Quantification of the dynamic behaviour of ribosomal DNA genes and nucleolus during yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell cycle

Regulators of rDNA array morphology in fission yeast

Nucleolar morphology is a well-established indicator of ribosome biogenesis activity that has served as the foundation of many screens investigating ribosome production. Missing from this field of study is a broad-scale investigation of the regulation of ribosomal DNA morphology, despite the essential role of rRNA gene transcription in modulating ribosome output. We hypothesized that the morphology of rDNA arrays reflects ribosome biogenesis activity. We established GapR-GFP, a prokaryotic DNA-binding protein that recognizes transcriptionally-induced overtwisted DNA, as a live visual fluorescent marker for quantitative analysis of rDNA organization in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We found that the morphology-which we refer to as spatial organization-of the rDNA arrays is dynamic throughout the cell cycle, under glucose starvation, RNA pol I inhibition, and TOR activation. Screening the haploid S. pombe Bioneer deletion collection for spatial organization phenotypes revealed large ribosomal protein (RPL) gene deletions that alter rDNA organization. Further work revealed RPL gene deletion mutants with altered rDNA organization also demonstrate resistance to the TOR inhibitor Torin1. A genetic analysis of signaling pathways essential for this resistance phenotype implicated many factors including a conserved MAPK, Pmk1, previously linked to extracellular stress responses. We propose RPL gene deletion triggers altered rDNA morphology due to compensatory changes in ribosome biogenesis via multiple signaling pathways, and we further suggest compensatory responses may contribute to human diseases such as ribosomopathies. Altogether, GapR-GFP is a powerful tool for live visual reporting on rDNA morphology under myriad conditions.

rDNA transcription, replication and stability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The ribosomal DNA locus (rDNA) is central for the functioning of cells because it encodes ribosomal RNAs, key components of ribosomes, and also because of its links to fundamental metabolic processes, with significant impact on genome integrity and aging. The repetitive nature of the rDNA gene units forces the locus to maintain sequence homogeneity through recombination processes that are closely related to genomic stability. The co-presence of basic DNA transactions, such as replication, transcription by major RNA polymerases, and recombination, in a defined and restricted area of the genome is of particular relevance as it affects the stability of the rDNA locus by both direct and indirect mechanisms. This condition is well exemplified by the rDNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this review we summarize essential knowledge on how the complexity and overlap of different processes contribute to the control of rDNA and genomic stability in this model organism.

RNA polymerase I mutant affects ribosomal RNA processing and ribosomal DNA stability

Transcription is a major contributor to genomic instability. The ribosomal RNA (rDNA) gene locus consists of a head-to-tail repeat of the most actively transcribed genes in the genome. RNA polymerase I (RNAPI) is responsible for massive rRNA production, and nascent rRNA is co-transcriptionally assembled with early assembly factors in the yeast nucleolus. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a mutant form of RNAPI bearing a fusion of the transcription factor Rrn3 with RNAPI subunit Rpa43 (CARA-RNAPI) has been described previously. Here, we show that the CARA-RNAPI allele results in a novel type of rRNA processing defect, associated with rDNA genomic instability. A fraction of the 35S rRNA produced in CARA-RNAPI mutant escapes processing steps and accumulates. This accumulation is increased in mutants affecting exonucleolytic activities of the exosome complex. CARA-RNAPI is synthetic lethal with monopolin mutants that are known to affect the rDNA condensation. CARA-RNAPI strongly impacts rDNA organization and increases rDNA copy number variation. Reduced rDNA copy number suppresses lethality, suggesting that the chromosome segregation defect is caused by genomic rDNA instability. We conclude that a constitutive association of Rrn3 with transcribing RNAPI results in the accumulation of rRNAs that escape normal processing, impacting rDNA organization and affecting rDNA stability.

Ribosomal DNA replication time coordinates completion of genome replication and anaphase in yeast

Timely completion of genome replication is a prerequisite for mitosis, genome integrity, and cell survival. A challenge to this timely completion comes from the need to replicate the hundreds of untranscribed copies of rDNA that organisms maintain in addition to the copies required for ribosome biogenesis. Replication of these rDNA arrays is relegated to late S phase despite their large size, repetitive nature, and essentiality. Here, we show that, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, reducing the number of rDNA repeats leads to early rDNA replication, which results in delaying replication elsewhere in the genome. Moreover, cells with early-replicating rDNA arrays and delayed genome-wide replication aberrantly release the mitotic phosphatase Cdc14 from the nucleolus and enter anaphase prematurely. We propose that rDNA copy number determines the replication time of the rDNA locus and that the release of Cdc14 upon completion of rDNA replication is a signal for cell cycle progression.

The vacuole shapes the nucleus and the ribosomal DNA loop during mitotic delays

Chromosome structuring and condensation is one of the main features of mitosis. Here, Matos-Perdomo et al show how the nuclear envelope reshapes around the vacuole to give rise to the outstanding ribosomal DNA loop in budding yeast.

