1
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Hunt G, Vaid R, Pirogov S, Pfab A, Ziegenhain C, Sandberg R, Reimegård J, Mannervik M. Tissue-specific RNA Polymerase II promoter-proximal pause release and burst kinetics in a Drosophila embryonic patterning network. Genome Biol 2024; 25:2. [PMID: 38166964 PMCID: PMC10763363 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03135-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Formation of tissue-specific transcriptional programs underlies multicellular development, including dorsoventral (DV) patterning of the Drosophila embryo. This involves interactions between transcriptional enhancers and promoters in a chromatin context, but how the chromatin landscape influences transcription is not fully understood. RESULTS Here we comprehensively resolve differential transcriptional and chromatin states during Drosophila DV patterning. We find that RNA Polymerase II pausing is established at DV promoters prior to zygotic genome activation (ZGA), that pausing persists irrespective of cell fate, but that release into productive elongation is tightly regulated and accompanied by tissue-specific P-TEFb recruitment. DV enhancers acquire distinct tissue-specific chromatin states through CBP-mediated histone acetylation that predict the transcriptional output of target genes, whereas promoter states are more tissue-invariant. Transcriptome-wide inference of burst kinetics in different cell types revealed that while DV genes are generally characterized by a high burst size, either burst size or frequency can differ between tissues. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that pausing is established by pioneer transcription factors prior to ZGA and that release from pausing is imparted by enhancer chromatin state to regulate bursting in a tissue-specific manner in the early embryo. Our results uncover how developmental patterning is orchestrated by tissue-specific bursts of transcription from Pol II primed promoters in response to enhancer regulatory cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Hunt
- Department Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roshan Vaid
- Department Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sergei Pirogov
- Department Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Pfab
- Department Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Rickard Sandberg
- Department Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Reimegård
- Department Cell and Molecular Biology, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mattias Mannervik
- Department Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
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2
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Cho CY, O'Farrell PH. Stepwise modifications of transcriptional hubs link pioneer factor activity to a burst of transcription. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4848. [PMID: 37563108 PMCID: PMC10415302 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40485-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Binding of transcription factors (TFs) promotes the subsequent recruitment of coactivators and preinitiation complexes to initiate eukaryotic transcription, but this time course is usually not visualized. It is commonly assumed that recruited factors eventually co-reside in a higher-order structure, allowing distantly bound TFs to activate transcription at core promoters. We use live imaging of endogenously tagged proteins, including the pioneer TF Zelda, the coactivator dBrd4, and RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), to define a cascade of events upstream of transcriptional initiation in early Drosophila embryos. These factors are sequentially and transiently recruited to discrete clusters during activation of non-histone genes. Zelda and the acetyltransferase dCBP nucleate dBrd4 clusters, which then trigger pre-transcriptional clustering of RNAPII. Subsequent transcriptional elongation disperses clusters of dBrd4 and RNAPII. Our results suggest that activation of transcription by eukaryotic TFs involves a succession of distinct biomolecular condensates that culminates in a self-limiting burst of transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yi Cho
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Patrick H O'Farrell
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
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3
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Jacobs J, Pagani M, Wenzl C, Stark A. Widespread regulatory specificities between transcriptional co-repressors and enhancers in Drosophila. Science 2023; 381:198-204. [PMID: 37440660 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf6149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression is controlled by the precise activation and repression of transcription. Repression is mediated by specialized transcription factors (TFs) that recruit co-repressors (CoRs) to silence transcription, even in the presence of activating cues. However, whether CoRs can dominantly silence all enhancers or display distinct specificities is unclear. In this work, we report that most enhancers in Drosophila can be repressed by only a subset of CoRs, and enhancers classified by CoR sensitivity show distinct chromatin features, function, TF motifs, and binding. Distinct TF motifs render enhancers more resistant or sensitive to specific CoRs, as we demonstrate by motif mutagenesis and addition. These CoR-enhancer compatibilities constitute an additional layer of regulatory specificity that allows differential regulation at close genomic distances and is indicative of distinct mechanisms of transcriptional repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Jacobs
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Pagani
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Wenzl
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Stark
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, Vienna, Austria
- Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
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4
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RNA Polymerase II “Pause” Prepares Promoters for Upcoming Transcription during Drosophila Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810662. [PMID: 36142573 PMCID: PMC9503990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
According to previous studies, during Drosophila embryogenesis, the recruitment of RNA polymerase II precedes active gene transcription. This work is aimed at exploring whether this mechanism is used during Drosophila metamorphosis. In addition, the composition of the RNA polymerase II “paused” complexes associated with promoters at different developmental stages are described in detail. For this purpose, we performed ChIP-Seq analysis using antibodies for various modifications of RNA polymerase II (total, Pol II CTD Ser5P, and Pol II CTD Ser2P) as well as for subunits of the NELF, DSIF, and PAF complexes and Brd4/Fs(1)h that control transcription elongation. We found that during metamorphosis, similar to mid-embryogenesis, the promoters were bound by RNA polymerase II in the “paused” state, preparing for activation at later stages of development. During mid-embryogenesis, RNA polymerase II in a “pause” state was phosphorylated at Ser5 and Ser2 of Pol II CTD and bound the NELF, DSIF, and PAF complexes, but not Brd4/Fs(1)h. During metamorphosis, the “paused” RNA polymerase II complex included Brd4/Fs(1)h in addition to NELF, DSIF, and PAF. The RNA polymerase II in this complex was phosphorylated at Ser5 of Pol II CTD, but not at Ser2. These results indicate that, during mid-embryogenesis, RNA polymerase II stalls in the “post-pause” state, being phosphorylated at Ser2 of Pol II CTD (after the stage of p-TEFb action). During metamorphosis, the “pause” mechanism is closer to classical promoter-proximal pausing and is characterized by a low level of Pol II CTD Ser2P.
