A sequence in the Drosophila H3-H4 Promoter triggers histone locus body assembly and biosynthesis of replication-coupled histone mRNAs

Zelda is dispensable for Drosophila melanogaster histone gene regulation

To ensure that the embryo can package exponentially increasing amounts of DNA, replication-dependent histones are some of the earliest transcribed genes from the zygotic genome. However, how the histone genes are identified is not known. The Drosophila melanogaster pioneer factor CLAMP regulates the embryonic histone genes and helps establish the histone locus body, a suite of factors that controls histone mRNA biosynthesis, but CLAMP is not unique to the histone genes. Zelda collaborates with CLAMP across the genome to regulate zygotic genome activation and target early activated genes. We hypothesized that Zelda helps identify histone genes for early embryonic expression. We found that Zelda targets the histone gene locus early during embryogenesis, prior to histone gene expression. However, depletion of zelda in the early embryo does not affect histone mRNA levels or prevent the recruitment of other factors. These results suggest the earliest events responsible for specifying the zygotic histone genes remain undiscovered.

Distinct Control of histone H1 expression within the Histone Locus body by CRAMP1

Proper histone gene expression is critical to cell viability and maintaining genomic integrity. Multiple histone genes organized into three genomic loci encode for replication coupled core and linker histones. Histone gene expression and transcript processing is orchestrated in the histone locus body (HLB) within the nucleus. We identified human CRAMP1 as a selective regulator of linker histone H1 expression. CRAMP1 is recruited to the HLB in RPE1 hTERT cells. Affinity purification shows that CRAMP1 physically associates the HLB component GON4L (a.k.a. YARP). We show that the PAH domains of GON4L interact with CRAMP1. CRAMP1 disruption results in a loss of histone H1 expression and a reduction in H1 protein. CRAMP1 occupies the unmethylated promoters of the replication coupled linker histone genes that reside within the histone locus body, and the replication independent histone H1 loci, which reside in a region of the genome without other histone genes. Together these data identify CRAMP1 as a novel and selective regulator of histone H1 gene expression.

Cell cycle-regulated transcriptional pausing of Drosophila replication-dependent histone genes

Coordinated expression of replication-dependent (RD) histones genes occurs within the Histone Locus Body (HLB) during S phase, but the molecular steps in transcription that are cell cycle regulated are unknown. We report that Drosophila RNA Pol II promotes HLB formation and is enriched in the HLB outside of S phase, including G1-arrested cells that do not transcribe RD histone genes. In contrast, the transcription elongation factor Spt6 is enriched in HLBs only during S phase. Proliferating cells in the wing and eye primordium express full-length histone mRNAs during S phase but express only short nascent transcripts in cells in G1 or G2 consistent with these transcripts being paused and then terminated. Full-length transcripts are produced when Cyclin E/Cdk2 is activated as cells enter S phase. Thus, activation of transcription elongation by Cyclin E/Cdk2 and not recruitment of RNA pol II to the HLB is the critical step that links histone gene expression to cell cycle progression in Drosophila.

Sequence reliance of the Drosophila context-dependent transcription factor CLAMP

Despite binding similar cis elements in multiple locations, a single transcription factor (TF) often performs context-dependent functions at different loci. How factors integrate cis sequence and genomic context is still poorly understood and has implications for off-target effects in genetic engineering. The Drosophila context-dependent TF chromatin-linked adaptor for male-specific lethal proteins (CLAMP) targets similar GA-rich cis elements on the X-chromosome and at the histone gene locus but recruits very different, locus-specific factors. We discover that CLAMP leverages information from both cis element and local sequence to perform context-specific functions. Our observations imply the importance of other cues, including protein-protein interactions and the presence of additional cofactors.

Cis element length variability does not confer differential transcription factor occupancy at the D. melanogaster histone locus

Histone genes require precise regulation to maintain histone homeostasis and ensure nucleosome stoichiometry. Animal histone genes often have unique clustered genomic organization. However, there is variability of histone gene number and organization as well as differential regulation of the histone genes across species. The Drosophila melanogaster histone locus has unique organizational characteristics as it exists as a series of ∼100 highly regular, tandemly repeated arrays of the 5 replication-dependent histone genes at a single locus. Yet D. melanogaster are viable with only 12 transgenic histone gene arrays. We hypothesized that the histone genes across the locus are differentially regulated. We discovered that the GA-repeat within the H3/H4 promoter is the only variable sequence across the histone gene arrays. The H3/H4 promoter GA-repeat is targeted by CLAMP to promote histone gene expression. We also show two additional GA-binding transcription factors, GAGA Factor and Pipsqueak, target the GA-repeat. When we further examined CLAMP and GAF targeting, we determined that neither CLAMP nor GAF show bias for any GA-repeat lengths. Furthermore, we found that the distribution of GA-repeats targeted by both CLAMP and GAF do not change throughout early development. Together our results suggest that the transcription factors targeting the H3/H4 GA-repeat do not impact differential regulation of the histone genes, but indicate that future studies should interrogate additional cis elements or factors that impact histone gene regulation.

Zelda is dispensable for Drosophila melanogaster histone gene regulation

To ensure that the embryo can package exponentially increasing amounts of DNA, replication-dependent histones are some of the earliest transcribed genes from the zygotic genome. However, how the histone genes are identified is not known. The pioneer factors Zelda and CLAMP collaborate at a subset of genes to regulate zygotic genome activation in Drosophila melanogaster and target early activated genes to induce transcription. CLAMP also regulates the embryonic histone genes and helps establish the histone locus body, a suite of factors that controls histone mRNA biosynthesis. The relationship between Zelda and CLAMP led us to hypothesize that Zelda helps identify histone genes for early embryonic expression. We found that Zelda targets the histone locus early during embryogenesis, prior to histone gene expression. However, depletion of zelda in the early embryo does not affect histone mRNA levels or histone locus body formation. While surprising, these results concur with other investigations into Zelda's role in the early embryo, suggesting the earliest factors responsible for specifying the zygotic histone genes remain undiscovered.

