Imaging analysis of six human histone H1 variants reveals universal enrichment of H1.2, H1.3, and H1.5 at the nuclear periphery and nucleolar H1X presence

Histone H1 participates in chromatin condensation and regulates nuclear processes. Human somatic cells may contain up to seven histone H1 variants, although their functional heterogeneity is not fully understood. Here, we have profiled the differential nuclear distribution of the somatic H1 repertoire in human cells through imaging techniques including super-resolution microscopy. H1 variants exhibit characteristic distribution patterns in both interphase and mitosis. H1.2, H1.3, and H1.5 are universally enriched at the nuclear periphery in all cell lines analyzed and co-localize with compacted DNA. H1.0 shows a less pronounced peripheral localization, with apparent variability among different cell lines. On the other hand, H1.4 and H1X are distributed throughout the nucleus, being H1X universally enriched in high-GC regions and abundant in the nucleoli. Interestingly, H1.4 and H1.0 show a more peripheral distribution in cell lines lacking H1.3 and H1.5. The differential distribution patterns of H1 suggest specific functionalities in organizing lamina-associated domains or nucleolar activity, which is further supported by a distinct response of H1X or phosphorylated H1.4 to the inhibition of ribosomal DNA transcription. Moreover, H1 variants depletion affects chromatin structure in a variant-specific manner. Concretely, H1.2 knock-down, either alone or combined, triggers a global chromatin decompaction. Overall, imaging has allowed us to distinguish H1 variants distribution beyond the segregation in two groups denoted by previous ChIP-Seq determinations. Our results support H1 variants heterogeneity and suggest that variant-specific functionality can be shared between different cell types.

Analysis of the interplay between MeCP2 and histone H1 during in vitro differentiation of human ReNCell neural progenitor cells

An immortalized neural cell line derived from the human ventral mesencephalon, called ReNCell, and its MeCP2 knock out were used. With it, we characterized the chromatin compositional transitions undergone during differentiation, with special emphasis on linker histones. While the WT cells displayed the development of dendrites and axons the KO cells did not, despite undergoing differentiation as monitored by NeuN. ReNCell expressed minimal amounts of histone H1.0 and their linker histone complement consisted mainly of histone H1.2, H1.4 and H1.5. The overall level of histone H1 exhibited a trend to increase during the differentiation of MeCP2 KO cells. The phosphorylation levels of histone H1 proteins decreased dramatically during ReNCell's cell differentiation independently of the presence of MeCP2. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that MeCP2 exhibits an extensive co-localization with linker histones. Interestingly, the average size of the nucleus decreased during differentiation but in the MeCP2 KO cells, the smaller size of the nuclei at the start of differentiation increased by almost 40% after differentiation by 8 days (8 DIV). In summary, our data provide a compelling perspective on the dynamic changes of H1 histones during neural differentiation, coupled with the intricate interplay between H1 variants and MeCP2.Abbreviations: ACN, acetonitrile; A230, absorbance at 230 nm; bFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor; CM, chicken erythrocyte histone marker; CNS, central nervous system; CRISPR, clustered regulated interspaced short palindromic repeatsDAPI, 4,'6-diaminidino-2-phenylindole; DIV, days in vitro (days after differentiation is induced); DMEM, Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium; EGF, epidermal growth factor; ESC, embryonic stem cell; GAPDH, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GFAP, glial fibrillary acidic proteinHPLC, high-performance liquid chromatography; IF, immunofluorescence; iPSCs, induced pluripotent stem cells; MAP2, microtubule-associated protein 2; MBD, methyl-binding domain; MeCP2, methyl-CpG binding protein 2; MS, mass spectrometry; NCP, nucleosome core particle; NeuN, neuron nuclear antigen; NPC, neural progenitor cellPAGE, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; PBS, phosphate buffered saline; PFA, paraformaldehyde; PTM, posttranslational modification; RP-HPLC, reversed phase HPLC; ReNCells, ReNCells VM; RPLP0, ribosomal protein lateral stalk subunit P0; RT-qPCR, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase-chain reaction; RTT, Rett Syndrome; SDS, sodium dodecyl sulphate; TAD, topologically associating domain; Triple KO, triple knockout.

Mutations of the histone linker H1-4 in neurodevelopmental disorders and functional characterization of neurons expressing C-terminus frameshift mutant H1.4

Rahman syndrome (RMNS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by mild to severe intellectual disability, hypotonia, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, vision problems, bone abnormalities and dysmorphic facies. RMNS is caused by de novo heterozygous mutations in the histone linker gene H1-4; however, mechanisms underlying impaired neurodevelopment in RMNS are not understood. All reported mutations associated with RMNS in H1-4 are small insertions or deletions that create a shared frameshift, resulting in a H1.4 protein that is both truncated and possessing an abnormal C-terminus frameshifted tail (H1.4 CFT). To expand understanding of mutations and phenotypes associated with mutant H1-4, we identified new variants at both the C- and N-terminus of H1.4. The clinical features of mutations identified at the C-terminus are consistent with other reports and strengthen the support of pathogenicity of H1.4 CFT. To understand how H1.4 CFT may disrupt brain function, we exogenously expressed wild-type or H1.4 CFT protein in rat hippocampal neurons and assessed neuronal structure and function. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis revealed ~ 400 genes altered in the presence of H1.4 CFT. Neuronal genes downregulated by H1.4 CFT were enriched for functional categories involved in synaptic communication and neuropeptide signaling. Neurons expressing H1.4 CFT also showed reduced neuronal activity on multielectrode arrays. These data are the first to characterize the transcriptional and functional consequence of H1.4 CFT in neurons. Our data provide insight into causes of neurodevelopmental impairments associated with frameshift mutations in the C-terminus of H1.4 and highlight the need for future studies on the function of histone H1.4 in neurons.