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5
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Shaukat A, Khan MHF, Ahmad H, Umer Z, Tariq M. Interplay Between BALL and CREB Binding Protein Maintains H3K27 Acetylation on Active Genes in Drosophila. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:740866. [PMID: 34650987 PMCID: PMC8509297 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.740866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
CREB binding protein (CBP) is a multifunctional transcriptional co-activator that interacts with a variety of transcription factors and acts as a histone acetyltransferase. In Drosophila, CBP mediated acetylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27ac) is a known hallmark of gene activation regulated by trithorax group proteins (trxG). Recently, we have shown that a histone kinase Ballchen (BALL) substantially co-localizes with H3K27ac at trxG target loci and is required to maintain gene activation in Drosophila. Here, we report a previously unknown interaction between BALL and CBP, which positively regulates H3K27ac. Analysis of genome-wide binding profile of BALL and CBP reveals major overlap and their co-localization at actively transcribed genes. We show that BALL biochemically interacts with CBP and depletion of BALL results in drastic reduction in H3K27ac. Together, these results demonstrate a previously unknown synergy between BALL and CBP and reveals a potentially new pathway required to maintain gene activation during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammad Shaukat
- Epigenetics and Gene Regulation Laboratory, Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Haider Farooq Khan
- Epigenetics and Gene Regulation Laboratory, Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hina Ahmad
- Epigenetics and Gene Regulation Laboratory, Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zain Umer
- Epigenetics and Gene Regulation Laboratory, Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tariq
- Epigenetics and Gene Regulation Laboratory, Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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6
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The Trithorax group protein ASH1 requires a combination of BAH domain and AT hooks, but not the SET domain, for mitotic chromatin binding and survival. Chromosoma 2021; 130:215-234. [PMID: 34331109 PMCID: PMC8426247 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-021-00762-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila Trithorax group (TrxG) protein ASH1 remains associated with mitotic chromatin through mechanisms that are poorly understood. ASH1 dimethylates histone H3 at lysine 36 via its SET domain. Here, we identify domains of the TrxG protein ASH1 that are required for mitotic chromatin attachment in living Drosophila. Quantitative live imaging demonstrates that ASH1 requires AT hooks and the BAH domain but not the SET domain for full chromatin binding in metaphase, and that none of these domains are essential for interphase binding. Genetic experiments show that disruptions of the AT hooks and the BAH domain together, but not deletion of the SET domain alone, are lethal. Transcriptional profiling demonstrates that intact ASH1 AT hooks and the BAH domain are required to maintain expression levels of a specific set of genes, including several involved in cell identity and survival. This study identifies in vivo roles for specific ASH1 domains in mitotic binding, gene regulation, and survival that are distinct from its functions as a histone methyltransferase.
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7
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Khan MHF, Akhtar J, Umer Z, Shaheen N, Shaukat A, Munir MS, Mithani A, Anwar S, Tariq M. Kinome-Wide RNAi Screen Uncovers Role of Ballchen in Maintenance of Gene Activation by Trithorax Group in Drosophila. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:637873. [PMID: 33748127 PMCID: PMC7973098 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.637873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) and trithorax group (trxG) proteins are evolutionary conserved factors that contribute to cell fate determination and maintenance of cellular identities during development of multicellular organisms. The PcG maintains heritable patterns of gene silencing while trxG acts as anti-silencing factors by conserving activation of cell type specific genes. Genetic and molecular analysis has revealed extensive details about how different PcG and trxG complexes antagonize each other to maintain cell fates, however, the cellular signaling components that contribute to the preservation of gene expression by PcG/trxG remain elusive. Here, we report an ex vivo kinome-wide RNAi screen in Drosophila aimed at identifying cell signaling genes that facilitate trxG in counteracting PcG mediated repression. From the list of trxG candidates, Ballchen (BALL), a histone kinase known to phosphorylate histone H2A at threonine 119 (H2AT119p), was characterized as a trxG regulator. The ball mutant exhibits strong genetic interactions with Polycomb (Pc) and trithorax (trx) mutants and loss of BALL affects expression of trxG target genes. BALL co-localizes with Trithorax on chromatin and depletion of BALL results in increased H2AK118 ubiquitination, a histone mark central to PcG mediated gene silencing. Moreover, BALL was found to substantially associate with known TRX binding sites across the genome. Genome wide distribution of BALL also overlaps with H3K4me3 and H3K27ac at actively transcribed genes. We propose that BALL mediated signaling positively contributes to the maintenance of gene activation by trxG in counteracting the repressive effect of PcG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Haider Farooq Khan
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Jawad Akhtar
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zain Umer
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Najma Shaheen
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammad Shaukat
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahbaz Munir
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aziz Mithani
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Saima Anwar
