101
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Li X, An Z, Zhang W, Li F. Phase Separation: Direct and Indirect Driving Force for High-Order Chromatin Organization. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:499. [PMID: 36833426 PMCID: PMC9956262 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The multi-level spatial chromatin organization in the nucleus is closely related to chromatin activity. The mechanism of chromatin organization and remodeling attract much attention. Phase separation describes the biomolecular condensation which is the basis for membraneless compartments in cells. Recent research shows that phase separation is a key aspect to drive high-order chromatin structure and remodeling. In addition, chromatin functional compartmentalization in the nucleus which is formed by phase separation also plays an important role in overall chromatin structure. In this review, we summarized the latest work about the role of phase separation in spatial chromatin organization, focusing on direct and indirect effects of phase separation on 3D chromatin organization and its impact on transcription regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Li
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Core Facility of Developmental Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ziyang An
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Feifei Li
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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102
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Lin J, Li QQ. Coupling epigenetics and RNA polyadenylation: missing links. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 28:223-234. [PMID: 36175275 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Precise regulation of gene expression is crucial for plant survival. As a cotranscriptional regulatory mechanism, pre-mRNA polyadenylation is essential for fine-tuning gene expression. Polyadenylation can be alternatively projected at various sites of a transcript, which contributes to transcriptome diversity. Epigenetic modification is another mechanism of transcriptional control. Recent studies have uncovered crosstalk between cotranscriptional polyadenylation processes and both epigenomic and epitranscriptomic markers. Genetic analyses have demonstrated that DNA methylation, histone modifications, and epitranscriptomic modification are involved in regulating polyadenylation in plants. Here we summarize current understanding of the links between epigenetics and polyadenylation and their novel biological efficacy for plant development and environmental responses. Unresolved issues and future directions are discussed to shed light on the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncheng Lin
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; FAFU-UCR Joint Center, Horticulture Biology and Metabolomics Center, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Qingshun Quinn Li
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Biomedical Science Division, College of Dental Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.
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103
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Sun H, Chen Y, Yan K, Shao Y, Zhang QC, Lin Y, Xi Q. Recruitment of TRIM33 to cell-context specific PML nuclear bodies regulates nodal signaling in mESCs. EMBO J 2023; 42:e112058. [PMID: 36524443 PMCID: PMC9890237 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
TRIM33 is a chromatin reader required for mammalian mesendoderm differentiation after activation of Nodal signaling, while its role in mESCs is still elusive. Here, we report that TRIM33 co-localizes with promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) specifically in mESCs, to mediate Nodal signaling-directed transcription of Lefty1/2. We show that TRIM33 puncta formation in mESCs depends on PML and on specific assembly of PML-NBs. Moreover, TRIM33 and PML co-regulate Lefty1/2 expression in mESCs, with both PML protein and formation of mESCs-specific PML-NBs being required for TRIM33 recruitment to these loci, and PML-NBs directly associating with the Lefty1/2 loci. Finally, a TurboID proximity-labeling experiment confirmed that TRIM33 is highly enriched only in mESCs-specific PML-NBs. Thus, our study supports a model in which TRIM33 condensates regulate Nodal signaling-directed transcription in mESCs and shows that PML-NBs can recruit distinct sets of client proteins in a cell-context-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyao Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Joint Graduate Program of Peking‐Tsinghua‐NIBSTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yutong Chen
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Kun Yan
- Tsinghua‐Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yanqiu Shao
- Tsinghua‐Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Qiangfeng C Zhang
- Joint Graduate Program of Peking‐Tsinghua‐NIBSTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Tsinghua‐Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yi Lin
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchTsinghua‐Peking Joint Centre for Life SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Qiaoran Xi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
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104
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Rademacher A, Erdel F, Weinmann R, Rippe K. Assessing the Phase Separation Propensity of Proteins in Living Cells Through Optodroplet Formation. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2563:395-411. [PMID: 36227485 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2663-4_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Phase separation is emerging as a key mechanism to describe the formation of membraneless organelles in the cell. It depends on the multivalent (self-) interaction properties of the macromolecules involved and can be observed in aqueous solutions under controlled conditions in vitro with purified components. However, to experimentally demonstrate that this process indeed occurs in the complex environment of living cells remains difficult. Here, we describe an assay based on light-induced association of proteins into complexes termed optodroplets that are in the hundred nm to μm size range. The formation and dissociation of these optodroplets can be followed over time in living cells by fluorescence microscopy to evaluate the propensity of proteins to demix and to form phase-separated subcompartments. The optodroplet assay is based on the fusion of a protein of interest with the photolyase homology region (PHR) protein domain from Arabidopsis thaliana, which can undergo reversible homo-oligomerization upon illumination with blue light. Using this approach, candidate proteins and their interaction-deficient or interaction-enhanced variants can be compared to each other or to reference proteins with known phase separation features. By quantifying the resulting microscopy images, the propensity of a given protein construct to assemble into a phase-separated subcompartment can be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Rademacher
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Erdel
- MCD, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Robin Weinmann
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karsten Rippe
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany.
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105
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Pei G, Zhou M, Xu W, Wang J, Li P. Phase Separation-Based Biochemical Assays for Biomolecular Interactions. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2563:225-236. [PMID: 36227476 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2663-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A variety of protein functions are carried out by protein complexes. Identifying and understanding protein-protein interactions (PPIs) will shed light on the structural foundations of the complexity of life. Although multiple methods have been developed to detect protein-protein interactions (PPIs), few are suited for high-throughput analysis and many of them suffer from severe false-positive and/or false-negative results. Here, we have summarized the previously established methods based on phase separation, namely, CEBIT and CoPIC, for simple, sensitive, and efficient identification of PPIs and further high-throughput screening of PPI regulators in vitro and in vivo, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaofeng Pei
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Weifan Xu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Pilong Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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106
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Sahayasheela VJ, Yu Z, Hidaka T, Pandian GN, Sugiyama H. Mitochondria and G-quadruplex evolution: an intertwined relationship. Trends Genet 2023; 39:15-30. [PMID: 36414480 PMCID: PMC9772288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical structures formed in guanine (G)-rich sequences through stacked G tetrads by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. Several studies have demonstrated the existence of G4s in the genome of various organisms, including humans, and have proposed that G4s have a regulatory role in various cellular functions. However, little is known regarding the dissemination of G4s in mitochondria. In this review, we report the observation that the number of potential G4-forming sequences in the mitochondrial genome increases with the evolutionary complexity of different species, suggesting that G4s have a beneficial role in higher-order organisms. We also discuss the possible function of G4s in mitochondrial (mt)DNA and long noncoding (lnc)RNA and their role in various biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinodh J Sahayasheela
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Zutao Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Takuya Hidaka
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Ganesh N Pandian
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Science (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Science (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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107
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Peng Q, Huang Z, Sun K, Liu Y, Yoon CW, Harrison RES, Schmitt DL, Zhu L, Wu Y, Tasan I, Zhao H, Zhang J, Zhong S, Chien S, Wang Y. Engineering inducible biomolecular assemblies for genome imaging and manipulation in living cells. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7933. [PMID: 36566209 PMCID: PMC9789998 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35504-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome architecture and organization play critical roles in cell life. However, it remains largely unknown how genomic loci are dynamically coordinated to regulate gene expression and determine cell fate at the single cell level. We have developed an inducible system which allows Simultaneous Imaging and Manipulation of genomic loci by Biomolecular Assemblies (SIMBA) in living cells. In SIMBA, the human heterochromatin protein 1α (HP1α) is fused to mCherry and FRB, which can be induced to form biomolecular assemblies (BAs) with FKBP-scFv, guided to specific genomic loci by a nuclease-defective Cas9 (dCas9) or a transcriptional factor (TF) carrying tandem repeats of SunTag. The induced BAs can not only enhance the imaging signals at target genomic loci using a single sgRNA, either at repetitive or non-repetitive sequences, but also recruit epigenetic modulators such as histone methyltransferase SUV39H1 to locally repress transcription. As such, SIMBA can be applied to simultaneously visualize and manipulate, in principle, any genomic locus with controllable timing in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Peng
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0435, USA.
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, P. R. China.
| | - Ziliang Huang
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0435, USA
| | - Kun Sun
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, P. R. China
| | - Yahan Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0435, USA
| | - Chi Woo Yoon
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0435, USA
| | - Reed E S Harrison
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0435, USA
| | - Danielle L Schmitt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0435, USA
| | - Linshan Zhu
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0435, USA
| | - Yiqian Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0435, USA
| | - Ipek Tasan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0435, USA
| | - Sheng Zhong
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0435, USA
| | - Shu Chien
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0435, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0435, USA
| | - Yingxiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0435, USA.
