scholarly journals Evolutionary origins and diversification of testis-specific short histone H2A variants in mammals

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoine Molaro ◽  
Janet M. Young ◽  
Harmit S. Malik
Keyword(s):  
Genome Stability ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Histone Variant ◽  
Histone H2a ◽  
Genetic Conflict ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Evolutionary Origins ◽  
Male Germline ◽  
Early Diversification ◽  
Canonical Histone

Eukaryotic genomes must accomplish the tradeoff between compact packaging for genome stability and inheritance, and accessibility for gene expression. They do so using post-translational modifications of four ancient canonical histone proteins (H2A, H2B, H3 and H4), and by deploying histone variants with specialized chromatin functions. While some histone variants are highly conserved across eukaryotes, others carry out lineage-specific functions. Here, we characterize the evolution of male germline-specific “short H2A variants”, which wrap shorter DNA fragments than canonical H2A. In addition to three previously described H2A.B, H2A.L and H2A.P variants, we describe a novel, extremely short H2A histone variant: H2A.Q. We show that H2A.B, H2A.L, H2A.P and H2A.Q are most closely related to a novel, more canonical mmH2A variant found only in monotremes and marsupials. Using phylogenomics, we trace the origins and early diversification of short histone variants into four distinct clades to the ancestral X chromosome of placental mammals. We show that short H2A variants further diversified by repeated lineage-specific amplifications and losses, including pseudogenization of H2A.L in many primates. We also uncover evidence for concerted evolution of H2A.B and H2A.L genes by gene conversion in many species, involving loci separated by large distances. Finally, we find that short H2As evolve more rapidly than any other histone variant, with evidence that positive selection has acted upon H2A.P in primates. Based on their X chromosomal location and pattern of genetic innovation, we speculate that short H2A histone variants are engaged in a form of genetic conflict involving the mammalian sex chromosomes.

scholarly journals Novel classes and evolutionary turnover of histone H2B variants in the mammalian germline

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pravrutha Raman ◽  
Callie Rominger ◽  
Janet M. Young ◽  
Antoine Molaro ◽  
Toshio Tsukiyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genome Stability ◽  
Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
Purifying Selection ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Last Common Ancestor ◽  
Evolutionary Origins ◽  
Vital Functions ◽  
Core Histones ◽  
Expression Site ◽  
Phylogenomic Analyses

Histones and their post-translational modifications facilitate diverse chromatin functions in eukaryotes. Core histones (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) package genomes after DNA replication. In contrast, variant histones promote specialized chromatin functions, including DNA repair, genome stability, and epigenetic inheritance. Previous studies have identified only a few H2B variants in animals; their roles and evolutionary origins remain largely unknown. Here, using phylogenomic analyses, we reveal the presence of five H2B variants broadly present in mammalian genomes. In addition to three previously described variants (H2B.1, subH2B, and H2B.W), we identify and describe two new variants: H2B.L and H2B.N. Four of these five H2B variants originated in mammals, whereas H2B.L arose prior to the last common ancestor of bony vertebrates. We find that though mammalian H2B variants are subject to high gene turnover, most are broadly retained in mammals, including humans. Despite an overall signature of purifying selection, H2B variants evolve more rapidly than core H2B with considerable divergence in sequence and length. All five H2B variants are expressed in the germline. H2B.L and H2B.N are predominantly expressed in oocytes, an atypical expression site for mammalian histone variants. Our findings suggest that H2B variants likely encode potentially redundant but vital functions via unusual chromatin packaging or non-chromatin functions in mammalian germline cells. Our discovery of novel histone variants highlights the advantages of comprehensive phylogenomic analyses and provides unique opportunities to study how innovations in chromatin function evolve.

scholarly journals Multi-omic profiling of histone variant H3.3 lysine 27 methylation reveals a distinct role from canonical H3 in stem cell differentiation

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yekaterina Kori ◽  
Peder J. Lund ◽  
Matteo Trovato ◽  
Simone Sidoli ◽  
Zuofei Yuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Stem Cell Differentiation ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Chromatin Accessibility ◽  
Histone Variant ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Histone H3.3 ◽  
Distinct Role

Histone variants, such as histone H3.3, replace canonical histones within the nucleosome to alter chromatin accessibility and gene expression. Although the biological roles of selected histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) have...