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tariq
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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8
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Petretich M, Demont EH, Grandi P. Domain-selective targeting of BET proteins in cancer and immunological diseases. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 57:184-193. [PMID: 32741705 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer and inflammation are strongly interconnected processes. Chronic inflammatory pathologies can be at the heart of tumor development; similarly, tumor-elicited inflammation is a consequence of many cancers. The mechanistic interdependence between cancer and inflammatory pathologies points toward common protein effectors which represent potential shared targets for pharmacological intervention. Epigenetic mechanisms often drive resistance to cancer therapy and immunomodulatory strategies. The bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic adapters which play a major role in controlling cell proliferation and the production of inflammatory mediators. A plethora of small molecules aimed at inhibiting BET protein function to treat cancer and inflammatory diseases have populated academic and industry efforts in the last 10 years. In this review, we will discuss recent pharmacological approaches aimed at targeting a single or a subset of the eight bromodomains within the BET family which have the potential to tease apart clinical efficacy and safety signals of BET inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Petretich
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emmanuel H Demont
- Medicinal Chemistry, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Paola Grandi
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
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9
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Abstract
Predicting regulatory potential from primary DNA sequences or transcription factor binding patterns is not possible. However, the annotation of the genome by chromatin proteins, histone modifications, and differential compaction is largely sufficient to reveal the locations of genes and their differential activity states. The Polycomb Group (PcG) and Trithorax Group (TrxG) proteins are the central players in this cell type-specific chromatin organization. PcG function was originally viewed as being solely repressive and irreversible, as observed at the homeotic loci in flies and mammals. However, it is now clear that modular and reversible PcG function is essential at most developmental genes. Focusing mainly on recent advances, we review evidence for how PcG and TrxG patterns change dynamically during cell type transitions. The ability to implement cell type-specific transcriptional programming with exquisite fidelity is essential for normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitzi I Kuroda
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; ,
| | - Hyuckjoon Kang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; ,
| | - Sandip De
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA; ,
| | - Judith A Kassis
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA; ,
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10
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Gaub A, Sheikh BN, Basilicata MF, Vincent M, Nizon M, Colson C, Bird MJ, Bradner JE, Thevenon J, Boutros M, Akhtar A. Evolutionary conserved NSL complex/BRD4 axis controls transcription activation via histone acetylation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2243. [PMID: 32382029 PMCID: PMC7206058 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16103-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells rely on a diverse repertoire of genes for maintaining homeostasis, but the transcriptional networks underlying their expression remain poorly understood. The MOF acetyltransferase-containing Non-Specific Lethal (NSL) complex is a broad transcription regulator. It is essential in Drosophila, and haploinsufficiency of the human KANSL1 subunit results in the Koolen-de Vries syndrome. Here, we perform a genome-wide RNAi screen and identify the BET protein BRD4 as an evolutionary conserved co-factor of the NSL complex. Using Drosophila and mouse embryonic stem cells, we characterise a recruitment hierarchy, where NSL-deposited histone acetylation enables BRD4 recruitment for transcription of constitutively active genes. Transcriptome analyses in Koolen-de Vries patient-derived fibroblasts reveals perturbations with a cellular homeostasis signature that are evoked by the NSL complex/BRD4 axis. We propose that BRD4 represents a conserved bridge between the NSL complex and transcription activation, and provide a new perspective in the understanding of their functions in healthy and diseased states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Gaub
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stuebeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bilal N Sheikh
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stuebeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - M Felicia Basilicata
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stuebeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marie Vincent
- CHU Nantes, Service de Génétique Médicale, 38 Boulevard Jean Monnet, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Mathilde Nizon
- CHU Nantes, Service de Génétique Médicale, 38 Boulevard Jean Monnet, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Cindy Colson
- Service Génétique, Génétique Clinique, CHU, Avenue Georges Clemenceau CS 30001, 14033, Caen, France.,Normandy University, UNICAEN, BIOTARGEN, Esplanade de la Paix CS 14032, 14032, Caen, France
| | - Matthew J Bird
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - James E Bradner
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Julien Thevenon
- CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM, U1209, Institute of Advanced Biosciences, Université Grenoble-Alpes CHU Grenoble, Allée des Alpes, 38700, La Tronche Grenoble, France
| | - Michael Boutros
- Division of Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Asifa Akhtar
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stuebeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany.
