1
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Feierman ER, Louzon S, Prescott NA, Biaco T, Gao Q, Qiu Q, Choi K, Palozola KC, Voss AJ, Mehta SD, Quaye CN, Lynch KT, Fuccillo MV, Wu H, David Y, Korb E. Histone variant H2BE enhances chromatin accessibility in neurons to promote synaptic gene expression and long-term memory. Mol Cell 2024; 84:2822-2837.e11. [PMID: 39025074 PMCID: PMC11316635 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Histone proteins affect gene expression through multiple mechanisms, including through exchange with histone variants. Recent findings link histone variants to neurological disorders, yet few are well studied in the brain. Most notably, widely expressed variants of H2B remain elusive. We applied recently developed antibodies, biochemical assays, and sequencing approaches to reveal broad expression of the H2B variant H2BE and defined its role in regulating chromatin structure, neuronal transcription, and mouse behavior. We find that H2BE is enriched at promoters, and a single unique amino acid allows it to dramatically enhance chromatin accessibility. Further, we show that H2BE is critical for synaptic gene expression and long-term memory. Together, these data reveal a mechanism linking histone variants to chromatin accessibility, transcriptional regulation, neuronal function, and memory. This work further identifies a widely expressed H2B variant and uncovers a single histone amino acid with profound effects on genomic structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Feierman
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sean Louzon
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicholas A Prescott
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Tri-institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tracy Biaco
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Tri-institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qingzeng Gao
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qi Qiu
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kyuhyun Choi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katherine C Palozola
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anna J Voss
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shreya D Mehta
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Camille N Quaye
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katherine T Lynch
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marc V Fuccillo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yael David
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Tri-institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erica Korb
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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2
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Beknazarov N, Konovalov D, Herbert A, Poptsova M. Z-DNA formation in promoters conserved between human and mouse are associated with increased transcription reinitiation rates. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17786. [PMID: 39090226 PMCID: PMC11294368 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68439-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
A long-standing question concerns the role of Z-DNA in transcription. Here we use a deep learning approach DeepZ that predicts Z-flipons based on DNA sequence, structural properties of nucleotides and omics data. We examined Z-flipons that are conserved between human and mouse genomes after generating whole-genome Z-flipon maps and then validated them by orthogonal approaches based on high resolution chemical mapping of Z-DNA and the transformer algorithm Z-DNABERT. For human and mouse, we revealed similar pattern of transcription factors, chromatin remodelers, and histone marks associated with conserved Z-flipons. We found significant enrichment of Z-flipons in alternative and bidirectional promoters associated with neurogenesis genes. We show that conserved Z-flipons are associated with increased experimentally determined transcription reinitiation rates compared to promoters without Z-flipons, but without affecting elongation or pausing. Our findings support a model where Z-flipons engage Transcription Factor E and impact phenotype by enabling the reset of preinitiation complexes when active, and the suppression of gene expression when engaged by repressive chromatin complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazar Beknazarov
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Konovalov
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alan Herbert
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.
- InsideOutBio, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Maria Poptsova
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.
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3
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Reda A, Hategan LA, McLean TAB, Creighton SD, Luo JQ, Chen SES, Hua S, Winston S, Reeves I, Padmanabhan A, Dahi TA, Ramzan F, Brimble MA, Murphy PJ, Walters BJ, Stefanelli G, Zovkic IB. Role of the histone variant H2A.Z.1 in memory, transcription, and alternative splicing is mediated by lysine modification. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:1285-1295. [PMID: 38366138 PMCID: PMC11224360 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01817-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Creating long-lasting memories requires learning-induced changes in gene expression, which are impacted by epigenetic modifications of DNA and associated histone proteins. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histones are key regulators of transcription, with different PTMs producing unique effects on gene activity and behavior. Although recent studies implicate histone variants as novel regulators of memory, effects of PTMs on the function of histone variants are rarely considered. We previously showed that the histone variant H2A.Z suppresses memory, but it is unclear if this role is impacted by H2A.Z acetylation, a PTM that is typically associated with positive effects on transcription and memory. To answer this question, we used a mutation approach to manipulate acetylation on H2A.Z without impacting acetylation of other histone types. Specifically, we used adeno-associated virus (AAV) constructs to overexpress mutated H2A.Z.1 isoforms that either mimic acetylation (acetyl-mimic) by replacing lysines 4, 7 and 11 with glutamine (KQ), or H2A.Z.1 with impaired acetylation (acetyl-defective) by replacing the same lysines with alanine (KA). Expressing the H2A.Z.1 acetyl-mimic (H2A.Z.1KQ) improved memory under weak learning conditions, whereas expressing the acetyl-defective H2A.Z.1KA generally impaired memory, indicating that the effect of H2A.Z.1 on memory depends on its acetylation status. RNA sequencing showed that H2A.Z.1KQ and H2A.Z.1KA uniquely impact the expression of different classes of genes in both females and males. Specifically, H2A.Z.1KA preferentially impacts genes involved in synaptic function, suggesting that acetyl-defective H2A.Z.1 impairs memory by altering synaptic regulation. Finally, we describe, for the first time, that H2A.Z is also involved in alternative splicing of neuronal genes, whereby H2A.Z depletion, as well as expression of H2A.Z.1 lysine mutants influence transcription and splicing of different gene targets, suggesting that H2A.Z.1 can impact behavior through effects on both splicing and gene expression. This is the first study to demonstrate that direct manipulation of H2A.Z post-translational modifications regulates memory, whereby acetylation adds another regulatory layer by which histone variants can fine tune higher brain functions through effects on gene expression and splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Reda
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Luca A Hategan
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Timothy A B McLean
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Samantha D Creighton
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Jian Qi Luo
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Sean En Si Chen
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Shan Hua
- Departments of Biology and Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Stephen Winston
- Department of Surgery and Graduate school of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Isaiah Reeves
- Department of Surgery and Graduate school of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Aditya Padmanabhan
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Tarkan A Dahi
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Firyal Ramzan
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Mark A Brimble
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Patrick J Murphy
- Departments of Biology and Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Brandon J Walters
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Gilda Stefanelli
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Iva B Zovkic
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada.