Molecular and Cellular Functions of the Linker Histone H1.2

Linker histone H1.2, which belongs to the linker histone family H1, plays a crucial role in the maintenance of the stable higher-order structures of chromatin and nucleosomes. As a critical part of chromatin structure, H1.2 has an important function in regulating chromatin dynamics and participates in multiple other cellular processes as well. Recent work has also shown that linker histone H1.2 regulates the transcription levels of certain target genes and affects different processes as well, such as cancer cell growth and migration, DNA duplication and DNA repair. The present work briefly summarizes the current knowledge of linker histone H1.2 modifications. Further, we also discuss the roles of linker histone H1.2 in the maintenance of genome stability, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and its association with disease.

A glitch in the snitch: the role of linker histone H1 in shaping the epigenome in normal and diseased cells

Histone H1s or the linker histones are a family of dynamic chromatin compacting proteins that are essential for higher-order chromatin organization. These highly positively charged proteins were previously thought to function solely as repressors of transcription. However, over the last decade, there is a growing interest in understanding this multi-protein family, finding that not all variants act as repressors. Indeed, the H1 family members appear to have distinct affinities for chromatin and may potentially affect distinct functions. This would suggest a more nuanced contribution of H1 to chromatin organization. The advent of new technologies to probe H1 dynamics in vivo, combined with powerful computational biology, and in vitro imaging tools have greatly enhanced our knowledge of the mechanisms by which H1 interacts with chromatin. This family of proteins can be metaphorically compared to the Golden Snitch from the Harry Potter series, buzzing on and off several regions of the chromatin, in combat with competing transcription factors and chromatin remodellers, thereby critical to the epigenetic endgame on short and long temporal scales in the life of the nucleus. Here, we summarize recent efforts spanning structural, computational, genomic and genetic experiments which examine the linker histone as an unseen architect of chromatin fibre in normal and diseased cells and explore unanswered fundamental questions in the field.

Aberrant Function of the C-Terminal Tail of HIST1H1E Accelerates Cellular Senescence and Causes Premature Aging

Histones mediate dynamic packaging of nuclear DNA in chromatin, a process that is precisely controlled to guarantee efficient compaction of the genome and proper chromosomal segregation during cell division and to accomplish DNA replication, transcription, and repair. Due to the important structural and regulatory roles played by histones, it is not surprising that histone functional dysregulation or aberrant levels of histones can have severe consequences for multiple cellular processes and ultimately might affect development or contribute to cell transformation. Recently, germline frameshift mutations involving the C-terminal tail of HIST1H1E, which is a widely expressed member of the linker histone family and facilitates higher-order chromatin folding, have been causally linked to an as-yet poorly defined syndrome that includes intellectual disability. We report that these mutations result in stable proteins that reside in the nucleus, bind to chromatin, disrupt proper compaction of DNA, and are associated with a specific methylation pattern. Cells expressing these mutant proteins have a dramatically reduced proliferation rate and competence, hardly enter into the S phase, and undergo accelerated senescence. Remarkably, clinical assessment of a relatively large cohort of subjects sharing these mutations revealed a premature aging phenotype as a previously unrecognized feature of the disorder. Our findings identify a direct link between aberrant chromatin remodeling, cellular senescence, and accelerated aging.

Molecular Mechanism of the Pin1-Histone H1 Interaction

Pin1 is an essential peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) that catalyzes cis-trans prolyl isomerization in proteins containing pSer/Thr-Pro motifs. It has an N-terminal WW domain that targets these motifs and a C-terminal PPIase domain that catalyzes isomerization. Recently, Pin1 was shown to modify the conformation of phosphorylated histone H1 and stabilize the chromatin-H1 interaction by increasing its residence time. This Pin1-histone H1 interaction plays a key role in pathogen response, in infection, and in cell cycle control; therefore, anti-Pin1 therapeutics are an important focus for treating infections as well as cancer. Each of the H1 histones (H1.0-H1.5) contains several potential Pin1 recognition pSer/pThr-Pro motifs. To understand the Pin1-histone H1 interaction fully, we investigated how both the isolated WW domain and full-length Pin1 interact with three H1 histone substrate peptide sequences that were previously identified as important binding partners (H1.1, H1.4, and H1.5). NMR spectroscopy was used to measure the binding affinities and the interdomain dynamics upon binding to these sequences. We observed different K_D values depending on the histone binding site, suggesting that energetics play a role in guiding the Pin1-histone interaction. While interdomain interactions vary between the peptides, we find no evidence for allosteric activation for the histone H1 substrates.

Toward an Ensemble View of Chromatosome Structure: A Paradigm Shift from One to Many

There is renewed interest in linker histone (LH)-nucleosome binding and how LHs influence eukaryotic DNA compaction. For a long time, the goal was to uncover "the structure of the chromatosome," but recent studies of LH-nucleosome complexes have revealed an ensemble of structures. Notably, the reconstituted LH-nucleosome complexes used in experiments rarely correspond to the sequence combinations present in organisms. For a full understanding of the determinants of the distribution of the chromatosome structural ensemble, studies must include a complete description of the sequences and experimental conditions used, and be designed to enable systematic evaluation of sequence and environmental effects.

Histone H1 depletion triggers an interferon response in cancer cells via activation of heterochromatic repeats

Histone H1 has seven variants in human somatic cells and contributes to chromatin compaction and transcriptional regulation. Knock-down (KD) of each H1 variant in breast cancer cells results in altered gene expression and proliferation differently in a variant specific manner with H1.2 and H1.4 KDs being most deleterious. Here we show combined depletion of H1.2 and H1.4 has a strong deleterious effect resulting in a strong interferon (IFN) response, as evidenced by an up-regulation of many IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) not seen in individual nor in other combinations of H1 variant KDs. Although H1 participates to repress ISG promoters, IFN activation upon H1.2 and H1.4 KD is mainly generated through the activation of the IFN response by cytosolic nucleic acid receptors and IFN synthesis, and without changes in histone modifications at induced ISG promoters. H1.2 and H1.4 co-KD also promotes the appearance of accessibility sites genome wide and, particularly, at satellites and other repeats. The IFN response may be triggered by the expression of noncoding RNA generated from heterochromatic repeats or endogenous retroviruses upon H1 KD. In conclusion, redundant H1-mediated silencing of heterochromatin is important to maintain cell homeostasis and to avoid an unspecific IFN response.