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11
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Haberle V, Arnold CD, Pagani M, Rath M, Schernhuber K, Stark A. Transcriptional cofactors display specificity for distinct types of core promoters. Nature 2019; 570:122-126. [PMID: 31092928 PMCID: PMC7613045 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1210-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional cofactors (COFs) communicate regulatory cues from enhancers to promoters and are central effectors of transcription activation and gene expression1. Although some COFs have been shown to prefer certain promoter types2-5 over others (for example, see refs 6,7), the extent to which different COFs display intrinsic specificities for distinct promoters is unclear. Here we use a high-throughput promoter-activity assay in Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells to screen 23 COFs for their ability to activate 72,000 candidate core promoters (CPs). We observe differential activation of CPs, indicating distinct regulatory preferences or 'compatibilities'8,9 between COFs and specific types of CPs. These functionally distinct CP types are differentially enriched for known sequence elements2,4, such as the TATA box, downstream promoter element (DPE) or TCT motif, and display distinct chromatin properties at endogenous loci. Notably, the CP types differ in their relative abundance of H3K4me3 and H3K4me1 marks (see also refs 10-12), suggesting that these histone modifications might distinguish trans-regulatory factors rather than promoter- versus enhancer-type cis-regulatory elements. We confirm the existence of distinct COF-CP compatibilities in two additional Drosophila cell lines and in human cells, for which we find COFs that prefer TATA-box or CpG-island promoters, respectively. Distinct compatibilities between COFs and promoters can explain how different enhancers specifically activate distinct sets of genes9, alternative promoters within the same genes, and distinct transcription start sites within the same promoter13. Thus, COF-promoter compatibilities may underlie distinct transcriptional programs in species as divergent as flies and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Haberle
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Cosmas D. Arnold
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Pagani
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Rath
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Schernhuber
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Stark
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria,Medical University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria,Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to A.S. ()
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12
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Sneppen K, Ringrose L. Theoretical analysis of Polycomb-Trithorax systems predicts that poised chromatin is bistable and not bivalent. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2133. [PMID: 31086177 PMCID: PMC6513952 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10130-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb (PcG) and Trithorax (TrxG) group proteins give stable epigenetic memory of silent and active gene expression states, but also allow poised states in pluripotent cells. Here we systematically address the relationship between poised, active and silent chromatin, by integrating 73 publications on PcG/TrxG biochemistry into a mathematical model comprising 144 nucleosome modification states and 8 enzymatic reactions. Our model predicts that poised chromatin is bistable and not bivalent. Bivalent chromatin, containing opposing active and silent modifications, is present as an unstable background population in all system states, and different subtypes co-occur with active and silent chromatin. In contrast, bistability, in which the system switches frequently between stable active and silent states, occurs under a wide range of conditions at the transition between monostable active and silent system states. By proposing that bistability and not bivalency is associated with poised chromatin, this work has implications for understanding the molecular nature of pluripotency. Polycomb and Trithorax group proteins regulate silent and active gene expression states, but also allow poised states in pluripotent cells. Here the authors present a mathematical model that integrates data on Polycomb/ Trithorax biochemistry into a single coherent framework which predicts that poised chromatin is not bivalent as previously proposed, but is bistable, meaning that the system switches frequently between stable active and silent states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Sneppen
- Center for Models of Life, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 17, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Leonie Ringrose
- Integrated Research Institute for Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstrasse 13, Haus 22, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
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13
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Ziemann M, Kaspi A, El-Osta A. Digital expression explorer 2: a repository of uniformly processed RNA sequencing data. Gigascience 2019; 8:giz022. [PMID: 30942868 PMCID: PMC6446219 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giz022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is an indispensable tool in the study of gene regulation. While the technology has brought with it better transcript coverage and quantification, there remain considerable barriers to entry for the computational biologist to analyse large data sets. There is a real need for a repository of uniformly processed RNA-seq data that is easy to use. FINDINGS To address these obstacles, we developed Digital Expression Explorer 2 (DEE2), a web-based repository of RNA-seq data in the form of gene-level and transcript-level expression counts. DEE2 contains >5.3 trillion assigned reads from 580,000 RNA-seq data sets including species Escherichia coli, yeast, Arabidopsis, worm, fruit fly, zebrafish, rat, mouse, and human. Base-space sequence data downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information Sequence Read Archive underwent quality control prior to transcriptome and genome mapping using open-source tools. Uniform data processing methods ensure consistency across experiments, facilitating fast and reproducible meta-analyses. CONCLUSIONS The web interface allows users to quickly identify data sets of interest using accession number and keyword searches. The data can also be accessed programmatically using a specifically designed R package. We demonstrate that DEE2 data are compatible with statistical packages such as edgeR or DESeq. Bulk data are also available for download. DEE2 can be found at http://dee2.io.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Ziemann
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Antony Kaspi
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Assam El-Osta
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 3/F Lui Che Woo Clinical Sciences Building, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR
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14
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Castiglioni I, Caccia R, Garcia-Manteiga JM, Ferri G, Caretti G, Molineris I, Nishioka K, Gabellini D. The Trithorax protein Ash1L promotes myoblast fusion by activating Cdon expression. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5026. [PMID: 30487570 PMCID: PMC6262021 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07313-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myoblast fusion (MF) is required for muscle growth and repair, and its alteration contributes to muscle diseases. The mechanisms governing this process are incompletely understood, and no epigenetic regulator has been previously described. Ash1L is an epigenetic activator belonging to the Trithorax group of proteins and is involved in FSHD muscular dystrophy, autism and cancer. Its physiological role in skeletal muscle is unknown. Here we report that Ash1L expression is positively correlated with MF and reduced in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In vivo, ex vivo and in vitro experiments support a selective and evolutionary conserved requirement for Ash1L in MF. RNA- and ChIP-sequencing indicate that Ash1L is required to counteract Polycomb repressive activity to allow activation of selected myogenesis genes, in particular the key MF gene Cdon. Our results promote Ash1L as an important epigenetic regulator of MF and suggest that its activity could be targeted to improve cell therapy for muscle diseases. Myoblast fusion in skeletal muscle is a complex process but how this is regulated is unclear. Here, the authors identify Ash1L, a histone methyltransferase, as modulating myoblast fusion via activation of the myogenesis gene Cdon, and observe decreased Ash1L expression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Castiglioni
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Roberta Caccia
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Manteiga
- Center for Translational Genomics and BioInformatics, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Giulia Ferri
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Caretti
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Ivan Molineris
- Center for Translational Genomics and BioInformatics, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Kenichi Nishioka
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan.,Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, RIKEN IMS, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Davide Gabellini
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano, 20132, Italy.