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4
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Feierman ER, Louzon S, Prescott NA, Biaco T, Gao Q, Qiu Q, Choi K, Palozola KC, Voss AJ, Mehta SD, Quaye CN, Lynch KT, Fuccillo MV, Wu H, David Y, Korb E. Histone variant H2BE enhances chromatin accessibility in neurons to promote synaptic gene expression and long-term memory. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.29.575103. [PMID: 38352334 PMCID: PMC10862743 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.29.575103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Regulation of histone proteins affects gene expression through multiple mechanisms including exchange with histone variants. However, widely expressed variants of H2B remain elusive. Recent findings link histone variants to neurological disorders, yet few are well studied in the brain. We applied new tools including novel antibodies, biochemical assays, and sequencing approaches to reveal broad expression of the H2B variant H2BE, and defined its role in regulating chromatin structure, neuronal transcription, and mouse behavior. We find that H2BE is enriched at promoters and a single unique amino acid allows it to dramatically enhance chromatin accessibility. Lastly, we show that H2BE is critical for synaptic gene expression and long-term memory. Together, these data reveal a novel mechanism linking histone variants to chromatin regulation, neuronal function, and memory. This work further identifies the first widely expressed H2B variant and uncovers a single histone amino acid with profound effects on genomic structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Feierman
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Sean Louzon
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nicholas A. Prescott
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Tri-institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY
| | - Tracy Biaco
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Tri-institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY
| | - Qingzeng Gao
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Qi Qiu
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kyuhyun Choi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Katherine C. Palozola
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Anna J. Voss
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Shreya D. Mehta
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Camille N. Quaye
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Katherine T. Lynch
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Marc V. Fuccillo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Yael David
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Tri-institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY
| | - Erica Korb
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
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5
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Cornejo KG, Venegas A, Sono MH, Door M, Gutierrez-Ruiz B, Karabedian LB, Nandi SG, Dykhuizen EC, Saha RN. Activity-assembled nBAF complex mediates rapid immediate early gene transcription by regulating RNA Polymerase II productive elongation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.30.573688. [PMID: 38234780 PMCID: PMC10793463 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.30.573688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Signal-dependent RNA Polymerase II (Pol2) productive elongation is an integral component of gene transcription, including those of immediate early genes (IEGs) induced by neuronal activity. However, it remains unclear how productively elongating Pol2 overcome nucleosomal barriers. Using RNAi, three degraders, and several small molecule inhibitors, we show that the mammalian SWI/SNF complex of neurons (neuronal BAF, or nBAF) is required for activity-induced transcription of neuronal IEGs, including Arc . The nBAF complex facilitates promoter-proximal Pol2 pausing, signal-dependent Pol2 recruitment (loading), and importantly, mediates productive elongation in the gene body via interaction with the elongation complex and elongation-competent Pol2. Mechanistically, Pol2 elongation is mediated by activity-induced nBAF assembly (especially, ARID1A recruitment) and its ATPase activity. Together, our data demonstrate that the nBAF complex regulates several aspects of Pol2 transcription and reveal mechanisms underlying activity-induced Pol2 elongation. These findings may offer insights into human maladies etiologically associated with mutational interdiction of BAF functions.
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6
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González J, Bosch-Presegué L, Marazuela-Duque A, Guitart-Solanes A, Espinosa-Alcantud M, Fernandez AF, Brown JP, Ausió J, Vazquez BN, Singh PB, Fraga MF, Vaquero A. A complex interplay between H2A.Z and HP1 isoforms regulates pericentric heterochromatin. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1293122. [PMID: 38020886 PMCID: PMC10665487 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1293122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pericentric heterochromatin (PCH) plays an essential role in the maintenance of genome integrity and alterations in PCH have been linked to cancer and aging. HP1 α, β, and γ, are hallmarks of constitutive heterochromatin that are thought to promote PCH structure through binding to heterochromatin-specific histone modifications and interaction with a wide range of factors. Among the less understood components of PCH is the histone H2A variant H2A.Z, whose role in the organization and maintenance of PCH is poorly defined. Here we show that there is a complex interplay between H2A.Z and HP1 isoforms in PCH. While the loss of HP1α results in the accumulation of H2A.Z.1 in PCH, which is associated with a significant decrease in its mobile fraction, H2A.Z.1 binds preferentially to HP1β in these regions. Of note, H2A.Z.1 downregulation results in increased heterochromatinization and instability of PCH, reflected by accumulation of the major epigenetic hallmarks of heterochromatin in these regions and increased frequency of chromosome aberrations related to centromeric/pericentromeric defects. Our studies support a role for H2A.Z in genome stability and unveil a key role of H2A.Z in the regulation of heterochromatin-specific epigenetic modifications through a complex interplay with the HP1 isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica González
- Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Bosch-Presegué
- Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain
- Tissue Repair and Regeneration Laboratory (TR2Lab), Institut de Recerca I Innovació en Ciències de La Vida i de La Salut a La Catalunya Central (IrisCC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Marazuela-Duque
- Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Guitart-Solanes
- Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Espinosa-Alcantud
- Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Agustín F. Fernandez
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), El Entrego, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Network in Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jeremy P. Brown
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, Commonwealth Building, The Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juan Ausió
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Berta N. Vazquez
- Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain
- Cytology and Histology Unit. Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Prim B. Singh
- Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Mario F. Fraga
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), El Entrego, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Network in Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Vaquero
- Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Torres-Arciga K, Flores-León M, Ruiz-Pérez S, Trujillo-Pineda M, González-Barrios R, Herrera LA. Histones and their chaperones: Adaptive remodelers of an ever-changing chromatinic landscape. Front Genet 2022; 13:1057846. [PMID: 36468032 PMCID: PMC9709290 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1057846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin maintenance and remodeling are processes that take place alongside DNA repair, replication, or transcription to ensure the survival and adaptability of a cell. The environment and the needs of the cell dictate how chromatin is remodeled; particularly where and which histones are deposited, thus changing the canonical histone array to regulate chromatin structure and gene expression. Chromatin is highly dynamic, and histone variants and their chaperones play a crucial role in maintaining the epigenetic regulation at different genomic regions. Despite the large number of histone variants reported to date, studies on their roles in physiological processes and pathologies are emerging but continue to be scarce. Here, we present recent advances in the research on histone variants and their chaperones, with a focus on their importance in molecular mechanisms such as replication, transcription, and DNA damage repair. Additionally, we discuss the emerging role they have in transposable element regulation, aging, and chromatin remodeling syndromes. Finally, we describe currently used methods and their limitations in the study of these proteins and highlight the importance of improving the experimental approaches to further understand this epigenetic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Torres-Arciga
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan)-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIBO), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Manuel Flores-León
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIBO), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Samuel Ruiz-Pérez
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan)-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIBO), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Magalli Trujillo-Pineda
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan)-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIBO), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo González-Barrios
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan)-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIBO), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis A. Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan)-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIBO), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Mexico City, Mexico
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8
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Rienecker KDA, Poston RG, Segales JS, Finholm IW, Sono MH, Munteanu SJ, Ghaninejad-Esfahani M, Rejepova A, Tejeda-Garibay S, Wickman K, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Thayer SA, Saha RN. Mild membrane depolarization in neurons induces immediate early gene transcription and acutely subdues responses to successive stimulus. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102278. [PMID: 35863435 PMCID: PMC9396413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Immediate early genes (IEGs) are transcribed in response to neuronal activity from sensory stimulation during multiple adaptive processes in the brain. The transcriptional profile of IEGs is indicative of the duration of neuronal activity, but its sensitivity to the strength of depolarization remains unknown. Also unknown is whether activity history of graded potential changes influence future neuronal activity. In this work with dissociated rat cortical neurons, we found that mild depolarization—mediated by elevated extracellular potassium (K+)—induces a wide array of rapid IEGs and transiently depresses transcriptional and signaling responses to a successive stimulus. This latter effect was independent of de novo transcription, translation, and signaling via calcineurin or mitogen-activated protein kinase. Furthermore, as measured by multiple electrode arrays and calcium imaging, mild depolarization acutely subdues subsequent spontaneous and bicuculline-evoked activity via calcium- and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor–dependent mechanisms. Collectively, this work suggests that a recent history of graded potential changes acutely depress neuronal intrinsic properties and subsequent responses. Such effects may have several potential downstream implications, including reducing signal-to-noise ratio during synaptic plasticity processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira D A Rienecker
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California, USA, 95343
| | - Robert G Poston
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California, USA, 95343
| | - Joshua S Segales
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California, USA, 95343
| | - Isabelle W Finholm
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Morgan H Sono
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California, USA, 95343
| | - Sorina J Munteanu
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California, USA, 95343
| | - Mina Ghaninejad-Esfahani
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California, USA, 95343
| | - Ayna Rejepova
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California, USA, 95343
| | - Susana Tejeda-Garibay
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California, USA, 95343
| | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | | | - Stanley A Thayer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ramendra N Saha
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California, USA, 95343.