The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) array of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has served as a model to address chromosome organization. In cells arrested before anaphase (mid-M), the rDNA acquires a highly structured chromosomal organization referred to as the rDNA loop, whose length can double the cell diameter. Previous works established that complexes such as condensin and cohesin are essential to attain this structure. Here, we report that the rDNA loop adopts distinct presentations that arise as spatial adaptations to changes in the nuclear morphology triggered during mid-M arrests. Interestingly, the formation of the rDNA loop results in the appearance of a space under the loop (SUL) which is devoid of nuclear components yet colocalizes with the vacuole. We show that the rDNA-associated nuclear envelope (NE) often reshapes into a ladle to accommodate the vacuole in the SUL, with the nucleus becoming bilobed and doughnut-shaped. Finally, we demonstrate that the formation of the rDNA loop and the SUL require TORC1, membrane synthesis and functional vacuoles, yet is independent of nucleus–vacuole junctions and rDNA-NE tethering.

Nucleolar Organizer Regions as Transcription-Based Scaffolds of Nucleolar Structure and Function

Eukaryotic genomes maintain multiple copies of ribosomal DNA gene repeats in tandem arrays to provide sufficient ribosomal RNAs to make ribosomes. These DNA repeats are the most highly transcribed regions of the genome, with dedicated transcriptional machinery to manage the enormous task of producing more than 50% of the total RNA in a proliferating cell. The arrays are called nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) and constitute the scaffold of the nucleolar compartment, where ribosome biogenesis occurs. Advances in molecular and cellular biology have brought great insights into how these arrays are transcribed and organized within genomes. Much of their biology is driven by their high transcription level, which has also driven the development of unique methods to understand rDNA gene activity, beginning with classic techniques such as silver staining and Miller spreads. However, the application of modern methodologies such as CRISPR gene editing, super-resolution microscopy, and long-read sequencing has enabled recent advances described herein, with many more discoveries possible soon. This chapter highlights what is known about NOR transcription and organization and the techniques applied historically and currently. Given the potential for NORs to impact organismal health and disease, as highlighted at the end of the chapter, the field must continue to develop and apply innovative analysis to understand genetic, epigenetic, and organizer properties of the ribosomal DNA repeats.

A compendium of chromatin contact maps reflecting regulation by chromatin remodelers in budding yeast

We herein employ in situ Hi-C with an auxin-inducible degron (AID) system to examine the effect of chromatin remodeling on 3D genome organization in yeast. Eight selected ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers representing various subfamilies contribute to 3D genome organization differently. Among the studied remodelers, the temporary depletions of Chd1p, Swr1p, and Sth1p (a catalytic subunit of the Remodeling the Structure of Chromatin [RSC] complex) cause the most significant defects in intra-chromosomal contacts, and the regulatory roles of these three remodelers in 3D genome organization differ depending on the chromosomal context and cell cycle stage. Furthermore, even though Chd1p and Isw1p are known to share functional similarities/redundancies, their depletions lead to distinct effects on 3D structures. The RSC and cohesin complexes also differentially modulate 3D genome organization within chromosome arm regions, whereas RSC appears to support the function of cohesin in centromeric clustering at G2 phase. Our work suggests that the ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers control the 3D genome organization of yeast through their chromatin-remodeling activities.

Cohesin regulates homology search during recombinational DNA repair

Homologous recombination repairs DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) using an intact dsDNA molecule as a template. It entails a homology search step, carried out along a conserved RecA/Rad51-ssDNA filament assembled on each DSB end. Whether, how and to what extent a DSB impacts chromatin folding, and how this (re)organization in turns influences the homology search process, remain ill-defined. Here we characterize two layers of spatial chromatin reorganization following DSB formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Although cohesin folds chromosomes into cohesive arrays of ~20-kb-long chromatin loops as cells arrest in G2/M, the DSB-flanking regions interact locally in a resection- and 9-1-1 clamp-dependent manner, independently of cohesin, Mec1ATR, Rad52 and Rad51. This local structure blocks cohesin progression, constraining the DSB region at the base of a loop. Functionally, cohesin promotes DSB-dsDNA interactions and donor identification in cis, while inhibiting them in trans. This study identifies multiple direct and indirect ways by which cohesin regulates homology search during recombinational DNA repair.

Nucleolar release of rDNA repeats for repair involves SUMO-mediated untethering by the Cdc48/p97 segregase

Ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) are highly unstable and susceptible to rearrangement due to their repetitive nature and active transcriptional status. Sequestration of rDNA in the nucleolus suppresses uncontrolled recombination. However, broken repeats must be first released to the nucleoplasm to allow repair by homologous recombination. Nucleolar release of broken rDNA repeats is conserved from yeast to humans, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are currently unknown. Here we show that DNA damage induces phosphorylation of the CLIP-cohibin complex, releasing membrane-tethered rDNA from the nucleolus in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Downstream of phosphorylation, SUMOylation of CLIP-cohibin is recognized by Ufd1 via its SUMO-interacting motif, which targets the complex for disassembly through the Cdc48/p97 chaperone. Consistent with a conserved mechanism, UFD1L depletion in human cells impairs rDNA release. The dynamic and regulated assembly and disassembly of the rDNA-tethering complex is therefore a key determinant of nucleolar rDNA release and genome integrity.