Sequence reliance of a Drosophila context-dependent transcription factor

Despite binding similar cis elements in multiple locations, a single transcription factor often performs context-dependent functions at different loci. How factors integrate cis sequence and genomic context is still poorly understood and has implications for off-target effects in genetic engineering. The Drosophila context-dependent transcription factor CLAMP targets similar GA-rich cis elements on the X-chromosome and at the histone gene locus but recruits very different, loci-specific factors. We discover that CLAMP leverages information from both cis element and local sequence to perform context-specific functions. Our observations imply the importance of other cues, including protein-protein interactions and the presence of additional cofactors.

Histone locus bodies: a paradigm for how nuclear biomolecular condensates control cell cycle regulated gene expression

Histone locus bodies (HLBs) are biomolecular condensates that assemble at replication-dependent (RD) histone genes in animal cells. These genes produce unique mRNAs that are not polyadenylated and instead end in a conserved 3' stem loop critical for coordinated production of histone proteins during S phase of the cell cycle. Several evolutionarily conserved factors necessary for synthesis of RD histone mRNAs concentrate only in the HLB. Moreover, because HLBs are present throughout the cell cycle even though RD histone genes are only expressed during S phase, changes in HLB composition during cell cycle progression drive much of the cell cycle regulation of RD histone gene expression. Thus, HLBs provide a powerful opportunity to determine the cause-and-effect relationships between nuclear body formation and cell cycle regulated gene expression. In this review, we focus on progress during the last five years that has advanced our understanding of HLB biology.

Coordinated expression of replication-dependent histone genes from multiple loci promotes histone homeostasis in Drosophila

Production of large amounts of histone proteins during S phase is critical for proper chromatin formation and genome integrity. This process is achieved in part by the presence of multiple copies of replication dependent (RD) histone genes that occur in one or more clusters in metazoan genomes. In addition, RD histone gene clusters are associated with a specialized nuclear body, the histone locus body (HLB), which facilitates efficient transcription and 3' end-processing of RD histone mRNA. How all five RD histone genes within these clusters are coordinately regulated such that neither too few nor too many histones are produced, a process referred to as histone homeostasis, is not fully understood. Here, we explored the mechanisms of coordinate regulation between multiple RD histone loci in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila virilis. We provide evidence for functional competition between endogenous and ectopic transgenic histone arrays located at different chromosomal locations in D. melanogaster that helps maintain proper histone mRNA levels. Consistent with this model, in both species we found that individual histone gene arrays can independently assemble an HLB that results in active histone transcription. Our findings suggest a role for HLB assembly in coordinating RD histone gene expression to maintain histone homeostasis.

A bioinformatics screen reveals hox and chromatin remodeling factors at the Drosophila histone locus

BACKGROUND

Cells orchestrate histone biogenesis with strict temporal and quantitative control. To efficiently regulate histone biogenesis, the repetitive Drosophila melanogaster replication-dependent histone genes are arrayed and clustered at a single locus. Regulatory factors concentrate in a nuclear body known as the histone locus body (HLB), which forms around the locus. Historically, HLB factors are largely discovered by chance, and few are known to interact directly with DNA. It is therefore unclear how the histone genes are specifically targeted for unique and coordinated regulation.

RESULTS

To expand the list of known HLB factors, we performed a candidate-based screen by mapping 30 publicly available ChIP datasets of 27 unique factors to the Drosophila histone gene array. We identified novel transcription factor candidates, including the Drosophila Hox proteins Ultrabithorax (Ubx), Abdominal-A (Abd-A), and Abdominal-B (Abd-B), suggesting a new pathway for these factors in influencing body plan morphogenesis. Additionally, we identified six other factors that target the histone gene array: JIL-1, hormone-like receptor 78 (Hr78), the long isoform of female sterile homeotic (1) (fs(1)h) as well as the general transcription factors TBP associated factor 1 (TAF-1), Transcription Factor IIB (TFIIB), and Transcription Factor IIF (TFIIF).

CONCLUSIONS

Our foundational screen provides several candidates for future studies into factors that may influence histone biogenesis. Further, our study emphasizes the powerful reservoir of publicly available datasets, which can be mined as a primary screening technique.

A hybrid RNA FISH immunofluorescence protocol on Drosophila polytene chromosomes

OBJECTIVES

Investigating protein-DNA interactions is imperative to understanding fundamental concepts such as cell growth, differentiation, and cell development in many systems. Sequencing techniques such as ChIP-seq can yield genome-wide DNA binding profiles of transcription factors; however this assay can be expensive, time-consuming, may not be informative for repetitive regions of the genome, and depend heavily upon antibody suitability. Combining DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with immunofluorescence (IF) is a quicker and inexpensive approach which has historically been used to investigate protein-DNA interactions in individual nuclei. However, these assays are sometimes incompatible due to the required denaturation step in DNA FISH that can alter protein epitopes, hindering primary antibody binding. Additionally, combining DNA FISH with IF may be challenging for less experienced trainees. Our goal was to develop an alternative technique to investigate protein-DNA interactions by combining RNA FISH with IF.

RESULTS

We developed a hybrid RNA FISH-IF protocol for use on Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosome spreads in order to visualize colocalization of proteins and DNA loci. We demonstrate that this assay is sensitive enough to determine if our protein of interest, Multi sex combs (Mxc), localizes to single-copy target transgenes carrying histone genes. Overall, this study provides an alternative, accessible method for investigating protein-DNA interactions at the single gene level in Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosomes.

Spatiotemporal higher-order chromatin landscape of human histone gene clusters at histone locus bodies during the cell cycle in breast cancer progression

Human Histone Locus Bodies (HLBs) are nuclear subdomains comprised of clustered histone genes that are coordinately regulated throughout the cell cycle. We addressed temporal-spatial higher-order genome organization for time-dependent chromatin remodeling at HLBs that supports control of cell proliferation. Proximity distances of specific genomic contacts within histone gene clusters exhibit subtle changes during the G1 phase in MCF10 breast cancer progression model cell lines. This approach directly demonstrates that the two principal histone gene regulatory proteins, HINFP (H4 gene regulator) and NPAT, localize at chromatin loop anchor-points, denoted by CTCF binding, supporting the stringent requirement for histone biosynthesis to package newly replicated DNA as chromatin. We identified a novel enhancer region located ∼ 2 MB distal to histone gene sub-clusters on chromosome 6 that consistently makes genomic contacts with HLB chromatin and is bound by NPAT. During G1 progression the first DNA loops form between one of three histone gene sub-clusters bound by HINFP and the distal enhancer region. Our findings are consistent with a model that the HINFP/NPAT complex controls the formation and dynamic remodeling of higher-order genomic organization of histone gene clusters at HLBs in early to late G1 phase to support transcription of histone mRNAs in S phase.