Transcriptional and epigenetic functions of histone variant H2A.ZThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled CSBMCB’s 51st Annual Meeting – Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Draker ◽  
Peter Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Peer Review Process ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Histone Variant ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Chromatin Dynamics ◽  
Transcription Process ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Selection Of

The chromatin organization of a genome ultimately dictates the gene expression profile of the cell. It is now well recognized that key mechanisms that regulate chromatin structure include post-translational modifications of histones and the incorporation of histone variants at strategic sites within the genome. H2A.Z is a variant of H2A that is localized to the 5′ end of many genes and is required for proper regulation of gene expression. However, its precise function in the transcription process is not yet well defined. In this review, we discuss some of the recent findings related to this histone variant, how it associates with other histone epigenetic marks, and how post-translational modifications of H2A.Z further define its function.

scholarly journals Functional redundancy of variant and canonical histone H3 lysine 9 modification in Drosophila

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor J.R. Penke ◽  
Daniel J. McKay ◽  
Brian D. Strahl ◽  
A. Gregory Matera ◽  
Robert J. Duronio
Keyword(s):  
Gene Activation ◽  
Histone H3 ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Histone Ptms ◽  
Repressive Chromatin ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Canonical Histone

ABSTRACTHistone post-translational modifications (PTMs) and differential incorporation of variant and canonical histones into chromatin are central modes of epigenetic regulation. Despite similar protein sequences, histone variants are enriched for different suites of PTMs compared to their canonical counterparts. For example, variant histone H3.3 occurs primarily in transcribed regions and is enriched for “active” histone PTMs like Lys9 acetylation (H3.3K9ac), whereas the canonical histone H3 is enriched for Lys9 methylation (H3K9me), which is found in transcriptionally silent heterochromatin. To determine the functions of K9 modification on variant versus canonical H3, we compared the phenotypes caused by engineering H3.3K9R and H3K9R mutant genotypes in Drosophila melanogaster. Whereas most H3.3K9R and a small number of H3K9R mutant animals are capable of completing development and do not have substantially altered protein coding transcriptomes, all H3.3K9RH3K9R combined mutants die soon after embryogenesis and display decreased expression of genes enriched for K9ac. These data suggest that the role of K9ac in gene activation during development can be provided by either H3 or H3.3. Conversely, we found that H3.3K9 is methylated at telomeric transposons, and this mark contributes to repressive chromatin architecture, supporting a role for H3.3 in heterochromatin that is distinct from that of H3. Thus, our genetic and molecular analyses demonstrate that K9 modification of variant and canonical H3 have overlapping roles in development and transcriptional regulation, though to differing extents in euchromatin and heterochromatin.

New developments in post-translational modifications and functions of histone H2A variantsThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled CSBMCB’s 51st Annual Meeting – Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita A. Thambirajah ◽  
Andra Li ◽  
Toyotaka Ishibashi ◽  
Juan Ausió
Keyword(s):  
Review Process ◽  
Peer Review Process ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Histone H2a ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
New Developments ◽  
Chromatin Dynamics ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Selection Of

Structural variability within histone families, such as H2A, can be achieved through 2 primary mechanisms: the expression of histone variants and the incorporation of chemical modifications. The histone H2A family contains several variants in addition to the canonical H2A forms. In this review, recent developments in the study of the heteromorphous variants H2A.X, H2A.Z, and macroH2A will be discussed. Particular focus will be given to the post-translational modifications (PTMs) of these variants, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, and methylation. The combination of the newly identified N- and C-terminal tail PTMs expands the multiplicity of roles that the individual H2A variants can perform. It is of additional interest that analogous sites within these different histone variants can be similarly modified. Whether this is a redundant function or a finely tuned one, designed to meet specific needs, remains to be elucidated.