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9
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Foroozani M, Holder DH, Deal RB. Histone Variants in the Specialization of Plant Chromatin. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 73:149-172. [PMID: 35167758 PMCID: PMC9133179 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-070221-050044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The basic unit of chromatin, the nucleosome, is an octamer of four core histone proteins (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) and serves as a fundamental regulatory unit in all DNA-templated processes. The majority of nucleosome assembly occurs during DNA replication when these core histones are produced en masse to accommodate the nascent genome. In addition, there are a number of nonallelic sequence variants of H2A and H3 in particular, known as histone variants, that can be incorporated into nucleosomes in a targeted and replication-independent manner. By virtue of their sequence divergence from the replication-coupled histones, these histone variants can impart unique properties onto the nucleosomes they occupy and thereby influence transcription and epigenetic states, DNA repair, chromosome segregation, and other nuclear processes in ways that profoundly affect plant biology. In this review, we discuss the evolutionary origins of these variants in plants, their known roles in chromatin, and their impacts on plant development and stress responses. We focus on the individual and combined roles of histone variants in transcriptional regulation within euchromatic and heterochromatic genome regions. Finally, we highlight gaps in our understanding of plant variants at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, and we propose new directions for study in the field of plant histone variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dylan H Holder
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA;
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Roger B Deal
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA;
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10
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Histone macroH2A1 is a stronger regulator of hippocampal transcription and memory than macroH2A2 in mice. Commun Biol 2022; 5:482. [PMID: 35590030 PMCID: PMC9120515 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03435-4] [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: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone variants H2A.Z and H3.3 are epigenetic regulators of memory, but roles of other variants are not well characterized. macroH2A (mH2A) is a structurally unique histone that contains a globular macrodomain connected to the histone region by an unstructured linker. Here we assessed if mH2A regulates memory and if this role varies for the two mH2A-encoding genes, H2afy (mH2A1) and H2afy2 (mH2A2). We show that fear memory is impaired in mH2A1, but not in mH2A2-deficient mice, whereas both groups were impaired in a non-aversive spatial memory task. However, impairment was larger for mH2A1- deficient mice, indicating a preferential role for mH2A1 over mH2A2 in memory. Accordingly, mH2A1 depletion in the mouse hippocampus resulted in more extensive transcriptional de-repression compared to mH2A2 depletion. mH2A1-depleted mice failed to induce a normal transcriptional response to fear conditioning, suggesting that mH2A1 depletion impairs memory by altering transcription. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing, we found that both mH2A proteins are enriched on transcriptionally repressed genes, but only mH2A1 occupancy was dynamically modified during learning, displaying reduced occupancy on upregulated genes after training. These data identify mH2A as a regulator of memory and suggest that mH2A1 supports memory by repressing spurious transcription and promoting learning-induced transcriptional activation.
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11
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Farrelly LA, Zheng S, Schrode N, Topol A, Bhanu NV, Bastle RM, Ramakrishnan A, Chan JC, Cetin B, Flaherty E, Shen L, Gleason K, Tamminga CA, Garcia BA, Li H, Brennand KJ, Maze I. Chromatin profiling in human neurons reveals aberrant roles for histone acetylation and BET family proteins in schizophrenia. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2195. [PMID: 35459277 PMCID: PMC9033776 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29922-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a psychiatric disorder with complex genetic risk dictated by interactions between hundreds of risk variants. Epigenetic factors, such as histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs), have been shown to play critical roles in many neurodevelopmental processes, and when perturbed may also contribute to the precipitation of disease. Here, we apply an unbiased proteomics approach to evaluate combinatorial histone PTMs in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived forebrain neurons from individuals with SZ. We observe hyperacetylation of H2A.Z and H4 in neurons derived from SZ cases, results that were confirmed in postmortem human brain. We demonstrate that the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein, BRD4, is a bona fide 'reader' of H2A.Z acetylation, and further provide evidence that BET family protein inhibition ameliorates transcriptional abnormalities in patient-derived neurons. Thus, treatments aimed at alleviating BET protein interactions with hyperacetylated histones may aid in the prevention or treatment of SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna A Farrelly
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Shuangping Zheng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Nadine Schrode
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Aaron Topol
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Natarajan V Bhanu
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ryan M Bastle
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Aarthi Ramakrishnan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Jennifer C Chan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Bulent Cetin
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Erin Flaherty
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Kelly Gleason
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Carol A Tamminga
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Haitao Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
| | - Kristen J Brennand
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Departments of Psychiatry and Genetics, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 065109, USA.
| | - Ian Maze
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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12
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Herchenröther A, Wunderlich TM, Lan J, Hake SB. Spotlight on histone H2A variants: From B to X to Z. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 135:3-12. [PMID: 35365397 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin, the functional organization of DNA with histone proteins in eukaryotic nuclei, is the tightly-regulated template for several biological processes, such as transcription, replication, DNA damage repair, chromosome stability and sister chromatid segregation. In order to achieve a reversible control of local chromatin structure and DNA accessibility, various interconnected mechanisms have evolved. One of such processes includes the deposition of functionally-diverse variants of histone proteins into nucleosomes, the building blocks of chromatin. Among core histones, the family of H2A histone variants exhibits the largest number of members and highest sequence-divergence. In this short review, we report and discuss recent discoveries concerning the biological functions of the animal histone variants H2A.B, H2A.X and H2A.Z and how dysregulation or mutation of the latter impacts the development of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim M Wunderlich
- Institute for Genetics, Justus Liebig University, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Jie Lan
- Institute for Genetics, Justus Liebig University, 35390 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Sandra B Hake
- Institute for Genetics, Justus Liebig University, 35390 Giessen, Germany.