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15
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Lv X, Chen H, Zhang S, Zhang Z, Pan C, Xia Y, Fan J, Wu W, Lu Y, Zhang L, Wu H, Zhao Y. Fsh-Pc-Sce complex mediates active transcription of Cubitus interruptus (Ci). J Mol Cell Biol 2018; 10:437-447. [PMID: 29432547 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjy008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays important roles in both embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Such biological functions are mediated by the transcription factor Cubitus interruptus (Ci). Yet the transcriptional regulation of the effector Ci itself is poorly investigated. Through an RNAi-based genetic screen, we identified that female sterile (1) homeotic (Fsh), a transcription co-activator, directly activates Ci transcription. Biochemistry assays demonstrated physical interactions among Fsh, Sex combs extra (Sce), and Polycomb (Pc). Functional assays further showed that both Pc and Sce are required for Ci expression, which is not likely mediated by the derepression of Engrailed (En), a repressor of Ci, in Pc or Sce mutant cells. Finally, we provide evidence showing that Pc/Sce facilitates the binding of Fsh at Ci locus and that the physical interaction between Fsh and Pc is essential for Fsh-mediated Ci transcription. Taken together, we not only uncover that Ci is transcriptionally regulated by Fsh-Pc-Sce complex but also provide evidence for the coordination between Fsh and PcG proteins in transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyu Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanxin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialin Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Schmähling S, Meiler A, Lee Y, Mohammed A, Finkl K, Tauscher K, Israel L, Wirth M, Philippou-Massier J, Blum H, Habermann B, Imhof A, Song JJ, Müller J. Regulation and function of H3K36 di-methylation by the trithorax-group protein complex AMC. Development 2018. [PMID: 29540501 PMCID: PMC5963871 DOI: 10.1242/dev.163808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila Ash1 protein is a trithorax-group (trxG) regulator that antagonizes Polycomb repression at HOX genes. Ash1 di-methylates lysine 36 in histone H3 (H3K36me2) but how this activity is controlled and at which genes it functions is not well understood. We show that Ash1 protein purified from Drosophila exists in a complex with MRG15 and Caf1 that we named AMC. In Drosophila and human AMC, MRG15 binds a conserved FxLP motif near the Ash1 SET domain and stimulates H3K36 di-methylation on nucleosomes. Drosophila MRG15-null and ash1 catalytic mutants show remarkably specific trxG phenotypes: stochastic loss of HOX gene expression and homeotic transformations in adults. In mutants lacking AMC, H3K36me2 bulk levels appear undiminished but H3K36me2 is reduced in the chromatin of HOX and other AMC-regulated genes. AMC therefore appears to act on top of the H3K36me2/me3 landscape generated by the major H3K36 methyltransferases NSD and Set2. Our analyses suggest that H3K36 di-methylation at HOX genes is the crucial physiological function of AMC and the mechanism by which the complex antagonizes Polycomb repression at these genes. Highlighted Article: The trithorax group protein Ash1 and its regulator MRG15 form a multiprotein complex that maintains expression of HOX and other target genes by methylating histone H3 in their chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrun Schmähling
- Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Arno Meiler
- Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Yoonjung Lee
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Department of Biological Sciences, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Arif Mohammed
- Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Katja Finkl
- Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Katharina Tauscher
- Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Lars Israel
- Zentrallabor für Proteinanalytik, BioMedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhadernerstr. 9, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Marc Wirth
- Zentrallabor für Proteinanalytik, BioMedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhadernerstr. 9, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Julia Philippou-Massier
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Blum
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Bianca Habermann
- Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Axel Imhof
- Zentrallabor für Proteinanalytik, BioMedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhadernerstr. 9, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Ji-Joon Song
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Department of Biological Sciences, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jürg Müller
- Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
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17
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Pereira A, Paro R. Pho dynamically interacts with Spt5 to facilitate transcriptional switches at the hsp70 locus. Epigenetics Chromatin 2017; 10:57. [PMID: 29208012 PMCID: PMC5718073 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-017-0166-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous target genes of the Polycomb group (PcG) are transiently activated by a stimulus and subsequently repressed. However, mechanisms by which PcG proteins regulate such target genes remain elusive. Results We employed the heat shock-responsive hsp70 locus in Drosophila to study the chromatin dynamics of PRC1 and its interplay with known regulators of the locus before, during and after heat shock. We detected mutually exclusive binding patterns for HSF and PRC1 at the hsp70 locus. We found that Pleiohomeotic (Pho), a DNA-binding PcG member, dynamically interacts with Spt5, an elongation factor. The dynamic interaction switch between Pho and Spt5 is triggered by the recruitment of HSF to chromatin. Mutation in the protein–protein interaction domain (REPO domain) of Pho interferes with the dynamics of its interaction with Spt5. The transcriptional kinetics of the heat shock response is negatively affected by a mutation in the REPO domain of Pho. Conclusions We propose that a dynamic interaction switch between PcG proteins and an elongation factor enables stress-inducible genes to efficiently switch between ON/OFF states in the presence/absence of the activating stimulus. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13072-017-0166-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allwyn Pereira
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Renato Paro
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058, Basel, Switzerland. .,Faculty of Sciences, University of Basel, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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18