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108
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Ling X, Liu X, Jiang S, Fan L, Ding J. The dynamics of three-dimensional chromatin organization and phase separation in cell fate transitions and diseases. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 11:42. [PMID: 36539553 PMCID: PMC9768101 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-022-00145-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cell fate transition is a fascinating process involving complex dynamics of three-dimensional (3D) chromatin organization and phase separation, which play an essential role in cell fate decision by regulating gene expression. Phase separation is increasingly being considered a driving force of chromatin folding. In this review, we have summarized the dynamic features of 3D chromatin and phase separation during physiological and pathological cell fate transitions and systematically analyzed recent evidence of phase separation facilitating the chromatin structure. In addition, we discuss current advances in understanding how phase separation contributes to physical and functional enhancer-promoter contacts. We highlight the functional roles of 3D chromatin organization and phase separation in cell fate transitions, and more explorations are required to study the regulatory relationship between 3D chromatin organization and phase separation. 3D chromatin organization (shown by Hi-C contact map) and phase separation are highly dynamic and play functional roles during early embryonic development, cell differentiation, somatic reprogramming, cell transdifferentiation and pathogenetic process. Phase separation can regulate 3D chromatin organization directly, but whether 3D chromatin organization regulates phase separation remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoru Ling
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XAdvanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China ,grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XRNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China ,grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XCenter for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Xinyi Liu
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XAdvanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China ,grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XRNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China ,grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XCenter for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Shaoshuai Jiang
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XAdvanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China ,grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XRNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China ,grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XCenter for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Lili Fan
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Junjun Ding
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XAdvanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China ,grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XRNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China ,grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XCenter for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China ,grid.410737.60000 0000 8653 1072Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436 China ,grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
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109
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Her C, Phan TM, Jovic N, Kapoor U, Ackermann BE, Rizuan A, Kim Y, Mittal J, Debelouchina G. Molecular interactions underlying the phase separation of HP1α: role of phosphorylation, ligand and nucleic acid binding. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:12702-12722. [PMID: 36537242 PMCID: PMC9825191 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin protein 1α (HP1α) is a crucial element of chromatin organization. It has been proposed that HP1α functions through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which allows it to compact chromatin into transcriptionally repressed heterochromatin regions. In vitro, HP1α can undergo phase separation upon phosphorylation of its N-terminus extension (NTE) and/or through interactions with DNA and chromatin. Here, we combine computational and experimental approaches to elucidate the molecular interactions that drive these processes. In phosphorylation-driven LLPS, HP1α can exchange intradimer hinge-NTE interactions with interdimer contacts, which also leads to a structural change from a compacted to an extended HP1α dimer conformation. This process can be enhanced by the presence of positively charged HP1α peptide ligands and disrupted by the addition of negatively charged or neutral peptides. In DNA-driven LLPS, both positively and negatively charged peptide ligands can perturb phase separation. Our findings demonstrate the importance of electrostatic interactions in HP1α LLPS where binding partners can modulate the overall charge of the droplets and screen or enhance hinge region interactions through specific and non-specific effects. Our study illuminates the complex molecular framework that can fine-tune the properties of HP1α and that can contribute to heterochromatin regulation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nina Jovic
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Utkarsh Kapoor
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Bryce E Ackermann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Azamat Rizuan
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Young C Kim
- Center for Materials Physics and Technology, Naval Research Laboratory, WA, DC, USA
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110
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Ballmer D, Tardat M, Ortiz R, Graff-Meyer A, Ozonov E, Genoud C, Peters A, Fanourgakis G. HP1 proteins regulate nucleolar structure and function by secluding pericentromeric constitutive heterochromatin. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 51:117-143. [PMID: 36533441 PMCID: PMC9841413 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleoli are nuclear compartments regulating ribosome biogenesis and cell growth. In embryonic stem cells (ESCs), nucleoli containing transcriptionally active ribosomal genes are spatially separated from pericentromeric satellite repeat sequences packaged in largely repressed constitutive heterochromatin (PCH). To date, mechanisms underlying such nuclear partitioning and the physiological relevance thereof are unknown. Here we show that repressive chromatin at PCH ensures structural integrity and function of nucleoli during cell cycle progression. Loss of heterochromatin proteins HP1α and HP1β causes deformation of PCH, with reduced H3K9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) and HP1γ levels, absence of H4K20me3 and upregulated major satellites expression. Spatially, derepressed PCH aberrantly associates with nucleoli accumulating severe morphological defects during S/G2 cell cycle progression. Hp1α/β deficiency reduces cell proliferation, ribosomal RNA biosynthesis and mobility of Nucleophosmin, a major nucleolar component. Nucleolar integrity and function require HP1α/β proteins to be recruited to H3K9me3-marked PCH and their ability to dimerize. Correspondingly, ESCs deficient for both Suv39h1/2 H3K9 HMTs display similar nucleolar defects. In contrast, Suv4-20h1/2 mutant ESCs lacking H4K20me3 at PCH do not. Suv39h1/2 and Hp1α/β deficiency-induced nucleolar defects are reminiscent of those defining human ribosomopathy disorders. Our results reveal a novel role for SUV39H/HP1-marked repressive constitutive heterochromatin in regulating integrity, function and physiology of nucleoli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ballmer
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland,Faculty of Sciences, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu Tardat
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Ortiz
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Graff-Meyer
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Evgeniy A Ozonov
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christel Genoud
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Grigorios Fanourgakis
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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111
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Ibrahim Z, Wang T, Destaing O, Salvi N, Hoghoughi N, Chabert C, Rusu A, Gao J, Feletto L, Reynoird N, Schalch T, Zhao Y, Blackledge M, Khochbin S, Panne D. Structural insights into p300 regulation and acetylation-dependent genome organisation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7759. [PMID: 36522330 PMCID: PMC9755262 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35375-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications are deposited by chromatin modifying enzymes and read out by proteins that recognize the modified state. BRD4-NUT is an oncogenic fusion protein of the acetyl lysine reader BRD4 that binds to the acetylase p300 and enables formation of long-range intra- and interchromosomal interactions. We here examine how acetylation reading and writing enable formation of such interactions. We show that NUT contains an acidic transcriptional activation domain that binds to the TAZ2 domain of p300. We use NMR to investigate the structure of the complex and found that the TAZ2 domain has an autoinhibitory role for p300. NUT-TAZ2 interaction or mutations found in cancer that interfere with autoinhibition by TAZ2 allosterically activate p300. p300 activation results in a self-organizing, acetylation-dependent feed-forward reaction that enables long-range interactions by bromodomain multivalent acetyl-lysine binding. We discuss the implications for chromatin organisation, gene regulation and dysregulation in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziad Ibrahim
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, United States
| | - Tao Wang
- CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Olivier Destaing
- CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Nicola Salvi
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, CNRS, CEA, UGA, Grenoble, France
| | - Naghmeh Hoghoughi
- CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Clovis Chabert
- CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Alexandra Rusu
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Jinjun Gao
- Ben May Department of Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Leonardo Feletto
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Nicolas Reynoird
- CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Thomas Schalch
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Yingming Zhao
- Ben May Department of Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | - Saadi Khochbin
- CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Daniel Panne
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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112
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Athanasopoulou K, Daneva GN, Boti MA, Dimitroulis G, Adamopoulos PG, Scorilas A. The Transition from Cancer "omics" to "epi-omics" through Next- and Third-Generation Sequencing. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12122010. [PMID: 36556377 PMCID: PMC9785810 DOI: 10.3390/life12122010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Deciphering cancer etiopathogenesis has proven to be an especially challenging task since the mechanisms that drive tumor development and progression are far from simple. An astonishing amount of research has revealed a wide spectrum of defects, including genomic abnormalities, epigenomic alterations, disturbance of gene transcription, as well as post-translational protein modifications, which cooperatively promote carcinogenesis. These findings suggest that the adoption of a multidimensional approach can provide a much more precise and comprehensive picture of the tumor landscape, hence serving as a powerful tool in cancer research and precision oncology. The introduction of next- and third-generation sequencing technologies paved the way for the decoding of genetic information and the elucidation of cancer-related cellular compounds and mechanisms. In the present review, we discuss the current and emerging applications of both generations of sequencing technologies, also referred to as massive parallel sequencing (MPS), in the fields of cancer genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, as well as in the progressing realms of epi-omics. Finally, we provide a brief insight into the expanding scope of sequencing applications in personalized cancer medicine and pharmacogenomics.
