1
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O'Haren T, Aoki T, Rieder LE. Zelda is dispensable for Drosophila melanogaster histone gene regulation. bioRxiv 2023:2023.12.19.572383. [PMID: 38187550 PMCID: PMC10769256 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.19.572383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
To ensure that the embryo can package exponentially increasing amounts of DNA, replication-dependent histones are some of the earliest transcribed genes from the zygotic genome. However, how the histone genes are identified is not known. The pioneer factors Zelda and CLAMP collaborate at a subset of genes to regulate zygotic genome activation in Drosophila melanogaster and target early activated genes to induce transcription. CLAMP also regulates the embryonic histone genes and helps establish the histone locus body, a suite of factors that controls histone mRNA biosynthesis. The relationship between Zelda and CLAMP led us to hypothesize that Zelda helps identify histone genes for early embryonic expression. We found that Zelda targets the histone locus early during embryogenesis, prior to histone gene expression. However, depletion of zelda in the early embryo does not affect histone mRNA levels or histone locus body formation. While surprising, these results concur with other investigations into Zelda's role in the early embryo, suggesting the earliest factors responsible for specifying the zygotic histone genes remain undiscovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy O'Haren
- Emory University Department of Biology, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Tsutomu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA
| | - Leila E Rieder
- Emory University Department of Biology, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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2
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Hodkinson LJ, Gross J, Schmidt CA, Diaz-Saldana PP, Aoki T, Rieder LE. Sequence reliance of a Drosophila context-dependent transcription factor. bioRxiv 2023:2023.12.07.570650. [PMID: 38106168 PMCID: PMC10723421 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.07.570650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite binding similar cis elements in multiple locations, a single transcription factor often performs context-dependent functions at different loci. How factors integrate cis sequence and genomic context is still poorly understood and has implications for off-target effects in genetic engineering. The Drosophila context-dependent transcription factor CLAMP targets similar GA-rich cis elements on the X-chromosome and at the histone gene locus but recruits very different, loci-specific factors. We discover that CLAMP leverages information from both cis element and local sequence to perform context-specific functions. Our observations imply the importance of other cues, including protein-protein interactions and the presence of additional cofactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J. Hodkinson
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Julia Gross
- Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | | | | | - Tsutomo Aoki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA
| | - Leila E. Rieder
- Department of Biology Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
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3
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Schmidt CA, Hodkinson LJ, Comstra HS, Khan S, Torres H, Rieder LE. A cost-free CURE: using bioinformatics to identify DNA-binding factors at a specific genomic locus. J Microbiol Biol Educ 2023; 24:e00120-23. [PMID: 38107989 PMCID: PMC10720551 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00120-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Research experiences provide diverse benefits for undergraduates. Many academic institutions have adopted course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) to improve student access to research opportunities. However, potential instructors of a CURE might still face financial or practical hurdles that prevent implementation. Bioinformatics research offers an alternative that is free, safe, compatible with remote learning, and may be more accessible for students with disabilities. Here, we describe a bioinformatics CURE that leverages publicly available datasets to discover novel proteins that target an instructor-determined genomic locus of interest. We use the free, user-friendly bioinformatics platform Galaxy to map ChIP-seq datasets to a genome, which removes the computing burden from students. Both faculty and students directly benefit from this CURE, as faculty can perform candidate screens and publish CURE results. Students gain not only basic bioinformatics knowledge, but also transferable skills, including scientific communication, database navigation, and primary literature experience. The CURE is flexible and can be expanded to analyze different types of high-throughput data or to investigate different genomic loci in any species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren J. Hodkinson
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - H. Skye Comstra
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Samia Khan
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Leila E. Rieder
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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4
