MacroH2A1.2 deficiency leads to neural stem cell differentiation defects and autism-like behaviors

Human cytomegalovirus induces neuronal gene expression for viral maturation

Viral invasion of the host cell causes some of the most dramatic changes in biology. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) extensively remodels host cells, altering nuclear shape and generating a cytoplasmic viral-induced assembly compartment (vIAC). How these striking morphology changes take place in the context of host gene regulation is still emerging. Here, we discovered that histone variant macroH2A1 is essential for producing infectious progeny. Because virion maturation and cellular remodeling are closely linked processes, we investigated structural changes in the host cell upon HCMV infection. We discovered that macroH2A1 is necessary for HCMV-induced reorganization of the host nucleus, cytoskeleton, and endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, using RNA-seq we found that while all viral genes were highly expressed in the absence of macroH2A1, many HCMV-induced host genes were not. Remarkably, hundreds of these HCMV-induced macroH2A1-dependent host genes are associated with neuronal synapse formation and vesicle trafficking. Knock-down of these HCMV-induced neuronal genes during infection resulted in malformed vIACs and smaller plaques, establishing their importance to HCMV infection. Together, our findings demonstrate that HCMV manipulates host gene expression by hijacking a dormant neuronal secretory pathway for efficient virion maturation.

ASH2L regulates postnatal neurogenesis through Onecut2-mediated inhibition of TGF-β signaling pathway

The ability of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) to proliferate and differentiate is required through different stages of neurogenesis. Disturbance in the regulation of neurogenesis causes many neurological diseases, such as intellectual disability, autism, and schizophrenia. However, the intrinsic mechanisms of this regulation in neurogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we report that Ash2l (Absent, small or homeotic discs-like 2), one core component of a multimeric histone methyltransferase complex, is essential for NSPC fate determination during postnatal neurogenesis. Deletion of Ash2l in NSPCs impairs their capacity for proliferation and differentiation, leading to simplified dendritic arbors in adult-born hippocampal neurons and deficits in cognitive abilities. RNA sequencing data reveal that Ash2l primarily regulates cell fate specification and neuron commitment. Furthermore, we identified Onecut2, a major downstream target of ASH2L characterized by bivalent histone modifications, and demonstrated that constitutive expression of Onecut2 restores defective proliferation and differentiation of NSPCs in adult Ash2l-deficient mice. Importantly, we identified that Onecut2 modulates TGF-β signaling in NSPCs and that treatment with a TGF-β inhibitor rectifies the phenotype of Ash2l-deficient NSPCs. Collectively, our findings reveal the ASH2L-Onecut2-TGF-β signaling axis that mediates postnatal neurogenesis to maintain proper forebrain function.

macroH2A2 antagonizes epigenetic programs of stemness in glioblastoma

Self-renewal is a crucial property of glioblastoma cells that is enabled by the choreographed functions of chromatin regulators and transcription factors. Identifying targetable epigenetic mechanisms of self-renewal could therefore represent an important step toward developing effective treatments for this universally lethal cancer. Here we uncover an epigenetic axis of self-renewal mediated by the histone variant macroH2A2. With omics and functional assays deploying patient-derived in vitro and in vivo models, we show that macroH2A2 shapes chromatin accessibility at enhancer elements to antagonize transcriptional programs of self-renewal. macroH2A2 also sensitizes cells to small molecule-mediated cell death via activation of a viral mimicry response. Consistent with these results, our analyses of clinical cohorts indicate that high transcriptional levels of this histone variant are associated with better prognosis of high-grade glioma patients. Our results reveal a targetable epigenetic mechanism of self-renewal controlled by macroH2A2 and suggest additional treatment approaches for glioblastoma patients.

Coenzyme Q10 treatment and diazinon exposure in parental male rats: effects of the exposure on their neonatal brains

Prenatal acute and chronic exposure to organophosphorus pesticides may evoke physical and behavioral impairments in offspring development. However, the mechanism of antioxidant consumption repair to cure these impairments remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of COQ10 against DZN toxicity by measuring Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, the expression of MH2A, DNMT1, H2AZ, and HDAC3, and the histopathology in the brain of neonatal Wistar albino rats whose male parents were exposed to DZN and COQ10. The results showed that COQ10 could significantly decrease MDA level, histopathological alteration, and expression of DNMT1 and HDAC3 in the neonatal brain (P < 0.05). Also, an increase in SOD activity and expression of MH2A and H2AZ were observed in the neonatal brain of this group (P < 0.05). These investigations suggest that COQ10 can reduce the effects of DZN on neuronal oxidative stress and its damage to the neonatal brain.