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13
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Sales-Gil R, Kommer DC, de Castro IJ, Amin HA, Vinciotti V, Sisu C, Vagnarelli P. Non-redundant functions of H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2 in chromosome segregation and cell cycle progression. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52061. [PMID: 34423893 PMCID: PMC8567233 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202052061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
H2A.Z is a H2A‐type histone variant essential for many aspects of cell biology, ranging from gene expression to genome stability. From deuterostomes, H2A.Z evolved into two paralogues, H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2, that differ by only three amino acids and are encoded by different genes (H2AFZ and H2AFV, respectively). Despite the importance of this histone variant in development and cellular homeostasis, very little is known about the individual functions of each paralogue in mammals. Here, we have investigated the distinct roles of the two paralogues in cell cycle regulation and unveiled non‐redundant functions for H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2 in cell division. Our findings show that H2A.Z.1 regulates the expression of cell cycle genes such as Myc and Ki‐67 and its depletion leads to a G1 arrest and cellular senescence. On the contrary, H2A.Z.2, in a transcription‐independent manner, is essential for centromere integrity and sister chromatid cohesion regulation, thus playing a key role in chromosome segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Sales-Gil
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Dorothee C Kommer
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Ines J de Castro
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Hasnat A Amin
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Veronica Vinciotti
- College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Research Institute for Environment Health and Society, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Cristina Sisu
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Paola Vagnarelli
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Brunel University London, London, UK
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14
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Colino-Sanguino Y, Clark SJ, Valdes-Mora F. The H2A.Z-nuclesome code in mammals: emerging functions. Trends Genet 2021; 38:273-289. [PMID: 34702577 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
H2A.Z is a histone variant that provides specific structural and docking-side properties to the nucleosome, resulting in diverse and specialised molecular and cellular functions. In this review, we discuss the latest studies uncovering new functional aspects of mammalian H2A.Z in gene transcription, including pausing and elongation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and enhancer activity; DNA repair; DNA replication; and 3D chromatin structure. We also review the recently described role of H2A.Z in embryonic development, cell differentiation, neurodevelopment, and brain function. In conclusion, our cumulative knowledge of H2A.Z over the past 40 years, in combination with the implementation of novel molecular technologies, is unravelling an unexpected and complex role of histone variants in gene regulation and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Colino-Sanguino
- Cancer Epigenetics Biology and Therapeutics, Precision Medicine Theme, Children's Cancer Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Children and Women Health, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Susan J Clark
- Epigenetics Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetics Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fatima Valdes-Mora
- Cancer Epigenetics Biology and Therapeutics, Precision Medicine Theme, Children's Cancer Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Children and Women Health, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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15
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Lowden C, Boulet A, Boehler NA, Seecharran S, Rios Garcia J, Lowe NJ, Liu J, Ong JLK, Wang W, Ma L, Cheng AH, Senatore A, Monks DA, Liu BH, Leary SC, Cheng HYM. Homeostatic control of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial gene expression by the histone variant H2A.Z is essential for neuronal survival. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109704. [PMID: 34525369 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone variants are crucial regulators of chromatin structure and gene transcription, yet their functions within the brain remain largely unexplored. Here, we show that the H2A histone variant H2A.Z is essential for neuronal survival. Mice lacking H2A.Z in GABAergic neurons or Purkinje cells (PCs) present with a progressive cerebellar ataxia accompanied by widespread degeneration of PCs. Ablation of H2A.Z in other neuronal subtypes also triggers cell death. H2A.Z binds to the promoters of key nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes to regulate their expression and promote organelle function. Bolstering mitochondrial activity genetically or by organelle transplant enhances the survival of H2A.Z-ablated neurons. Changes in bioenergetic status alter H2A.Z occupancy at the promoters of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes, an adaptive response essential for cell survival. Our results highlight that H2A.Z fulfills a key, conserved role in neuronal survival by acting as a transcriptional rheostat to regulate the expression of genes critical to mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Lowden
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Aren Boulet
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Nicholas A Boehler
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Shavanie Seecharran
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Julian Rios Garcia
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Lowe
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Jiashu Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Jonathan L K Ong
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Wanzhang Wang
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Lingfeng Ma
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Arthur H Cheng
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Adriano Senatore
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - D Ashley Monks
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Bao-Hua Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Scot C Leary
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Hai-Ying Mary Cheng
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada.
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16
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Bongiovanni L, Andriessen A, Silvestri S, Porcellato I, Brachelente C, de Bruin A. H2AFZ: A Novel Prognostic Marker in Canine Melanoma and a Predictive Marker for Resistance to CDK4/6 Inhibitor Treatment. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:705359. [PMID: 34485433 PMCID: PMC8415453 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.705359] [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: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled proliferation is a key feature of tumor progression and malignancy. This suggests that cell-cycle related factors could be exploited as cancer biomarkers and that pathways specifically involved in the cell cycle, such as the Rb-E2F pathway, could be targeted as an effective anti-tumor therapy. We investigated 34 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples of canine cutaneous melanocytoma, cutaneous melanoma, and oral melanoma. Corresponding clinical follow-up data were used to determine the prognostic value of the mRNA expression levels of several cell cycle regulated E2F target genes (E2F1, DHFR, CDC6, ATAD2, MCM2, H2AFZ, GINS2, and survivin/BIRC5). Moreover, using four canine melanoma cell lines, we explored the possibility of blocking the Rb-E2F pathway by using a CDK4/6 inhibitor (Palbociclib) as a potential anti-cancer therapy. We investigated the expression levels of the same E2F target gene transcripts before and after treatment to determine the potential utility of these molecules as predictive markers. The E2F target gene H2AFZ was expressed in 91.43% of the primary tumors and H2AFZ expression was significantly higher in cases with unfavorable clinical outcome. Among the other tested genes, survivin/BIRC5 showed as well-promising results as a prognostic marker in canine melanoma. Three of the four tested melanoma cell lines were sensitive to the CDK4/6 inhibitor. The resistant cell line displayed higher expression levels of H2AFZ before treatment compared to the CDK4/6 inhibitor-sensitive cell lines. The present results suggest that CDK4/6 inhibitors could potentially be used as a new anti-cancer treatment for canine melanoma and that H2AFZ could serve as a prognostic and predictive marker for patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bongiovanni
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anneloes Andriessen
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Ilaria Porcellato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Brachelente
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alain de Bruin
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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17
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Stefanelli G, Makowski CE, Brimble MA, Hall M, Reda A, Creighton SD, Leonetti AM, McLean TAB, Zakaria JM, Baumbach J, Greer CB, Davidoff AM, Walters BJ, Murphy PJ, Zovkic IB. The histone chaperone Anp32e regulates memory formation, transcription, and dendritic morphology by regulating steady-state H2A.Z binding in neurons. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109551. [PMID: 34407406 PMCID: PMC8422973 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid removal of histone H2A.Z from neuronal chromatin is a key step in learning-induced gene expression and memory formation, but mechanisms underlying learning-induced H2A.Z removal are unclear. Anp32e was recently identified as an H2A.Z-specific histone chaperone that removes H2A.Z from nucleosomes in dividing cells, but its role in non-dividing neurons is unclear. Moreover, prior studies investigated Anp32e function under steady-state rather than stimulus-induced conditions. Here, we show that Anp32e regulates H2A.Z binding in neurons under steady-state conditions, with lesser impact on stimulus-induced H2A.Z removal. Functionally, Anp32e depletion leads to H2A.Z-dependent impairment in transcription and dendritic arborization in cultured hippocampal neurons, as well as impaired recall of contextual fear memory and transcriptional regulation. Together, these data indicate that Anp32e regulates behavioral and morphological outcomes by preventing H2A.Z accumulation in chromatin rather than by regulating activity-mediated H2A.Z dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Stefanelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Claire E Makowski
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Mark A Brimble
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Meaghan Hall
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Anas Reda
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Samantha D Creighton
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Amanda M Leonetti
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Timothy A B McLean
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Jacqueline M Zakaria
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Jennet Baumbach
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Celeste B Greer
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Andrew M Davidoff
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Brandon J Walters
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Patrick J Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Iva B Zovkic
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada.