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Hodkinson LJ, Smith C, Comstra HS, Ajani BA, Albanese EH, Arsalan K, Daisson AP, Forrest KB, Fox EH, Guerette MR, Khan S, Koenig MP, Lam S, Lewandowski AS, Mahoney LJ, Manai N, Miglay J, Miller BA, Milloway O, Ngo N, Ngo VD, Oey NF, Punjani TA, SiMa H, Zeng H, Schmidt CA, Rieder LE. A bioinformatics screen reveals hox and chromatin remodeling factors at the Drosophila histone locus. BMC Genom Data 2023; 24:54. [PMID: 37735352 PMCID: PMC10515271 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-023-01147-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cells orchestrate histone biogenesis with strict temporal and quantitative control. To efficiently regulate histone biogenesis, the repetitive Drosophila melanogaster replication-dependent histone genes are arrayed and clustered at a single locus. Regulatory factors concentrate in a nuclear body known as the histone locus body (HLB), which forms around the locus. Historically, HLB factors are largely discovered by chance, and few are known to interact directly with DNA. It is therefore unclear how the histone genes are specifically targeted for unique and coordinated regulation. RESULTS To expand the list of known HLB factors, we performed a candidate-based screen by mapping 30 publicly available ChIP datasets of 27 unique factors to the Drosophila histone gene array. We identified novel transcription factor candidates, including the Drosophila Hox proteins Ultrabithorax (Ubx), Abdominal-A (Abd-A), and Abdominal-B (Abd-B), suggesting a new pathway for these factors in influencing body plan morphogenesis. Additionally, we identified six other factors that target the histone gene array: JIL-1, hormone-like receptor 78 (Hr78), the long isoform of female sterile homeotic (1) (fs(1)h) as well as the general transcription factors TBP associated factor 1 (TAF-1), Transcription Factor IIB (TFIIB), and Transcription Factor IIF (TFIIF). CONCLUSIONS Our foundational screen provides several candidates for future studies into factors that may influence histone biogenesis. Further, our study emphasizes the powerful reservoir of publicly available datasets, which can be mined as a primary screening technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Hodkinson
- Genetics and Molecular Biology graduate program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Connor Smith
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - H Skye Comstra
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Bukola A Ajani
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Eric H Albanese
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Kawsar Arsalan
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Alvaro Perez Daisson
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Katherine B Forrest
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Elijah H Fox
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Matthew R Guerette
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Samia Khan
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Madeleine P Koenig
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Shivani Lam
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Ava S Lewandowski
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Lauren J Mahoney
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Nasserallah Manai
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - JonCarlo Miglay
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Blake A Miller
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Olivia Milloway
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Nhi Ngo
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Vu D Ngo
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Nicole F Oey
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Tanya A Punjani
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - HaoMin SiMa
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Hollis Zeng
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Casey A Schmidt
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Leila E Rieder
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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5
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Gilbonio HE, Puckett GL, Nguyen E, Rieder LE. A hybrid RNA FISH immunofluorescence protocol on Drosophila polytene chromosomes. BMC Res Notes 2023; 16:197. [PMID: 37679799 PMCID: PMC10486132 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06482-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Investigating protein-DNA interactions is imperative to understanding fundamental concepts such as cell growth, differentiation, and cell development in many systems. Sequencing techniques such as ChIP-seq can yield genome-wide DNA binding profiles of transcription factors; however this assay can be expensive, time-consuming, may not be informative for repetitive regions of the genome, and depend heavily upon antibody suitability. Combining DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with immunofluorescence (IF) is a quicker and inexpensive approach which has historically been used to investigate protein-DNA interactions in individual nuclei. However, these assays are sometimes incompatible due to the required denaturation step in DNA FISH that can alter protein epitopes, hindering primary antibody binding. Additionally, combining DNA FISH with IF may be challenging for less experienced trainees. Our goal was to develop an alternative technique to investigate protein-DNA interactions by combining RNA FISH with IF. RESULTS We developed a hybrid RNA FISH-IF protocol for use on Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosome spreads in order to visualize colocalization of proteins and DNA loci. We demonstrate that this assay is sensitive enough to determine if our protein of interest, Multi sex combs (Mxc), localizes to single-copy target transgenes carrying histone genes. Overall, this study provides an alternative, accessible method for investigating protein-DNA interactions at the single gene level in Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gwyn L Puckett
- Piedmont Virginia Community College, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Erica Nguyen
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leila E Rieder
