scholarly journals Characterization of mussel H2A.Z.2: a new H2A.Z variant preferentially expressed in germinal tissues from Mytilus

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 480-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ciro Rivera-Casas ◽  
Rodrigo González-Romero ◽  
Ángel Vizoso-Vazquez ◽  
Manjinder S. Cheema ◽  
M. Esperanza Cerdán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Sequence Divergence ◽  
Genotoxic Stress ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Coding Regions ◽  
Eukaryotic Chromatin ◽  
Core Histones ◽  
And Function ◽  
First Time

Histones are the fundamental constituents of the eukaryotic chromatin, facilitating the physical organization of DNA in chromosomes and participating in the regulation of its metabolism. The H2A family displays the largest number of variants among core histones, including the renowned H2A.X, macroH2A, H2A.B (Bbd), and H2A.Z. This latter variant is especially interesting because of its regulatory role and its differentiation into 2 functionally divergent variants (H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2), further specializing the structure and function of vertebrate chromatin. In the present work we describe, for the first time, the presence of a second H2A.Z variant (H2A.Z.2) in the genome of a non-vertebrate animal, the mussel Mytilus. The molecular and evolutionary characterization of mussel H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2 histones is consistent with their functional specialization, supported on sequence divergence at promoter and coding regions as well as on varying gene expression patterns. More precisely, the expression of H2A.Z.2 transcripts in gonadal tissue and its potential upregulation in response to genotoxic stress might be mirroring the specialization of this variant in DNA repair. Overall, the findings presented in this work complement recent reports describing the widespread presence of other histone variants across eukaryotes, supporting an ancestral origin and conserved role for histone variants in chromatin.

scholarly journals Similar yet critically different: the distribution, dynamics and function of histone variants

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (17) ◽  
pp. 5191-5204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline V Probst ◽  
Bénédicte Desvoyes ◽  
Crisanto Gutierrez
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Core Histones ◽  
Dynamics And Function ◽  
And Function ◽  
Histone Deposition ◽  
Dna Template

Abstract Organization of the genetic information into chromatin plays an important role in the regulation of all DNA template-based reactions. The incorporation of different variant versions of the core histones H3, H2A, and H2B, or the linker histone H1 results in nucleosomes with unique properties. Histone variants can differ by only a few amino acids or larger protein domains and their incorporation may directly affect nucleosome stability and higher order chromatin organization or indirectly influence chromatin function through histone variant-specific binding partners. Histone variants employ dedicated histone deposition machinery for their timely and locus-specific incorporation into chromatin. Plants have evolved specific histone variants with unique expression patterns and features. In this review, we discuss our current knowledge on histone variants in Arabidopsis, their mode of deposition, variant-specific post-translational modifications, and genome-wide distribution, as well as their role in defining different chromatin states.

scholarly journals Identification and Characterization of the Genes Encoding the Core Histones and Histone Variants of Neurospora crassa

Genetics ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 160 (3) ◽  
pp. 961-973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shan M Hays ◽  
Johanna Swanson ◽  
Eric U Selker
Keyword(s):  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Null Alleles ◽  
Histone Genes ◽  
Histone H4 ◽  
Coding Regions ◽  
The Core ◽  
Genomic Arrangement ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Core Histones

Abstract We have identified and characterized the complete complement of genes encoding the core histones of Neurospora crassa. In addition to the previously identified pair of genes that encode histones H3 and H4 (hH3 and hH4-1), we identified a second histone H4 gene (hH4-2), a divergently transcribed pair of genes that encode H2A and H2B (hH2A and hH2B), a homolog of the F/Z family of H2A variants (hH2Az), a homolog of the H3 variant CSE4 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (hH3v), and a highly diverged H4 variant (hH4v) not described in other species. The hH4-1 and hH4-2 genes, which are 96% identical in their coding regions and encode identical proteins, were inactivated independently. Strains with inactivating mutations in either gene were phenotypically wild type, in terms of growth rates and fertility, but the double mutants were inviable. As expected, we were unable to isolate null alleles of hH2A, hH2B, or hH3. The genomic arrangement of the histone and histone variant genes was determined. hH2Az and the hH3-hH4-1 gene pair are on LG IIR, with hH2Az centromere-proximal to hH3-hH4-1 and hH3 centromere-proximal to hH4-1. hH3v and hH4-2 are on LG IIIR with hH3v centromere-proximal to hH4-2. hH4v is on LG IVR and the hH2A-hH2B pair is located immediately right of the LG VII centromere, with hH2A centromere-proximal to hH2B. Except for the centromere-distal gene in the pairs, all of the histone genes are transcribed toward the centromere. Phylogenetic analysis of the N. crassa histone genes places them in the Euascomycota lineage. In contrast to the general case in eukaryotes, histone genes in euascomycetes are few in number and contain introns. This may be a reflection of the evolution of the RIP (repeat-induced point mutation) and MIP (methylation induced premeiotically) processes that detect sizable duplications and silence associated genes.