A hybrid RNA FISH immunofluorescence protocol on Drosophila polytene chromosomes

Objectives

Investigating protein-DNA interactions is imperative to understanding fundamental concepts such as cell growth, differentiation, and cell development in many systems. Sequencing techniques such as ChIP-seq can yield genome-wide DNA binding profiles of transcription factors; however this assay can be expensive, time-consuming, may not be informative for repetitive regions of the genome, and depend heavily upon antibody suitability. Combining DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with immunofluorescence (IF) is a quicker and inexpensive approach which has historically been used to investigate protein-DNA interactions in individual nuclei. However, these assays are sometimes incompatible due to the required denaturation step in DNA FISH that can alter protein epitopes, hindering primary antibody binding. Additionally, combining DNA FISH with IF may be challenging for less experienced trainees. Our goal was to develop an alternative technique to investigate protein-DNA interactions by combining RNA FISH with IF.

Results

We developed a hybrid RNA FISH and IF protocol for use on Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosome spreads in order to visualize colocalization of proteins and DNA loci. We demonstrate that this assay is sensitive enough to determine if our protein of interest, Multi-sex combs (Mxc), localizes to single-copy target transgenes carrying histone genes. Overall, this study provides an alternative, accessible method for investigating protein-DNA interactions at the single gene level in Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosomes.

A guide to membraneless organelles and their various roles in gene regulation

Membraneless organelles (MLOs) are detected in cells as dots of mesoscopic size. By undergoing phase separation into a liquid-like or gel-like phase, MLOs contribute to intracellular compartmentalization of specific biological functions. In eukaryotes, dozens of MLOs have been identified, including the nucleolus, Cajal bodies, nuclear speckles, paraspeckles, promyelocytic leukaemia protein (PML) nuclear bodies, nuclear stress bodies, processing bodies (P bodies) and stress granules. MLOs contain specific proteins, of which many possess intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), and nucleic acids, mainly RNA. Many MLOs contribute to gene regulation by different mechanisms. Through sequestration of specific factors, MLOs promote biochemical reactions by simultaneously concentrating substrates and enzymes, and/or suppressing the activity of the sequestered factors elsewhere in the cell. Other MLOs construct inter-chromosomal hubs by associating with multiple loci, thereby contributing to the biogenesis of macromolecular machineries essential for gene expression, such as ribosomes and spliceosomes. The organization of many MLOs includes layers, which might have different biophysical properties and functions. MLOs are functionally interconnected and are involved in various diseases, prompting the emergence of therapeutics targeting them. In this Review, we introduce MLOs that are relevant to gene regulation and discuss their assembly, internal structure, gene-regulatory roles in transcription, RNA processing and translation, particularly in stress conditions, and their disease relevance.

A bioinformatics screen reveals Hox and chromatin remodeling factors at the Drosophila histone locus

Cells orchestrate histone biogenesis with strict temporal and quantitative control. To efficiently regulate histone biogenesis, the repetitive Drosophila melanogaster replication-dependent histone genes are arrayed and clustered at a single locus. Regulatory factors concentrate in a nuclear body known as the histone locus body (HLB), which forms around the locus. Historically, HLB factors are largely discovered by chance, and few are known to interact directly with DNA. It is therefore unclear how the histone genes are specifically targeted for unique and coordinated regulation. To expand the list of known HLB factors, we performed a candidate-based screen by mapping 30 publicly available ChIP datasets and 27 factors to the Drosophila histone gene array. We identified novel transcription factor candidates, including the Drosophila Hox proteins Ultrabithorax, Abdominal-A and Abdominal-B, suggesting a new pathway for these factors in influencing body plan morphogenesis. Additionally, we identified six other transcription factors that target the histone gene array: JIL-1, Hr78, the long isoform of fs(1)h as well as the generalized transcription factors TAF-1, TFIIB, and TFIIF. Our foundational screen provides several candidates for future studies into factors that may influence histone biogenesis. Further, our study emphasizes the powerful reservoir of publicly available datasets, which can be mined as a primary screening technique.

Advances in the phase separation-organized membraneless organelles in cells: a narrative review

Membraneless organelles (MLOs) are micro-compartments that lack delimiting membranes, concentrating several macro-molecules with a high local concentration in eukaryotic cells. Recent studies have shown that MLOs have pivotal roles in multiple biological processes, including gene transcription, RNA metabolism, translation, protein modification, and signal transduction. These biological processes in cells have essential functions in many diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and virus-related diseases. The liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) microenvironment within cells is thought to be the driving force for initiating the formation of micro-compartments with a liquid-like property, becoming an important organizing principle for MLOs to mediate organism responses. In this review, we comprehensively elucidated the formation of these MLOs and the relationship between biological functions and associated diseases. The mechanisms underlying the influence of protein concentration and valency on phase separation in cells are also discussed. MLOs undergoing the LLPS process have diverse functions, including stimulation of some adaptive and reversible responses to alter the transcriptional or translational processes, regulation of the concentrations of biomolecules in living cells, and maintenance of cell morphogenesis. Finally, we highlight that the development of this field could pave the way for developing novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of LLPS-related diseases based on the understanding of phase separation in the coming years.

Epigenetic-Mediated Regulation of Gene Expression for Biological Control and Cancer: Fidelity of Mechanisms Governing the Cell Cycle

The cell cycle is governed by stringent epigenetic mechanisms that, in response to intrinsic and extrinsic regulatory cues, support fidelity of DNA replication and cell division. We will focus on (1) the complex and interdependent processes that are obligatory for control of proliferation and compromised in cancer, (2) epigenetic and topological domains that are associated with distinct phases of the cell cycle that may be altered in cancer initiation and progression, and (3) the requirement for mitotic bookmarking to maintain intranuclear localization of transcriptional regulatory machinery to reinforce cell identity throughout the cell cycle to prevent malignant transformation.