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18
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Kumar A, Chan J, Taguchi M, Kono H. Interplay among transacting factors around promoter in the initial phases of transcription. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2021; 71:7-15. [PMID: 34111671 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The initiation signals are raised around the promoter by one of the general transcription factors, triggering a sequence of events that lead to mRNA transcript formation from target genes. Both specific noncoding DNA regions and transacting, macromolecular assemblies are intricately involved and indispensable. The transition between the subsequent transcriptional stages is accompanied by stage-specific signals and structural changes in the macromolecular assemblies and facilitated by the recruitment/removal of other chromatin and transcription-associated elements. Here, we discuss the choreography of transacting factors around promoter in the establishment and effectuation of the initial phases of transcription such as NDR formation, +1 nucleosome positioning, promoter DNA opening, and RNAPII promoter escape from a structural viewpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarjeet Kumar
- Molecular Modeling and Simulation Group, Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 8-1-7 Umemidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto, 619-0215, Japan
| | - Justin Chan
- Molecular Modeling and Simulation Group, Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 8-1-7 Umemidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto, 619-0215, Japan
| | - Masahiko Taguchi
- Molecular Modeling and Simulation Group, Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 8-1-7 Umemidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto, 619-0215, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Kono
- Molecular Modeling and Simulation Group, Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 8-1-7 Umemidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto, 619-0215, Japan.
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19
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Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease characterized by loss of cellular homeostasis through genetic and epigenetic alterations. Emerging evidence highlights a role for histone variants and their dedicated chaperones in cancer initiation and progression. Histone variants are involved in processes as diverse as maintenance of genome integrity, nuclear architecture and cell identity. On a molecular level, histone variants add a layer of complexity to the dynamic regulation of transcription, DNA replication and repair, and mitotic chromosome segregation. Because these functions are critical to ensure normal proliferation and maintenance of cellular fate, cancer cells are defined by their capacity to subvert them. Hijacking histone variants and their chaperones is emerging as a common means to disrupt homeostasis across a wide range of cancers, particularly solid tumours. Here we discuss histone variants and histone chaperones as tumour-promoting or tumour-suppressive players in the pathogenesis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Filipescu
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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20
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Rispal J, Escaffit F, Trouche D. Chromatin Dynamics in Intestinal Epithelial Homeostasis: A Paradigm of Cell Fate Determination versus Cell Plasticity. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 16:1062-1080. [PMID: 33051755 PMCID: PMC7667136 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10055-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The rapid renewal of intestinal epithelium is mediated by a pool of stem cells, located at the bottom of crypts, giving rise to highly proliferative progenitor cells, which in turn differentiate during their migration along the villus. The equilibrium between renewal and differentiation is critical for establishment and maintenance of tissue homeostasis, and is regulated by signaling pathways (Wnt, Notch, Bmp…) and specific transcription factors (TCF4, CDX2…). Such regulation controls intestinal cell identities by modulating the cellular transcriptome. Recently, chromatin modification and dynamics have been identified as major actors linking signaling pathways and transcriptional regulation in the control of intestinal homeostasis. In this review, we synthesize the many facets of chromatin dynamics involved in controlling intestinal cell fate, such as stemness maintenance, progenitor identity, lineage choice and commitment, and terminal differentiation. In addition, we present recent data underlying the fundamental role of chromatin dynamics in intestinal cell plasticity. Indeed, this plasticity, which includes dedifferentiation processes or the response to environmental cues (like microbiota’s presence or food ingestion), is central for the organ’s physiology. Finally, we discuss the role of chromatin dynamics in the appearance and treatment of diseases caused by deficiencies in the aforementioned mechanisms, such as gastrointestinal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Rispal
- LBCMCP, Centre of Integrative Biology (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, 31062, France
| | - Fabrice Escaffit
- LBCMCP, Centre of Integrative Biology (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, 31062, France.
| | - Didier Trouche
- LBCMCP, Centre of Integrative Biology (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, 31062, France
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21
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Creighton SD, Stefanelli G, Reda A, Zovkic IB. Epigenetic Mechanisms of Learning and Memory: Implications for Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6918. [PMID: 32967185 PMCID: PMC7554829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal epigenome is highly sensitive to external events and its function is vital for producing stable behavioral outcomes, such as the formation of long-lasting memories. The importance of epigenetic regulation in memory is now well established and growing evidence points to altered epigenome function in the aging brain as a contributing factor to age-related memory decline. In this review, we first summarize the typical role of epigenetic factors in memory processing in a healthy young brain, then discuss the aspects of this system that are altered with aging. There is general agreement that many epigenetic marks are modified with aging, but there are still substantial inconsistencies in the precise nature of these changes and their link with memory decline. Here, we discuss the potential source of age-related changes in the epigenome and their implications for therapeutic intervention in age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha D. Creighton
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; (S.D.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Gilda Stefanelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; (S.D.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Anas Reda
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada;
| | - Iva B. Zovkic
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; (S.D.C.); (G.S.)
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada;
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22
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Ramzan F, Baumbach J, Monks AD, Zovkic IB. Histone H2A.Z is required for androgen receptor-mediated effects on fear memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 175:107311. [PMID: 32916283 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic factors translate environmental signals into stable outcomes, but how they are influenced by regulators of plasticity remain unclear. We previously showed that androgen receptor overexpression inhibited fear memory in male mice and increased expression of the histone variant H2A.Z, a novel epigenetic regulator of memory. Here, we used conditional-inducible H2A.Z knockout mice to investigate how H2A.Z deletion influences androgenic regulation of fear memory. We showed that conditional inducible H2A.Z deletion blocked memory-enhancing effects of androgen depletion (induced by gonadectomy), and of pharmacological inhibition of the androgen receptor with flutamide. Similarly, H2A.Z deletion blocked the memory-reducing effects of DHT, and DHT treatment in cultured hippocampal neurons altered H2A.Z binding, suggesting that AR is an H2A.Z regulator in neurons. Overall, these data show that fear memory formation is regulated by interactions between sex hormones and epigenetic factors, which has implications for sex differences in fear-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firyal Ramzan
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Psychology, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Jennet Baumbach
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Psychology, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Ashley D Monks
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Psychology, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Iva B Zovkic
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Psychology, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada.
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23
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Zovkic IB. Epigenetics and memory: an expanded role for chromatin dynamics. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 67:58-65. [PMID: 32905876 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Nearly two decades of research on epigenetic mechanisms in the brain have demonstrated that epigenetic marks that were once thought to be relatively static are dynamically and reversibly regulated in the brain during memory formation. Here, we focus on new research that has further expanded the dynamic nature of chromatin in memory formation through three key mechanisms. First, we discuss the emerging role of histone variants, which undergo learning-induced turnover or exchange, a process in which one histone type replaces another in chromatin. Next, we focus on chromatin remodeling complexes, which are tightly intertwined with all aspects of chromatin regulation and as such, can reposition or evict nucleosomes to promote transcriptional induction, and mediate histone variant exchange. Finally, we discuss how differential distribution of histone marks to localized narrow genomic regions and/or broadly distributed chromatin domains impact transcriptional outcomes and memory formation. Together, these studies mark a shift toward unraveling the complexity of chromatin function in memory and offer new strategies for fine tuning transcriptional outcomes to modify longevity, specificity and strength of memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva B Zovkic
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada.