scholarly journals Phosphorylation within Intrinsic Disordered Region Discriminates Histone Variant macroH2A1 Splicing Isoforms—macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 659
Author(s):  
Sebastiano Giallongo ◽  
Oriana Lo Re ◽  
Gabriela Lochmanová ◽  
Luca Parca ◽  
Francesco Petrizzelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Regulatory Element ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Histone H2a ◽  
Human Hepatoma Cells ◽  
Nucleosome Core ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered ◽  
Splicing Isoforms ◽  
The Impact

Background: Gene expression in eukaryotic cells can be governed by histone variants, which replace replication-coupled histones, conferring unique chromatin properties. MacroH2A1 is a histone H2A variant containing a domain highly similar to H2A and a large non-histone (macro) domain. MacroH2A1, in turn, is present in two alternatively exon-spliced isoforms: macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2, which regulate cell plasticity and proliferation in a remarkably distinct manner. The N-terminal and the C-terminal tails of H2A histones stem from the nucleosome core structure and can be target sites for several post-translational modifications (PTMs). MacroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2 isoforms differ only in a few amino acids and their ability to bind NAD-derived metabolites, a property allegedly conferring their different functions in vivo. Some of the modifications on the macroH2A1 variant have been identified, such as phosphorylation (T129, S138) and methylation (K18, K123, K239). However, no study to our knowledge has analyzed extensively, and in parallel, the PTM pattern of macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2 in the same experimental setting, which could facilitate the understanding of their distinct biological functions in health and disease. Methods: We used a mass spectrometry-based approach to identify the sites for phosphorylation, acetylation, and methylation in green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2 expressed in human hepatoma cells. The impact of selected PTMs on macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2 structure and function are demonstrated using computational analyses. Results: We identified K7 as a new acetylation site in both macroH2A1 isoforms. Quantitative comparison of histone marks between the two isoforms revealed significant differences in the levels of phosphorylated T129 and S170. Our computational analysis provided evidence that the phosphorylation status in the intrinsically disordered linker region in macroH2A1 isoforms might represent a key regulatory element contributing to their distinct biological responses. Conclusions: Taken together, our results report different PTMs on the two macroH2A1 splicing isoforms as responsible for their distinct features and distribution in the cell.

scholarly journals Essential and nonessential histone H2A variants in Tetrahymena thermophila.

1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 4305-4311 ◽  
Author(s):  
X Liu ◽  
B Li ◽  
GorovskyMA
Keyword(s):  
Tetrahymena Thermophila ◽  
Essential Gene ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Gene Replacement ◽  
Histone H2a ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Simple Mass ◽  
Essential Function ◽  
High Degree

Although variants have been identified for every class of histone, their functions remain unknown. We have been studying the histone H2A variant hv1 in the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila. Sequence analysis indicates that hv1 belongs to the H2A.F/Z type of histone variants. On the basis of the high degree of evolutionary conservation of this class of histones, they are proposed to have one or more distinct and essential functions that cannot be performed by their major H2A counterparts. Considerable evidence supports the hypothesis that the hv1 protein in T. thermophila and hv1-like proteins in other eukaryotes are associated with active chromatin. In T. thermophila, simple mass transformation and gene replacement techniques have recently become available. In this report, we demonstrate that either the HTA1 gene or the HTA2 gene, encoding the major H2As, can be completely replaced by disrupted genes in the polyploid, transcriptionally active macronucleus, indicating that neither of the two genes is essential. However, only some of the HTA3 genes encoding hv1 can be replaced by disrupted genes, indicating that the H2A.F/Z type variants have an essential function that cannot be performed by the major H2A genes. Thus, an essential gene in T. thermophila can be defined by the fact that it can be partially, but not completely, eliminated from the polyploid macronucleus. To our knowledge, this study represents the first use of gene disruption technology to study core histone gene function in any organism other than yeast and the first demonstration of an essential gene in T. thermophila using these methods. When a rescuing plasmid carrying a wild-type HTA3 gene was introduced into the T. thermophila cells, the endogenous chromosomal HTA3 could be completely replaced, defining a gene replacement strategy that can be used to analyze the function of essential genes.