Coordination of transcription, processing, and export of highly expressed RNAs by distinct biomolecular condensates

Genes under control of super-enhancers are expressed at extremely high levels and are frequently associated with nuclear speckles. Recent data suggest that the high concentration of unphosphorylated RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and Mediator recruited to super-enhancers create phase-separated condensates. Transcription initiates within or at the surface of these phase-separated droplets and the phosphorylation of Pol II, associated with transcription initiation and elongation, dissociates Pol II from these domains leading to engagement with nuclear speckles, which are enriched with RNA processing factors. The transitioning of Pol II from transcription initiation domains to RNA processing domains effectively co-ordinates transcription and processing of highly expressed RNAs which are then rapidly exported into the cytoplasm.

Superresolution light microscopy of the Drosophila histone locus body reveals a core-shell organization associated with expression of replication-dependent histone genes

The histone locus body (HLB) is an evolutionarily conserved nuclear body that regulates the transcription and processing of replication-dependent (RD) histone mRNAs, which are the only eukaryotic mRNAs lacking a poly-A tail. Many nuclear bodies contain distinct domains, but how internal organization is related to nuclear body function is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate using structured illumination microscopy that Drosophila HLBs have a “core–shell” organization in which the internal core contains transcriptionally active RD histone genes. The N-terminus of Mxc, which contains a domain required for Mxc oligomerization, HLB assembly, and RD histone gene expression, is enriched in the HLB core. In contrast, the C-terminus of Mxc is enriched in the HLB outer shell as is FLASH, a component of the active U7 snRNP that cotranscriptionally cleaves RD histone pre-mRNA. Consistent with these results, we show biochemically that FLASH binds directly to the Mxc C-terminal region. In the rapid S-M nuclear cycles of syncytial blastoderm Drosophila embryos, the HLB disassembles at mitosis and reassembles the core–shell arrangement as histone gene transcription is activated immediately after mitosis. Thus, the core–shell organization is coupled to zygotic histone gene transcription, revealing a link between HLB internal organization and RD histone gene expression.

CDK-Regulated Phase Separation Seeded by Histone Genes Ensures Precise Growth and Function of Histone Locus Bodies

Many membraneless organelles form through liquid-liquid phase separation, but how their size is controlled and whether size is linked to function remain poorly understood. The histone locus body (HLB) is an evolutionarily conserved nuclear body that regulates the transcription and processing of histone mRNAs. Here, we show that Drosophila HLBs form through phase separation. During embryogenesis, the size of HLBs is controlled in a precise and dynamic manner that is dependent on the cell cycle and zygotic histone gene activation. Control of HLB growth is achieved by a mechanism integrating nascent mRNAs at the histone locus, which facilitates phase separation, and the nuclear concentration of the scaffold protein multi-sex combs (Mxc), which is controlled by the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases. Reduced Cdk2 activity results in smaller HLBs and the appearance of nascent, misprocessed histone mRNAs. Thus, our experiments identify a mechanism linking nuclear body growth and size with gene expression.

Drosophila histone locus body assembly and function involves multiple interactions

The histone locus body (HLB) assembles at replication-dependent (RD) histone loci and concentrates factors required for RD histone mRNA biosynthesis. The Drosophila melanogaster genome has a single locus comprised of ∼100 copies of a tandemly arrayed 5-kB repeat unit containing one copy of each of the 5 RD histone genes. To determine sequence elements required for D. melanogaster HLB formation and histone gene expression, we used transgenic gene arrays containing 12 copies of the histone repeat unit that functionally complement loss of the ∼200 endogenous RD histone genes. A 12x histone gene array in which all H3-H4 promoters were replaced with H2a-H2b promoters (12x^PR) does not form an HLB or express high levels of RD histone mRNA in the presence of the endogenous histone genes. In contrast, this same transgenic array is active in HLB assembly and RD histone gene expression in the absence of the endogenous RD histone genes and rescues the lethality caused by homozygous deletion of the RD histone locus. The HLB formed in the absence of endogenous RD histone genes on the mutant 12x array contains all known factors present in the wild-type HLB including CLAMP, which normally binds to GAGA repeats in the H3-H4 promoter. These data suggest that multiple protein–protein and/or protein–DNA interactions contribute to HLB formation, and that the large number of endogenous RD histone gene copies sequester available factor(s) from attenuated transgenic arrays, thereby preventing HLB formation and gene expression on these arrays.

Drosophila Prp40 localizes to the histone locus body and regulates gene transcription and development

In eukaryotes, a large amount of histones need to be synthesized during the S phase of the cell cycle to package newly synthesized DNA into chromatin. The transcription and 3' end processing of histone pre-mRNAs are controlled by the histone locus body (HLB), which is assembled on the shared promoter for H3 and H4 Here, we identified the Drosophila Prp40 pre-mRNA processing factor (dPrp40, annotated as CG3542) as a novel HLB component. We showed that dPrp40 is essential for Drosophila development, with functionally conserved activity in vertebrates and invertebrates. We observed that dPrp40 is fundamental in endocycling cells, highlighting a role for this factor in mediating replication efficiency in vivo The depletion of dPrp40 from fly cells inhibited the transcription, but not the 3' end processing, of histone mRNA in a H3- and H4-promoter-dependent manner. Our results establish that dPrp40 is an essential protein for Drosophila development that can localize to the HLB and might participate in histone mRNA biosynthesis.

Loss of Histone Locus Bodies in the Mature Hemocytes of Larval Lymph Gland Result in Hyperplasia of the Tissue in mxc Mutants of Drosophila

Mutations in the multi sex combs (mxc) gene in Drosophila results in malignant hyperplasia in larval hematopoietic tissues, called lymph glands (LG). mxc encodes a component of the histone locus body (HLB) that is essential for cell cycle-dependent transcription and processing of histone mRNAs. The mammalian nuclear protein ataxia-telangiectasia (NPAT) gene, encoded by the responsible gene for ataxia telangiectasia, is a functional Mxc orthologue. However, their roles in tumorigenesis are unclear. Genetic analyses of the mxc mutants and larvae having LG-specific depletion revealed that a reduced activity of the gene resulted in the hyperplasia, which is caused by hyper-proliferation of immature LG cells. The depletion of mxc in mature hemocytes of the LG resulted in the hyperplasia. Furthermore, the inhibition of HLB formation was required for LG hyperplasia. In the mutant larvae, the total mRNA levels of the five canonical histones decreased, and abnormal forms of polyadenylated histone mRNAs, detected rarely in normal larvae, were generated. The ectopic expression of the polyadenylated mRNAs was sufficient for the reproduction of the hyperplasia. The loss of HLB function, especially 3-end processing of histone mRNAs, is critical for malignant LG hyperplasia in this leukemia model in Drosophila. We propose that mxc is involved in the activation to induce adenosine deaminase-related growth factor A (Adgf-A), which suppresses immature cell proliferation in LG.