In vivo histone H1 migration from necrotic to viable tissue

Necrosis is induced by ischemic conditions within the core of many solid tumors. Using fluorescent fusion proteins, we provide in vivo evidence of histone trafficking among cancer cells in implanted tumors. In particular, the most abundant H1 isoform (H1.2) was found to be transported from necrotic tumor cells into surrounding viable cells where histones are selectively taken up by energy-dependent endocytosis. We propose that intercellular histone trafficking could function as a target for drug delivery. This concept was validated using an anti-histone antibody that was co-internalized with histones from dead cells into viable ones surrounding the necrotic regions of a tumor, where some of the most chemoresistant cells reside. These findings demonstrate that cellular translocation of conjugated drugs using anti-histone antibodies is a promising strategy for targeted drug delivery to chemoresistant tumors.

Modulation of chromatin function through linker histone H1 variants

In this review, the structural aspects of linker H1 histones are presented as a background for characterization of the factors influencing their function in animal and human chromatin. The action of H1 histone variants is largely determined by dynamic alterations of their intrinsically disordered tail domains, posttranslational modifications and allelic diversification. The interdependent effects of these factors can establish dynamic histone H1 states that may affect the organization and function of chromatin regions.

Linker histones: novel insights into structure-specific recognition of the nucleosome

Linker histones (H1s) are a primary component of metazoan chromatin, fulfilling numerous functions, both in vitro and in vivo, including stabilizing the wrapping of DNA around the nucleosome, promoting folding and assembly of higher order chromatin structures, influencing nucleosome spacing on DNA, and regulating specific gene expression. However, many molecular details of how H1 binds to nucleosomes and recognizes unique structural features on the nucleosome surface remain undefined. Numerous, confounding studies are complicated not only by experimental limitations, but the use of different linker histone isoforms and nucleosome constructions. This review summarizes the decades of research that has resulted in several models of H1 association with nucleosomes, with a focus on recent advances that suggest multiple modes of H1 interaction in chromatin, while highlighting the remaining questions.

Photobleaching studies reveal that a single amino acid polymorphism is responsible for the differential binding affinities of linker histone subtypes H1.1 and H1.5

Mammals express six major somatic linker histone subtypes, all of which display dynamic binding to chromatin, characterized by transient binding at a given location followed by rapid translocation to a new site. Using photobleaching techniques, we systematically measured the exchange rate of all six mouse H1 subtypes to determine their relative chromatin-binding affinity. Two subtypes, H1.1 and H1.2, display binding affinities that are significantly lower than all other subtypes. Using in vitro mutagenesis, the differences in chromatin-binding affinities between H1.1 (lower binding affinity) and H1.5 (higher binding affinity) were mapped to a single amino acid polymorphism near the junction of the globular and C-terminal domains. Overexpression of H1.5 in density arrested fibroblasts did not affect cell cycle progression after release. By contrast, overexpression of H1.1 resulted in a more rapid progression through G1/S relative to control cells. These results provide structural insights into the proposed functional significance of linker histone heterogeneity.

Summary: Mouse linker histone subtypes H1.1 and H1.5 bind to chromatin with different affinities due to a single amino acid polymorphism. Overexpression of H1.1 in fibroblasts accelerates cell cycle progression.

Role of H1 linker histones in mammalian development and stem cell differentiation

H1 linker histones are key chromatin architectural proteins facilitating the formation of higher order chromatin structures. The H1 family constitutes the most heterogeneous group of histone proteins, with eleven non-allelic H1 variants in mammals. H1 variants differ in their biochemical properties and exhibit significant sequence divergence from one another, yet most of them are highly conserved during evolution from mouse to human. H1 variants are differentially regulated during development and their cellular compositions undergo dramatic changes in embryogenesis, gametogenesis, tissue maturation and cellular differentiation. As a group, H1 histones are essential for mouse development and proper stem cell differentiation. Here we summarize our current knowledge on the expression and functions of H1 variants in mammalian development and stem cell differentiation. Their diversity, sequence conservation, complex expression and distinct functions suggest that H1s mediate chromatin reprogramming and contribute to the large variations and complexity of chromatin structure and gene expression in the mammalian genome.

What is the role of histone H1 heterogeneity? A functional model emerges from a 50 year mystery

For the past 50 years, understanding the function of histone H1 heterogeneity has been mired in confusion and contradiction. Part of the reason for this is the lack of a working model that tries to explain the large body of data that has been collected about the H1 subtypes so far. In this review, a global model is described largely based on published data from the author and other researchers over the past 20 years. The intrinsic disorder built into H1 protein structure is discussed to help the reader understand that these histones are multi-conformational and adaptable to interactions with different targets. We discuss the role of each structural section of H1 (as we currently understand it), but we focus on the H1's C-terminal domain and its effect on each subtype's affinity, mobility and compaction of chromatin. We review the multiple ways these characteristics have been measured from circular dichroism to FRAP analysis, which has added to the sometimes contradictory assumptions made about each subtype. Based on a tabulation of these measurements, we then organize the H1 variants according to their ability to condense chromatin and produce nucleosome repeat lengths amenable to that compaction. This subtype variation generates a continuum of different chromatin states allowing for fine regulatory control and some overlap in the event one or two subtypes are lost to mutation. We also review the myriad of disparate observations made about each subtype, both somatic and germline specific ones, that lend support to the proposed model. Finally, to demonstrate its adaptability as new data further refines our understanding of H1 subtypes, we show how the model can be applied to experimental observations of telomeric heterochromatin in aging cells.

Linker histones: History and current perspectives

Although the overall structure of the fifth histone (linker histone, H1) is understood, its location on the nucleosome is only partially defined. Whilst it is clear that H1 helps condense the chromatin fibre, precisely how this is achieved remains to be determined. H1 is not a general gene repressor in that although it must be displaced from transcription start sites for activity to occur, there is only partial loss along the body of genes. How the deposition and removal of H1 occurs in particular need of further study. Linker histones are highly abundant nuclear proteins about which we know too little.