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113
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Zhu Q, Zhang C, Qu T, Lu X, He X, Li W, Yin D, Han L, Guo R, Zhang E. MNX1-AS1 Promotes Phase Separation of IGF2BP1 to Drive c-Myc-Mediated Cell-Cycle Progression and Proliferation in Lung Cancer. Cancer Res 2022; 82:4340-4358. [PMID: 36214649 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
c-Myc and E2F1 play critical roles in many human cancers. As long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are known to regulate various tumorigenic processes, elucidation of mechanisms of cross-talk between lncRNAs and c-Myc/E2F1-related signaling pathways could provide important insights into cancer biology. In this study, we used integrated bioinformatic analyses and found that the lncRNA MNX1-AS1 is upregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via copy-number gain and c-Myc-mediated transcriptional activation. High levels of MNX1-AS1 were associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with lung cancer. MNX1-AS1 promoted cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. MNX1-AS1 bound and drove phase separation of IGF2BP1, which increased the interaction of IGF2BP1 with the 3'-UTR (untranslated region) of c-Myc and E2F1 mRNA to promote their stability. The c-Myc/MNX1-AS1/IGF2BP1 positive feedback loop accelerated cell-cycle progression and promoted continuous proliferation of lung cancer cells. In a lung cancer patient-derived xenograft model, inhibition of MNX1-AS1 suppressed cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. These findings offer new insights into the regulation and function of c-Myc and E2F1 signaling in NSCLC tumorigenesis and suggest that the MNX1-AS1/IGF2BP1 axis may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in NSCLC. SIGNIFICANCE MNX1-AS1 drives phase separation of IGF2BP1 to increase c-Myc and E2F1 signaling and to activate cell-cycle progression to promote proliferation in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chongguo Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Tianyu Qu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xiyi Lu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xuezhi He
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, The Research Center for Bone and Stem Cells, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Yin
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Liang Han
- Department of Oncology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Renhua Guo
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Erbao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
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114
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Mohanty P, Kapoor U, Sundaravadivelu Devarajan D, Phan TM, Rizuan A, Mittal J. Principles Governing the Phase Separation of Multidomain Proteins. Biochemistry 2022; 61:2443-2455. [PMID: 35802394 PMCID: PMC9669140 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A variety of membraneless organelles, often termed "biological condensates", play an important role in the regulation of cellular processes such as gene transcription, translation, and protein quality control. On the basis of experimental and theoretical investigations, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been proposed as a possible mechanism for the origin of biological condensates. LLPS requires multivalent macromolecules that template the formation of long-range, intermolecular interaction networks and results in the formation of condensates with defined composition and material properties. Multivalent interactions driving LLPS exhibit a wide range of modes from highly stereospecific to nonspecific and involve both folded and disordered regions. Multidomain proteins serve as suitable macromolecules for promoting phase separation and achieving disparate functions due to their potential for multivalent interactions and regulation. Here, we aim to highlight the influence of the domain architecture and interdomain interactions on the phase separation of multidomain protein condensates. First, the general principles underlying these interactions are illustrated on the basis of examples of multidomain proteins that are predominantly associated with nucleic acid binding and protein quality control and contain both folded and disordered regions. Next, the examples showcase how LLPS properties of folded and disordered regions can be leveraged to engineer multidomain constructs that form condensates with the desired assembly and functional properties. Finally, we highlight the need for improvements in coarse-grained computational models that can provide molecular-level insights into multidomain protein condensates in conjunction with experimental efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyesh Mohanty
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Utkarsh Kapoor
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | | | - Tien Minh Phan
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Azamat Rizuan
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Jeetain Mittal
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
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115
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Ren J, Zhang Z, Zong Z, Zhang L, Zhou F. Emerging Implications of Phase Separation in Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202855. [PMID: 36117111 PMCID: PMC9631093 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, biological activities are executed in distinct cellular compartments or organelles. Canonical organelles with membrane-bound structures are well understood. Cells also inherently contain versatile membrane-less organelles (MLOs) that feature liquid or gel-like bodies. A biophysical process termed liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) elucidates how MLOs form through dynamic biomolecule assembly. LLPS-related molecules often have multivalency, which is essential for low-affinity inter- or intra-molecule interactions to trigger phase separation. Accumulating evidence shows that LLPS concentrates and organizes desired molecules or segregates unneeded molecules in cells. Thus, MLOs have tunable functional specificity in response to environmental stimuli and metabolic processes. Aberrant LLPS is widely associated with several hallmarks of cancer, including sustained proliferative signaling, growth suppressor evasion, cell death resistance, telomere maintenance, DNA damage repair, etc. Insights into the molecular mechanisms of LLPS provide new insights into cancer therapeutics. Here, the current understanding of the emerging concepts of LLPS and its involvement in cancer are comprehensively reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ren
- School of MedicineZhejiang University City CollegeHangzhou215123China
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450003China
| | - Zhi Zong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Long Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- International Biomed‐X Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhou215123China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- School of MedicineZhejiang University City CollegeHangzhou215123China
- Institutes of Biology and Medical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhou215123China
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116
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Buttress T, He S, Wang L, Zhou S, Saalbach G, Vickers M, Li G, Li P, Feng X. Histone H2B.8 compacts flowering plant sperm through chromatin phase separation. Nature 2022; 611:614-622. [PMID: 36323776 PMCID: PMC9668745 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05386-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sperm chromatin is typically transformed by protamines into a compact and transcriptionally inactive state1,2. Sperm cells of flowering plants lack protamines, yet they have small, transcriptionally active nuclei with chromatin condensed through an unknown mechanism3,4. Here we show that a histone variant, H2B.8, mediates sperm chromatin and nuclear condensation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Loss of H2B.8 causes enlarged sperm nuclei with dispersed chromatin, whereas ectopic expression in somatic cells produces smaller nuclei with aggregated chromatin. This result demonstrates that H2B.8 is sufficient for chromatin condensation. H2B.8 aggregates transcriptionally inactive AT-rich chromatin into phase-separated condensates, which facilitates nuclear compaction without reducing transcription. Reciprocal crosses show that mutation of h2b.8 reduces male transmission, which suggests that H2B.8-mediated sperm compaction is important for fertility. Altogether, our results reveal a new mechanism of nuclear compaction through global aggregation of unexpressed chromatin. We propose that H2B.8 is an evolutionary innovation of flowering plants that achieves nuclear condensation compatible with active transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby Buttress
- Cell and Developmental Biology Department, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
| | - Shengbo He
- Cell and Developmental Biology Department, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
| | - Liang Wang
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoli Zhou
- Cell and Developmental Biology Department, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
| | - Gerhard Saalbach
- Cell and Developmental Biology Department, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
| | - Martin Vickers
- Cell and Developmental Biology Department, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
| | - Guohong Li
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Pilong Li
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Cell and Developmental Biology Department, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
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117
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Chen Q, Zhao L, Soman A, Arkhipova AY, Li J, Li H, Chen Y, Shi X, Nordenskiöld L. Chromatin Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS) Is Regulated by Ionic Conditions and Fiber Length. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193145. [PMID: 36231107 PMCID: PMC9564186 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamic regulation of the physical states of chromatin in the cell nucleus is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Chromatin can exist in solid- or liquid-like forms depending on the surrounding ions, binding proteins, post-translational modifications and many other factors. Several recent studies suggested that chromatin undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in vitro and also in vivo; yet, controversial conclusions about the nature of chromatin LLPS were also observed from the in vitro studies. These inconsistencies are partially due to deviations in the in vitro buffer conditions that induce the condensation/aggregation of chromatin as well as to differences in chromatin (nucleosome array) constructs used in the studies. In this work, we present a detailed characterization of the effects of K+, Mg2+ and nucleosome fiber length on the physical state and property of reconstituted nucleosome arrays. LLPS was generally observed for shorter nucleosome arrays (15-197-601, reconstituted from 15 repeats of the Widom 601 DNA with 197 bp nucleosome repeat length) at physiological ion concentrations. In contrast, gel- or solid-like condensates were detected for the considerably longer 62-202-601 and lambda DNA (~48.5 kbp) nucleosome arrays under the same conditions. In addition, we demonstrated that the presence of reduced BSA and acetate buffer is not essential for the chromatin LLPS process. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of several factors regarding chromatin physical states and sheds light on the mechanism and biological relevance of chromatin phase separation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinming Chen
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (Q.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518172, China; (L.Z.); (A.Y.A.); (J.L.); (H.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Aghil Soman
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (Q.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Anastasia Yu Arkhipova
- Department of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518172, China; (L.Z.); (A.Y.A.); (J.L.); (H.L.); (Y.C.)
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Jindi Li
- Department of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518172, China; (L.Z.); (A.Y.A.); (J.L.); (H.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518172, China; (L.Z.); (A.Y.A.); (J.L.); (H.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yinglu Chen
- Department of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518172, China; (L.Z.); (A.Y.A.); (J.L.); (H.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Xiangyan Shi
- Department of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518172, China; (L.Z.); (A.Y.A.); (J.L.); (H.L.); (Y.C.)
- Correspondence: (X.S.); (L.N.)
| | - Lars Nordenskiöld
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (Q.C.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (X.S.); (L.N.)
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118
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Luo C, Wang Z, Wang J, Yun F, Lu F, Fu J, Liu Q, Shi D. Individual variation in buffalo somatic cell cloning efficiency is related to glycolytic metabolism. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:2076-2092. [PMID: 35366153 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2039-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian individuals differ in their somatic cell cloning efficiency, but the mechanisms leading to this variation is poorly understood. Here we found that high cloning efficiency buffalo fetal fibroblasts (BFFs) displayed robust energy metabolism, looser chromatin structure, high H3K9 acetylation and low heterochromatin protein 1α (HP1α) expression. High cloning efficiency BFFs had more H3K9ac regions near to the upstream of glycolysis genes by ChIP-seq, and involved more openness loci related to glycolysis genes through ATAC-seq. The expression of these glycolysis genes was also found to be higher in high cloning efficiency BFFs by qRT-PCR. Two key enzymes of glycolysis, PDKs and LDH, were confirmed to be associated with histone acetylation and chromatin openness of BFFs. Treatment of low cloning efficiency BFFs with PS48 (activator of PDK1) resulted in an increase in the intracellular lactate production and H3K9 acetylation, decrease in histone deacetylase activity and HP1α expression, less condensed chromatin structure and more cloning embryos developing to blastocysts. These results indicate that the cloning efficiency of buffalo somatic cells is associated with their glycolytic metabolism and chromatin structure, and can be improved by increasing glycolytic metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Jinling Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Feng Yun
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Fenghua Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Jiayuan Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Qingyou Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China.