Exploring Mammalian Genome within Phase-Separated Nuclear Bodies: Experimental Methods and Implications for Gene Expression

The importance of genome organization at the supranucleosomal scale in the control of gene expression is increasingly recognized today. In mammals, Topologically Associating Domains (TADs) and the active/inactive chromosomal compartments are two of the main nuclear structures that contribute to this organization level. However, recent works reviewed here indicate that, at specific loci, chromatin interactions with nuclear bodies could also be crucial to regulate genome functions, in particular transcription. They moreover suggest that these nuclear bodies are membrane-less organelles dynamically self-assembled and disassembled through mechanisms of phase separation. We have recently developed a novel genome-wide experimental method, High-salt Recovered Sequences sequencing (HRS-seq), which allows the identification of chromatin regions associated with large ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes and nuclear bodies. We argue that the physical nature of such RNP complexes and nuclear bodies appears to be central in their ability to promote efficient interactions between distant genomic regions. The development of novel experimental approaches, including our HRS-seq method, is opening new avenues to understand how self-assembly of phase-separated nuclear bodies possibly contributes to mammalian genome organization and gene expression.

Thermodynamically driven assemblies and liquid-liquid phase separations in biology

The sustenance of life depends on the high degree of organization that prevails through different levels of living organisms, from subcellular structures such as biomolecular complexes and organelles to tissues and organs. The physical origin of such organization is not fully understood, and even though it is clear that cells and organisms cannot maintain their integrity without consuming energy, there is growing evidence that individual assembly processes can be thermodynamically driven and occur spontaneously due to changes in thermodynamic variables such as intermolecular interactions and concentration. Understanding the phase separation in vivo requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating the theory and physics of phase separation with experimental and computational techniques. This paper aims at providing a brief overview of the physics of phase separation and its biological implications, with a particular focus on the assembly of membraneless organelles. We discuss the underlying physical principles of phase separation from its thermodynamics to its kinetics. We also overview the wide range of methods utilized for experimental verification and characterization of phase separation of membraneless organelles, as well as the utility of molecular simulations rooted in thermodynamics and statistical physics in understanding the governing principles of thermodynamically driven biological self-assembly processes.

Histone supply: Multitiered regulation ensures chromatin dynamics throughout the cell cycle

Mendiratta et al. review the interplay between the different regulatory layers that affect the transcription and dynamics of distinct histone H3 variants along the cell cycle.

As the building blocks of chromatin, histones are central to establish and maintain particular chromatin states associated with given cell fates. Importantly, histones exist as distinct variants whose expression and incorporation into chromatin are tightly regulated during the cell cycle. During S phase, specialized replicative histone variants ensure the bulk of the chromatinization of the duplicating genome. Other non-replicative histone variants deposited throughout the cell cycle at specific loci use pathways uncoupled from DNA synthesis. Here, we review the particular dynamics of expression, cellular transit, assembly, and disassembly of replicative and non-replicative forms of the histone H3. Beyond the role of histone variants in chromatin dynamics, we review our current knowledge concerning their distinct regulation to control their expression at different levels including transcription, posttranscriptional processing, and protein stability. In light of this unique regulation, we highlight situations where perturbations in histone balance may lead to cellular dysfunction and pathologies.

Forces driving the three-dimensional folding of eukaryotic genomes

The last decade has radically renewed our understanding of higher order chromatin folding in the eukaryotic nucleus. As a result, most current models are in support of a mostly hierarchical and relatively stable folding of chromosomes dividing chromosomal territories into A‐ (active) and B‐ (inactive) compartments, which are then further partitioned into topologically associating domains (TADs), each of which is made up from multiple loops stabilized mainly by the CTCF and cohesin chromatin‐binding complexes. Nonetheless, the structure‐to‐function relationship of eukaryotic genomes is still not well understood. Here, we focus on recent work highlighting the biophysical and regulatory forces that contribute to the spatial organization of genomes, and we propose that the various conformations that chromatin assumes are not so much the result of a linear hierarchy, but rather of both converging and conflicting dynamic forces that act on it.

Higher order genomic organization and regulatory compartmentalization for cell cycle control at the G1/S-phase transition

Fidelity of histone gene regulation, and ultimately of histone protein biosynthesis, is obligatory for packaging of newly replicated DNA into chromatin. Control of histone gene expression within the 3-dimensional context of nuclear organization is reflected by two well documented observations. DNA replication-dependent histone mRNAs are synthesized at specialized subnuclear domains designated histone locus bodies (HLBs), in response to activation of the growth factor dependent Cyclin E/CDK2/HINFP/NPAT pathway at the G1/S transition in mammalian cells. Complete loss of the histone gene regulatory factors HINFP or NPAT disrupts HLB integrity that is necessary for coordinate control of DNA replication and histone gene transcription. Here we review the molecular histone-related requirements for G1/S-phase progression during the cell cycle. Recently developed experimental strategies, now enable us to explore mechanisms involved in dynamic control of histone gene expression in the context of the temporal (cell cycle) and spatial (HLBs) remodeling of the histone gene loci.

TFIIH localization is highly dynamic during zygotic genome activation in Drosophila, and its depletion causes catastrophic mitosis

In Drosophila, zygotic genome activation occurs in pre-blastoderm embryos during rapid mitotic divisions. How the transcription machinery is coordinated to achieve this goal in a very brief time span is still poorly understood. Transcription factor II H (TFIIH) is fundamental for transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). Herein, we show the in vivo dynamics of TFIIH at the onset of transcription in Drosophila embryos. TFIIH shows an oscillatory behaviour between the nucleus and cytoplasm. TFIIH foci are observed from interphase to metaphase, and colocalize with those for RNAPII phosphorylated at serine 5 (RNAPIIS5P) at prophase, suggesting that transcription occurs during the first mitotic phases. Furthermore, embryos with defects in subunits of either the CAK or the core subcomplexes of TFIIH show catastrophic mitosis. Although, transcriptome analyses show altered expression of several maternal genes that participate in mitosis, the global level of RNAPIIS5P in TFIIH mutant embryos is similar to that in the wild type, therefore, a direct role for TFIIH in mitosis cannot be ruled out. These results provide important insights regarding the role of a basal transcription machinery component when the zygotic genome is activated.

