y and the transcriptional activation of CCAAT promoters

The CCAAT box promoter element and NF-Y, the transcription factor (TF) that binds to it, were among the first cis-elements and trans-acting factors identified; their interplay is required for transcriptional activation of a sizeable number of eukaryotic genes. NF-Y consists of three evolutionarily conserved subunits: a dimer of NF-YB and NF-YC which closely resembles a histone, and the "innovative" NF-YA. In this review, we will provide an update on the functional and biological features that make NF-Y a fundamental link between chromatin and transcription. The last 25 years have witnessed a spectacular increase in our knowledge of how genes are regulated: from the identification of cis-acting sequences in promoters and enhancers, and the biochemical characterization of the corresponding TFs, to the merging of chromatin studies with the investigation of enzymatic machines that regulate epigenetic states. Originally identified and studied in yeast and mammals, NF-Y - also termed CBF and CP1 - is composed of three subunits, NF-YA, NF-YB and NF-YC. The complex recognizes the CCAAT pentanucleotide and specific flanking nucleotides with high specificity (Dorn et al., 1997; Hatamochi et al., 1988; Hooft van Huijsduijnen et al, 1987; Kim & Sheffery, 1990). A compelling set of bioinformatics studies clarified that the NF-Y preferred binding site is one of the most frequent promoter elements (Suzuki et al., 2001, 2004; Elkon et al., 2003; Mariño-Ramírez et al., 2004; FitzGerald et al., 2004; Linhart et al., 2005; Zhu et al., 2005; Lee et al., 2007; Abnizova et al., 2007; Grskovic et al., 2007; Halperin et al., 2009; Häkkinen et al., 2011). The same consensus, as determined by mutagenesis and SELEX studies (Bi et al., 1997), was also retrieved in ChIP-on-chip analysis (Testa et al., 2005; Ceribelli et al., 2006; Ceribelli et al., 2008; Reed et al., 2008). Additional structural features of the CCAAT box - position, orientation, presence of multiple Transcriptional Start Sites - were previously reviewed (Dolfini et al., 2009) and will not be considered in detail here.

Role for hACF1 in the G2/M damage checkpoint

Active chromatin remodelling is integral to the DNA damage response in eukaryotes, as damage sensors, signalling molecules and repair enzymes gain access to lesions. A variety of nucleosome remodelling complexes is known to promote different stages of DNA repair. The nucleosome sliding factors CHRAC/ACF of Drosophila are involved in chromatin organization during development. Involvement of corresponding hACF1-containing mammalian nucleosome sliding factors in replication, transcription and very recently also non-homologous end-joining of DNA breaks have been suggested. We now found that hACF1-containing factors are more generally involved in the DNA damage response. hACF1 depletion increases apoptosis, sensitivity to radiation and compromises the G2/M arrest that is activated in response to UV- and X-rays. In the absence of hACF1, γH2AX and CHK2ph signals are diminished. hACF1 and its ATPase partner SNF2H rapidly accumulate at sites of laser-induced DNA damage. hACF1 is also required for a tight checkpoint that is induced upon replication fork collapse. ACF1-depleted cells that are challenged with aphidicolin enter mitosis despite persistence of lesions and accumulate breaks in metaphase chromosomes. hACF1-containing remodellers emerge as global facilitators of the cellular response to a variety of different types of DNA damage.

Recognizing and remodeling the nucleosome

The X-ray structure of the nucleosome core particle (NCP) has been a major milestone in the structural biology of chromatin. Since, our understanding how NCPs interact with multiple partners has been extending from single chromatin-binding domains recognizing post-translational modifications (PTMs) in histone tails towards the recognition of higher-order chromatin structure by multi-subunit chromatin remodeling complexes. The current review summarizes recent progress in the structural biology of nucleosome-recognition from chromatin-binding domains to multi-protein remodeling complexes.