Molecular dynamics of histone H1

The H1 or linker histones bind dynamically to chromatin in living cells via a process that involves transient association with the nucleosome near the DNA entry/exit site followed by dissociation, translocation to a new location, and rebinding. The mean residency time of H1 on any given nucleosome is about a minute, which is much shorter than that of most core histones but considerably longer than that of most other chromatin-binding proteins, including transcription factors. Here we review recent advances in understanding the kinetic pathway of H1 binding and how it relates to linker histone structure and function. We also describe potential mechanisms by which the dynamic binding of H1 might contribute directly to the regulation of gene expression and discuss several situations for which there is experimental evidence to support these mechanisms. Finally, we review the evidence for the participation of linker histone chaperones in mediating H1 exchange.

The role of linker histone H1 modifications in the regulation of gene expression and chromatin dynamics

BACKGROUND

Linker histone H1 is a structural component of chromatin. It exists as a family of related proteins known as variants and/or subtypes. H1.1, H1.2, H1.3, H1.4 and H1.5 are present in most somatic cells, whereas other subtypes are mainly expressed in more specialized cells.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

H1 subtypes have been shown to have unique functions in chromatin structure and dynamics. This can occur at least in part via specific post-translational modifications of distinct H1 subtypes. However, while core histone modifications have been extensively studied, our knowledge of H1 modifications and their molecular functions has remained for a long time limited to phosphorylation. In this review we discuss the current state of knowledge of linker histone H1 modifications and where possible highlight functional differences in the modifications of distinct H1 subtypes.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS AND GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

H1 histones are intensely post-translationally modified. These modifications are located in the N- and C-terminal tails as well as within the globular domain. Recently, advanced mass spectrometrical analysis revealed a large number of novel histone H1 subtype specific modification sites and types. H1 modifications include phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, and ADP ribosylation. They are involved in the regulation of all aspects of linker histone functions, however their mechanism of action is often only poorly understood. Therefore systematic functional characterization of H1 modifications will be necessary in order to better understand their role in gene regulation as well as in higher-order chromatin structure and dynamics.

Genome distribution of replication-independent histone H1 variants shows H1.0 associated with nucleolar domains and H1X associated with RNA polymerase II-enriched regions

Unlike core histones, the linker histone H1 family is more evolutionarily diverse, and many organisms have multiple H1 variants or subtypes. In mammals, the H1 family includes seven somatic H1 variants; H1.1 to H1.5 are expressed in a replication-dependent manner, whereas H1.0 and H1X are replication-independent. Using ChIP-sequencing data and cell fractionation, we have compared the genomic distribution of H1.0 and H1X in human breast cancer cells, in which we previously observed differential distribution of H1.2 compared with the other subtypes. We have found H1.0 to be enriched at nucleolus-associated DNA repeats and chromatin domains, whereas H1X is associated with coding regions, RNA polymerase II-enriched regions, and hypomethylated CpG islands. Further, H1X accumulates within constitutive or included exons and retained introns and toward the 3' end of expressed genes. Inducible H1X knockdown does not affect cell proliferation but dysregulates a subset of genes related to cell movement and transport. In H1X-depleted cells, the promoters of up-regulated genes are not occupied specifically by this variant, have a lower than average H1 content, and, unexpectedly, do not form an H1 valley upon induction. We conclude that H1 variants are not distributed evenly across the genome and may participate with some specificity in chromatin domain organization or gene regulation.

Allelic isoforms of the chicken and duck histone H1.a

Two isoforms of the erythrocyte histone H1.a were identified in two conservative flocks of Rhode Island Red chickens and six conservative flocks of ducks. The H1.a1 and H1.a2 isoforms formed three phenotypes (a1, a2 and a1a2) and were electrophoretically similar in the two species. The frequency of phenotype and histone H1.a allele occurrence varied within the genetic groups of birds, but the relatively rare allele a(2) was only detected in chicken and duck strains with colored feathers. Using mass spectrometry, we established that the difference between the measured masses of the duck H1.a isoforms was 156 Da. Since this value corresponds to the mass of the arginine residue alone or to the combined mass of the valine and glycine residues, we believe that the polymorphism of duck histone H1.a might have originated from sequence variation. A mass difference of 1 Da observed between chicken H1.a isoforms corresponded well to the previously detected Glu/Lys substitution (0.9414 Da) at position 117.

Mapping of six somatic linker histone H1 variants in human breast cancer cells uncovers specific features of H1.2

Seven linker histone H1 variants are present in human somatic cells with distinct prevalence across cell types. Despite being key structural components of chromatin, it is not known whether the different variants have specific roles in the regulation of nuclear processes or are differentially distributed throughout the genome. Using variant-specific antibodies to H1 and hemagglutinin (HA)-tagged recombinant H1 variants expressed in breast cancer cells, we have investigated the distribution of six H1 variants in promoters and genome-wide. H1 is depleted at promoters depending on its transcriptional status and differs between variants. Notably, H1.2 is less abundant than other variants at the transcription start sites of inactive genes, and promoters enriched in H1.2 are different from those enriched in other variants and tend to be repressed. Additionally, H1.2 is enriched at chromosomal domains characterized by low guanine–cytosine (GC) content and is associated with lamina-associated domains. Meanwhile, other variants are associated with higher GC content, CpG islands and gene-rich domains. For instance, H1.0 and H1X are enriched at gene-rich chromosomes, whereas H1.2 is depleted. In short, histone H1 is not uniformly distributed along the genome and there are differences between variants, H1.2 being the one showing the most specific pattern and strongest correlation with low gene expression.

Hitchhiker antigens: Inconsistent ChIP results, questionable immunohistology data, and poor antibody performance may have a common factor

Questionable data and poor antibody performance may have a common factor: antigens “hitchhiking” on the very antibodies designed to target them. Here I focus on histone hitchhikers and their antibodies, given the impact of chromatin immunoprecipitation on our understanding of DNA regulation. Caused by a lack of stringency during antibody purification, hitchhikers will impede important advances in chromatin research and therapeutics derived from that research, if similar circumstances in the study of lupus decades ago are any guide. Evidence of this phenomenon is reviewed, purification modifications for antibody manufacturing are suggested, and a histone hitchhiker detection procedure is provided.