Dynamics and Function of Nuclear Bodies during Embryogenesis

Nuclear bodies are RNA-rich membraneless organelles in the cell nucleus that concentrate specific sets of nuclear proteins and RNA-protein complexes. Nuclear bodies such as the nucleolus, Cajal body (CB), and the histone locus body (HLB) concentrate factors required for nuclear steps of RNA processing. Formation of these nuclear bodies occurs on genomic loci and is frequently associated with active sites of transcription. Whether nuclear body formation is dependent on a particular gene element, an active process such as transcription, or the nascent RNA present at gene loci is a topic of debate. Recently, this question has been addressed through studies in model organisms and their embryos. The switch from maternally provided RNA and protein to zygotic gene products in early embryos has been well characterized in a variety of organisms. This process, termed maternal-to-zygotic transition, provides an excellent model for studying formation of nuclear bodies before, during, and after the transcriptional activation of the zygotic genome. Here, we review findings in embryos that reveal key principles in the study of the formation and function of nucleoli, CBs, and HLBs. We propose that while particular gene elements may contribute to formation of these nuclear bodies, active transcription promotes maturation of nuclear bodies and efficient RNA processing within them.

Birth and Death of Histone mRNAs

In metazoans, histone mRNAs are not polyadenylated but end in a conserved stem-loop. Stem-loop binding protein (SLBP) binds to the stem-loop and is required for all steps in histone mRNA metabolism. The genes for the five histone proteins are linked. A histone locus body (HLB) forms at each histone gene locus. It contains factors essential for transcription and processing of histone mRNAs, and couples transcription and processing. The active form of U7 snRNP contains the HLB component FLASH (FLICE-associated huge protein), the histone cleavage complex (HCC), and a subset of polyadenylation factors including the endonuclease CPSF73. Histone mRNAs are rapidly degraded when DNA replication is inhibited by a 3' to 5' pathway that requires extensive uridylation of mRNA decay intermediates.

Histone locus regulation by the Drosophila dosage compensation adaptor protein CLAMP

Rieder et al. report that conserved GA repeat cis elements within the bidirectional histone3–histone4 promoter direct histone locus body (HLB) formation in Drosophila. In addition, the CLAMP zinc finger protein binds these GA repeat motifs, increases chromatin accessibility, enhances histone gene transcription, and promotes HLB formation.

The conserved histone locus body (HLB) assembles prior to zygotic gene activation early during development and concentrates factors into a nuclear domain of coordinated histone gene regulation. Although HLBs form specifically at replication-dependent histone loci, the cis and trans factors that target HLB components to histone genes remained unknown. Here we report that conserved GA repeat cis elements within the bidirectional histone3–histone4 promoter direct HLB formation in Drosophila. In addition, the CLAMP (chromatin-linked adaptor for male-specific lethal [MSL] proteins) zinc finger protein binds these GA repeat motifs, increases chromatin accessibility, enhances histone gene transcription, and promotes HLB formation. We demonstrated previously that CLAMP also promotes the formation of another domain of coordinated gene regulation: the dosage-compensated male X chromosome. Therefore, CLAMP binding to GA repeat motifs promotes the formation of two distinct domains of coordinated gene activation located at different places in the genome.

Intranuclear and higher-order chromatin organization of the major histone gene cluster in breast cancer

Alterations in nuclear morphology are common in cancer progression. However, the degree to which gross morphological abnormalities translate into compromised higher-order chromatin organization is poorly understood. To explore the functional links between gene expression and chromatin structure in breast cancer, we performed RNA-seq gene expression analysis on the basal breast cancer progression model based on human MCF10A cells. Positional gene enrichment identified the major histone gene cluster at chromosome 6p22 as one of the most significantly upregulated (and not amplified) clusters of genes from the normal-like MCF10A to premalignant MCF10AT1 and metastatic MCF10CA1a cells. This cluster is subdivided into three sub-clusters of histone genes that are organized into hierarchical topologically associating domains (TADs). Interestingly, the sub-clusters of histone genes are located at TAD boundaries and interact more frequently with each other than the regions in-between them, suggesting that the histone sub-clusters form an active chromatin hub. The anchor sites of loops within this hub are occupied by CTCF, a known chromatin organizer. These histone genes are transcribed and processed at a specific sub-nuclear microenvironment termed the major histone locus body (HLB). While the overall chromatin structure of the major HLB is maintained across breast cancer progression, we detected alterations in its structure that may relate to gene expression. Importantly, breast tumor specimens also exhibit a coordinate pattern of upregulation across the major histone gene cluster. Our results provide a novel insight into the connection between the higher-order chromatin organization of the major HLB and its regulation during breast cancer progression.

Sequence-encoded material properties dictate the structure and function of nuclear bodies

Concomitant with packaging the genome, the cell nucleus must also spatially organize the nucleoplasm. This complex mixture of proteins and nucleic acids partitions into a variety of phase-separated, membraneless organelles called nuclear bodies. Significant progress has been made in understanding the relationship between the material properties of nuclear bodies and their structural and functional consequences. Furthermore, the molecular basis of these condensed phases is beginning to emerge. Here, I review the latest work in this exciting field, highlighting recent advances and new challenges.

Coordinating cell cycle-regulated histone gene expression through assembly and function of the Histone Locus Body

Metazoan replication-dependent (RD) histone genes encode the only known cellular mRNAs that are not polyadenylated. These mRNAs end instead in a conserved stem-loop, which is formed by an endonucleolytic cleavage of the pre-mRNA. The genes for all 5 histone proteins are clustered in all metazoans and coordinately regulated with high levels of expression during S phase. Production of histone mRNAs occurs in a nuclear body called the Histone Locus Body (HLB), a subdomain of the nucleus defined by a concentration of factors necessary for histone gene transcription and pre-mRNA processing. These factors include the scaffolding protein NPAT, essential for histone gene transcription, and FLASH and U7 snRNP, both essential for histone pre-mRNA processing. Histone gene expression is activated by Cyclin E/Cdk2-mediated phosphorylation of NPAT at the G1-S transition. The concentration of factors within the HLB couples transcription with pre-mRNA processing, enhancing the efficiency of histone mRNA biosynthesis.