Histone Variants: The Nexus of Developmental Decisions and Epigenetic Memory

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Loppin ◽  
Frédéric Berger
Keyword(s):  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Epigenetic Memory ◽  
The Core ◽  
Nucleosome Dynamics ◽  
Nucleosome Structure ◽  
Core Histones ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Impact

Nucleosome dynamics and properties are central to all forms of genomic activities. Among the core histones, H3 variants play a pivotal role in modulating nucleosome structure and function. Here, we focus on the impact of H3 variants on various facets of development. The deposition of the replicative H3 variant following DNA replication is essential for the transmission of the epigenomic information encoded in posttranscriptional modifications. Through this process, replicative H3 maintains cell fate while, in contrast, the replacement H3.3 variant opposes cell differentiation during early embryogenesis. In later steps of development, H3.3 and specialized H3 variants are emerging as new, important regulators of terminal cell differentiation, including neurons and gametes. The specific pathways that regulate the dynamics of the deposition of H3.3 are paramount during reprogramming events that drive zygotic activation and the initiation of a new cycle of development.

scholarly journals Ontogenic, phenotypic, and functional characterization of XCR1+ dendritic cells leads to a consistent classification of intestinal dendritic cells based on the expression of XCR1 and SIRPα

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Becker ◽  
Steffen Güttler ◽  
Annabell Bachem ◽  
Evelyn Hartung ◽  
Ahmed Mora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Cross Presentation ◽  
Intestinal Immune System ◽  
Lineage Marker ◽  
And Function ◽  
First Time

In the past, lack of lineage markers confounded the classification of dendritic cells (DC) in the intestine and impeded a full understanding of their location and function. We have recently shown that the chemokine receptor XCR1 is a lineage marker for cross-presenting DC in the spleen. Now we provide evidence that intestinal XCR1+ DC largely, but not fully, overlap with CD103+ CD11b- DC, the hypothesized correlate of “cross-presenting DC” in the intestine, and are selectively dependent in their development on the transcription factor Batf3. XCR1+ DC are located in the villi and epithelial crypts of the lamina propria of the small intestine, the T cell zones of Peyer’s Patches, and in the T cell zones and sinuses of the draining mesenteric lymph node. Functionally, we could demonstrate for the first time that XCR1+ / CD103+ CD11b- DC excel in the cross-presentation of orally applied antigen. Together, our data show that XCR1 is a lineage marker for cross-presenting DC also in the intestinal immune system. Further, extensive phenotypic analyses reveal that expression of the integrin SIRPα consistently demarcates the XCR1- DC population. We propose a simplified and consistent classification system for intestinal DC based on the expression of XCR1 and SIRPα.

scholarly journals The Role and Function of microRNA in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Myeloma

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Handa ◽  
Yuki Murakami ◽  
Rei Ishihara ◽  
Kei Kimura-Masuda ◽  
Yuta Masuda
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Messenger Rna ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Mirna Regulation ◽  
Coding Regions ◽  
Cancer Pathogenesis ◽  
Regulation Mechanisms ◽  
And Function ◽  
Role And Function

