scholarly journals Chromatin structure-dependent histone incorporation revealed by a genome-wide deposition assay

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroaki Tachiwana ◽  
Mariko Dacher ◽  
Kazumitsu Maehara ◽  
Akihito Harada ◽  
Yasuyuki Ohkawa ◽  
...  

AbstractIn eukaryotes, histone variant distribution within the genome is the key epigenetic feature. To understand how each histone variant is targeted to the genome, we developed a new method, in which epitope-tagged histone complexes are introduced into permeabilized cells and incorporated into their chromatin. We found that the incorporation of histones H2A and H2A.Z mainly occurred at less condensed chromatin (open), suggesting that the condensed chromatin (closed) is a barrier for histone incorporation. To overcome this barrier, H2A, but not H2A.Z, uses a replication-coupled deposition mechanism. This led to the recapitulation of the pre-existing chromatin structure: the genome-wide even distribution of H2A and the exclusion of H2A.Z from the closed chromatin. Intriguingly, an H2A.Z mutant with mutations in the developmentally essential region was incorporated into closed chromatin. Our study revealed that the combination of chromatin structure and DNA replication dictates the differential histone deposition for maintaining the epigenetic chromatin states.

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroaki Tachiwana ◽  
Mariko Dacher ◽  
Kazumitsu Maehara ◽  
Akihito Harada ◽  
Yosuke Seto ◽  
...  

In eukaryotes, histone variant distribution within the genome is the key epigenetic feature. To understand how each histone variant is targeted to the genome, we developed a new method, the RhIP (Reconstituted histone complex Incorporation into chromatin of Permeabilized cell) assay, in which epitope-tagged histone complexes are introduced into permeabilized cells and incorporated into their chromatin. Using this method, we found that H3.1 and H3.3 were incorporated into chromatin in replication-dependent and -independent manners, respectively. We further found that the incorporation of histones H2A and H2A.Z mainly occurred at less condensed chromatin (open), suggesting that condensed chromatin (closed) is a barrier for histone incorporation. To overcome this barrier, H2A, but not H2A.Z, uses a replication-coupled deposition mechanism. Our study revealed that the combination of chromatin structure and DNA replication dictates the differential histone deposition to maintain the epigenetic chromatin states.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (24) ◽  
pp. eabg3097
Author(s):  
Bo Zhao ◽  
Yanpeng Xi ◽  
Junghyun Kim ◽  
Sibum Sung

Chromatin structure is critical for gene expression and many other cellular processes. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the floral repressor FLC adopts a self-loop chromatin structure via bridging of its flanking regions. This local gene loop is necessary for active FLC expression. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the formation of this class of gene loops is unknown. Here, we report the characterization of a group of linker histone-like proteins, named the GH1-HMGA family in Arabidopsis, which act as chromatin architecture modulators. We demonstrate that these family members redundantly promote the floral transition through the repression of FLC. A genome-wide study revealed that this family preferentially binds to the 5′ and 3′ ends of gene bodies. The loss of this binding increases FLC expression by stabilizing the FLC 5′ to 3′ gene looping. Our study provides mechanistic insights into how a family of evolutionarily conserved proteins regulates the formation of local gene loops.


2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (5) ◽  
pp. 799-815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phoebe Y.T. Lu ◽  
Nancy Lévesque ◽  
Michael S. Kobor

Chromatin structure is important for the compaction of eukaryotic genomes, thus chromatin modifications play a fundamental role in regulating many cellular processes. The coordinated activities of various chromatin-remodelling and -modifying complexes are crucial in maintaining distinct chromatin neighbourhoods, which in turn ensure appropriate gene expression, as well as DNA replication, repair, and recombination. SWR1-C is an ATP-dependent histone deposition complex for the histone variant H2A.Z, whereas NuA4 is a histone acetyltransferase for histones H4, H2A, and H2A.Z. Together the NuA4 and SWR1-C chromatin-modifying complexes alter the chromatin structure through 3 distinct modifications in yeast: post-translational addition of chemical groups, ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling, and histone variant incorporation. These 2 multi-protein complexes share 4 subunits and function together to regulate the circuitry of H2A.Z biology. The components and functions of both multi-protein complexes are evolutionarily conserved and play important roles in multi-cellular development and cellular differentiation in higher eukaryotes. This review will summarize recent findings about NuA4 and SWR1-C and will focus on the connection between these complexes by investigating their physical and functional interactions through eukaryotic evolution.


2004 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Piotr Widłak

The DNA microarray technology delivers an experimental tool that allows surveying expression of genetic information on a genome-wide scale at the level of single genes--for the new field termed functional genomics. Gene expression profiling--the primary application of DNA microarrays technology--generates monumental amounts of information concerning the functioning of genes, cells and organisms. However, the expression of genetic information is regulated by a number of factors that cannot be directly targeted by standard gene expression profiling. The genetic material of eukaryotic cells is packed into chromatin which provides the compaction and organization of DNA for replication, repair and recombination processes, and is the major epigenetic factor determining the expression of genetic information. Genomic DNA can be methylated and this modification modulates interactions with proteins which change the functional status of genes. Both chromatin structure and transcriptional activity are affected by the processes of replication, recombination and repair. Modified DNA microarray technology could be applied to genome-wide study of epigenetic factors and processes that modulate the expression of genetic information. Attempts to use DNA microarrays in studies of chromatin packing state, chromatin/DNA-binding protein distribution and DNA methylation pattern on a genome-wide scale are briefly reviewed in this paper.