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Huang C, Yang F, Zhang Z, Zhang J, Cai G, Li L, Zheng Y, Chen S, Xi R, Zhu B. Mrg15 stimulates Ash1 H3K36 methyltransferase activity and facilitates Ash1 Trithorax group protein function in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1649. [PMID: 29158494 PMCID: PMC5696344 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01897-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ash1 is a Trithorax group protein that possesses H3K36-specific histone methyltransferase activity, which antagonizes Polycomb silencing. Here we report the identification of two Ash1 complex subunits, Mrg15 and Nurf55. In vitro, Mrg15 stimulates the enzymatic activity of Ash1. In vivo, Mrg15 is recruited by Ash1 to their common targets, and Mrg15 reinforces Ash1 chromatin association and facilitates the proper deposition of H3K36me2. To dissect the functional role of Mrg15 in the context of the Ash1 complex, we identify an Ash1 point mutation (Ash1-R1288A) that displays a greatly attenuated interaction with Mrg15. Knock-in flies bearing this mutation display multiple homeotic transformation phenotypes, and these phenotypes are partially rescued by overexpressing the Mrg15-Nurf55 fusion protein, which stabilizes the association of Mrg15 with Ash1. In summary, Mrg15 is a subunit of the Ash1 complex, a stimulator of Ash1 enzymatic activity and a critical regulator of the TrxG protein function of Ash1 in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Huang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Fu Yang
- National institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Zhuqiang Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Gaihong Cai
- National institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Lin Li
- National institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yong Zheng
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - She Chen
- National institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Rongwen Xi
- National institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Bing Zhu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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19
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Kang H, Jung YL, McElroy KA, Zee BM, Wallace HA, Woolnough JL, Park PJ, Kuroda MI. Bivalent complexes of PRC1 with orthologs of BRD4 and MOZ/MORF target developmental genes in Drosophila. Genes Dev 2017; 31:1988-2002. [PMID: 29070704 PMCID: PMC5710143 DOI: 10.1101/gad.305987.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Kang et al. confirm PRC1–Br140 and PRC1–Fs(1)h interactions and identify their genomic binding sites. PRC1–Br140 bind developmental genes in fly embryos, with analogous co-occupancy of PRC1 and BRD1 at bivalent loci in human ES cells. Regulatory decisions in Drosophila require Polycomb group (PcG) proteins to maintain the silent state and Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins to oppose silencing. Since PcG and TrxG are ubiquitous and lack apparent sequence specificity, a long-standing model is that targeting occurs via protein interactions; for instance, between repressors and PcG proteins. Instead, we found that Pc-repressive complex 1 (PRC1) purifies with coactivators Fs(1)h [female sterile (1) homeotic] and Enok/Br140 during embryogenesis. Fs(1)h is a TrxG member and the ortholog of BRD4, a bromodomain protein that binds to acetylated histones and is a key transcriptional coactivator in mammals. Enok and Br140, another bromodomain protein, are orthologous to subunits of a mammalian MOZ/MORF acetyltransferase complex. Here we confirm PRC1–Br140 and PRC1–Fs(1)h interactions and identify their genomic binding sites. PRC1–Br140 bind developmental genes in fly embryos, with analogous co-occupancy of PRC1 and a Br140 ortholog, BRD1, at bivalent loci in human embryonic stem (ES) cells. We propose that identification of PRC1–Br140 “bivalent complexes” in fly embryos supports and extends the bivalency model posited in mammalian cells, in which the coexistence of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 at developmental promoters represents a poised transcriptional state. We further speculate that local competition between acetylation and deacetylation may play a critical role in the resolution of bivalent protein complexes during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuckjoon Kang
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Youngsook L Jung
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Kyle A McElroy
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Barry M Zee
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Heather A Wallace
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Jessica L Woolnough
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Peter J Park
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Mitzi I Kuroda
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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20
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Abstract
The question of how noncoding RNAs are involved in Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) regulation has been on an extraordinary journey over the last three decades. Favored models have risen and fallen, and healthy debates have swept back and forth. The field has recently reached a critical mass of compelling data that throws light on several previously unresolved issues. The time is ripe for a fruitful combination of these findings with two other long-running avenues of research, namely the biochemical properties of the PcG/TrxG system and the application of theoretical mathematical models toward an understanding of the system's regulatory properties. I propose that integrating our current knowledge of noncoding RNA into a quantitative biochemical and theoretical framework for PcG and TrxG regulation has the potential to reconcile several apparently conflicting models and identifies fascinating questions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Ringrose
- Integrated Research Institute for Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany;
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21
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Kassis JA, Kennison JA, Tamkun JW. Polycomb and Trithorax Group Genes in Drosophila. Genetics 2017; 206:1699-1725. [PMID: 28778878 PMCID: PMC5560782 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.185116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) genes encode important regulators of development and differentiation in metazoans. These two groups of genes were discovered in Drosophila by their opposing effects on homeotic gene (Hox) expression. PcG genes collectively behave as genetic repressors of Hox genes, while the TrxG genes are necessary for HOX gene expression or function. Biochemical studies showed that many PcG proteins are present in two protein complexes, Polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2, which repress transcription via chromatin modifications. TrxG proteins activate transcription via a variety of mechanisms. Here we summarize the large body of genetic and biochemical experiments in Drosophila on these two important groups of genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Kassis
- Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - James A Kennison
- Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - John W Tamkun
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064
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22
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Keap1-Independent Regulation of Nrf2 Activity by Protein Acetylation and a BET Bromodomain Protein. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006072. [PMID: 27233051 PMCID: PMC4883770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian BET proteins comprise a family of bromodomain-containing epigenetic regulators with complex functions in chromatin organization and gene regulation. We identified the sole member of the BET protein family in Drosophila, Fs(1)h, as an inhibitor of the stress responsive transcription factor CncC, the fly ortholog of Nrf2. Fs(1)h physically interacts with CncC in a manner that requires the function of its bromodomains and the acetylation of CncC. Treatment of cultured Drosophila cells or adult flies with fs(1)h RNAi or with the BET protein inhibitor JQ1 de-represses CncC transcriptional activity and engages protective gene expression programs. The mechanism by which Fs(1)h inhibits CncC function is distinct from the canonical mechanism that stimulates Nrf2 function by abrogating Keap1-dependent proteasomal degradation. Consistent with the independent modes of CncC regulation by Keap1 and Fs(1)h, combinations of drugs that can specifically target these pathways cause a strong synergistic and specific activation of protective CncC- dependent gene expression and boosts oxidative stress resistance. This synergism might be exploitable for the design of combinatorial therapies to target diseases associated with oxidative stress or inflammation. Nrf2-related transcription factors regulate gene expression programs that protect organisms against chemical or oxidative stress. Nrf2-activating drugs hold promise for the treatment of diseases that are connected to oxidative stress or inflammation. We identified Fs(1)h, a bromodomain-containing BET protein, as a negative regulator of Nrf2 function in Drosophila. BET proteins are involved in transcription regulation and chromatin organization and have been implicated in several diseases, including cancer. Fs(1)h interacts with acetylated lysines on CncC, the homolog of Nrf2 in Drosophila, and thereby prevents target gene activation. Nrf2 can be released from this inhibitory effect by small molecules that specifically interfere with the binding of BET proteins to acetylated targets. Fs(1)h regulates Nrf2 independently of Keap1, a well-studied Nrf2 regulator. Consequently, chemical inhibitors of Keap1 and of Fs(1)h can be combined to achieve synergistic activation of Nrf2 target genes and strongly boost oxidative stress tolerance in Drosophila. The Keap1-independent mechanism of Nrf2 regulation is conserved in mammals. We suggest that the synergistic effect of combinatorial Nrf2 targeting drugs may be effective for the treatment of different oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases.
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23
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Geisler SJ, Paro R. Trithorax and Polycomb group-dependent regulation: a tale of opposing activities. Development 2015; 142:2876-2887. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.120030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Intricate layers of regulation determine the unique gene expression profiles of a given cell and, therefore, underlie the immense phenotypic diversity observed among cell types. Understanding the mechanisms that govern which genes are expressed and which genes are silenced is a fundamental focus in biology. The Polycomb and Trithorax group chromatin proteins play important roles promoting the stable and heritable repression and activation of gene expression, respectively. These proteins, which are conserved across metazoans, modulate post-translational modifications on histone tails and regulate nucleosomal structures. Here, we review recent advances that have shed light on the mechanisms by which these two classes of proteins act to maintain epigenetic memory and allow dynamic switches in gene expression during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Geisler
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Renato Paro
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel 4058, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, Basel 4056, Switzerland
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24
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tBRD-1 selectively controls gene activity in the Drosophila testis and interacts with two new members of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108267. [PMID: 25251222 PMCID: PMC4177214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multicellular organisms have evolved specialized mechanisms to control transcription in a spatial and temporal manner. Gene activation is tightly linked to histone acetylation on lysine residues that can be recognized by bromodomains. Previously, the testis-specifically expressed bromodomain protein tBRD-1 was identified in Drosophila. Expression of tBRD-1 is restricted to highly transcriptionally active primary spermatocytes. tBRD-1 is essential for male fertility and proposed to act as a co-factor of testis-specific TATA box binding protein-associated factors (tTAFs) for testis-specific transcription. Here, we performed microarray analyses to compare the transcriptomes of tbrd-1 mutant testes and wild-type testes. Our data confirmed that tBRD-1 controls gene activity in male germ cells. Additionally, comparing the transcriptomes of tbrd-1 and tTAF mutant testes revealed a subset of common target genes. We also characterized two new members of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family, tBRD-2 and tBRD-3. In contrast to other members of the BET family in animals, both possess only a single bromodomain, a characteristic feature of plant BET family members. Immunohistology techniques not only revealed that tBRD-2 and tBRD-3 partially co-localize with tBRD-1 and tTAFs in primary spermatocytes, but also that their proper subcellular distribution was impaired in tbrd-1 and tTAF mutant testes. Treating cultured male germ cells with inhibitors showed that localization of tBRD-2 and tBRD-3 depends on the acetylation status within primary spermatocytes. Yeast two-hybrid assays and co-immunoprecipitations using fly testes protein extracts demonstrated that tBRD-1 is able to form homodimers as well as heterodimers with tBRD-2, tBRD-3, and tTAFs. These data reveal for the first time the existence of single bromodomain BET proteins in animals, as well as evidence for a complex containing tBRDs and tTAFs that regulates transcription of a subset of genes with relevance for spermiogenesis.