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119
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Millán-Zambrano G, Burton A, Bannister AJ, Schneider R. Histone post-translational modifications - cause and consequence of genome function. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:563-580. [PMID: 35338361 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00468-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 482] [Impact Index Per Article: 160.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Much has been learned since the early 1960s about histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) and how they affect DNA-templated processes at the molecular level. This understanding has been bolstered in the past decade by the identification of new types of histone PTM, the advent of new genome-wide mapping approaches and methods to deposit or remove PTMs in a locally and temporally controlled manner. Now, with the availability of vast amounts of data across various biological systems, the functional role of PTMs in important processes (such as transcription, recombination, replication, DNA repair and the modulation of genomic architecture) is slowly emerging. This Review explores the contribution of histone PTMs to the regulation of genome function by discussing when these modifications play a causative (or instructive) role in DNA-templated processes and when they are deposited as a consequence of such processes, to reinforce and record the event. Important advances in the field showing that histone PTMs can exert both direct and indirect effects on genome function are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Millán-Zambrano
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Adam Burton
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrew J Bannister
- Gurdon Institute and Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Robert Schneider
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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120
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Roemer A, Mohammed L, Strickfaden H, Underhill DA, Hendzel MJ. Mechanisms governing the accessibility of DNA damage proteins to constitutive heterochromatin. Front Genet 2022; 13:876862. [PMID: 36092926 PMCID: PMC9458887 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.876862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin is thought to regulate the accessibility of the underlying DNA sequence to machinery that transcribes and repairs the DNA. Heterochromatin is chromatin that maintains a sufficiently high density of DNA packing to be visible by light microscopy throughout the cell cycle and is thought to be most restrictive to transcription. Several studies have suggested that larger proteins and protein complexes are attenuated in their access to heterochromatin. In addition, heterochromatin domains may be associated with phase separated liquid condensates adding further complexity to the regulation of protein concentration within chromocenters. This provides a solvent environment distinct from the nucleoplasm, and proteins that are not size restricted in accessing this liquid environment may partition between the nucleoplasm and heterochromatin based on relative solubility. In this study, we assessed the accessibility of constitutive heterochromatin in mouse cells, which is organized into large and easily identifiable chromocenters, to fluorescently tagged DNA damage response proteins. We find that proteins larger than the expected 10 nm size limit can access the interior of heterochromatin. We find that the sensor proteins Ku70 and PARP1 enrich in mouse chromocenters. At the same time, MRE11 shows variability within an asynchronous population that ranges from depleted to enriched but is primarily homogeneously distribution between chromocenters and the nucleoplasm. While larger downstream proteins such as ATM, BRCA1, and 53BP1 are commonly depleted in chromocenters, they show a wide range of concentrations, with none being depleted beyond approximately 75%. Contradicting exclusively size-dependent accessibility, many smaller proteins, including EGFP, are also depleted in chromocenters. Our results are consistent with minimal size-dependent selectivity but a distinct solvent environment explaining reduced concentrations of diffusing nucleoplasmic proteins within the volume of the chromocenter.
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121
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Peng Q, Tan S, Xia L, Wu N, Oyang L, Tang Y, Su M, Luo X, Wang Y, Sheng X, Zhou Y, Liao Q. Phase separation in Cancer: From the Impacts and Mechanisms to Treatment potentials. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:5103-5122. [PMID: 35982902 PMCID: PMC9379413 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.75410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a public health problem of great concern, and it is also one of the main causes of death in the world. Cancer is a disease characterized by dysregulation of diverse cellular processes, including avoiding growth inhibitory factors, avoiding immune damage and promoting metastasis, etc. However, the precise mechanism of tumorigenesis and tumor progression still needs to be further elucidated. Formations of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) condensates are a common strategy for cells to achieve diverse functions, such as chromatin organization, signal transduction, DNA repair and transcriptional regulation, etc. The biomolecular aggregates formed by LLPS are mainly driven by multivalent weak interactions mediated by intrinsic disordered regions (IDRs) in proteins. In recent years, aberrant phase separations and transition have been reported to be related to the process of various diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Herein, we discussed recent findings that phase separation regulates tumor-related signaling pathways and thus contributes to tumor progression. We also reviewed some tumor virus-associated proteins to regulate the development of virus-associated tumors via phase separation. Finally, we discussed some possible strategies for treating tumors by targeting phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Peng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Shiming Tan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Longzheng Xia
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Nayiyuan Wu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Linda Oyang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yanyan Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Min Su
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Xia Luo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaowu Sheng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yujuan Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
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Xiao C, Wu G, Chen P, Gao L, Chen G, Zhang H. Phase separation in epigenetics and cancer stem cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:922604. [PMID: 36081552 PMCID: PMC9445202 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.922604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) is the basis of the formation of membrane-less compartments in cells. This biomolecular condensate represented by phase separation may influence epigenetics in cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subpopulation of cancer cells responding to the initiation, maintenance, metastasis, and therapy resistance of cancer. Understanding the underlying biophysical principles and the specific characteristics of biocondensates would provide insights into the precise blocking of potential tumor targets, thereby fundamentally curbing tumor occurrence, recurrence and metastasis. In this review, we summarized the key phenomenon and experimental detection of phase separation and the possibility of regulating the stemness of CSCs through phase separation. We believe that the mechanism of phase separation in CSCs will open up new avenues for the mystery of tumor formation, and modulating phase separation will be a great strategy for CSC-targeted tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanchan Xiao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Geriatric Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Great Bay Area Geroscience Joint Laboratory (GBGJL), School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangjie Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Geriatric Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Great Bay Area Geroscience Joint Laboratory (GBGJL), School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Geriatric Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Great Bay Area Geroscience Joint Laboratory (GBGJL), School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Gao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Geriatric Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Great Bay Area Geroscience Joint Laboratory (GBGJL), School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lijuan Gao, ; Guobing Chen, ; Hongyi Zhang,
| | - Guobing Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Geriatric Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Great Bay Area Geroscience Joint Laboratory (GBGJL), School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lijuan Gao, ; Guobing Chen, ; Hongyi Zhang,
| | - Hongyi Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Geriatric Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Great Bay Area Geroscience Joint Laboratory (GBGJL), School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lijuan Gao, ; Guobing Chen, ; Hongyi Zhang,
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123
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Li Z, Liu X, Liu M. Stress Granule Homeostasis, Aberrant Phase Transition, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2356-2370. [PMID: 35905138 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. In recent years, a large number of ALS-related mutations have been discovered to have a strong link to stress granules (SGs). SGs are cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein condensates mediated by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomacromolecules. They help cells cope with stress. The normal physiological functions of SGs are dependent on three key aspects of SG "homeostasis": SG assembly, disassembly, and SG components. Any of these three aspects can be disrupted, resulting in abnormalities in the cellular stress response and leading to cytotoxicity. Several ALS-related pathogenic mutants have abnormal LLPS abilities that disrupt SG homeostasis, and some of them can even cause aberrant phase transitions. As a result, ALS-related mutants may disrupt various aspects of SG homeostasis by directly disturbing the intermolecular interactions or affecting core SG components, thus disrupting the phase equilibrium of the cytoplasm during stress. Considering that the importance of the "global view" of SG homeostasis in ALS pathogenesis has not received enough attention, we first systematically summarize the physiological regulatory mechanism of SG homeostasis based on LLPS and then examine ALS pathogenesis from the perspective of disrupted SG homeostasis and aberrant phase transition of biomacromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanxu Li
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Xionghao Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Mujun Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
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124
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Das P, Shen T, McCord RP. Characterizing the variation in chromosome structure ensembles in the context of the nuclear microenvironment. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010392. [PMID: 35969616 PMCID: PMC9410561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Inside the nucleus, chromosomes are subjected to direct physical interaction between different components, active forces, and thermal noise, leading to the formation of an ensemble of three-dimensional structures. However, it is still not well understood to what extent and how the structural ensemble varies from one chromosome region or cell-type to another. We designed a statistical analysis technique and applied it to single-cell chromosome imaging data to reveal the heterogeneity of individual chromosome structures. By analyzing the resulting structural landscape, we find that the largest dynamic variation is the overall radius of gyration of the chromatin region, followed by domain reorganization within the region. By comparing different human cell-lines and experimental perturbation data using this statistical analysis technique and a network-based similarity quantification approach, we identify both cell-type and condition-specific features of the structural landscapes. We identify a relationship between epigenetic state and the properties of chromosome structure fluctuation and validate this relationship through polymer simulations. Overall, our study suggests that the types of variation in a chromosome structure ensemble are cell-type as well as region-specific and can be attributed to constraints placed on the structure by factors such as variation in epigenetic state. Recent work has revealed principles of how chromosomes are folded and structured inside the human nucleus. It is now even possible to microscopically trace the path of chromosomes in 3D in individual cells. With this data, we can start to examine how much variation exists in chromosome structure and what biological factors may restrict or enhance this variation. Are chromosomes stuck in just a few possible positions or do they move around more freely, sampling many configurations? Here, we use a mathematical approach to compare chromosome structure variation in different cell types, at different locations along the genome, and when key structural proteins are removed. Through these comparisons and dynamic simulations of chromosome behavior, we identify factors that may constrain or promote variation in chromosome structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyojit Das
- UT-ORNL Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Tongye Shen
- UT-ORNL Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Rachel Patton McCord
- UT-ORNL Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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125
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Ng WS, Sielaff H, Zhao ZW. Phase Separation-Mediated Chromatin Organization and Dynamics: From Imaging-Based Quantitative Characterizations to Functional Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8039. [PMID: 35887384 PMCID: PMC9316379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As an effective and versatile strategy to compartmentalize cellular components without the need for lipid membranes, phase separation has been found to underpin a wide range of intranuclear processes, particularly those involving chromatin. Many of the unique physico-chemical properties of chromatin-based phase condensates are harnessed by the cell to accomplish complex regulatory functions in a spatially and temporally controlled manner. Here, we survey key recent findings on the mechanistic roles of phase separation in regulating the organization and dynamics of chromatin-based molecular processes across length scales, packing states and intranuclear functions, with a particular emphasis on quantitative characterizations of these condensates enabled by advanced imaging-based approaches. By illuminating the complex interplay between chromatin and various chromatin-interacting molecular species mediated by phase separation, this review sheds light on an emerging multi-scale, multi-modal and multi-faceted landscape that hierarchically regulates the genome within the highly crowded and dynamic nuclear space. Moreover, deficiencies in existing studies also highlight the need for mechanism-specific criteria and multi-parametric approaches for the characterization of chromatin-based phase separation using complementary techniques and call for greater efforts to correlate the quantitative features of these condensates with their functional consequences in close-to-native cellular contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woei Shyuan Ng
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119543, Singapore; (W.S.N.); (H.S.)