Pin1 promotes histone H1 dephosphorylation and stabilizes its binding to chromatin

The prolyl isomerase Pin1 stimulates the dephosphorylation of histone H1, stabilizing its binding to chromatin at transcriptionally active chromatin.

Histone H1 plays a crucial role in stabilizing higher order chromatin structure. Transcriptional activation, DNA replication, and chromosome condensation all require changes in chromatin structure and are correlated with the phosphorylation of histone H1. In this study, we describe a novel interaction between Pin1, a phosphorylation-specific prolyl isomerase, and phosphorylated histone H1. A sub-stoichiometric amount of Pin1 stimulated the dephosphorylation of H1 in vitro and modulated the structure of the C-terminal domain of H1 in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. Depletion of Pin1 destabilized H1 binding to chromatin only when Pin1 binding sites on H1 were present. Pin1 recruitment and localized histone H1 phosphorylation were associated with transcriptional activation independent of RNA polymerase II. We thus identify a novel form of histone H1 regulation through phosphorylation-dependent proline isomerization, which has consequences on overall H1 phosphorylation levels and the stability of H1 binding to chromatin.

Calorimetric studies of the interactions of linker histone H1(0) and its carboxyl (H1(0)-C) and globular (H1(0)-G) domains with calf-thymus DNA

Histone H1 is a chromatin protein found in most eukaryotes. ITC and CD have been used to study the binding of H1(0) and its C-terminal, H1(0)-C, and globular, H1(0)-G, domains to a highly polymerized DNA. ITC results indicate that H1(0) and H1(0)-C bind tightly to DNA (Ka≈1×10(7)), with an unfavorable ΔH (ΔH≈+22kcal/mol) and a favorable ΔS (-TΔS≈-30kcal/mol). Binding H1(0)-G to DNA at 25°C is calorimetrically silent. A multiple independent site model fits the ITC data, with the anomaly in the data near saturation attributed to rearrangement of bound H1, maximizing the number of binding sites. CD experiments indicate that H1(0)/DNA and H1(0)-C/DNA complexes form with little change in protein structure but with some DNA restructuring. Salt dependent ITC experiments indicate that the electrostatic contribution to binding H1(0) or H1(0)-C is small ranging from 6% to 17% of the total ΔG.

Linker histone subtypes and their allelic variants

Members of histone H1 family bind to nucleosomal and linker DNA to assist in stabilization of higher-order chromatin structures. Moreover, histone H1 is involved in regulation of a variety of cellular processes by interactions with cytosolic and nuclear proteins. Histone H1, composed of a series of subtypes encoded by distinct genes, is usually differentially expressed in specialized cells and frequently non-randomly distributed in different chromatin regions. Moreover, a role of specific histone H1 subtype might be also modulated by post-translational modifications and/or presence of polymorphic isoforms. While the significance of covalently modified histone H1 subtypes has been partially recognized, much less is known about the importance of histone H1 polymorphic variants identified in various plant and animal species, and human cells as well. Recent progress in elucidating amino acid composition-dependent functioning and interactions of the histone H1 with a variety of molecular partners indicates a potential role of histone H1 polymorphic variation in adopting specific protein conformations essential for chromatin function. The histone H1 allelic variants might affect chromatin in order to modulate gene expression underlying some physiological traits and, therefore could modify the course of diverse histone H1-dependent biological processes. This review focuses on the histone H1 allelic variability, and biochemical and genetic aspects of linker histone allelic isoforms to emphasize their likely biological relevance.

A computer lab exploring evolutionary aspects of chromatin structure and dynamics for an undergraduate chromatin course*

The study of chromatin constitutes one of the most active research fields in life sciences, being subject to constant revisions that continuously redefine the state of the art in its knowledge. As every other rapidly changing field, chromatin biology requires clear and straightforward educational strategies able to efficiently translate such a vast body of knowledge to the classroom. With this aim, the present work describes a multidisciplinary computer lab designed to introduce undergraduate students to the dynamic nature of chromatin, within the context of the one semester course "Chromatin: Structure, Function and Evolution." This exercise is organized in three parts including (a) molecular evolutionary biology of histone families (using the H1 family as example), (b) histone structure and variation across different animal groups, and (c) effect of histone diversity on nucleosome structure and chromatin dynamics. By using freely available bioinformatic tools that can be run on common computers, the concept of chromatin dynamics is interactively illustrated from a comparative/evolutionary perspective. At the end of this computer lab, students are able to translate the bioinformatic information into a biochemical context in which the relevance of histone primary structure on chromatin dynamics is exposed. During the last 8 years this exercise has proven to be a powerful approach for teaching chromatin structure and dynamics, allowing students a higher degree of independence during the processes of learning and self-assessment.

N- and C-terminal domains determine differential nucleosomal binding geometry and affinity of linker histone isotypes H1(0) and H1c

Eukaryotic linker or H1 histones modulate DNA compaction and gene expression in vivo. In mammals, these proteins exist as multiple isotypes with distinct properties, suggesting a functional significance to the heterogeneity. Linker histones typically have a tripartite structure composed of a conserved central globular domain flanked by a highly variable short N-terminal domain and a longer highly basic C-terminal domain. We hypothesized that the variable terminal domains of individual subtypes contribute to their functional heterogeneity by influencing chromatin binding interactions. We developed a novel dual color fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assay system in which two H1 proteins fused to spectrally separable fluorescent proteins can be co-expressed and their independent binding kinetics simultaneously monitored in a single cell. This approach was combined with domain swap and point mutagenesis to determine the roles of the terminal domains in the differential binding characteristics of the linker histone isotypes, mouse H1(0) and H1c. Exchanging the N-terminal domains between H1(0) and H1c changed their overall binding affinity to that of the other variant. In contrast, switching the C-terminal domains altered the chromatin interaction surface of the globular domain. These results indicate that linker histone subtypes bind to chromatin in an intrinsically specific manner and that the highly variable terminal domains contribute to differences between subtypes. The methods developed in this study will have broad applications in studying dynamic properties of additional histone subtypes and other mobile proteins.