The nucleosome: a little variation goes a long wayThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 27th International West Coast Chromatin and Chromosome Conference, and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 505-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Bernstein ◽  
Sandra B. Hake
Keyword(s):  
Peer Review Process ◽  
Gene Activation ◽  
Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Chromatin Compaction ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Chromatin Template ◽  
Mitosis And Meiosis ◽  
Selection Of

Changes in the overall structure of chromatin are essential for the proper regulation of cellular processes, including gene activation and silencing, DNA repair, chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis, X chromosome inactivation in female mammals, and chromatin compaction during apoptosis. Such alterations of the chromatin template occur through at least 3 interrelated mechanisms: post-translational modifications of histones, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, and the incorporation (or replacement) of specialized histone variants into chromatin. Of these mechanisms, the exchange of variants into and out of chromatin is the least well understood. However, the exchange of conventional histones for variant histones has distinct and profound consequences within the cell. This review focuses on the growing number of mammalian histone variants, their particular biological functions and unique features, and how they may affect the structure of the nucleosome. We propose that a given nucleosome might not consist of heterotypic variants, but rather, that only specific histone variants come together to form a homotypic nucleosome, a hypothesis that we refer to as the nucleosome code. Such nucleosomes might in turn participate in marking specific chromatin domains that may contribute to epigenetic inheritance.

scholarly journals Intrinsic elasticity of nucleosomes is encoded by histone variants and calibrated by their binding partners

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (48) ◽  
pp. 24066-24074 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniël P. Melters ◽  
Mary Pitman ◽  
Tatini Rakshit ◽  
Emilios K. Dimitriadis ◽  
Minh Bui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Histone Variant ◽  
Binding Partners ◽  
Damage Repair ◽  
Fine Tune

Histone variants fine-tune transcription, replication, DNA damage repair, and faithful chromosome segregation. Whether and how nucleosome variants encode unique mechanical properties to their cognate chromatin structures remains elusive. Here, using in silico and in vitro nanoindentation methods, extending to in vivo dissections, we report that histone variant nucleosomes are intrinsically more elastic than their canonical counterparts. Furthermore, binding proteins, which discriminate between histone variant nucleosomes, suppress this innate elasticity and also compact chromatin. Interestingly, when we overexpress the binding proteins in vivo, we also observe increased compaction of chromatin enriched for histone variant nucleosomes, correlating with diminished access. Taken together, these data suggest a plausible link between innate mechanical properties possessed by histone variant nucleosomes, the adaptability of chromatin states in vivo, and the epigenetic plasticity of the underlying locus.

scholarly journals The Histone Variant MacroH2A1 Regulates Key Genes for Myogenic Cell Fusion in a Splice-Isoform Dependent Manner

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1109
Author(s):  
Sarah Hurtado-Bagès ◽  
Melanija Posavec Marjanovic ◽  
Vanesa Valero ◽  
Roberto Malinverni ◽  
David Corujo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Regulation ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Histone Variant ◽  
C2c12 Cells ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Chronic Injury ◽  
Splice Isoforms ◽  
Splice Isoform

MacroH2A histone variants have functions in differentiation, somatic cell reprogramming and cancer. However, at present, it is not clear how macroH2As affect gene regulation to exert these functions. We have parted from the initial observation that loss of total macroH2A1 led to a change in the morphology of murine myotubes differentiated ex vivo. The fusion of myoblasts to myotubes is a key process in embryonic myogenesis and highly relevant for muscle regeneration after acute or chronic injury. We have focused on this physiological process, to investigate the functions of the two splice isoforms of macroH2A1. Individual perturbation of the two isoforms in myotubes forming in vitro from myogenic C2C12 cells showed an opposing phenotype, with macroH2A1.1 enhancing, and macroH2A1.2 reducing, fusion. Differential regulation of a subset of fusion-related genes encoding components of the extracellular matrix and cell surface receptors for adhesion correlated with these phenotypes. We describe, for the first time, splice isoform-specific phenotypes for the histone variant macroH2A1 in a physiologic process and provide evidence for a novel underlying molecular mechanism of gene regulation.

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