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24
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Martire S, Banaszynski LA. The roles of histone variants in fine-tuning chromatin organization and function. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:522-541. [PMID: 32665685 PMCID: PMC8245300 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-0262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Histones serve to both package and organize DNA within the nucleus. In addition to histone post-translational modification and chromatin remodelling complexes, histone variants contribute to the complexity of epigenetic regulation of the genome. Histone variants are characterized by a distinct protein sequence and a selection of designated chaperone systems and chromatin remodelling complexes that regulate their localization in the genome. In addition, histone variants can be enriched with specific post-translational modifications, which in turn can provide a scaffold for recruitment of variant-specific interacting proteins to chromatin. Thus, through these properties, histone variants have the capacity to endow specific regions of chromatin with unique character and function in a regulated manner. In this Review, we provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the contribution of histone variants to chromatin function in mammalian systems. First, we discuss new molecular insights into chaperone-mediated histone variant deposition. Next, we discuss mechanisms by which histone variants influence chromatin properties such as nucleosome stability and the local chromatin environment both through histone variant sequence-specific effects and through their role in recruiting different chromatin-associated complexes. Finally, we focus on histone variant function in the context of both embryonic development and human disease, specifically developmental syndromes and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Martire
- Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Laura A Banaszynski
- Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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25
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Greenberg RS, Long HK, Swigut T, Wysocka J. Single Amino Acid Change Underlies Distinct Roles of H2A.Z Subtypes in Human Syndrome. Cell 2020; 178:1421-1436.e24. [PMID: 31491386 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The developmental disorder Floating-Harbor syndrome (FHS) is caused by heterozygous truncating mutations in SRCAP, a gene encoding a chromatin remodeler mediating incorporation of histone variant H2A.Z. Here, we demonstrate that FHS-associated mutations result in loss of SRCAP nuclear localization, alter neural crest gene programs in human in vitro models and Xenopus embryos, and cause craniofacial defects. These defects are mediated by one of two H2A.Z subtypes, H2A.Z.2, whose knockdown mimics and whose overexpression rescues the FHS phenotype. Selective rescue by H2A.Z.2 is conferred by one of the three amino acid differences between the H2A.Z subtypes, S38/T38. We further show that H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2 genomic occupancy patterns are qualitatively similar, but quantitatively distinct, and H2A.Z.2 incorporation at AT-rich enhancers and expression of their associated genes are both sensitized to SRCAP truncations. Altogether, our results illuminate the mechanism underlying a human syndrome and uncover selective functions of H2A.Z subtypes during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Greenberg
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology and Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hannah K Long
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology and Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tomek Swigut
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology and Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Joanna Wysocka
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology and Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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26
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Tang S, Huang X, Wang X, Zhou X, Huang H, Qin L, Tao H, Wang Q, Tao Y. Vital and Distinct Roles of H2A.Z Isoforms in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:4319-4337. [PMID: 32547065 PMCID: PMC7244249 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s243823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose H2A.Z is an oncogenic histone variant that is overexpressed in cancers. Two isoforms of H2A.Z, H2AFZ and H2AFV, are identical except for a three-amino acid difference. However, their isoform-specific functions remain unclear in cancer development. Thereby, this study aimed to investigate whether the two isoforms play distinct functions in hepatocarcinogenesis. Materials and Methods Expressions of H2A.Z isoforms in 116 paired hepatocellular cancerous and para-cancerous tissues were detected by employing qPCR. GEO and TCGA databases were used to probe expressions and prognostic value of the two H2A.Z isoforms. A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted. Furthermore, co-expressed analysis of H2AFZ and H2AFV was performed by using cBioPortal database. H2A.Z binding genes from Chip-seq were intersected with H2A.Z isoforms co-expressed genes to perform functional annotations. Cell proliferation experiments from H2AFZ knockout HepG2 and BEL-7402 cells were implemented. Finally, RNA-seq was applied to analyse alternative splicing in H2AFZ knockout and wild-type cells. Results H2AFZ and H2AFV were both significantly upregulated (P < 0.01) in hepatocellular carcinoma and related to poor prognosis (P < 0.01). The two H2A.Z isoforms played vital roles in cell proliferation. It is also predicted that unique functions of H2AFV contain spindle midzone and microtubule, while H2AFZ is especially associated with RNA export and spliceosome. Further, devoid H2AFZ may restrain liver cancer cell proliferation and cause many alternative splicing events. Conclusion Both H2A.Z isoforms play vital and distinct roles in the occurrence and progression of liver cancer, which may pave a way for novel therapeutic applications for cancers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaomei Tang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoliang Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianguo Zhou
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Huang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Liwen Qin
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Tao
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuyan Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.,Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China.,Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Biological Molecular Medicine Research, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Tao
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
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27
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Cheema MS, Good KV, Kim B, Soufari H, O’Sullivan C, Freeman ME, Stefanelli G, Casas CR, Zengeler KE, Kennedy AJ, Eirin Lopez JM, Howard PL, Zovkic IB, Shabanowitz J, Dryhurst DD, Hunt DF, Mackereth CD, Ausió J. Deciphering the Enigma of the Histone H2A.Z-1/H2A.Z-2 Isoforms: Novel Insights and Remaining Questions. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051167. [PMID: 32397240 PMCID: PMC7290884 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The replication independent (RI) histone H2A.Z is one of the more extensively studied variant members of the core histone H2A family, which consists of many replication dependent (RD) members. The protein has been shown to be indispensable for survival, and involved in multiple roles from DNA damage to chromosome segregation, replication, and transcription. However, its functional involvement in gene expression is controversial. Moreover, the variant in several groups of metazoan organisms consists of two main isoforms (H2A.Z-1 and H2A.Z-2) that differ in a few (3–6) amino acids. They comprise the main topic of this review, starting from the events that led to their identification, what is currently known about them, followed by further experimental, structural, and functional insight into their roles. Despite their structural differences, a direct correlation to their functional variability remains enigmatic. As all of this is being elucidated, it appears that a strong functional involvement of isoform variability may be connected to development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjinder S. Cheema
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada; (M.S.C.); (K.V.G.); (B.K.); (C.O.); (M.E.F.); (P.L.H.); (D.D.D.)
| | - Katrina V. Good
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada; (M.S.C.); (K.V.G.); (B.K.); (C.O.); (M.E.F.); (P.L.H.); (D.D.D.)
| | - Bohyun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada; (M.S.C.); (K.V.G.); (B.K.); (C.O.); (M.E.F.); (P.L.H.); (D.D.D.)
| | - Heddy Soufari
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, Univ. Bordeaux, 2 rue Robert Escarpit, F-33607 Pessac, France; (H.S.); (C.D.M.)
- Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, ARNA Laboratory, Univ. Bordeaux, 146 rue Léo Saignat, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Connor O’Sullivan
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada; (M.S.C.); (K.V.G.); (B.K.); (C.O.); (M.E.F.); (P.L.H.); (D.D.D.)
| | - Melissa E. Freeman
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada; (M.S.C.); (K.V.G.); (B.K.); (C.O.); (M.E.F.); (P.L.H.); (D.D.D.)
| | - Gilda Stefanelli
- Department of Neurosciences & Mental Health, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; (G.S.); (I.B.Z.)
| | - Ciro Rivera Casas
- Environmental Epigenetics Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International UniversityNorth Miami, FL 33181, USA; (C.R.C.); (J.M.E.L.)
| | - Kristine E. Zengeler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bates College, 2 Andrews Road, Lewiston, ME 04240, USA; (K.E.Z.); (A.J.K.)
| | - Andrew J. Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bates College, 2 Andrews Road, Lewiston, ME 04240, USA; (K.E.Z.); (A.J.K.)
| | - Jose Maria Eirin Lopez
- Environmental Epigenetics Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International UniversityNorth Miami, FL 33181, USA; (C.R.C.); (J.M.E.L.)
| | - Perry L. Howard
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada; (M.S.C.); (K.V.G.); (B.K.); (C.O.); (M.E.F.); (P.L.H.); (D.D.D.)
| | - Iva B. Zovkic
- Department of Neurosciences & Mental Health, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; (G.S.); (I.B.Z.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Shabanowitz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA; (J.S.); (D.F.H.)
| | - Deanna D. Dryhurst
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada; (M.S.C.); (K.V.G.); (B.K.); (C.O.); (M.E.F.); (P.L.H.); (D.D.D.)
| | - Donald F. Hunt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA; (J.S.); (D.F.H.)
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Cameron D. Mackereth
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, Univ. Bordeaux, 2 rue Robert Escarpit, F-33607 Pessac, France; (H.S.); (C.D.M.)
- Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, ARNA Laboratory, Univ. Bordeaux, 146 rue Léo Saignat, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Juan Ausió
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada; (M.S.C.); (K.V.G.); (B.K.); (C.O.); (M.E.F.); (P.L.H.); (D.D.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-250-721-8863; Fax: +1-250-721-8855
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28
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Lamaa A, Humbert J, Aguirrebengoa M, Cheng X, Nicolas E, Côté J, Trouche D. Integrated analysis of H2A.Z isoforms function reveals a complex interplay in gene regulation. eLife 2020; 9:53375. [PMID: 32109204 PMCID: PMC7048395 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The H2A.Z histone variant plays major roles in the control of gene expression. In human, H2A.Z is encoded by two genes expressing two isoforms, H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2 differing by three amino acids. Here, we undertook an integrated analysis of their functions in gene expression using endogenously-tagged proteins. RNA-Seq analysis in untransformed cells showed that they can regulate both distinct and overlapping sets of genes positively or negatively in a context-dependent manner. Furthermore, they have similar or antagonistic function depending on genes. H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2 can replace each other at Transcription Start Sites, providing a molecular explanation for this interplay. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2 have specific interactors, which can mediate their functional antagonism. Our data indicate that the balance between H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2 at promoters is critically important to regulate specific gene expression, providing an additional layer of complexity to the control of gene expression by histone variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assala Lamaa
- LBCMCP, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Jonathan Humbert
- St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Laval University Cancer Research Center and Oncology Division of CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marion Aguirrebengoa
- BigA Core Facility, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Xue Cheng
- St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Laval University Cancer Research Center and Oncology Division of CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | - Estelle Nicolas
- LBCMCP, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Côté
- St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Laval University Cancer Research Center and Oncology Division of CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | - Didier Trouche
- LBCMCP, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
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29
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Neural progenitor cells mediated by H2A.Z.2 regulate microglial development via Cxcl14 in the embryonic brain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:24122-24132. [PMID: 31712428 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1913978116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, play an important role in the brain. Microglia have a special spatiotemporal distribution during the development of the cerebral cortex. Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are the main source of neural-specific cells in the early brain. It is unclear whether NPCs affect microglial development and what molecular mechanisms control early microglial localization. H2A.Z.2, a histone variant of H2A, has a key role in gene expression regulation, genomic stability, and chromatin remodeling, but its function in brain development is not fully understood. Here, we found that the specific deletion of H2A.Z.2 in neural progenitor cells led to an abnormal increase in microglia in the ventricular zone/subventricular zone (VZ/SVZ) of the embryonic cortex. Mechanistically, H2A.Z.2 regulated microglial development by incorporating G9a into the promoter region of Cxcl14 and promoted H3k9me2 modification to inhibit the transcription of Cxcl14 in neural progenitor cells. Meanwhile, we found that the deletion of H2A.Z.2 in microglia itself had no significant effect on microglial development in the early cerebral cortex. Our findings demonstrate a key role of H2A.Z.2 in neural progenitor cells in controlling microglial development and broaden our knowledge of 2 different types of cells that may affect each other through crosstalk in the central nervous system.
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30
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Giaimo BD, Ferrante F, Herchenröther A, Hake SB, Borggrefe T. The histone variant H2A.Z in gene regulation. Epigenetics Chromatin 2019; 12:37. [PMID: 31200754 PMCID: PMC6570943 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-019-0274-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone variant H2A.Z is involved in several processes such as transcriptional control, DNA repair, regulation of centromeric heterochromatin and, not surprisingly, is implicated in diseases such as cancer. Here, we review the recent developments on H2A.Z focusing on its role in transcriptional activation and repression. H2A.Z, as a replication-independent histone, has been studied in several model organisms and inducible mammalian model systems. Its loading machinery and several modifying enzymes have been recently identified, and some of the long-standing discrepancies in transcriptional activation and/or repression are about to be resolved. The buffering functions of H2A.Z, as supported by genome-wide localization and analyzed in several dynamic systems, are an excellent example of transcriptional control. Posttranslational modifications such as acetylation and ubiquitination of H2A.Z, as well as its specific binding partners, are in our view central players in the control of gene expression. Understanding the key-mechanisms in either turnover or stabilization of H2A.Z-containing nucleosomes as well as defining the H2A.Z interactome will pave the way for therapeutic applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Ferrante
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Herchenröther
- Institute for Genetics, University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 58-62, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sandra B Hake
- Institute for Genetics, University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 58-62, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tilman Borggrefe
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
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31
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Herre M, Korb E. The chromatin landscape of neuronal plasticity. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2019; 59:79-86. [PMID: 31174107 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Examining the links between neuronal activity, transcriptional output, and synaptic function offers unique insights into how neurons adapt to changing environments and form memories. Epigenetic markers, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, have been implicated in the formation of not only cellular memories such as cell fate, but also memories of experience at the organismal level. Here, we review recent advances in chromatin regulation that contribute to synaptic plasticity and drive adaptive behaviors through dynamic and precise regulation of transcription output in neurons. We discuss chromatin-associated proteins, histone variant proteins, the contribution of cis-regulatory elements and their interaction with histone modifications, and how these mechanisms are integrated into distinct behavior and environmental response paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Herre
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Erica Korb
- Department of Genetics, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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Abstract
In the past few decades, the field of neuroepigenetics has investigated how the brain encodes information to form long-lasting memories that lead to stable changes in behaviour. Activity-dependent molecular mechanisms, including, but not limited to, histone modification, DNA methylation and nucleosome remodelling, dynamically regulate the gene expression required for memory formation. Recently, the field has begun to examine how a learning experience is integrated at the level of both chromatin structure and synaptic physiology. Here, we provide an overview of key established epigenetic mechanisms that are important for memory formation. We explore how epigenetic mechanisms give rise to stable alterations in neuronal function by modifying synaptic structure and function, and highlight studies that demonstrate how manipulating epigenetic mechanisms may push the boundaries of memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne R Campbell