Functional interplay between p53 acetylation and H1.2 phosphorylation in p53-regulated transcription

Linker histone H1.2 has been shown to suppress p53-dependent transcription through the modulation of chromatin remodeling; however, little is known about the mechanisms governing the antagonistic effects of H1.2 in DNA damage response. Here we show that the repressive action of H1.2 on p53 function is negatively regulated via acetylation of p53 C-terminal regulatory domain and phosphorylation of H1.2 C-terminal tail. p53 acetylation by p300 impairs the interaction of p53 with H1.2 and triggers a rapid activation of p53-dependent transcription. Similarly, DNA-PK-mediated phosphorylation of H1.2 at T146 enhances p53 transcriptional activity by impeding H1.2 binding to p53 and thereby attenuating its suppressive effects on p53 transactivation. Consistent with these findings, point mutations mimicking modification states of H1.2 and p53 lead to a significant increase in p53-induced apoptosis. These data suggest that p53 acetylation-H1.2 phosphorylation cascade serves as a unique mechanism for triggering p53-dependent DNA damage response pathways.

Translocation of histone H1 subtypes between chromatin and cytoplasm during mitosis in normal human fibroblasts

Histone H1 is an important constituent of chromatin, which undergoes major structural rearrangements during mitosis. However, the role of H1, multiple H1 subtypes, and H1 phosphorylation is still unclear. In normal human fibroblasts, phosphorylated H1 was found located in nuclei during prophase and in both cytoplasm and condensed chromosomes during metaphase, anaphase, and telophase as detected by immunocytochemistry. Moreover, we detected remarkable differences in the distribution of the histone H1 subtypes H1.2, H1.3, and H1.5 during mitosis. H1.2 was found in chromatin during prophase and almost solely in the cytoplasm of metaphase and early anaphase cells. In late anaphase, it appeared in both chromatin and cytoplasm and again in chromatin during telophase. H1.5 distribution pattern resembled that of H1.2, but H1.5 was partitioned between chromatin and cytoplasm during metaphase and early anaphase. H1.3 was detected in chromatin in all cell cycle phases. We propose therefore, that H1 subtype translocation during mitosis is controlled by phosphorylation, in combination with H1 subtype inherent affinity. We conclude that H1 subtypes, or theirphosphorylated forms, may leave chromatin in a regulated way to give access for chromatin condensing factors or transcriptional regulators during mitosis.

Nucleosome interaction surface of linker histone H1c is distinct from that of H1(0)

The fully organized structure of the eukaryotic nucleosome remains unsolved, in part due to limited information regarding the binding site of the H1 or linker histone. The central globular domain of H1 is believed to interact with the nucleosome core at or near the dyad and to bind at least two strands of DNA. We utilized site-directed mutagenesis and in vivo photobleaching to identify residues that contribute to the binding of the globular domain of the somatic H1 subtype H1c to the nucleosome. As was previously observed for the H1(0) subtype, the binding residues for H1c are clustered on the surface of one face of the domain. Despite considerable structural conservation between the globular domains of these two subtypes, the locations of the binding sites identified for H1c are distinct from those of H1(0). We suggest that the globular domains of these two linker histone subtypes will bind to the nucleosome with distinct orientations that may contribute to higher order chromatin structure heterogeneity or to differences in dynamic interactions with other DNA or chromatin-binding proteins.

Core histone hyperacetylation impacts cooperative behavior and high-affinity binding of histone H1 to chromatin

Linker histones stabilize higher order chromatin structures and limit access to proteins involved in DNA-dependent processes. Core histone acetylation is thought to modulate H1 binding. In the current study, we employed kinetic modeling of H1 recovery curves obtained during fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments to determine the impact of core histone acetylation on the different variants of H1. Following brief treatments with histone deacetylase inhibitor, most variants showed no change in H1 dynamics. A change in mobility was detected only when longer treatments were used to induce high levels of histone acetylation. This hyperacetylation imparted marked changes in the dynamics of low-affinity H1 population, while conferring variant-specific changes in the mobility of H1 molecules that were strongly bound. Both the C-terminal domain (CTD) and globular domain were responsible for this differential response to TSA. Furthermore, we found that neither the CTD nor the globular domain, by themselves, undergoes a change in kinetics following hyperacetylation. This led us to conclude that hyperacetylation of core histones affects the cooperative nature of low-affinity H1 binding, with some variants undergoing a predicted decrease of almost 2 orders of magnitude.

Histone H1 subtypes differentially modulate chromatin condensation without preventing ATP-dependent remodeling by SWI/SNF or NURF

Although ubiquitously present in chromatin, the function of the linker histone subtypes is partly unknown and contradictory studies on their properties have been published. To explore whether the various H1 subtypes have a differential role in the organization and dynamics of chromatin we have incorporated all of the somatic human H1 subtypes into minichromosomes and compared their influence on nucleosome spacing, chromatin compaction and ATP-dependent remodeling. H1 subtypes exhibit different affinities for chromatin and different abilities to promote chromatin condensation, as studied with the Atomic Force Microscope. According to this criterion, H1 subtypes can be classified as weak condensers (H1.1 and H1.2), intermediate condensers (H1.3) and strong condensers (H1.0, H1.4, H1.5 and H1x). The variable C-terminal domain is required for nucleosome spacing by H1.4 and is likely responsible for the chromatin condensation properties of the various subtypes, as shown using chimeras between H1.4 and H1.2. In contrast to previous reports with isolated nucleosomes or linear nucleosomal arrays, linker histones at a ratio of one per nucleosome do not preclude remodeling of minichromosomes by yeast SWI/SNF or Drosophila NURF. We hypothesize that the linker histone subtypes are differential organizers of chromatin, rather than general repressors.