RNA-dependent disassembly of nuclear bodies

Nuclear bodies are membraneless organelles that play important roles in genome functioning. A specific type of nuclear bodies known as interphase prenucleolar bodies (iPNBs) are formed in the nucleoplasm after hypotonic stress from partially disassembled nucleoli. iPNBs are then disassembled, and the nucleoli are reformed simultaneously. Here, we show that diffusion of B23 molecules (also known as nucleophosmin, NPM1) from iPNBs, but not fusion of iPNBs with the nucleoli, contributes to the transfer of B23 from iPNBs to the nucleoli. Maturation of pre-ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and the subsequent outflow of mature rRNAs from iPNBs led to the disassembly of iPNBs. We found that B23 transfer was dependent on the synthesis of pre-rRNA molecules in nucleoli; these pre-rRNA molecules interacted with B23 and led to its accumulation within nucleoli. The transfer of B23 between iPNBs and nucleoli was accomplished through a nucleoplasmic pool of B23, and increased nucleoplasmic B23 content retarded disassembly, whereas B23 depletion accelerated disassembly. Our results suggest that iPNB disassembly and nucleolus assembly might be coupled through RNA-dependent exchange of nucleolar proteins, creating a highly dynamic system with long-distance correlations between spatially distinct processes.

Cajal body function in genome organization and transcriptome diversity

Nuclear bodies contribute to non-random organization of the human genome and nuclear function. Using a major prototypical nuclear body, the Cajal body, as an example, we suggest that these structures assemble at specific gene loci located across the genome as a result of high transcriptional activity. Subsequently, target genes are physically clustered in close proximity in Cajal body-containing cells. However, Cajal bodies are observed in only a limited number of human cell types, including neuronal and cancer cells. Ultimately, Cajal body depletion perturbs splicing kinetics by reducing target small nuclear RNA (snRNA) transcription and limiting the levels of spliceosomal snRNPs, including their modification and turnover following each round of RNA splicing. As such, Cajal bodies are capable of shaping the chromatin interaction landscape and the transcriptome by influencing spliceosome kinetics. Future studies should concentrate on characterizing the direct influence of Cajal bodies upon snRNA gene transcriptional dynamics. Also see the video abstract here.

Sensitivity of Allelic Divergence to Genomic Position: Lessons from the Drosophila tan Gene

To identify genetic variants underlying changes in phenotypes within and between species, researchers often utilize transgenic animals to compare the function of alleles in different genetic backgrounds. In Drosophila, targeted integration mediated by the ΦC31 integrase allows activity of alternative alleles to be compared at the same genomic location. By using the same insertion site for each transgene, position effects are generally assumed to be controlled for because both alleles are surrounded by the same genomic context. Here, we test this assumption by comparing the activity of tan alleles from two Drosophila species, D. americana and D. novamexicana, at five different genomic locations in D. melanogaster. We found that the relative effects of these alleles varied among insertion sites, with no difference in activity observed between them at two sites. One of these sites simply silenced both transgenes, but the other allowed expression of both alleles that was sufficient to rescue a mutant phenotype yet failed to reveal the functional differences between the two alleles. These results suggest that more than one insertion site should be used when comparing the activity of transgenes because failing to do so could cause functional differences between alleles to go undetected.

Concentrating pre-mRNA processing factors in the histone locus body facilitates efficient histone mRNA biogenesis

The histone locus body (HLB) assembles at replication-dependent histone genes and concentrates factors required for histone messenger RNA (mRNA) biosynthesis. FLASH (Flice-associated huge protein) and U7 small nuclear RNP (snRNP) are HLB components that participate in 3' processing of the nonpolyadenylated histone mRNAs by recruiting the endonuclease CPSF-73 to histone pre-mRNA. Using transgenes to complement a FLASH mutant, we show that distinct domains of FLASH involved in U7 snRNP binding, histone pre-mRNA cleavage, and HLB localization are all required for proper FLASH function in vivo. By genetically manipulating HLB composition using mutations in FLASH, mutations in the HLB assembly factor Mxc, or depletion of the variant histone H2aV, we find that failure to concentrate FLASH and/or U7 snRNP in the HLB impairs histone pre-mRNA processing. This failure results in accumulation of small amounts of polyadenylated histone mRNA and nascent read-through transcripts at the histone locus. Thus, the HLB concentrates FLASH and U7 snRNP, promoting efficient histone mRNA biosynthesis and coupling 3' end processing with transcription termination.

Cajal bodies are linked to genome conformation

The mechanisms underlying nuclear body (NB) formation and their contribution to genome function are unknown. Here we examined the non-random positioning of Cajal bodies (CBs), major NBs involved in spliceosomal snRNP assembly and their role in genome organization. CBs are predominantly located at the periphery of chromosome territories at a multi-chromosome interface. Genome-wide chromosome conformation capture analysis (4C-seq) using CB-interacting loci revealed that CB-associated regions are enriched with highly expressed histone genes and U small nuclear or nucleolar RNA (sn/snoRNA) loci that form intra- and inter-chromosomal clusters. In particular, we observed a number of CB-dependent gene-positioning events on chromosome 1. RNAi-mediated disassembly of CBs disrupts the CB-targeting gene clusters and suppresses the expression of U sn/snoRNA and histone genes. This loss of spliceosomal snRNP production results in increased splicing noise, even in CB-distal regions. Therefore, we conclude that CBs contribute to genome organization with global effects on gene expression and RNA splicing fidelity.

Nuclear bodies can nucleate at sites of active transcription and are beneficial for efficient gene expression. Here, the authors show that Cajal bodies, a prominent type of nuclear body, contribute to genome organization with global effects on gene expression and RNA splicing fidelity.

