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Goleij P, Heidari MM, Tabari MAK, Hadipour M, Rezaee A, Javan A, Sanaye PM, Larsen DS, Daglia M, Khan H. Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) pathway's role in cancer cell plasticity and drug resistance. Funct Integr Genomics 2025; 25:53. [PMID: 40048009 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-025-01563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2025] [Accepted: 02/23/2025] [Indexed: 05/13/2025]
Abstract
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) is a central regulator of gene expression via the trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 27. This epigenetic modification plays a crucial role in maintaining cell identity and controlling differentiation, while its dysregulation is closely linked to cancer progression. PRC2 silences tumor suppressor genes, promoting cell proliferation, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cancer stem cell plasticity. Enhancement of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) overexpression or gain-of-function mutations have been observed in several cancers, including lymphoma, breast, and prostate cancers, driving aggressive tumor behavior and drug resistance. In addition to EZH2, other PRC2 components, such as embryonic ectoderm development (EED) and suppressor of zeste 12, are essential for complex stability and function. EED, in particular, enhances EZH2 activity and has emerged as a therapeutic target. Inhibitors like MAK683 and EED226 disrupt EED's ability to maintain PRC2 activity, thereby reducing H3K27me3 levels and reactivating tumor suppressor genes. Valemetostat, a dual inhibitor of both EZH2 and EED, has shown promising results in aggressive cancers like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and small-cell lung cancer, underlining the therapeutic potential of targeting multiple PRC2 components. PRC2's role extends beyond gene repression, as it contributes to metabolic reprogramming in tumors, regulating glycolysis and lipid synthesis to fuel cancer growth. Furthermore, PRC2 is implicated in chemoresistance, particularly by modulating DNA damage response and immune evasion. Tazemetostat, a selective EZH2 inhibitor, has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in EZH2-mutant cancers, such as non-Hodgkin lymphomas and epithelioid sarcoma. However, the compensatory function of enhancer of zeste homolog 1 (EZH1) in some cancers requires dual inhibition strategies, as seen with agents like UNC1999 and Tulmimetostat, which target both EZH1 and EZH2. Given PRC2's multifaceted role in cancer biology, its inhibition represents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention. The continued development of PRC2 inhibitors and exploration of their use in combination with standard chemotherapy or immunotherapy has great potential for improving patient outcomes in cancers driven by PRC2 dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Goleij
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6715847141, Iran.
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (Immunotact), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Heidari
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Khazeei Tabari
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, 4815733971, Iran
| | - Mahboube Hadipour
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, 7919693116, Iran
| | - Aryan Rezaee
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
| | - Alireza Javan
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
| | - Pantea Majma Sanaye
- School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, 4513956184, Iran
| | - Danaé S Larsen
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemical and Life Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan.
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong, 20019, South Korea.
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2
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Francis NJ. A chromatin mesh model for compaction of chromatin by PRC1 in condensates. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2025; 32:411-413. [PMID: 40033151 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-025-01504-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2025]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J Francis
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Division of Clinical and Translational Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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3
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Uckelmann M, Levina V, Taveneau C, Ng XH, Pandey V, Martinez J, Mendiratta S, Houx J, Boudes M, Venugopal H, Trépout S, Fulcher AJ, Zhang Q, Flanigan S, Li M, Sierecki E, Gambin Y, Das PP, Bell O, de Marco A, Davidovich C. Dynamic PRC1-CBX8 stabilizes a porous structure of chromatin condensates. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2025; 32:520-530. [PMID: 39815045 PMCID: PMC11919719 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01457-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2025]
Abstract
The compaction of chromatin is a prevalent paradigm in gene repression. Chromatin compaction is commonly thought to repress transcription by restricting chromatin accessibility. However, the spatial organization and dynamics of chromatin compacted by gene-repressing factors are unknown. Here, using cryo-electron tomography, we solved the three-dimensional structure of chromatin condensed by the polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) in a complex with CBX8. PRC1-condensed chromatin is porous and stabilized through multivalent dynamic interactions of PRC1 with chromatin. Mechanistically, positively charged residues on the internally disordered regions of CBX8 mask negative charges on the DNA to stabilize the condensed state of chromatin. Within condensates, PRC1 remains dynamic while maintaining a static chromatin structure. In differentiated mouse embryonic stem cells, CBX8-bound chromatin remains accessible. These findings challenge the idea of rigidly compacted polycomb domains and instead provide a mechanistic framework for dynamic and accessible PRC1-chromatin condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Uckelmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vita Levina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cyntia Taveneau
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xiao Han Ng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Varun Pandey
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jasmine Martinez
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shweta Mendiratta
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Justin Houx
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marion Boudes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hari Venugopal
- Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Monash, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sylvain Trépout
- Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Monash, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alex J Fulcher
- Monash Micro Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarena Flanigan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Minrui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma Sierecki
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yann Gambin
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Partha Pratim Das
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Oliver Bell
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alex de Marco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chen Davidovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- EMBL-Australia, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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4