- Centre for BioImaging Sciences (CBIS), Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117557, Singapore
| | - Hendrik Sielaff
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119543, Singapore; (W.S.N.); (H.S.)
- Centre for BioImaging Sciences (CBIS), Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117557, Singapore
| | - Ziqing Winston Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119543, Singapore; (W.S.N.); (H.S.)
- Centre for BioImaging Sciences (CBIS), Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117557, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
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126
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Tong X, Tang R, Xu J, Wang W, Zhao Y, Yu X, Shi S. Liquid-liquid phase separation in tumor biology. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:221. [PMID: 35803926 PMCID: PMC9270353 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a novel principle for explaining the precise spatial and temporal regulation in living cells. LLPS compartmentalizes proteins and nucleic acids into micron-scale, liquid-like, membraneless bodies with specific functions, which were recently termed biomolecular condensates. Biomolecular condensates are executors underlying the intracellular spatiotemporal coordination of various biological activities, including chromatin organization, genomic stability, DNA damage response and repair, transcription, and signal transduction. Dysregulation of these cellular processes is a key event in the initiation and/or evolution of cancer, and emerging evidence has linked the formation and regulation of LLPS to malignant transformations in tumor biology. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the detailed mechanisms of biomolecular condensate formation and biophysical function and review the recent major advances toward elucidating the multiple mechanisms involved in cancer cell pathology driven by aberrant LLPS. In addition, we discuss the therapeutic perspectives of LLPS in cancer research and the most recently developed drug candidates targeting LLPS modulation that can be used to combat tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Tong
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Tang
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingjun Zhao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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127
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Kolobynina KG, Rapp A, Cardoso MC. Chromatin Ubiquitination Guides DNA Double Strand Break Signaling and Repair. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:928113. [PMID: 35865631 PMCID: PMC9294282 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.928113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin is the context for all DNA-based molecular processes taking place in the cell nucleus. The initial chromatin structure at the site of the DNA damage determines both, lesion generation and subsequent activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. In turn, proceeding DDR changes the chromatin at the damaged site and across large fractions of the genome. Ubiquitination, besides phosphorylation and methylation, was characterized as an important chromatin post-translational modification (PTM) occurring at the DNA damage site and persisting during the duration of the DDR. Ubiquitination appears to function as a highly versatile “signal-response” network involving several types of players performing various functions. Here we discuss how ubiquitin modifiers fine-tune the DNA damage recognition and response and how the interaction with other chromatin modifications ensures cell survival.
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128
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Wu L, Pan T, Zhou M, Chen T, Wu S, Lv X, Liu J, Yu F, Guan Y, Liu B, Zhang W, Deng X, Chen Q, Liang A, Lin Y, Wang L, Tang X, Cai W, Li L, He X, Zhang H, Ma X. CBX4 contributes to HIV-1 latency by forming phase-separated nuclear bodies and SUMOylating EZH2. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e53855. [PMID: 35642598 PMCID: PMC9253744 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The retrovirus HIV-1 integrates into the host genome and establishes a latent viral reservoir that escapes immune surveillance. Molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 latency have been studied extensively to achieve a cure for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Latency-reversing agents (LRAs) have been developed to reactivate and eliminate the latent reservoir by the immune system. To develop more promising LRAs, it is essential to evaluate new therapeutic targets. Here, we find that CBX4, a component of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1), contributes to HIV-1 latency in seven latency models and primary CD4+ T cells. CBX4 forms nuclear bodies with liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) properties on the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) and recruits EZH2, the catalytic subunit of PRC2. CBX4 SUMOylates EZH2 utilizing its SUMO E3 ligase activity, thereby enhancing the H3K27 methyltransferase activity of EZH2. Our results indicate that CBX4 acts as a bridge between the repressor complexes PRC1 and PRC2 that act synergistically to maintain HIV-1 latency. Dissolution of phase-separated CBX4 bodies could be a potential intervention to reactivate latent HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Wu
- Institute of Human VirologyKey Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry EducationGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and ImmunotechnologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ting Pan
- Institute of Human VirologyKey Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry EducationGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and ImmunotechnologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Center for Infection and Immunity StudySchool of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Mo Zhou
- Institute of Human VirologyKey Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry EducationGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and ImmunotechnologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Tao Chen
- Institute of Human VirologyKey Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry EducationGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and ImmunotechnologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shiyu Wu
- Institute of Human VirologyKey Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry EducationGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and ImmunotechnologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xi Lv
- Guangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Jun Liu
- Institute of Human VirologyKey Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry EducationGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and ImmunotechnologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Fei Yu
- Guangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Yuanjun Guan
- Core Laboratory Platform for Medical ScienceZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Bingfeng Liu
- Institute of Human VirologyKey Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry EducationGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and ImmunotechnologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Wanying Zhang
- Institute of Human VirologyKey Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry EducationGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and ImmunotechnologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaohui Deng
- Center for Infection and Immunity StudySchool of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Qianyu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Anqi Liang
- Guangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Yingtong Lin
- Institute of Human VirologyKey Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry EducationGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and ImmunotechnologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | | | - Xiaoping Tang
- Department of Infectious DiseasesGuangzhou 8 People's HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Weiping Cai
- Department of Infectious DiseasesGuangzhou 8 People's HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Linghua Li
- Department of Infectious DiseasesGuangzhou 8 People's HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Xin He
- Institute of Human VirologyKey Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry EducationGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and ImmunotechnologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Human VirologyKey Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry EducationGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and ImmunotechnologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangzhou LaboratoryGuangzhou International Bio‐IslandGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiancai Ma
- Institute of Human VirologyKey Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry EducationGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and ImmunotechnologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
- Guangzhou LaboratoryGuangzhou International Bio‐IslandGuangzhouChina
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129
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Interplay between regulatory elements and chromatin topology in cellular lineage determination. Trends Genet 2022; 38:1048-1061. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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130
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Maccaroni K, La Torre M, Burla R, Saggio I. Phase Separation in the Nucleus and at the Nuclear Periphery during Post-Mitotic Nuclear Envelope Reformation. Cells 2022; 11:1749. [PMID: 35681444 PMCID: PMC9179440 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane-enclosed organelle compartmentalization is not the only way by which cell processes are spatially organized. Phase separation is emerging as a new driver in the organization of membrane-less compartments and biological processes. Liquid-liquid phase separation has been indicated as a new way to control the kinetics of molecular reactions and is based on weak multivalent interactions affecting the stoichiometry of the molecules involved. In the nucleus, liquid-liquid phase separation may represent an ancestral means of controlling genomic activity by forming discrete chromatin regions, regulating transcriptional activity, contributing to the assembly of DNA damage response foci, and controlling the organization of chromosomes. Liquid-liquid phase separation also contributes to chromatin function through its role in the reorganization of the nuclear periphery in the post-mitotic phase. Herein, we describe the basic principles regulating liquid-liquid phase separation, analyze examples of phase separation occurring in the nucleus, and dedicate attention to the implication of liquid-liquid phase separation in the reorganization of the nuclear periphery by the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) machinery. Although some caution is warranted, current scientific knowledge allows for the hypothesis that many factors and processes in the cell are yet to be discovered which are functionally associated with phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klizia Maccaroni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (K.M.); (M.L.T.); (R.B.)
| | - Mattia La Torre
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (K.M.); (M.L.T.); (R.B.)
| | - Romina Burla
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (K.M.); (M.L.T.); (R.B.)