Non-coding RNAs, the cutting edge of histone messages

In metazoan the 3′-end processing of histone mRNAs is a conserved process involving the concerted action of many protein factors and the non-coding U7 snRNA. Recently, we identified that the processing of histone pre-mRNAs is promoted by an additional ncRNA, the Y3-derived Y3** RNA. U7 modulates the association of the U7 snRNP whereas Y3** promotes recruitment of CPSF (cleavage and polyadenylation specific factor) proteins to nascent histone transcripts at histone locus bodies (HLBs) in mammals. This enhances the 3′-end cleavage of nascent histone pre-mRNAs and modulates HLB assembly. Here we discuss new insights in the role of ncRNAs in the spatiotemporal control of histone synthesis. We propose that ncRNAs scaffold the formation of functional protein-RNA complexes and their sequential deposition on nascent histone pre-mRNAs at HLBs. These findings add to the multiple roles of ncRNAs in controlling gene expression and may provide new avenues for targeting histone synthesis in cancer.

Nucleation by rRNA Dictates the Precision of Nucleolus Assembly

Membrane-less organelles are intracellular compartments specialized to carry out specific cellular functions. There is growing evidence supporting the possibility that such organelles form as a new phase, separating from cytoplasm or nucleoplasm. However, a main challenge to such phase separation models is that the initial assembly, or nucleation, of the new phase is typically a highly stochastic process and does not allow for the spatiotemporal precision observed in biological systems. Here, we investigate the initial assembly of the nucleolus, a membrane-less organelle involved in different cellular functions including ribosomal biogenesis. We demonstrate that the nucleolus formation is precisely timed in D. melanogaster embryos and follows the transcription of rRNA. We provide evidence that transcription of rRNA is necessary for overcoming the highly stochastic nucleation step in the formation of the nucleolus, through a seeding mechanism. In the absence of rDNA, the nucleolar proteins studied are able to form high-concentration assemblies. However, unlike the nucleolus, these assemblies are highly variable in number, location, and time at which they form. In addition, quantitative study of the changes in the nucleoplasmic concentration and distribution of these nucleolar proteins in the wild-type embryos is consistent with the role of rRNA in seeding the nucleolus formation.

From noise to synthetic nucleoli: can synthetic biology achieve new insights?

Synthetic biology aims to re-organise and control biological components to make functional devices. Along the way, the iterative process of designing and testing gene circuits has the potential to yield many insights into the functioning of the underlying chassis of cells. Thus, synthetic biology is converging with disciplines such as systems biology and even classical cell biology, to give a new level of predictability to gene expression, cell metabolism and cellular signalling networks. This review gives an overview of the contributions that synthetic biology has made in understanding gene expression, in terms of cell heterogeneity (noise), the coupling of growth and energy usage to expression, and spatiotemporal considerations. We mainly compare progress in bacterial and mammalian systems, which have some of the most-developed engineering frameworks. Overall, one view of synthetic biology can be neatly summarised as "creating in order to understand."

EnD-Seq and AppEnD: sequencing 3' ends to identify nontemplated tails and degradation intermediates

Existing methods for detecting RNA intermediates resulting from exonuclease degradation are low-throughput and laborious. In addition, mapping the 3' ends of RNA molecules to the genome after high-throughput sequencing is challenging, particularly if the 3' ends contain post-transcriptional modifications. To address these problems, we developed EnD-Seq, a high-throughput sequencing protocol that preserves the 3' end of RNA molecules, and AppEnD, a computational method for analyzing high-throughput sequencing data. Together these allow determination of the 3' ends of RNA molecules, including nontemplated additions. Applying EnD-Seq and AppEnD to histone mRNAs revealed that a significant fraction of cytoplasmic histone mRNAs end in one or two uridines, which have replaced the 1-2 nt at the 3' end of mature histone mRNA maintaining the length of the histone transcripts. Histone mRNAs in fly embryos and ovaries show the same pattern, but with different tail nucleotide compositions. We increase the sensitivity of EnD-Seq by using cDNA priming to specifically enrich low-abundance tails of known sequence composition allowing identification of degradation intermediates. In addition, we show the broad applicability of our computational approach by using AppEnD to gain insight into 3' additions from diverse types of sequencing data, including data from small capped RNA sequencing and some alternative polyadenylation protocols.

Nuclear bodies: the emerging biophysics of nucleoplasmic phases

The cell nucleus contains a large number of membrane-less bodies that play important roles in the spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression. Recent work suggests that low complexity/disordered protein motifs and repetitive binding domains drive assembly of droplets of nuclear RNA/protein by promoting nucleoplasmic phase separation. Nucleation and maturation of these structures is regulated by, and may in turn affect, factors including post-translational modifications, protein concentration, transcriptional activity, and chromatin state. Here we present a concise review of these exciting recent advances, and discuss current and future challenges in understanding the assembly, regulation, and function of nuclear RNA/protein bodies.

Distinct self-interaction domains promote Multi Sex Combs accumulation in and formation of the Drosophila histone locus body

The Drosophila Multi Sex Combs (Mxc) protein is necessary for the recruitment of histone mRNA biosynthetic factors to the histone locus body (HLB). Mxc contains multiple domains required for HLB assembly and histone mRNA biosynthesis. Two N-terminal domains of Mxc are essential for promoting HLB assembly via a self-interaction.

Nuclear bodies (NBs) are structures that concentrate proteins, RNAs, and ribonucleoproteins that perform functions essential to gene expression. How NBs assemble is not well understood. We studied the Drosophila histone locus body (HLB), a NB that concentrates factors required for histone mRNA biosynthesis at the replication-dependent histone gene locus. We coupled biochemical analysis with confocal imaging of both fixed and live tissues to demonstrate that the Drosophila Multi Sex Combs (Mxc) protein contains multiple domains necessary for HLB assembly. An important feature of this assembly process is the self-interaction of Mxc via two conserved N-terminal domains: a LisH domain and a novel self-interaction facilitator (SIF) domain immediately downstream of the LisH domain. Molecular modeling suggests that the LisH and SIF domains directly interact, and mutation of either the LisH or the SIF domain severely impairs Mxc function in vivo, resulting in reduced histone mRNA accumulation. A region of Mxc between amino acids 721 and 1481 is also necessary for HLB assembly independent of the LisH and SIF domains. Finally, the C-terminal 195 amino acids of Mxc are required for recruiting FLASH, an essential histone mRNA-processing factor, to the HLB. We conclude that multiple domains of the Mxc protein promote HLB assembly in order to concentrate factors required for histone mRNA biosynthesis.