Developmental role for ACF1-containing nucleosome remodellers in chromatin organisation

The nucleosome remodelling complexes CHRAC and ACF of Drosophila are thought to play global roles in chromatin assembly and nucleosome dynamics. Disruption of the gene encoding the common ACF1 subunit compromises fly viability. Survivors show defects in chromatin assembly and chromatin-mediated gene repression at all developmental stages. We now show that ACF1 expression is under strict developmental control. The expression is strongly diminished during embryonic development and persists at high levels only in undifferentiated cells, including the germ cell precursors and larval neuroblasts. Constitutive expression of ACF1 is lethal. Cell-specific ectopic expression perturbs chromatin organisation and nuclear programmes. By monitoring heterochromatin formation during development, we have found that ACF1-containing factors are involved in the initial establishment of diversified chromatin structures, such as heterochromatin. Altering the levels of ACF1 leads to global and variegated deviations from normal chromatin organisation with pleiotropic defects.

Structural analysis of HMGD-DNA complexes reveals influence of intercalation on sequence selectivity and DNA bending

The ubiquitous, eukaryotic, high-mobility group box (HMGB) chromosomal proteins promote many chromatin-mediated cellular activities through their non-sequence-specific binding and bending of DNA. Minor-groove DNA binding by the HMG box results in substantial DNA bending toward the major groove owing to electrostatic interactions, shape complementarity, and DNA intercalation that occurs at two sites. Here, the structures of the complexes formed with DNA by a partially DNA intercalation-deficient mutant of Drosophila melanogaster HMGD have been determined by X-ray crystallography at a resolution of 2.85 Å. The six proteins and 50 bp of DNA in the crystal structure revealed a variety of bound conformations. All of the proteins bound in the minor groove, bridging DNA molecules, presumably because these DNA regions are easily deformed. The loss of the primary site of DNA intercalation decreased overall DNA bending and shape complementarity. However, DNA bending at the secondary site of intercalation was retained and most protein-DNA contacts were preserved. The mode of binding resembles the HMGB1 box A-cisplatin-DNA complex, which also lacks a primary intercalating residue. This study provides new insights into the binding mechanisms used by HMG boxes to recognize varied DNA structures and sequences as well as modulate DNA structure and DNA bending.

The eukaryotic replicative DNA polymerases take shape

Three multi-subunit DNA polymerase enzymes lie at the heart of the chromosome replication machinery in the eukaryotic cell nucleus. Through a combination of genetic, molecular biological and biochemical analysis, significant advances have been made in understanding the essential roles played by each of these enzymes at the replication fork. Until very recently, however, little information was available on their three-dimensional structures. Lately, a series of crystallographic and electron microscopic studies has been published, allowing the structures of the complexes and their constituent subunits to be visualised in detail for the first time. Taken together, these studies provide significant insights into the molecular makeup of the replication machinery in eukaryotic cells and highlight a number of key areas for future investigation.

Conformational changes associated with template commitment in ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling by ISW2

Distinct stages in ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling are found as ISW2, an ISWI-type complex, forms a stable and processive complex with nucleosomes upon hydrolysis of ATP. There are two conformational changes of the ISW2-nucleosome complex associated with binding and hydrolysis of ATP. The initial binding of ISW2 to extranucleosomal DNA, to the entry site, and near the dyad axis of the nucleosome is enhanced by ATP binding, whereas subsequent ATP hydrolysis is required for template commitment and causes ISW2 to expand its interactions with nucleosomal DNA to an entire gyre of the nucleosome and a short approximately 3-4 bp site on the other gyre. The histone-fold-like subunit Dpb4 associates with nucleosomal DNA approximately 15 bp from the ATPase domain as part of this change and may help to disrupt histone-DNA interactions. These additional contacts are independent of the ATPase domain tracking along nucleosomal DNA and are maintained as ISW2 moves nucleosomes on DNA.

The biology of chromatin remodeling complexes

The packaging of chromosomal DNA by nucleosomes condenses and organizes the genome, but occludes many regulatory DNA elements. However, this constraint also allows nucleosomes and other chromatin components to actively participate in the regulation of transcription, chromosome segregation, DNA replication, and DNA repair. To enable dynamic access to packaged DNA and to tailor nucleosome composition in chromosomal regions, cells have evolved a set of specialized chromatin remodeling complexes (remodelers). Remodelers use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to move, destabilize, eject, or restructure nucleosomes. Here, we address many aspects of remodeler biology: their targeting, mechanism, regulation, shared and unique properties, and specialization for particular biological processes. We also address roles for remodelers in development, cancer, and human syndromes.