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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6
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Gilbonio HE, Puckett GL, Nguyen E, Rieder LE. A hybrid RNA FISH immunofluorescence protocol on Drosophila polytene chromosomes. bioRxiv 2023:2023.06.12.544616. [PMID: 37398336 PMCID: PMC10312655 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.12.544616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Investigating protein-DNA interactions is imperative to understanding fundamental concepts such as cell growth, differentiation, and cell development in many systems. Sequencing techniques such as ChIP-seq can yield genome-wide DNA binding profiles of transcription factors; however this assay can be expensive, time-consuming, may not be informative for repetitive regions of the genome, and depend heavily upon antibody suitability. Combining DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with immunofluorescence (IF) is a quicker and inexpensive approach which has historically been used to investigate protein-DNA interactions in individual nuclei. However, these assays are sometimes incompatible due to the required denaturation step in DNA FISH that can alter protein epitopes, hindering primary antibody binding. Additionally, combining DNA FISH with IF may be challenging for less experienced trainees. Our goal was to develop an alternative technique to investigate protein-DNA interactions by combining RNA FISH with IF. Results We developed a hybrid RNA FISH and IF protocol for use on Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosome spreads in order to visualize colocalization of proteins and DNA loci. We demonstrate that this assay is sensitive enough to determine if our protein of interest, Multi-sex combs (Mxc), localizes to single-copy target transgenes carrying histone genes. Overall, this study provides an alternative, accessible method for investigating protein-DNA interactions at the single gene level in Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gwyn L. Puckett
- Piedmont Virginia Community College, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Erica Nguyen
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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7
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Hodkinson LJ, Smith C, Comstra HS, Albanese EH, Ajani BA, Arsalan K, Daisson AP, Forrest KB, Fox EH, Guerette MR, Khan S, Koenig MP, Lam S, Lewandowski AS, Mahoney LJ, Manai N, Miglay J, Miller BA, Milloway O, Ngo VD, Oey NF, Punjani TA, SiMa H, Zeng H, Schmidt CA, Rieder LE. A bioinformatics screen reveals Hox and chromatin remodeling factors at the Drosophila histone locus. bioRxiv 2023:2023.01.06.523008. [PMID: 36711759 PMCID: PMC9881919 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.06.523008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cells orchestrate histone biogenesis with strict temporal and quantitative control. To efficiently regulate histone biogenesis, the repetitive Drosophila melanogaster replication-dependent histone genes are arrayed and clustered at a single locus. Regulatory factors concentrate in a nuclear body known as the histone locus body (HLB), which forms around the locus. Historically, HLB factors are largely discovered by chance, and few are known to interact directly with DNA. It is therefore unclear how the histone genes are specifically targeted for unique and coordinated regulation. To expand the list of known HLB factors, we performed a candidate-based screen by mapping 30 publicly available ChIP datasets and 27 factors to the Drosophila histone gene array. We identified novel transcription factor candidates, including the Drosophila Hox proteins Ultrabithorax, Abdominal-A and Abdominal-B, suggesting a new pathway for these factors in influencing body plan morphogenesis. Additionally, we identified six other transcription factors that target the histone gene array: JIL-1, Hr78, the long isoform of fs(1)h as well as the generalized transcription factors TAF-1, TFIIB, and TFIIF. Our foundational screen provides several candidates for future studies into factors that may influence histone biogenesis. Further, our study emphasizes the powerful reservoir of publicly available datasets, which can be mined as a primary screening technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Hodkinson
- Genetics and Molecular Biology graduate program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Connor Smith
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - H Skye Comstra
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Eric H Albanese
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Bukola A Ajani
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Kawsar Arsalan
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Katherine B Forrest
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Elijah H Fox
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Matthew R Guerette
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Samia Khan
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Madeleine P Koenig
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Shivani Lam
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Ava S Lewandowski
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Lauren J Mahoney
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Nasserallah Manai
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - JonCarlo Miglay
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Blake A Miller
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Olivia Milloway
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Vu D Ngo
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Nicole F Oey
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Tanya A Punjani
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - HaoMin SiMa
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Hollis Zeng