- CNR Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Saggio
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (K.M.); (M.L.T.); (R.B.)
- CNR Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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131
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Domb K, Wang N, Hummel G, Liu C. Spatial Features and Functional Implications of Plant 3D Genome Organization. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 73:173-200. [PMID: 35130445 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-102720-022810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The advent of high-throughput sequencing-based methods for chromatin conformation, accessibility, and immunoprecipitation assays has been a turning point in 3D genomics. Altogether, these new tools have been pushing upward the interpretation of pioneer cytogenetic evidence for a higher order in chromatin packing. Here, we review the latest development in our understanding of plant spatial genome structures and different levels of organization and discuss their functional implications. Then, we spotlight the complexity of organellar (i.e., mitochondria and plastids) genomes and discuss their 3D packing into nucleoids. Finally, we propose unaddressed research axes to investigate functional links between chromatin-like dynamics and transcriptional regulation within organellar nucleoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Domb
- Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany;
| | - Nan Wang
- Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany;
| | - Guillaume Hummel
- Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany;
| | - Chang Liu
- Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany;
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132
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Long-Distance Repression by Human Silencers: Chromatin Interactions and Phase Separation in Silencers. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091560. [PMID: 35563864 PMCID: PMC9101175 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional genome organization represents an additional layer in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Active transcription controlled by enhancers or super-enhancers has been extensively studied. Enhancers or super-enhancers can recruit activators or co-activators to activate target gene expression through long-range chromatin interactions. Chromatin interactions and phase separation play important roles in terms of enhancer or super-enhancer functioning. Silencers are another major type of cis-regulatory element that can mediate gene regulation by turning off or reducing gene expression. However, compared to active transcription, silencer studies are still in their infancy. This review covers the current knowledge of human silencers, especially the roles of chromatin interactions and phase separation in silencers. This review also proposes future directions for human silencer studies.
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133
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Caragliano E, Brune W, Bosse JB. Herpesvirus Replication Compartments: Dynamic Biomolecular Condensates? Viruses 2022; 14:960. [PMID: 35632702 PMCID: PMC9147375 DOI: 10.3390/v14050960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent progress has provided clear evidence that many RNA-viruses form cytoplasmic biomolecular condensates mediated by liquid-liquid phase separation to facilitate their replication. In contrast, seemingly contradictory data exist for herpesviruses, which replicate their DNA genomes in nuclear membrane-less replication compartments (RCs). Here, we review the current literature and comment on nuclear condensate formation by herpesviruses, specifically with regard to RC formation. Based on data obtained with human cytomegalovirus (human herpesvirus 5), we propose that liquid and homogenous early RCs convert into more heterogeneous RCs with complex properties over the course of infection. We highlight how the advent of DNA replication leads to the maturation of these biomolecular condensates, likely by adding an additional DNA scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Caragliano
- Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfram Brune
- Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jens B. Bosse
- Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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134
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Latham AP, Zhang B. On the stability and layered organization of protein-DNA condensates. Biophys J 2022; 121:1727-1737. [PMID: 35364104 PMCID: PMC9117872 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-component phase separation is emerging as a key mechanism for the formation of biological condensates that play essential roles in signal sensing and transcriptional regulation. The molecular factors that dictate these condensates' stability and spatial organization are not fully understood, and it remains challenging to predict their microstructures. Using a near-atomistic, chemically accurate force field, we studied the phase behavior of chromatin regulators that are crucial for heterochromatin organization and their interactions with DNA. Our computed phase diagrams recapitulated previous experimental findings on different proteins. They revealed a strong dependence of condensate stability on the protein-DNA mixing ratio as a result of balancing protein-protein interactions and charge neutralization. Notably, a layered organization was observed in condensates formed by mixing HP1, histone H1, and DNA. This layered organization may be of biological relevance, as it enables cooperative DNA packaging between the two chromatin regulators: histone H1 softens the DNA to facilitate the compaction induced by HP1 droplets. Our study supports near-atomistic models as a valuable tool for characterizing the structure and stability of biological condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Latham
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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135
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Furth N, Shema E. It's all in the combination: decoding the epigenome for cancer research and diagnostics. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2022; 73:101899. [PMID: 35091256 PMCID: PMC9168437 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2022.101899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genome regulation is governed by the dynamics of chromatin modifications. The extensive and diverse array of DNA and histone modifications allow multiple elements to act combinatorically and direct tissue-specific and cell-specific outcomes. Yet, our ability to elucidate these complex combinations and link them to normal genome regulation, as well as understand their deregulation in cancer, has been hindered by the lack of suitable technologies. Here, we describe recent findings indicating the importance of the combinatorial epigenome, and novel methodologies to measure and characterize these combinations. These complementary methods span multiple disciplines, providing a means to decode epigenetic combinations and link them to biological outcomes. Finally, we discuss the promise of harnessing the rich combinatorial epigenetic information to improve cancer diagnostics and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Furth
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Efrat Shema
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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136
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Hammonds EF, Harwig MC, Paintsil EA, Tillison EA, Hill RB, Morrison EA. Histone H3 and H4 tails play an important role in nucleosome phase separation. Biophys Chem 2022; 283:106767. [PMID: 35158124 PMCID: PMC8963862 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin organization and its dynamic regulation are crucial in governing the temporal and spatial accessibility of DNA for proper gene expression. Disordered chains of nucleosomes comprise the basis of eukaryotic chromatin, forming higher-level organization across a range of length scales. Models of chromatin organization involving phase separation driven by chromatin-associating proteins have been proposed. More recently, evidence has emerged that nucleosome arrays can phase separate in the absence of other protein factors, yet questions remain regarding the molecular basis of chromatin phase separation that governs this dynamic nuclear organization. Here, we break chromatin down into its most basic subunit, the nucleosome core particle, and investigate phase separation using turbidity assays in conjunction with differential interference contrast microscopy. We show that, at physiologically-relevant concentrations, this fundamental subunit of chromatin undergoes phase separation. Individually removing the H3 and H4 tails abrogates phase separation under the same conditions. Taking a reductionist approach to investigate H3 and H4 tail peptide interactions in-trans with DNA and nucleosome core particles supports the direct involvement of these tails in chromatin phase separation. These results provide insight into fundamental mechanisms underlying phase separation of chromatin, which starts at the level of the nucleosome core particle, and support that long-range inter-nucleosomal interactions are sufficient to drive phase separation at nuclear concentrations. Additionally, our data have implications for understanding crosstalk between histone tails and provide a lens through which to interpret the effect of histone post-translational modifications and sequence variants. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Emerging models propose that chromatin organization is based in phase separation, however, mechanisms that drive this dynamic nuclear organization are only beginning to be understood. Previous focus has been on phase separation driven by chromatin-associating proteins, but this has recently shifted to recognize a direct role of chromatin in phase separation. Here, we take a fundamental approach in understanding chromatin phase separation and present new findings that the basic subunit of chromatin, the nucleosome core particle, undergoes phase separation under physiological concentrations of nucleosome and monovalent salt. Furthermore, the histone H3 and H4 tails are involved in phase separation in a manner independent of histone-associating proteins. These data suggest that H3 and H4 tail epigenetic factors may modulate chromatin phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin F Hammonds
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States of America
| | - Megan Cleland Harwig
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States of America
| | - Emeleeta A Paintsil
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States of America
| | - Emma A Tillison
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States of America; Medical Scientist Training Program, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States of America
| | - R Blake Hill
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States of America
| | - Emma A Morrison
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States of America.
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137
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Huertas J, Woods EJ, Collepardo-Guevara R. Multiscale modelling of chromatin organisation: Resolving nucleosomes at near-atomistic resolution inside genes. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2022; 75:102067. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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138
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Garaizar A, Espinosa JR, Joseph JA, Collepardo-Guevara R. Kinetic interplay between droplet maturation and coalescence modulates shape of aged protein condensates. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4390. [PMID: 35293386 PMCID: PMC8924231 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08130-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates formed by the process of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) play diverse roles inside cells, from spatiotemporal compartmentalisation to speeding up chemical reactions. Upon maturation, the liquid-like properties of condensates, which underpin their functions, are gradually lost, eventually giving rise to solid-like states with potential pathological implications. Enhancement of inter-protein interactions is one of the main mechanisms suggested to trigger the formation of solid-like condensates. To gain a molecular-level understanding of how the accumulation of stronger interactions among proteins inside condensates affect the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of biomolecular condensates, and their shapes over time, we develop a tailored coarse-grained model of proteins that transition from establishing weak to stronger inter-protein interactions inside condensates. Our simulations reveal that the fast accumulation of strongly binding proteins during the nucleation and growth stages of condensate formation results in aspherical solid-like condensates. In contrast, when strong inter-protein interactions appear only after the equilibrium condensate has been formed, or when they accumulate slowly over time with respect to the time needed for droplets to fuse and grow, spherical solid-like droplets emerge. By conducting atomistic potential-of-mean-force simulations of NUP-98 peptides-prone to forming inter-protein [Formula: see text]-sheets-we observe that formation of inter-peptide [Formula: see text]-sheets increases the strength of the interactions consistently with the loss of liquid-like condensate properties we observe at the coarse-grained level. Overall, our work aids in elucidating fundamental molecular, kinetic, and thermodynamic mechanisms linking the rate of change in protein interaction strength to condensate shape and maturation during ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adiran Garaizar
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Jorge R Espinosa
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Jerelle A Joseph
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Rosana Collepardo-Guevara
- Maxwell Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK.