Site-specifically phosphorylated forms of H1.5 and H1.2 localized at distinct regions of the nucleus are related to different processes during the cell cycle

The cell cycle-associated phosphorylation of histone H1.5 is manifested as three discrete phosphorylated forms, occurring exclusively on Ser(17), Ser(172), and Ser(188) during interphase. During late G2 and mitosis the up-phosphorylation occurs exclusively on threonine at either Thr(137) or Thr(154) to build the tetraphosphorylated forms of H1.5, whereas the pentaphosphorylated forms result from phosphorylation at Thr(10). To determine the kinetic and spatial distribution of histone H1 phosphorylation within the nucleus of synchronized Hela cells we localized three distinct phosphorylation sites of histone subtype H1.5 using affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies generated against phosphorylated Ser(17), Ser(172), and Thr(10). Immunofluorescence labeling of synchronized HeLa cells using the specific antibodies revealed that phosphorylation of H1.5 Ser(17) appeared early in G1 at discrete speckles followed by phosphorylation of Ser(172). Thr(10) phosphorylation started during prophase, showed highest phosphorylation levels during metaphase, and disappeared clearly before chromatin decondensation occurred. Experiments using the kinase inhibitor staurosporine indicate the involvement of different kinases at the various phospho-sites. Colocalization studies revealed that Ser(172) phosphorylation of H1.5 and H1.2 does colocalize to DNA replication and transcription sites. These results favor the idea that the various site-specifically phosphorylated forms of H1.5 and H1.2 localized at distinct regions of the nucleus are related to different functions during the cell cycle.

Linker histone H1 is present in centromeric chromatin of living human cells next to inner kinetochore proteins

The vertebrate kinetochore complex assembles at the centromere on alpha-satellite DNA. In humans, alpha-satellite DNA has a repeat length of 171 bp slightly longer than the DNA in the chromatosome containing the linker histone H1. The centromere-binding protein CENP-B binds specifically to alpha-satellite DNA with properties of a centromeric-linker histone. Here, we analysed if linker histone H1 is present at or excluded from centromeric chromatin by CENP-B. By immunostaining we detected the presence, but no enrichment or depletion of five different H1 subtypes at centromeric chromatin. The binding dynamics of H1 at centromeric sites were similar to that at other locations in the genome. These dynamics did not change in CENP-B depleted cells, suggesting that CENP-B and H1 co-exist in centromeric chromatin with no or little functional overlap. By bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), we revealed that the linker histone H1 subtypes H1 degrees and H1.2 bind to centromeric chromatin in interphase nuclei in direct neighbourhood to inner kinetochore proteins.

Role of chromatin states in transcriptional memory

Establishment of cellular memory and its faithful propagation is critical for successful development of multicellular organisms. As pluripotent cells differentiate, choices in cell fate are inherited and maintained by their progeny throughout the lifetime of the organism. A major factor in this process is the epigenetic inheritance of specific transcriptional states or transcriptional memory. In this review, we discuss chromatin transitions and mechanisms by which they are inherited by subsequent generations. We also discuss illuminating cases of cellular memory in budding yeast and evaluate whether transcriptional memory in yeast is nuclear or cytoplasmically inherited.

The evolutionary differentiation of two histone H2A.Z variants in chordates (H2A.Z-1 and H2A.Z-2) is mediated by a stepwise mutation process that affects three amino acid residues

Background

The histone H2A family encompasses the greatest number of core histone variants of which the replacement variant H2A.Z is currently one of the most heavily studied. No clear mechanism for the functional variability that H2A.Z imparts to chromatin has yet been proposed. While most of the past studies have referred to H2A.Z generically as a single protein, in vertebrates it is a mixture of two protein forms H2A.Z-1 (previously H2A.Z) and H2A.Z-2 (previously H2A.F/Z or H2A.V) that differ by three amino acids.

Results

We have performed an extensive study on the long-term evolution of H2A.Z across metazoans with special emphasis on the possible selective mechanisms responsible for the differentiation between H2A.Z-1 and H2A.Z-2. Our results reveal a common origin of both forms early in chordate evolution. The evolutionary process responsible for the differentiation involves refined stepwise mutation change within the codons of the three differential residues. This eventually led to differences in the intensity of the selective constraints acting upon the different H2A.Z forms in vertebrates.

Conclusion

The results presented in this work definitively reveal that the existence of H2A.Z-1 and H2A.Z-2 is not a whim of random genetic drift. Our analyses demonstrate that H2A.Z-2 is not only subject to a strong purifying selection but it is significantly more evolutionarily constrained than H2A.Z-1. Whether or not the evolutionary drift between H2A.Z-1 and H2A.Z-2 has resulted in a functional diversification of these proteins awaits further research. Nevertheless, the present work suggests that in the process of their differently constrained evolutionary pathways, these two forms may have acquired new or complementary functions.

Expression of human oocyte-specific linker histone protein and its incorporation into sperm chromatin during fertilization

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of oocyte-specific linker histone protein (hH1FOO) in human ovaries and its incorporation into sperm chromatin after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

DESIGN

Laboratory study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Human ovarian tissues were obtained from patients at oophorectomy. Human oocytes and embryos were obtained from infertile patients undergoing IVF and ICSI.

INTERVENTION(S)

A polyclonal rabbit antibody targeting the predicted hH1FOO protein was used for immunohistochemical analysis. Western blot analysis and the reverse transcriptase-nested polymerase chain reaction were done to detect hH1FOO in chromatin of germinal vesicle-stage oocytes through to two-cell embryos.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The hH1FOO antibody reactivity of oocytes, ovarian tissues, and sperm chromatin after ICSI.

RESULT(S)

hH1FOO protein was localized in all oocytes from primordial to Graafian follicles. In unfertilized oocytes after ICSI, the chromatin of injected sperm was condensed without hH1FOO incorporation in 45.5% of oocytes, condensed with hH1FOO incorporation in 9%, and decondensed with hH1FOO incorporation in 45.5%. None of the oocytes contained decondensed sperm chromatin without hHFOO incorporation.

CONCLUSION(S)

hH1FOO protein was expressed by human oocytes from primordial follicles to early embryogenesis. Sperm nuclei that were still condensed after ICSI could be separated into two categories by hH1FOO incorporation, which might provide valuable information regarding failed fertilization.

Histone H1x is highly expressed in human neuroendocrine cells and tumours

Background

Histone H1x is a ubiquitously expressed member of the H1 histone family. H1 histones, also called linker histones, stabilize compact, higher order structures of chromatin. In addition to their role as structural proteins, they actively regulate gene expression and participate in chromatin-based processes like DNA replication and repair. The epigenetic contribution of H1 histones to these mechanisms makes it conceivable that they also take part in malignant transformation.