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Casey A Schmidt
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
| | - Leila E Rieder
- Department of Biology 1510 Clifton Road Atlanta, Emory University GA 30322, USA
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8
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Xie M, Hodkinson LJ, Rieder LE. MSL2 Localization to Histone Loci in
Drosophila
Species. FASEB J 2022. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.s1.0r264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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9
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Koreski KP, Rieder LE, McLain LM, Chaubal A, Marzluff WF, Duronio RJ. Drosophila histone locus body assembly and function involves multiple interactions. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:1525-1537. [PMID: 32401666 PMCID: PMC7359574 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e20-03-0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone locus body (HLB) assembles at replication-dependent (RD) histone loci and concentrates factors required for RD histone mRNA biosynthesis. The Drosophila melanogaster genome has a single locus comprised of ∼100 copies of a tandemly arrayed 5-kB repeat unit containing one copy of each of the 5 RD histone genes. To determine sequence elements required for D. melanogaster HLB formation and histone gene expression, we used transgenic gene arrays containing 12 copies of the histone repeat unit that functionally complement loss of the ∼200 endogenous RD histone genes. A 12x histone gene array in which all H3-H4 promoters were replaced with H2a-H2b promoters (12xPR) does not form an HLB or express high levels of RD histone mRNA in the presence of the endogenous histone genes. In contrast, this same transgenic array is active in HLB assembly and RD histone gene expression in the absence of the endogenous RD histone genes and rescues the lethality caused by homozygous deletion of the RD histone locus. The HLB formed in the absence of endogenous RD histone genes on the mutant 12x array contains all known factors present in the wild-type HLB including CLAMP, which normally binds to GAGA repeats in the H3-H4 promoter. These data suggest that multiple protein–protein and/or protein–DNA interactions contribute to HLB formation, and that the large number of endogenous RD histone gene copies sequester available factor(s) from attenuated transgenic arrays, thereby preventing HLB formation and gene expression on these arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin P Koreski
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Leila E Rieder
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Lyndsey M McLain
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Ashlesha Chaubal
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - William F Marzluff
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.,Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.,Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Robert J Duronio
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.,Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.,Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.,Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
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10
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Jordan W, Rieder LE, Larschan E. Diverse Genome Topologies Characterize Dosage Compensation across Species. Trends Genet 2019; 35:308-315. [PMID: 30808531 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Dosage compensation is the process by which transcript levels of the X chromosome are equalized with those of autosomes. Although diverse mechanisms of dosage compensation have evolved across species, these mechanisms all involve distinguishing the X chromosome from autosomes. Because one chromosome is singled out from other chromosomes for precise regulation, dosage compensation serves as an important model for understanding how specific cis-elements are identified within the highly compacted 3D genome to co-regulate thousands of genes. Recently, multiple genomic approaches have provided key insights into the mechanisms of dosage compensation, extending what we have learned from classical genetic studies. In the future, newer genomic approaches that require little starting material show great promise to provide an understanding of the heterogeneity of dosage compensation between cells and how it functions in nonmodel organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Jordan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Leila E Rieder
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Erica Larschan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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11
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Rieder LE, Koreski KP, Boltz KA, Kuzu G, Urban JA, Bowman SK, Zeidman A, Jordan WT, Tolstorukov MY, Marzluff WF, Duronio RJ, Larschan EN. Histone locus regulation by the Drosophila dosage compensation adaptor protein CLAMP. Genes Dev 2017; 31:1494-1508. [PMID: 28838946 PMCID: PMC5588930 DOI: 10.1101/gad.300855.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Rieder et al. report that conserved GA repeat cis elements within the bidirectional histone3–histone4 promoter direct histone locus body (HLB) formation in Drosophila. In addition, the CLAMP zinc finger protein binds these GA repeat motifs, increases chromatin accessibility, enhances histone gene transcription, and promotes HLB formation. The conserved histone locus body (HLB) assembles prior to zygotic gene activation early during development and concentrates factors into a nuclear domain of coordinated histone gene regulation. Although HLBs form specifically at replication-dependent histone loci, the cis and trans factors that target HLB components to histone genes remained unknown. Here we report that conserved GA repeat cis elements within the bidirectional histone3–histone4 promoter direct HLB formation in Drosophila. In addition, the CLAMP (chromatin-linked adaptor for male-specific lethal [MSL] proteins) zinc finger protein binds these GA repeat motifs, increases chromatin accessibility, enhances histone gene transcription, and promotes HLB formation. We demonstrated previously that CLAMP also promotes the formation of another domain of coordinated gene regulation: the dosage-compensated male X chromosome. Therefore, CLAMP binding to GA repeat motifs promotes the formation of two distinct domains of coordinated gene activation located at different places in the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila E Rieder