Recently, attention has been drawn to the role of non-coding regions of the genome in cancer pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs with 19–25 bases of length that control gene expression by destroying messenger RNA or inhibiting its translation. In multiple myeloma (MM), the expression of several miRNAs, such as miR-15a and miR-16, is markedly decreased and their target genes upregulated, suggesting their role as tumor-suppressing miRNAs. In contrast, miRNAs such as miR-21 and miR-221 are highly expressed and function as oncogenes (oncomiRs). In addition, several miRNAs, such as those belonging to the miR-34 family, are transcriptional targets of p53 and mediate its tumor-suppressive functions. Many miRNAs are associated with drug resistance, and the modulation of their expression or activity might be explored to reverse it. Moreover, miRNA expression patterns in either MM cells or serum exosomes have been shown to be good prognostic markers. miRNA regulation mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Many miRNAs are epigenetically controlled by DNA methylation and histone modification, and others regulate the expression of epigenetic modifiers, indicating that miRNA and other epigenetic effectors are part of a network. In this review, we outlined the roles of miRNAs in MM and their potential to predict MM prognosis and develop novel therapies.

scholarly journals Genomic and antigenic characterization of the newly emerging Chinese duck egg-drop syndrome flavivirus: genomic comparison with Tembusu and Sitiawan viruses

2012 ◽  
Vol 93 (10) ◽  
pp. 2158-2170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peipei Liu ◽  
Hao Lu ◽  
Shuang Li ◽  
Gregory Moureau ◽  
Yong-Qiang Deng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Coding Regions ◽  
Evolutionary Origins ◽  
Glycosylation Sites ◽  
Antigenic Characterization ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Duck Egg ◽  
First Time

Duck egg-drop syndrome virus (DEDSV) is a newly emerging pathogenic flavivirus causing avian diseases in China. The infection occurs in laying ducks characterized by a severe drop in egg production with a fatality rate of 5–15 %. The virus was found to be most closely related to Tembusu virus (TMUV), an isolate from mosquitoes in South-east Asia. Here, we have sequenced and characterized the full-length genomes of seven DEDSV strains, including the 5′- and 3′-non-coding regions (NCRs). We also report for the first time the ORF sequences of TMUV and Sitiawan virus (STWV), another closely related flavivirus isolated from diseased chickens. We analysed the phylogenetic and antigenic relationships of DEDSV in relation to the Asian viruses TMUV and STWV, and other representative flaviviruses. Our results confirm the close relationship between DEDSV and TMUV/STWV and we discuss their probable evolutionary origins. We have also characterized the cleavage sites, potential glycosylation sites and unique motifs/modules of these viruses. Additionally, conserved sequences in both 5′- and 3′-NCRs were identified and the predicted secondary structures of the terminal sequences were studied. Antigenic cross-reactivity comparisons of DEDSV with related pathogenic flaviviruses identified a surprisingly close relationship with dengue virus (DENV) and raised the question of whether or not DEDSV may have a potential infectious threat to man. Importantly, DEDSV can be efficiently recognized by a broadly cross-reactive flavivirus mAb, 2A10G6, derived against DENV. The significance of these studies is discussed in the context of the emergence, evolution, epidemiology, antigenicity and pathogenicity of the newly emergent DEDSV.

scholarly journals Existence and functions of hypothalamic kisspeptin neuropeptide signaling system in a non-chordate deuterostome species

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianming Wang ◽  
Zheng Cao ◽  
Zhangfei Shen ◽  
Jingwen Yang ◽  
Xu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Apostichopus Japonicus ◽  
Receptor Internalization ◽  
Neurosecretory System ◽  
Vertebrate Lineage ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
And Function ◽  
First Time ◽  
New Evidence

AbstractThe kisspeptin (Kp) system is a central modulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in vertebrates. Its existence outside the vertebrate lineage remains largely unknown. Here we report the identification and characterization of Kp system in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. The gene encoding the Kp precursor, generates two mature neuropeptides, AjKiss1a and AjKiss1b. The Kp receptors, AjKissR1 and AjKissR2, are strongly activated by synthetic A. japonicus and vertebrate Kps, triggering a rapid intracellular mobilization of Ca2+, followed by receptor internalization. AjKissR1 and AjKissR2 share similar intracellular signaling pathways via Gαq/PLC/PKC/MAPK cascade, when activated by C-terminal decapeptide (AjKiss1b-10). The A. japonicus Kp system functions in mutiple tissues which are closely related to reproduction and metabolism. Overall, our findings uncover for the first time, to our knowledge, the existence and function of the Kp system in a non-chordate species and provide new evidence to support the ancient origin of the hypothalamic neurosecretory system.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal characterization of periocular mesenchyme heterogeneity during anterior segment development