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Tomescu OA, Mattanovich D, Thallinger GG. Integrative omics analysis. A study based on Plasmodium falciparum mRNA and protein data. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2014; 8 Suppl 2:S4. [PMID: 25033389 PMCID: PMC4101701 DOI: 10.1186/1752-0509-8-s2-s4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Technological improvements have shifted the focus from data generation to data analysis. The availability of large amounts of data from transcriptomics, protemics and metabolomics experiments raise new questions concerning suitable integrative analysis methods. We compare three integrative analysis techniques (co-inertia analysis, generalized singular value decomposition and integrative biclustering) by applying them to gene and protein abundance data from the six life cycle stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Co-inertia analysis is an analysis method used to visualize and explore gene and protein data. The generalized singular value decomposition has shown its potential in the analysis of two transcriptome data sets. Integrative Biclustering applies biclustering to gene and protein data. Results Using CIA, we visualize the six life cycle stages of Plasmodium falciparum, as well as GO terms in a 2D plane and interpret the spatial configuration. With GSVD, we decompose the transcriptomic and proteomic data sets into matrices with biologically meaningful interpretations and explore the processes captured by the data sets. IBC identifies groups of genes, proteins, GO Terms and life cycle stages of Plasmodium falciparum. We show method-specific results as well as a network view of the life cycle stages based on the results common to all three methods. Additionally, by combining the results of the three methods, we create a three-fold validated network of life cycle stage specific GO terms: Sporozoites are associated with transcription and transport; merozoites with entry into host cell as well as biosynthetic and metabolic processes; rings with oxidation-reduction processes; trophozoites with glycolysis and energy production; schizonts with antigenic variation and immune response; gametocyctes with DNA packaging and mitochondrial transport. Furthermore, the network connectivity underlines the separation of the intraerythrocytic cycle from the gametocyte and sporozoite stages. Conclusion Using integrative analysis techniques, we can integrate knowledge from different levels and obtain a wider view of the system under study. The overlap between method-specific and common results is considerable, even if the basic mathematical assumptions are very different. The three-fold validated network of life cycle stage characteristics of Plasmodium falciparum could identify a large amount of the known associations from literature in only one study.
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Wang J, Tadeo X, Hou H, Tu PG, Thompson J, Yates JR, Jia S. Epe1 recruits BET family bromodomain protein Bdf2 to establish heterochromatin boundaries. Genes Dev 2013; 27:1886-902. [PMID: 24013502 PMCID: PMC3778242 DOI: 10.1101/gad.221010.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Heterochromatin spreading leads to gene silencing, and boundary elements constrain such spreading. IRC inverted repeats are required for boundary function at centromeric heterochromatin in fission yeast. Jia and colleagues now identify BET family homolog Bdf2 as required for heterochromatin boundary function at IRCs. Bdf2 interacts with boundary protein Epe1, recognizes acetylated histone H4 tails, and antagonizes Sir2-mediated deacetylation of histone H4K16. This study illustrates a mechanism for establishing chromosome boundaries through recruitment of a factor that protects euchromatic histone modifications. Heterochromatin spreading leads to the silencing of genes within its path, and boundary elements have evolved to constrain such spreading. In fission yeast, heterochromatin at centromeres I and III is flanked by inverted repeats termed IRCs, which are required for proper boundary functions. However, the mechanisms by which IRCs prevent heterochromatin spreading are unknown. Here, we identified Bdf2, which is homologous to the mammalian bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family double bromodomain proteins involved in diverse types of cancers, as a factor required for proper boundary function at IRCs. Bdf2 is enriched at IRCs through its interaction with the boundary protein Epe1. The bromodomains of Bdf2 recognize acetylated histone H4 tails and antagonize Sir2-mediated deacetylation of histone H4K16. Furthermore, abolishing H4K16 acetylation (H4K16ac) with an H4K16R mutation promotes heterochromatin spreading, and mimicking H4K16ac by an H4K16Q mutation blocks heterochromatin spreading at IRCs. Our results thus illustrate a mechanism of establishing chromosome boundaries at specific sites through the recruitment of a factor that protects euchromatic histone modifications. They also reveal a previously unappreciated function of H4K16ac in cooperation with H3K9 methylation to regulate heterochromatin spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyong Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
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