The rDNA is biomolecular condensate formed by polymer-polymer phase separation and is sequestered in the nucleolus by transcription and R-loops

The nucleolus is the site of ribosome biosynthesis encompassing the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) locus in a phase separated state within the nucleus. In budding yeast, we find the rDNA locus and Cdc14, a protein phosphatase that co-localizes with the rDNA, behave like a condensate formed by polymer-polymer phase separation, while ribonucleoproteins behave like a condensate formed by liquid-liquid phase separation. The compaction of the rDNA and Cdc14's nucleolar distribution are dependent on the concentration of DNA cross-linkers. In contrast, ribonucleoprotein nucleolar distribution is independent of the concentration of DNA cross-linkers and resembles droplets in vivo upon replacement of the endogenous rDNA locus with high-copy plasmids. When ribosomal RNA is transcribed from the plasmids by Pol II, the rDNA-binding proteins and ribonucleoprotein signals are weakly correlated, but upon repression of transcription, ribonucleoproteins form a single, stable droplet that excludes rDNA-binding proteins from its center. Degradation of RNA-DNA hybrid structures, known as R-loops, by overexpression of RNase H1 results in the physical exclusion of the rDNA locus from the nucleolar center. Thus, the rDNA locus is a polymer-polymer phase separated condensate that relies on transcription and physical contact with RNA transcripts to remain encapsulated within the nucleolus.

Lipid Droplets Are a Physiological Nucleoporin Reservoir

Lipid Droplets (LD) are dynamic organelles that originate in the Endoplasmic Reticulum and mostly bud off toward the cytoplasm, where they store neutral lipids for energy and protection purposes. LD also have diverse proteins on their surface, many of which are necessary for the their correct homeostasis. However, these organelles also act as reservoirs of proteins that can be made available elsewhere in the cell. In this sense, they act as sinks that titrate key regulators of many cellular processes. Among the specialized factors that reside on cytoplasmic LD are proteins destined for functions in the nucleus, but little is known about them and their impact on nuclear processes. By screening for nuclear proteins in publicly available LD proteomes, we found that they contain a subset of nucleoporins from the Nuclear Pore Complex (NPC). Exploring this, we demonstrate that LD act as a physiological reservoir, for nucleoporins, that impacts the conformation of NPCs and hence their function in nucleo-cytoplasmic transport, chromatin configuration, and genome stability. Furthermore, our in silico modeling predicts a role for LD-released fatty acids in regulating the transit of nucleoporins from LD through the cytoplasm and to nuclear pores.

Nucleolar size regulates nuclear envelope shape in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Nuclear shape and size are cell-type specific. Change in nuclear shape is seen during cell division, development and pathology. The nucleus of Saccharomycescerevisiae is spherical in interphase and becomes dumbbell shaped during mitotic division to facilitate the transfer of one nucleus to the daughter cell. Because yeast cells undergo closed mitosis, the nuclear envelope remains intact throughout the cell cycle. The pathways that regulate nuclear shape are not well characterized. The nucleus is organized into various subcompartments, with the nucleolus being the most prominent. We have conducted a candidate-based genetic screen for nuclear shape abnormalities in S. cerevisiae to ask whether the nucleolus influences nuclear shape. We find that increasing nucleolar volume triggers a non-isometric nuclear envelope expansion resulting in an abnormal nuclear envelope shape. We further show that the tethering of rDNA to the nuclear envelope is required for the appearance of these extensions.

Regulation of Cohesin-Mediated Chromosome Folding by Eco1 and Other Partners

Cohesin, a member of the SMC complex family, holds sister chromatids together but also shapes chromosomes by promoting the formation of long-range intra-chromatid loops, a process proposed to be mediated by DNA loop extrusion. Here we describe the roles of three cohesin partners, Pds5, Wpl1, and Eco1, in loop formation along either unreplicated or mitotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosomes. Pds5 limits the size of DNA loops via two different pathways: the canonical Wpl1-mediated releasing activity and an Eco1-dependent mechanism. In the absence of Pds5, the main barrier to DNA loop expansion appears to be the centromere. Our data also show that Eco1 acetyl-transferase inhibits the translocase activity that powers loop formation and contributes to the positioning of loops through a mechanism that is distinguishable from its role in cohesion establishment. This study reveals that the mechanisms regulating cohesin-dependent chromatin loops are conserved among eukaryotes while promoting different functions.

Common Features of the Pericentromere and Nucleolus

Both the pericentromere and the nucleolus have unique characteristics that distinguish them amongst the rest of genome. Looping of pericentromeric DNA, due to structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) proteins condensin and cohesin, drives its ability to maintain tension during metaphase. Similar loops are formed via condensin and cohesin in nucleolar ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Condensin and cohesin are also concentrated in transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, genes which may be located within the pericentromere as well as tethered to the nucleolus. Replication fork stalling, as well as downstream consequences such as genomic recombination, are characteristic of both the pericentromere and rDNA. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that the pericentromere may function as a liquid-liquid phase separated domain, similar to the nucleolus. We therefore propose that the pericentromere and nucleolus, in part due to their enrichment of SMC proteins and others, contain similar domains that drive important cellular activities such as segregation, stability, and repair.