Methods

Based on results of a Blast data base search which revealed an accumulation of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of H1x in libraries from neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), we evaluated the expression of H1x in NETs from lung and the gastrointestinal tract using immunohistochemisty. Relative protein and mRNA levels of H1x were analysed by Western blot analysis and quantitative real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Since several reports describe a change of the expression level of the replacement subtype H1.0 during tumourigenesis, the analysis of this subtype was included in this study.

Results

We found an increased expression of H1x but not of H1.0 in NET tissues in comparison to corresponding normal tissues. Even though the analysed NETs were heterogenous regarding their grade of malignancy, all except one showed a considerably higher protein amount of H1x compared with corresponding non-neoplastic tissue. Furthermore, double-labelling of H1x and chromogranin A in sections of pancreas and small intestine revealed that H1x is highly expressed in neuroendocrine cells of these tissues.

Conclusion

We conclude that the high expression of histone H1x in NETs is probably due to the abundance of this protein in the cells from which these tumours originate.

Histone H1 and its isoforms: contribution to chromatin structure and function

The lysine-rich H1 histone family in mammals includes eleven different subtypes, and thus it is the most divergent class of histone proteins. The central globular H1 domain asymmetrically interacts with DNA at the exit or entry end of the nucleosomal core DNA, and the C-terminal domain has a major impact on the linker DNA conformation and chromatin condensation. H1 histones are thus involved in the formation of higher order chromatin structures, and they modulate the accessibility of regulatory proteins, chromatin remodeling factors and histone modification enzymes to their target sites. The major posttranslational modification of H1 histones is phosphorylation, which reaches a peak during G2 and mitosis. Phosphorylation is, however, also involved in the control of DNA replication and it contributes to the regulation of gene expression. Disruption of linker histone genes, initially performed in order to delineate subtype-specific functions, revealed that disruption of one or two H1 subtype genes is quantitatively compensated by an increased expression of other subtypes. This suggests a functional redundancy among H1 subtypes. However, the inactivation of three subtypes and the reduction of the H1 moiety in half finally resulted in a phenotypic effect. On the other hand, studies on the role of particular subtypes at specific developmental stages in lower eukaryotes, but also in vertebrates suggest that specific subtypes of H1 participate in particular systems of gene regulation.

Depletion of human histone H1 variants uncovers specific roles in gene expression and cell growth

At least six histone H1 variants exist in somatic mammalian cells that bind to the linker DNA and stabilize the nucleosome particle contributing to higher order chromatin compaction. In addition, H1 seems to be actively involved in the regulation of gene expression. However, it is not well known whether the different variants have distinct roles or if they regulate specific promoters. We have explored this by inducible shRNA-mediated knock-down of each of the H1 variants in a human breast cancer cell line. Rapid inhibition of each H1 variant was not compensated for by changes of expression of other variants. Microarray experiments have shown a different subset of genes to be altered in each H1 knock-down. Interestingly, H1.2 depletion caused specific effects such as a cell cycle G1-phase arrest, the repressed expression of a number of cell cycle genes, and decreased global nucleosome spacing. On its side, H1.4 depletion caused cell death in T47D cells, providing the first evidence of the essential role of an H1 variant for survival in a human cell type. Thus, specific phenotypes are observed in breast cancer cells depleted of individual histone H1 variants, supporting the theory that distinct roles exist for the linker histone variants.

Eukaryotic DNA is packaged into chromatin through its association with histone proteins. The linker histone H1 sits at the base of the nucleosome near the DNA entry and exit sites to stabilize two full turns of DNA. In particular, histone H1 participates in nucleosome spacing and formation of the higher-order chromatin structure. In addition, H1 seems to be actively involved in the regulation of gene expression. Histone H1 in mammals is a family of closely related, single-gene encoded proteins, including five somatic subtypes (from H1.1 to H1.5) and a terminally differentiated expressed isoform (H1.0). It is not well known whether the different variants have distinct roles or if they regulate specific promoters. We have explored this by inducible knock-down of each of the H1 variants in breast cancer cells. A different subset of genes is altered in each H1 knock-down, and depletion has different effects on cell survival. Interestingly, H1.2 and H1.4 depletion specifically caused arrest of cell proliferation. Concomitant with this, H1.2 depletion caused decreased global nucleosome spacing and repressed expression of a number of cell cycle genes. Thus, specific phenotypes are observed in breast cancer cells depleted of individual histone H1 variants.

Transcriptional control and gene silencing in Plasmodium falciparum

Infection with the apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium falciparum is associated with a high burden of morbidity and mortality across the developing world, yet the mechanisms of transcriptional control in this organism are poorly understood. While P. falciparum possesses many of the characteristics common to eukaryotic transcription, including much of the canonical machinery, it also demonstrates unique patterns of gene expression and possesses unusually AT-rich intergenic sequences. Importantly, several biological processes that are critical to parasite virulence involve highly regulated patterns of gene expression and silencing. The relative scarcity of transcription-associated proteins and specific cis-regulatory motifs recognized in the P. falciparum genome have been thought to reflect a reduced role for transcription factors in transcriptional control in these parasites. New approaches and technologies, however, have led to the discovery of many more of these elements, including an expanded family of DNA-binding proteins, and a re-assessment of this hypothesis is required. We review the current understanding of transcriptional control in P. falciparum, specifically highlighting promoter-driven and epigenetic mechanisms involved in the control of transcription initiation.

Global changes in and characterization of specific sites of phosphorylation in mouse and human histone H1 Isoforms upon CDK inhibitor treatment using mass spectrometry

Global changes in the phosphorylation state of human H1 isoforms isolated from UL3 cells have been investigated using mass spectrometry. Relative changes in H1 phosphorylation between untreated cells and cells treated with dexamethasone or various CDK inhibitors were determined. The specific cyclin-dependent kinase consensus sites of phosphorylation on the histone H1 isoforms that show changes in phosphorylation were also investigated. Three sites of phosphorylation on histone H1.4 isoforms have been identified.