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Center for Addiction Neuroscience, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Marcelo A Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Center for Addiction Neuroscience, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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33
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Gretzinger TL, Tyagi M, Fontaine CJ, Cheema MS, González-Perez M, Freeman ME, Christie BR, Ausió J. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) affects the hippocampal levels of histone variant H2A.Z-2. Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 97:431-436. [PMID: 30605356 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2018-0240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is caused by prenatal exposure to ethanol and has been linked to neurodevelopmental impairments. Alcohol has the potential to alter some of the epigenetic components that play a critical role during development. Previous studies have provided evidence that prenatal exposure to ethanol results in abnormal epigenetic patterns (i.e., hypomethylation) of the genome. The aim of this study was to determine how prenatal exposure to ethanol in rats affects the hippocampal levels of expression of two important brain epigenetic transcriptional regulators involved in synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation: methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and histone variant H2A.Z. Unexpectedly, under the conditions used in this work we were not able to detect any changes in MeCP2. Interestingly, however, we observed a significant decrease in H2A.Z, accompanied by its chromatin redistribution in both female and male FASD rat pups. Moreover, the data from reverse-transcription qPCR later confirmed that this decrease in H2A.Z is mainly due to down-regulation of its H2A.Z-2 isoform gene expression. Altogether, these data provide strong evidence that prenatal exposure to ethanol alters histone variant H2A.Z during neurogenesis of rat hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor L Gretzinger
- a Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - Monica Tyagi
- a Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - Christine J Fontaine
- b Division of Medical Sciences and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Manjinder S Cheema
- a Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - María González-Perez
- a Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - Melissa E Freeman
- a Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - Brian R Christie
- b Division of Medical Sciences and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Juan Ausió
- a Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada
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Tyagi M, Cheema MS, Dryhurst D, Eskiw CH, Ausió J. Metformin alters H2A.Z dynamics and regulates androgen dependent prostate cancer progression. Oncotarget 2018; 9:37054-37068. [PMID: 30651935 PMCID: PMC6319340 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms involved in prostate cancer include hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes, general hypomethylation of the genome, and alterations in histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs). In addition, over expression of the histone variant H2A.Z as well as deregulated expression of Polycomb group proteins including EZH2 have been well-documented. Recent evidence supports a role for metformin in prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. However, the mechanism of action of metformin in PCa is poorly understood. We provide data showing that metformin epigenetically targets PCa by altering the levels and gene binding dynamics of histone variant H2A.Z. Moreover, we show that the increase in H2A.Z upon metformin treatment occurs preferentially due to H2A.Z.1 isoform. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-RT PCR analysis indicates that metformin treatment results in an increased H2A.Z occupancy on the androgen receptor (AR) and AR-regulated genes that is more prominent in the androgen dependent AR positive LNCaP cells. Repression of H2A.Z.1 gene by siRNA-mediated knock down identified this H2A.Z isoform to be responsible. Based on preliminary data with an EZH2-specific inhibitor, we suggest that the effects of metformin on the early stages of PCa may involve both EZH2 and H2A.Z through the alteration of different molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Tyagi
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Manjinder S. Cheema
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Christopher H. Eskiw
- Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Juan Ausió
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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35
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Abstract
Neurons are dynamic cells that respond and adapt to stimuli throughout their long postmitotic lives. The structural and functional plasticity of neurons requires the regulated transcription of new gene products, and dysregulation of transcription in either the developing or adult brain impairs cognition. We discuss how mechanisms of chromatin regulation help to orchestrate the transcriptional programs that underlie the maturation of developing neurons and the plasticity of adult neurons. We review how chromatin regulation acts locally to modulate the expression of specific genes and more broadly to coordinate gene expression programs during transitions between cellular states. These data highlight the importance of epigenetic transcriptional mechanisms in postmitotic neurons. We suggest areas where emerging methods may advance understanding in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Gallegos
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Urann Chan
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Liang-Fu Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Anne E West
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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36
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Stefanelli G, Azam AB, Walters BJ, Brimble MA, Gettens CP, Bouchard-Cannon P, Cheng HYM, Davidoff AM, Narkaj K, Day JJ, Kennedy AJ, Zovkic IB. Learning and Age-Related Changes in Genome-wide H2A.Z Binding in the Mouse Hippocampus. Cell Rep 2018; 22:1124-1131. [PMID: 29386101 PMCID: PMC5820781 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone variants were recently discovered to regulate neural plasticity, with H2A.Z emerging as a memory suppressor. Using whole-genome sequencing of the mouse hippocampus, we show that basal H2A.Z occupancy is positively associated with steady-state transcription, whereas learning-induced H2A.Z removal is associated with learning-induced gene expression. AAV-mediated H2A.Z depletion enhanced fear memory and resulted in gene-specific alterations of learning-induced transcription, reinforcing the role of H2A.Z as a memory suppressor. H2A.Z accumulated with age, although it remained sensitive to learning-induced eviction. Learning-related H2A.Z removal occurred at largely distinct genes in young versus aged mice, suggesting that H2A.Z is subject to regulatory shifts in the aged brain despite similar memory performance. When combined with prior evidence of H3.3 accumulation in neurons, our data suggest that nucleosome composition in the brain is reorganized with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Stefanelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Amber B Azam
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Brandon J Walters
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G OA4, Canada
| | - Mark A Brimble
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Hematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Caroline P Gettens
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bates College, Lewiston, ME 04240, USA
| | | | - Hai-Ying M Cheng
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Andrew M Davidoff
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Klotilda Narkaj
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Jeremy J Day
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Andrew J Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bates College, Lewiston, ME 04240, USA.
| | - Iva B Zovkic
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada.
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37
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Poston RG, Dunn CJ, Sarkar P, Saha RN. Persistent 6-OH-BDE-47 exposure impairs functional neuronal maturation and alters expression of neurodevelopmentally-relevant chromatin remodelers. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2018; 4:dvx020. [PMID: 29765770 PMCID: PMC5941167 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvx020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a pervasive class of brominated flame retardants that are present in the environment at particularly high levels, especially in the United States. Their environmental stability, propensity for bioaccumulation, and known potential for neurotoxicity has evoked interest regarding their effects on the developing nervous system. Exposure to PBDEs has been strongly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the details of their mechanistic roles in such disorders are incompletely understood. Here, we report the effects of one of the most prevalent congeners, BDE-47, and its hydroxylated metabolites on the maturation and function of embryonic rat cortical neurons. Prolonged exposure to 6OH-BDE-47 produces the strongest effects amongst the parent BDE-47 congener and its tested hydroxylated metabolites. These effects include: i) disruption of transcriptional responses to neuronal activity, ii) dysregulation of multiple genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, and intriguingly, iii) altered expression of several subunits of the developmentally-relevant BAF (Brg1-associated factors) chromatin remodeling complex, including the key subunit BAF170. Taken together, our data indicate that persistent exposure to 6OH-BDE-47 may interfere with neurodevelopmental chromatin remodeling mechanisms and gene transcription programs, which in turn are likely to interfere with downstream processes such as synapse development and overall functional maturity of neurons. Results from this study have identified a novel aspect of 6OH-BDE-47 toxicity and open new avenues to explore the effects of a ubiquitous environmental toxin on epigenetic regulation of neuronal maturation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Poston
- Molecular Cell Biology Unit, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Carissa J Dunn
- Molecular Cell Biology Unit, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Pushpita Sarkar
- Molecular Cell Biology Unit, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Ramendra N Saha
- Molecular Cell Biology Unit, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343, USA
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