A Human-Specific De Novo Gene Promotes Cortical Expansion and Folding

Newly originated de novo genes have been linked to the formation and function of the human brain. However, how a specific gene originates from ancestral noncoding DNAs and becomes involved in the preexisting network for functional outcomes remains elusive. Here, a human-specific de novo gene, SP0535, is identified that is preferentially expressed in the ventricular zone of the human fetal brain and plays an important role in cortical development and function. In human embryonic stem cell-derived cortical organoids, knockout of SP0535 compromises their growth and neurogenesis. In SP0535 transgenic (TG) mice, expression of SP0535 induces fetal cortex expansion and sulci and gyri-like structure formation. The progenitors and neurons in the SP0535 TG mouse cortex tend to proliferate and differentiate in ways that are unique to humans. SP0535 TG adult mice also exhibit improved cognitive ability and working memory. Mechanistically, SP0535 interacts with the membrane protein Na⁺ /K⁺ ATPase subunit alpha-1 (ATP1A1) and releases Src from the ATP1A1-Src complex, allowing increased level of Src phosphorylation that promotes cell proliferation. Thus, SP0535 is the first proven human-specific de novo gene that promotes cortical expansion and folding, and can function through incorporating into an existing conserved molecular network.

Seminars in cell and development biology on histone variants remodelers of H2A variants associated with heterochromatin

Variants of the histone H2A occupy distinct locations in the genome. There is relatively little known about the mechanisms responsible for deposition of specific H2A variants. Notable exceptions are chromatin remodelers that control the dynamics of H2A.Z at promoters. Here we review the steps that identified the role of a specific class of chromatin remodelers, including LSH and DDM1 that deposit the variants macroH2A in mammals and H2A.W in plants, respectively. The function of these remodelers in heterochromatin is discussed together with their multiple roles in genome stability.

The role of histone modifications: from neurodevelopment to neurodiseases

Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and microRNA expression, play critical roles in cell differentiation and organ development through spatial and temporal gene regulation. Neurogenesis is a sophisticated and complex process by which neural stem cells differentiate into specialized brain cell types at specific times and regions of the brain. A growing body of evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone modifications, allow the fine-tuning and coordination of spatiotemporal gene expressions during neurogenesis. Aberrant histone modifications contribute to the development of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Herein, recent progress in understanding histone modifications in regulating embryonic and adult neurogenesis is comprehensively reviewed. The histone modifications implicated in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are also covered, and future directions in this area are provided.

Evolution, structure and function of divergent macroH2A1 splice isoforms

The replacement of replication-coupled histones with non-canonical histone variants provides chromatin with additional properties and contributes to the plasticity of the epigenome. MacroH2A histone variants are counterparts of the replication-coupled histone H2A. They are characterized by a unique tripartite structure, consisting of a histone fold, an unstructured linker, and a globular macrodomain. MacroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2 are the result of alternative splicing of the MACROH2A1 gene and can have opposing biological functions. Here, we discuss the structural differences between the macrodomains of the two isoforms, resulting in differential ligand binding. We further discuss how this modulates gene regulation by the two isoforms, in cases resulting in opposing role of macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2 in development and differentiation. Finally, we share recent insight in the evolution of macroH2As. Taken together, in this review, we aim to discuss in unprecedented detail distinct properties and functions of the fascinating macroH2A1 splice isoforms.

MacroH2A1.2 deficiency leads to neural stem cell differentiation defects and autism-like behaviors

The development of the nervous system requires precise regulation. Any disturbance in the regulation process can lead to neurological developmental diseases, such as autism and schizophrenia. Histone variants are important components of epigenetic regulation. The function and mechanisms of the macroH2A (mH2A) histone variant during brain development are unknown. Here, we show that deletion of the mH2A isoform mH2A1.2 interferes with neural stem cell differentiation in mice. Deletion of mH2A1.2 affects neurodevelopment, enhances neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation, and reduces NPC differentiation in the developing mouse brain. mH2A1.2-deficient mice exhibit autism-like behaviors, such as deficits in social behavior and exploratory abilities. We identify NKX2.2 as an important downstream effector gene and show that NKX2.2 expression is reduced after mH2A1.2 deletion and that overexpression of NKX2.2 rescues neuronal abnormalities caused by mH2A1.2 loss. Our study reveals that mH2A1.2 reduces the proliferation of neural progenitors and enhances neuronal differentiation during embryonic neurogenesis and that these effects are at least in part mediated by NKX2.2. These findings provide a basis for studying the relationship between mH2A1.2 and neurological disorders.