Importin 13 mediates nuclear import of histone fold-containing chromatin accessibility complex heterodimers

The histone fold is a structural element that facilitates heterodimerization, and histone fold heterodimers play crucial roles in gene regulation. Here, we investigated the nuclear import of two human histone fold pairs, which belong to the H2A/H2B family: CHRAC-15/CHRAC-17 and p12/CHRAC-17. Our results from in vitro nuclear import assays with permeabilized cells and in vivo cotransfection experiments reveal that importin 13 facilitates nuclear import of both histone fold heterodimers. Using glutathione S-transferase pulldown experiments, we provide evidence that heterodimers are required for efficient binding of importin 13 because the monomers alone do not significantly interact. Mutational analysis shows that stepwise substitution of basic amino acid residues conserved among the histone fold subunits leads to a progressive loss of importin 13 binding and nuclear accumulation of CHRAC-15/CHRAC-17 and p12/CHRAC-17. The distribution of basic amino acid residues among the histone fold subunits essential for nuclear uptake suggests that heterodimerization of the histone fold motif-containing proteins forms an importin 13-specific binding platform.

Malleable machines take shape in eukaryotic transcriptional regulation

Transcriptional control requires the spatially and temporally coordinated action of many macromolecular complexes. Chromosomal proteins, transcription factors, co-activators and components of the general transcription machinery, including RNA polymerases, often use structurally or stoichiometrically ill-defined regions for interactions that convey regulatory information in processes ranging from chromatin remodeling to mRNA processing. Determining the functional significance of intrinsically disordered protein regions and developing conceptual models of their action will help to illuminate their key role in transcription regulation. Complexes comprising disordered regions often display short recognition elements embedded in flexible and sequentially variable environments that can lead to structural and functional malleability. This provides versatility to recognize multiple targets having different structures, facilitate conformational rearrangements and physically communicate with many partners in response to environmental changes. All these features expand the capacities of ordered complexes and give rise to efficient regulatory mechanisms.

NF-Y substitutes H2A-H2B on active cell-cycle promoters: recruitment of CoREST-KDM1 and fine-tuning of H3 methylations

The CCAAT box is a frequent promoter element, as illustrated by bioinformatic analysis, and it is bound by NF-Y, a trimer with H2A-H2B-like subunits. We developed a MNase I-based ChIP protocol on homogeneous cell populations to study cell-cycle promoters at the single nucleosome level. We analyzed histone methylations and the association of enzymatic activities. Two novel results emerged: (i) H3-H4 are present on core promoters under active conditions, with the expected cohort of ‘positive’ modifications; H2A-H2B are removed and substituted by NF-Y. Through the use of a dominant negative mutant we show that NF-Y is important for H3K36me3 deposition and for elongation, not recruitment of Pol II; (ii) H3K4 methylations are highly dynamic and H3K4me1 is a crucial positive mark. Functional siRNA inactivation and treatment with Tranylcypromine determined that KDM1 (LSD1) plays a positive role in transcription, specifically of G2/M genes. It requires CoREST, which is recruited on active promoters through direct interactions with NF-Y. These data are the first in vivo indication of a crucial interplay between core histones and ‘deviant’ histone-fold such as NF-Y, leading to fine-tuning of histone methylations.

Three-dimensional structure of human chromatin accessibility complex hCHRAC by electron microscopy

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes modulate the dynamic assembly and remodeling of chromatin involved in DNA transcription, replication, and repair. There is little structural detail known about these important multiple-subunit enzymes that catalyze chromatin remodeling processes. Here we report a three-dimensional structure of the human chromatin accessibility complex, hCHRAC, using single particle reconstruction by negative stain electron microscopy. This structure shows an asymmetric 15x10x12nm disk shape with several lobes protruding out of its surfaces. Based on the factors of larger contact area, smaller steric hindrance, and direct involvement of hCHRAC in interactions with the nucleosome, we propose that four lobes on one side form a multiple-site contact surface 10nm in diameter for nucleosome binding. This work provides the first determination of the three-dimensional structure of the ISWI-family of chromatin remodeling complexes.