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristyn L. Van Der Meulen ◽  
Oliver Vöcking ◽  
Megan L. Weaver ◽  
Jakub K. Famulski
Keyword(s):  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Anterior Segment ◽  
Critical Event ◽  
Transgenic Zebrafish ◽  
Anterior Segment Dysgenesis ◽  
Heterogenous Population ◽  
First Time

ABSTRACTEstablishment of the ocular anterior segment (AS) is a critical event during development of the vertebrate visual system. Failure in this process leads to Anterior Segment Dysgenesis (ASD), which is characterized by congenital blindness and predisposition to glaucoma. The anterior segment is largely formed via a neural crest-derived population, the Periocular Mesenchyme (POM). In this study, we aimed to characterize POM behaviors and identities during zebrafish AS development. POM distributions and migratory dynamics were analyzed using transgenic zebrafish embryos (Tg[foxC1b:GFP], Tg[foxD3:GFP], Tg[pitx2:GFP], Tg[lmx1b.1:GFP], and Tg[sox10:GFP] throughout the course of early AS development (24-72hpf). In vivo imaging analysis revealed unique AS distribution and migratory behavior among the reporter lines, suggesting AS mesenchyme (ASM) is a heterogenous population. This was confirmed using double in situ hybridization. Furthermore, we generated ASM transcriptomic profiles from our reporter lines and using a four-way comparison analysis uncovered unique ASM subpopulation expression patterns. Taken together, our data reveal for the first time that AS-associated POM is not homogeneous but rather comprised of several unique subpopulations identifiable by their distributions, behaviors, and transcriptomic profiles.

Primate-specific histone variants

Genome ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Dongbo Ding ◽  
Thi Thuy Nguyen ◽  
Matthew Y.H. Pang ◽  
Toyotaka Ishibashi
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Genomic Dna ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Linker Histones ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Core Histones ◽  
And Function

Canonical histones (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) are present in all eukaryotes where they package genomic DNA and participate in numerous cellular processes, such as transcription regulation and DNA repair. In addition to the canonical histones, there are many histone variants, which have different amino acid sequences, possess tissue-specific expression profiles, and function distinctly from the canonical counterparts. A number of histone variants, including both core histones (H2A/H2B/H3/H4) and linker histones (H1/H5), have been identified to date. Htz1 (H2A.Z) and CENP-A (CenH3) are present from yeasts to mammals, and H3.3 is present from Tetrahymena to humans. In addition to the prevalent variants, others like H3.4 (H3t), H2A.Bbd, and TH2B, as well as several H1 variants, are found to be specific to mammals. Among them, H2BFWT, H3.5, H3.X, H3.Y, and H4G are unique to primates (or Hominidae). In this review, we focus on localization and function of primate- or hominidae-specific histone variants.

scholarly journals Existence and functions of a kisspeptin neuropeptide signaling system in a non-chordate deuterostome species

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianming Wang ◽  
Zheng Cao ◽  
Zhangfei Shen ◽  
Jingwen Yang ◽  
Xu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Apostichopus Japonicus ◽  
Molecular System ◽  
Receptor Internalization ◽  
Vertebrate Lineage ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
And Function ◽  
First Time ◽  
New Evidence

The kisspeptin system is a central modulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in vertebrates. Its existence outside the vertebrate lineage remains largely unknown. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the kisspeptin system in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. The gene encoding the kisspeptin precursor generates two mature neuropeptides, AjKiss1a and AjKiss1b. The receptors for these neuropeptides, AjKissR1 and AjKissR2, are strongly activated by synthetic A. japonicus and vertebrate kisspeptins, triggering a rapid intracellular mobilization of Ca2+, followed by receptor internalization. AjKissR1 and AjKissR2 share similar intracellular signaling pathways via Gαq/PLC/PKC/MAPK cascade, when activated by C-terminal decapeptide. The A. japonicus kisspeptin system functions in multiple tissues that are closely related to seasonal reproduction and metabolism. Overall, our findings uncover for the first time the existence and function of the kisspeptin system in a non-chordate species and provide new evidence to support the ancient origin of intracellular signaling and physiological functions that are mediated by this molecular system.

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