2005 ◽  
Vol 27 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 327-334
Author(s):  
Jyoti P. Chaudhuri ◽  
Eva Kasprzycki ◽  
Mathew Battaglia ◽  
John R. McGill ◽  
Anton Brøgger ◽  
...  

Background and Aim: One of the two parental allelic genes may selectively be expressed, regulated by imprinting, X-inactivation or by other less known mechanisms. This study aims to reflect on such genetic mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Slides from short term cultures or direct smears of blood, bone marrow and amniotic fluids were hybridized with FISH probes singly, combined or sequentially. Two to three hundred cells were examined from each preparation. Results and Aignificance: A small number of cells (up to about 5%), more frequent in leukemia cases, showed the twin features: (1) nuclei with biphasic chromatin, one part decondensed and the other condensed; and (2) homologous FISH signals distributed equitably in those two regions. The biphasic chromatin structure with equitable distribution of the homologous FISH signals may correspond to the two sets of chromosomes, supporting observations on ploidywise intranuclear order. The decondensed chromatin may relate to enhanced transcriptions or advanced replications. Conclusions: Transcriptions of only one of the two parental genomes cause allelic exclusion. Genomes may switch with alternating monoallelic expression of biallelic genes as an efficient genetic mechanism. If genomes fail to switch, allelic exclusion may lead to malignancy. Similarly, a genome-wide monoallelic replication may tilt the balance of heterozygosity resulting in aneusomy, initiating early events in malignant transformation and in predicting cancer mortality.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Z. Kochan ◽  
Julia S. P. Mawer ◽  
Jennifer Massen ◽  
Kiril Tishinov ◽  
Swati Parekh ◽  
...  

Gene expression involves regulation of chromatin structure and transcription, as well as processing of the transcribed mRNA. While there are feedback mechanisms, it is not clear whether these include crosstalk between chromatin architecture and mRNA decay. To address this, we performed a genome-wide genetic screen using a yeast strain harbouring the H3K56A mutation known to perturb chromatin structure and nascent transcription. We identified Puf5 as essential in an H3K56A background. Depletion of Puf5 in this background leads to downregulation of Puf5 targets. We suggest that Puf5 plays a role in post-transcriptional buffering of mRNAs and support this by transcriptional shutoff experiments in which Puf5 mRNA targets are degraded slower in H3K56A compared to wildtype. Finally, we show that post-transcriptional buffering of Puf5 targets is widespread and does not occur only in an H3K56A mutant, but also in an H3K4R background, which leads to a global increase in nascent transcription. Our data suggest that Puf5 determines the fate of its mRNA targets in a context-dependent manner acting as an mRNA surveillance hub balancing de-regulated nascent transcription to maintain physiological mRNA levels.


2014 ◽  
Vol 226 (03) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Ponthan ◽  
D Pal ◽  
J Vormoor ◽  
O Heidenreich
Keyword(s):  

2007 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
M. Lanktree ◽  
J. Robinson ◽  
J. Creider ◽  
H. Cao ◽  
D. Carter ◽  
...  

Background: In Dunnigan-type familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD) patients are born with normal fat distribution, but subcutaneous fat from extremities and gluteal regions are lost during puberty. The abnormal fat distribution leads to the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of phenotypes including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and visceral obesity. The study of FPLD as a monogenic model of MetS may uncover genetic risk factors of the common MetS which affects ~30% of adult North Americans. Two molecular forms of FPLD have been identified including FPLD2, resulting from heterozygous mutations in the LMNA gene, and FPLD3, resulting from both heterozygous dominant negative and haploinsufficiency mutations in the PPARG gene. However, many patients with clinically diagnosed FPLD have no mutation in either LMNA or PPARG, suggesting the involvement of additional genes in FPLD etiology. Methods: Here, we report the results of an Affymetrix 10K GeneChip microarray genome-wide linkage analysis study of a German kindred displaying the FPLD phenotype and no known lipodystrophy-causing mutations. Results: The investigation identified three chromosomal loci, namely 1q, 3p, and 9q, with non-parametric logarithm of odds (NPL) scores >2.7. While not meeting the criteria for genome-wide significance, it is interesting to note that the 1q and 3p peaks contain the LMNA and PPARG genes respectively. Conclusions: Three possible conclusions can be drawn from these results: 1) the peaks identified are spurious findings, 2) additional genes physically close to LMNA, PPARG, or within 9q, are involved in FPLD etiology, or 3) alternative disease causing mechanisms not identified by standard exon sequencing approaches, such as promoter mutations, alternative splicing, or epigenetics, are also responsible for FPLD.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document