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Kaitlin P Koreski
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Kara A Boltz
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.,Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Guray Kuzu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Jennifer A Urban
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Sarah K Bowman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Anna Zeidman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - William T Jordan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Michael Y Tolstorukov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - William F Marzluff
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.,Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.,Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Robert J Duronio
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.,Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.,Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.,Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Erica N Larschan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
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Urban JA, Doherty CA, Jordan WT, Bliss JE, Feng J, Soruco MM, Rieder LE, Tsiarli MA, Larschan EN. The essential Drosophila CLAMP protein differentially regulates non-coding roX RNAs in male and females. Chromosome Res 2016; 25:101-113. [PMID: 27995349 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-016-9541-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Heterogametic species require chromosome-wide gene regulation to compensate for differences in sex chromosome gene dosage. In Drosophila melanogaster, transcriptional output from the single male X-chromosome is equalized to that of XX females by recruitment of the male-specific lethal (MSL) complex, which increases transcript levels of active genes 2-fold. The MSL complex contains several protein components and two non-coding RNA on the X ( roX) RNAs that are transcriptionally activated by the MSL complex. We previously discovered that targeting of the MSL complex to the X-chromosome is dependent on the chromatin-linked adapter for MSL proteins (CLAMP) zinc finger protein. To better understand CLAMP function, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system to generate a frameshift mutation in the clamp gene that eliminates expression of the CLAMP protein. We found that clamp null females die at the third instar larval stage, while almost all clamp null males die at earlier developmental stages. Moreover, we found that in clamp null females roX gene expression is activated, whereas in clamp null males roX gene expression is reduced. Therefore, CLAMP regulates roX abundance in a sex-specific manner. Our results provide new insights into sex-specific gene regulation by an essential transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Urban
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Caroline A Doherty
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - William T Jordan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Jacob E Bliss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Jessica Feng
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.,University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Marcela M Soruco
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.,LGC Biosearch Technologies, Petaluma, CA, 94954, USA
| | - Leila E Rieder
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Maria A Tsiarli
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Erica N Larschan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
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Rieder LE, Savva YA, Reyna MA, Chang YJ, Dorsky JS, Rezaei A, Reenan RA. Dynamic response of RNA editing to temperature in Drosophila. BMC Biol 2015; 13:1. [PMID: 25555396 PMCID: PMC4299485 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-014-0111-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing is a highly conserved process that post-transcriptionally modifies mRNA, generating proteomic diversity, particularly within the nervous system of metazoans. Transcripts encoding proteins involved in neurotransmission predominate as targets of such modifications. Previous reports suggest that RNA editing is responsive to environmental inputs in the form of temperature alterations. However, the molecular determinants underlying temperature-dependent RNA editing responses are not well understood. Results Using the poikilotherm Drosophila, we show that acute temperature alterations within a normal physiological range result in substantial changes in RNA editing levels. Our examination of particular sites reveals diversity in the patterns with which editing responds to temperature, and these patterns are conserved across five species of Drosophilidae representing over 10 million years of divergence. In addition, we show that expression of the editing enzyme, ADAR (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA), is dramatically decreased at elevated temperatures, partially, but not fully, explaining some target responses to temperature. Interestingly, this reduction in editing enzyme levels at elevated temperature is only partially reversed by a return to lower temperatures. Lastly, we show that engineered structural variants of the most temperature-sensitive editing site, in a sodium channel transcript, perturb thermal responsiveness in RNA editing profile for a particular RNA structure. Conclusions Our results suggest that the RNA editing process responds to temperature alterations via two distinct molecular mechanisms: through intrinsic thermo-sensitivity of the RNA structures that direct editing, and due to temperature sensitive expression or stability of the RNA editing enzyme. Environmental cues, in this case temperature, rapidly reprogram the Drosophila transcriptome through RNA editing, presumably resulting in altered proteomic ratios of edited and unedited proteins. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-014-0111-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Abstract
Arguably, almost all research in Drosophila can be considered basic research, yet many of the most essential and fundamental concepts of human genetics were first decoded in the fly. Although the fly genome, which is organized into only four chromosomes, is approximately one-twentieth the size of the human genome, it contains roughly the same number of genes, and up to 75% of human disease-related genes have Drosophila homologues [1]. The fly was prized for its simplicity and utility even before such compelling homology with humans was apparent. Since Thomas Hunt Morgan began his seminal experiments over a century ago (Table 1), the Drosophila system has revealed countless key mechanisms by which cells function, including the factors that maintain chromatin and the signaling pathways that control cell fate determination and organism development. More recently, the fly has emerged as a critical neurobiological tool and disease model for a range of genetic disorders. In this review, we present a brief retrospective of Drosophila as an indispensable genetic system and discuss some of the many contributions, past and present, of this facile system to human genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila E Rieder
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence RI 02906, USA
| | - Erica N Larschan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence RI 02906, USA.
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15
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Rieder LE, Staber CJ, Hoopengardner B, Reenan RA. Tertiary structural elements determine the extent and specificity of messenger RNA editing. Nat Commun 2013; 4:2232. [PMID: 23903876 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The specificity and extent of RNA editing by ADAR enzymes is determined largely by local primary sequence and secondary structural imperfections in duplex RNA. Here we surgically alter conserved cis elements associated with a cluster of ADAR modification sites within the endogenous Drosophila paralytic transcript. In addition to the local requirement for a central imperfect RNA duplex containing the modified adenosines, we demonstrate that a secondary RNA duplex containing splicing signals strongly modulates RNA editing. A subtle non-coding mutation, extending base pairing of this accessory helix, confers significant phenotypic consequences via effects on splicing. Through mutation/counter-mutation, we also uncover and functionally replace a highly conserved intronic long-range tertiary pseudoknot that is absolutely required for deamination of one particular adenosine in the central duplex. Our results demonstrate that complex RNA tertiary structures, which may be difficult to predict computationally, form in vivo and can regulate RNA-editing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila E Rieder
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
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Abstract
Adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is a post-transcriptional process by which adenosines are selectively converted to inosines in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) substrates. A highly conserved group of enzymes, the adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) family, mediates this reaction. All ADARs share a common domain architecture consisting of a variable number of amino-terminal dsRNA binding domains (dsRBDs) and a carboxy-terminal catalytic deaminase domain. ADAR family members are highly expressed in the metazoan nervous system, where these enzymes predominantly localize to the neuronal nucleus. Once in the nucleus, ADARs participate in the modification of specific adenosines in pre-mRNAs of proteins involved in electrical and chemical neurotransmission, including pre-synaptic release machineries, and voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels. Most RNA editing sites in these nervous system targets result in non-synonymous codon changes in functionally important, usually conserved, residues and RNA editing deficiencies in various model organisms bear out a crucial role for ADARs in nervous system function. Mutation or deletion of ADAR genes results in striking phenotypes, including seizure episodes, extreme uncoordination, and neurodegeneration. Not only does the process of RNA editing alter important nervous system peptides, but ADARs also regulate gene expression through modification of dsRNA substrates that enter the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway and may then act at the chromatin level. Here, we present a review on the current knowledge regarding the ADAR protein family, including evolutionary history, key structural features, localization, function and mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Rieder
- University of Minnesota-Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota 55812, USA
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