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK.
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139
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Tsai MS, Chen SH, Chang CP, Hsiao YL, Wang LC. Integrin-Linked Kinase Reduces H3K9 Trimethylation to Enhance Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Replication. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:814307. [PMID: 35350437 PMCID: PMC8957879 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.814307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications control the lytic gene expression of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). The heterochromatin mark, trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine (K) 9 (H3K9me3), is detected on HSV-1 genomes at early phases of infection to repress viral gene transcription. However, the components and mechanisms involved in the process are mostly unknown. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is activated by PI3K to phosphorylate Akt and promote several RNA virus infections. Akt has been shown to enhance HSV-1 infection, suggesting a pro-viral role of ILK in HSV-1 infection that has not been addressed before. Here, we reveal that ILK enhances HSV-1 replication in an Akt-independent manner. ILK reduces the accumulation of H3K9me3 on viral promoters and replication compartments. Notably, ILK reduces H3K9me3 in a manner independent of ICP0. Instead, we show an increased binding of H3K9 methyltransferase SUV39H1 and corepressor TRIM28 on viral promoters in ILK knockdown cells. Knocking down SUV39H1 or TRIM28 increases HSV-1 lytic gene transcription in ILK knockdown cells. These results show that ILK antagonizes SVU39H1- and TRIM28-mediated repression on lytic gene transcription. We further demonstrate that ILK knockdown reduces TRIM28 phosphorylation on serine 473 and 824 in HSV-1-infected cells, suggesting that ILK facilitates TRIM28 phosphorylation to abrogate its inhibition on lytic gene transcription. OSU-T315, an ILK inhibitor, suppresses HSV-1 replication in cells and mice. In conclusion, we demonstrate that ILK decreases H3K9me3 on HSV-1 DNA by reducing SUV39H1 and TRIM28 binding. Moreover, our results suggest that targeting ILK could be a broad-spectrum antiviral strategy for DNA and RNA virus infections, especially for DNA viruses controlled by histone modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Shan Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Hua Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Peng Chang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Hsiao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chiu Wang
- School of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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140
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Gkoutsias A, Makis A. The role of epigenetics in childhood autoimmune diseases with hematological manifestations. Pediatr Investig 2022; 6:36-46. [PMID: 35382418 PMCID: PMC8960932 DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases with hematological manifestations are often characterized by chronicity and relapses despite treatment, and the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms remain unknown. Epigenetic alterations play a vital role in the deregulation of immune tolerance and the development of autoimmune diseases. In recent years, study of epigenetic mechanisms in both adult and childhood autoimmune disorders has been seeking to explain the pathophysiology of these heterogeneous diseases and to elucidate the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Various mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications (chromatin remodeling), and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), have been studied extensively in the context of autoimmune diseases. This paper summarizes the epigenetic patterns in some of the most common childhood autoimmune disorders with hematological manifestations, based on epigenetic studies in children with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Research findings indicate that methylation changes in genes expressed on T cells, modifications at a variety of histone sites, and alterations in the expression of several ncRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. These mechanisms not only determine the development of these diseases but also affect the severity of the clinical presentation and biochemical markers. Further studies will provide new tools for the prevention and diagnosis of childhood autoimmune disorders, and possible novel treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Gkoutsias
- Department of PediatricsFaculty of MedicineSchool of Health SciencesUniversity of IoanninaIoanninaGreece
| | - Alexandros Makis
- Department of PediatricsFaculty of MedicineSchool of Health SciencesUniversity of IoanninaIoanninaGreece
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141
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Chen YJC, Koutelou E, Dent SY. Now open: Evolving insights to the roles of lysine acetylation in chromatin organization and function. Mol Cell 2022; 82:716-727. [PMID: 35016034 PMCID: PMC8857060 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein acetylation is conserved across phylogeny and has been recognized as one of the most prominent post-translational modifications since its discovery nearly 60 years ago. Histone acetylation is an active mark characteristic of open chromatin, but acetylation on specific lysine residues and histone variants occurs in different biological contexts and can confer various outcomes. The significance of acetylation events is indicated by the associations of lysine acetyltransferases, deacetylases, and acetyl-lysine readers with developmental disorders and pathologies. Recent advances have uncovered new roles of acetylation regulators in chromatin-centric events, which emphasize the complexity of these functional networks. In this review, we discuss mechanisms and dynamics of acetylation in chromatin organization and DNA-templated processes, including gene transcription and DNA repair and replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jiun C. Chen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Evangelia Koutelou
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sharon Y.R. Dent
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Correspondence:
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142
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Gu X, Zhuang A, Yu J, Chai P, Jia R, Ruan J. Phase separation drives tumor pathogenesis and evolution: all roads lead to Rome. Oncogene 2022; 41:1527-1535. [PMID: 35132182 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02195-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cells coordinate numerous biochemical reactions in space and time, depending on the subdivision of the intracellular space into functional compartments. Compelling evidence has demonstrated that phase separation induces the formation of membrane-less compartments to partition intracellular substances in a strictly regulated manner and participates in various biological processes. Based on the strong association of cancer with the dysregulation of intracellular physiological processes and the occurrence of phase separation in cancer-associated condensates, phase separation undoubtedly plays a significant role in tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the drivers and functions of phase separation, elaborate on the roles of phase separation in tumor pathogenesis and evolution, and propose substantial research and therapeutic prospects for phase separation in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, PR China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, PR China
| | - Ai Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, PR China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, PR China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, PR China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, PR China
| | - Peiwei Chai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, PR China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, PR China.
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, PR China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, PR China.
| | - Jing Ruan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, PR China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, PR China.
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143
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Zheng L, Liu J, Niu L, Kamran M, Yang AWH, Jolma A, Dai Q, Hughes TR, Patel DJ, Zhang L, Prasanth SG, Yu Y, Ren A, Lai EC. Distinct structural bases for sequence-specific DNA binding by mammalian BEN domain proteins. Genes Dev 2022; 36:225-240. [PMID: 35144965 PMCID: PMC8887127 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348993.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The BEN domain is a recently recognized DNA binding module that is present in diverse metazoans and certain viruses. Several BEN domain factors are known as transcriptional repressors, but, overall, relatively little is known of how BEN factors identify their targets in humans. In particular, X-ray structures of BEN domain:DNA complexes are only known for Drosophila factors bearing a single BEN domain, which lack direct vertebrate orthologs. Here, we characterize several mammalian BEN domain (BD) factors, including from two NACC family BTB-BEN proteins and from BEND3, which has four BDs. In vitro selection data revealed sequence-specific binding activities of isolated BEN domains from all of these factors. We conducted detailed functional, genomic, and structural studies of BEND3. We show that BD4 is a major determinant for in vivo association and repression of endogenous BEND3 targets. We obtained a high-resolution structure of BEND3-BD4 bound to its preferred binding site, which reveals how BEND3 identifies cognate DNA targets and shows differences with one of its non-DNA-binding BEN domains (BD1). Finally, comparison with our previous invertebrate BEN structures, along with additional structural predictions using AlphaFold2 and RoseTTAFold, reveal distinct strategies for target DNA recognition by different types of BEN domain proteins. Together, these studies expand the DNA recognition activities of BEN factors and provide structural insights into sequence-specific DNA binding by mammalian BEN proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luqian Zheng
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Lijie Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Mohammad Kamran
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Ally W H Yang
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Arttu Jolma
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Qi Dai
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Timothy R Hughes
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Dinshaw J Patel
- Structural Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Long Zhang
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Supriya G Prasanth
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Yang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Aiming Ren
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Eric C Lai
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York 10065, USA
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144
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Guerra MV, Cáceres MI, Herrera-Soto A, Arredondo SB, Varas-Godoy M, van Zundert B, Varela-Nallar L. H3K9 Methyltransferases Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 Control the Differentiation of Neural Progenitor Cells in the Adult Hippocampus. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:778345. [PMID: 35096813 PMCID: PMC8791356 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.778345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the dentate gyrus of the adult hippocampus new neurons are generated from neural precursor cells through different stages including proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells and maturation of newborn neurons. These stages are controlled by the expression of specific transcription factors and epigenetic mechanisms, which together orchestrate the progression of the neurogenic process. However, little is known about the involvement of histone posttranslational modifications, a crucial epigenetic mechanism in embryonic neurogenesis that regulates fate commitment and neuronal differentiation. During embryonic development, the repressive modification trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me3) contributes to the cellular identity of different cell-types. However, the role of this modification and its H3K9 methyltransferases has not been elucidated in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. We determined that during the stages of neurogenesis in the adult mouse dentate gyrus and in cultured adult hippocampal progenitors (AHPs), there was a dynamic change in the expression and distribution of H3K9me3, being enriched at early stages of the neurogenic process. A similar pattern was observed in the hippocampus for the dimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me2), another repressive modification. Among H3K9 methyltransferases, the enzymes Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 exhibited high levels of expression at early stages of neurogenesis and their expression decreased upon differentiation. Pharmacological inhibition of these enzymes by chaetocin in AHPs reduced H3K9me3 and concomitantly decreased neuronal differentiation while increasing proliferation. Moreover, Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 knockdown in newborn cells of the adult mouse dentate gyrus by retrovirus-mediated RNA interference impaired neuronal differentiation of progenitor cells. Our results indicate that H3K9me3 and H3K9 methyltransferases Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 are critically involved in the regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis by controlling the differentiation of neural progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel V Guerra
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Matías I Cáceres
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea Herrera-Soto
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián B Arredondo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel Varas-Godoy
- Cancer Cell Biology Lab, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Brigitte van Zundert
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE-UC), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, P. Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lorena Varela-Nallar
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
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145
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Molecular architecture of enhancer–promoter interaction. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2022; 74:62-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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146
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Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, protein and RNA factors involved in genome activities like transcription, RNA processing, DNA replication, and repair accumulate in self-organizing membraneless chromatin subcompartments. These structures contribute to efficiently conduct chromatin-mediated reactions and to establish specific cellular programs. However, the underlying mechanisms for their formation are only partly understood. Recent studies invoke liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins and RNAs in the establishment of chromatin activity patterns. At the same time, the folding of chromatin in the nucleus can drive genome partitioning into spatially distinct domains. Here, the interplay between chromatin organization, chromatin binding, and LLPS is discussed by comparing and contrasting three prototypical chromatin subcompartments: the nucleolus, clusters of active RNA polymerase II, and pericentric heterochromatin domains. It is discussed how the different ways of chromatin compartmentalization are linked to transcription regulation, the targeting of soluble factors to certain parts of the genome, and to disease-causing genetic aberrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Rippe
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Bioquant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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147
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Zhang L, Geng X, Wang F, Tang J, Ichida Y, Sharma A, Jin S, Chen M, Tang M, Pozo FM, Wang W, Wang J, Wozniak M, Guo X, Miyagi M, Jin F, Xu Y, Yao X, Zhang Y. 53BP1 regulates heterochromatin through liquid phase separation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:360. [PMID: 35042897 PMCID: PMC8766474 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28019-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human 53BP1 is primarily known as a key player in regulating DNA double strand break (DSB) repair choice; however, its involvement in other biological process is less well understood. Here, we report a previously uncharacterized function of 53BP1 at heterochromatin, where it undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) with the heterochromatin protein HP1α in a mutually dependent manner. Deletion of 53BP1 results in a reduction in heterochromatin centers and the de-repression of heterochromatic tandem repetitive DNA. We identify domains and residues of 53BP1 required for its LLPS, which overlap with, but are distinct from, those involved in DSB repair. Further, 53BP1 mutants deficient in DSB repair, but proficient in LLPS, rescue heterochromatin de-repression and protect cells from stress-induced DNA damage and senescence. Our study suggests that in addition to DSB repair modulation, 53BP1 contributes to the maintenance of heterochromatin integrity and genome stability through LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
- National 111 Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, China.
| | - Xinran Geng
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Fangfang Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jinshan Tang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yu Ichida
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Arishya Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Sora Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Mingyue Chen
- National 111 Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, China
| | - Mingliang Tang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, China
| | - Franklin Mayca Pozo
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Wenxiu Wang
- National 111 Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, China
| | - Janet Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Michal Wozniak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Xiaoxia Guo
- National 111 Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, China
| | - Masaru Miyagi
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Fulai Jin
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Yongjie Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - Xinsheng Yao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Youwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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148
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Palacio M, Taatjes DJ. Merging Established Mechanisms with New Insights: Condensates, Hubs, and the Regulation of RNA Polymerase II Transcription. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167216. [PMID: 34474085 PMCID: PMC8748285 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcription requires a complex and context-specific array of proteins and protein complexes, as well as nucleic acids and metabolites. Every major physiological process requires coordinated transcription of specific sets of genes at the appropriate time, and a breakdown in this regulation is a hallmark of human disease. A proliferation of recent studies has revealed that many general transcription components, including sequence-specific, DNA-binding transcription factors, Mediator, and pol II itself, are capable of liquid-liquid phase separation, to form condensates that partition these factors away from the bulk aqueous phase. These findings hold great promise for next-level understanding of pol II transcription; however, many mechanistic aspects align with more conventional models, and whether phase separation per se regulates pol II activity in cells remains controversial. In this review, we describe the conventional and condensate-dependent models, and why their similarities and differences are important. We also compare and contrast these models in the context of genome organization and pol II transcription (initiation, elongation, and termination), and highlight the central role of RNA in these processes. Finally, we discuss mutations that disrupt normal partitioning of transcription factors, and how this may contribute to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Palacio
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Dylan J. Taatjes
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA,corresponding author;
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149
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Kumar M, Michael S, Alvarado-Valverde J, Mészáros B, Sámano‐Sánchez H, Zeke A, Dobson L, Lazar T, Örd M, Nagpal A, Farahi N, Käser M, Kraleti R, Davey N, Pancsa R, Chemes L, Gibson T. The Eukaryotic Linear Motif resource: 2022 release. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:D497-D508. [PMID: 34718738 PMCID: PMC8728146 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost twenty years after its initial release, the Eukaryotic Linear Motif (ELM) resource remains an invaluable source of information for the study of motif-mediated protein-protein interactions. ELM provides a comprehensive, regularly updated and well-organised repository of manually curated, experimentally validated short linear motifs (SLiMs). An increasing number of SLiM-mediated interactions are discovered each year and keeping the resource up-to-date continues to be a great challenge. In the current update, 30 novel motif classes have been added and five existing classes have undergone major revisions. The update includes 411 new motif instances mostly focused on cell-cycle regulation, control of the actin cytoskeleton, membrane remodelling and vesicle trafficking pathways, liquid-liquid phase separation and integrin signalling. Many of the newly annotated motif-mediated interactions are targets of pathogenic motif mimicry by viral, bacterial or eukaryotic pathogens, providing invaluable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying infectious diseases. The current ELM release includes 317 motif classes incorporating 3934 individual motif instances manually curated from 3867 scientific publications. ELM is available at: http://elm.eu.org.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjeet Kumar
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Sushama Michael
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Jesús Alvarado-Valverde
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences
| | - Bálint Mészáros
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Hugo Sámano‐Sánchez
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - András Zeke
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Dobson
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Tamas Lazar
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Department of Bioengineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mihkel Örd
- Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Anurag Nagpal
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa campus, Zuarinagar, Goa 403726, India
| | - Nazanin Farahi
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Department of Bioengineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Melanie Käser
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ramya Kraleti
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Justus Liebig University Giessen, Ludwigstraße 23, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - Norman E Davey
- Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Rita Pancsa
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Lucía B Chemes
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde”, IIB-UNSAM, IIBIO-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia, CP1650 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Toby J Gibson
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
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150
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Ilyin AA, Kononkova AD, Golova AV, Shloma VV, Olenkina O, Nenasheva V, Abramov Y, Kotov AA, Maksimov D, Laktionov P, Pindyurin A, Galitsyna A, Ulianov S, Khrameeva E, Gelfand M, Belyakin S, Razin S, Shevelyov Y. OUP accepted manuscript. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:3203-3225. [PMID: 35166842 PMCID: PMC8989536 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic chromosomes are spatially segregated into topologically associating domains (TADs). Some TADs are attached to the nuclear lamina (NL) through lamina-associated domains (LADs). Here, we identified LADs and TADs at two stages of Drosophila spermatogenesis – in bamΔ86 mutant testes which is the commonly used model of spermatogonia (SpG) and in larval testes mainly filled with spermatocytes (SpCs). We found that initiation of SpC-specific transcription correlates with promoters’ detachment from the NL and with local spatial insulation of adjacent regions. However, this insulation does not result in the partitioning of inactive TADs into sub-TADs. We also revealed an increased contact frequency between SpC-specific genes in SpCs implying their de novo gathering into transcription factories. In addition, we uncovered the specific X chromosome organization in the male germline. In SpG and SpCs, a single X chromosome is stronger associated with the NL than autosomes. Nevertheless, active chromatin regions in the X chromosome interact with each other more frequently than in autosomes. Moreover, despite the absence of dosage compensation complex in the male germline, randomly inserted SpG-specific reporter is expressed higher in the X chromosome than in autosomes, thus evidencing that non-canonical dosage compensation operates in SpG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Valentina V Nenasheva
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow 123182, Russia
| | - Yuri A Abramov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow 123182, Russia
| | - Alexei A Kotov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow 123182, Russia
| | - Daniil A Maksimov
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Petr P Laktionov
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Alexey V Pindyurin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | | | - Sergey V Ulianov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow119334, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - Ekaterina E Khrameeva
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Ekaterina Khrameeva. Tel: +7 495 2801481; Fax: +7 495 2801481;
| | - Mikhail S Gelfand
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo 143026, Russia
- A.A. Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 127051, Russia
| | - Stepan N Belyakin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Sergey V Razin
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow119334, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - Yuri Y Shevelyov
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +7 499 1960809; Fax: +7 499 1960221;
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