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Lee CH, Lin YC, Chang YC, Chen PC, Lin KH, Yeh TM, Leung EY, Lin IL, Chen SH, Cheung CHA. NUPR1 contributes to endocrine therapy resistance by modulating BIRC5 expression and inducing luminal B-ERBB2 + subtype-like characteristics in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. J Cancer 2025; 16:1694-1708. [PMID: 39991577 PMCID: PMC11843241 DOI: 10.7150/jca.105425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2025] [Indexed: 02/25/2025] Open
Abstract
Acquired resistance to endocrine therapy is a major clinical challenge in the treatment of luminal A [estrogen receptor (ER)+ and/or progesterone receptor (PR)+, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ERBB2/HER2)-, and low Ki-67] breast cancer. Recently, molecular subtype conversion has been suggested as one of the possible causes of the development of drug-resistant breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the molecular subtype conversion and the induction of endocrine therapy resistance in luminal A breast cancer is still incompletely understood. Here, we found that the ER+ MCF7-derived endocrine therapy-resistant MCF7-TamC3 breast cancer cells exhibit increased expression of an intrinsically disordered chromatin protein, NUPR1, compared to the parental luminal-A subtype like MCF7 breast cancer cells. Intriguingly, MCF7-TamC3 cells also exhibit characteristics that resemble the luminal B-ERBB2+ breast tumor subtype, like the increased expression of ERBB2 and the increased sensitivity to monoclonal ERBB2-targeting antibody Trastuzumab in vitro. Kaplan-Meier analysis of expression cohorts of breast tumors showed that high NUPR1 mRNA expression levels correlate with poor overall and relapse-free survival in both endocrine therapy-treated ER+ and ERBB2-enriched breast cancer patients. Results of the bioinformatics analysis showed that the NUPR1 mRNA expression level is also correlated with the clinical grading of the Tamoxifen-treated ER+ primary breast cancer. The qPCR and the western blot analysis results revealed that NUPR1 positively regulates the expression of the epigenetic regulator HDAC5, the anti-apoptotic molecule BIRC5, and the mitogenic receptor ERBB2 in MCF7-TamC3 and the ERBB2-enriched subtype like SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells. Downregulation of NUPR1 increased the sensitivity to estrogen deprivation in MCF7-TamC3 cells and decreased the viability of SK-BR-3 cells in vitro. These findings indicate that dysregulation of NUPR1 promotes the development of estrogen independence in ER+ breast cancer cells in part through expression regulation of HDAC5, ERBB2, and BIRC5. Targeting NUPR1 or its downstream regulating molecules may offer a potential strategy for overcoming resistance to endocrine therapy in patients with ER+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hui Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chieh Chang
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine and Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Chen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Hsuan Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Miao Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Euphemia Yee Leung
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre and Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - I-Li Lin
- Department of Radiology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Hung Chen
- Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chun Hei Antonio Cheung
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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5
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McCole R, Nolan J, Reck DM, Monger C, Rustichelli S, Conway E, Brien GL, Wang C, Deevy O, Neikes HK, Bashore FM, Mooney A, Flavin R, Vandenberghe E, Flanigan SF, Pasini D, Davidovich C, Vermeulen M, James LI, Healy E, Bracken AP. A conserved switch to less catalytically active Polycomb repressive complexes in non-dividing cells. Cell Rep 2025; 44:115192. [PMID: 39799569 PMCID: PMC11931288 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.115192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 12/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2025] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), composed of the core subunits EED, SUZ12, and either EZH1 or EZH2, is critical for maintaining cellular identity in multicellular organisms. PRC2 deposits H3K27me3, which is thought to recruit the canonical form of PRC1 (cPRC1) to promote gene repression. Here, we show that EZH1-PRC2 and cPRC1 are the primary Polycomb complexes on target genes in non-dividing, quiescent cells. Furthermore, these cells are resistant to PRC2 inhibitors. While PROTAC-mediated degradation of EZH1-PRC2 in quiescent cells does not reduce H3K27me3, it partially displaces cPRC1. Our results reveal an evolutionarily conserved switch to less catalytically active Polycomb complexes in non-dividing cells and raise concerns about using PRC2 inhibitors in cancers with significant populations of non-dividing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel McCole
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - James Nolan
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Department of Haematology, St. James' Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - David M Reck
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Craig Monger
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Samantha Rustichelli
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Department of Experimental Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Eric Conway
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Gerard L Brien
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Cheng Wang
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Orla Deevy
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Hannah K Neikes
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Frances M Bashore
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Aoibhinn Mooney
- Department of Histopathology, St. James' Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Richard Flavin
- Department of Histopathology, St. James' Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Sarena F Flanigan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Diego Pasini
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Department of Experimental Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via A. di Rudini 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Chen Davidovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; EMBL-Australia, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lindsey I James
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Evan Healy
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Adrian P Bracken
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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6
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Hong Y, Dai R, Li X, Xu H, Wei C. Polycomb protein RYBP facilitates super-enhancer activity. Mol Med 2024; 30:236. [PMID: 39604829 PMCID: PMC11603947 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-01006-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 11/20/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycomb proteins are conventionally known as global repressors in cell fate determination. However, recent observations have shown their involvement in transcriptional activation, the mechanisms of which need further investigation. METHODS Herein, multiple data from ChIP-seq, RNA-seq and HiChIP before or after RYBP depletion in embryonic stem cell (ESC), epidermal progenitor (EPC) and mesodermal cell (MEC) were analyzed. RESULTS We found that Polycomb protein RYBP occupies super-enhancer (SE) in ESCs, where core Polycomb group (PcG) components such as RING1B and EZH2 are minimally enriched. Depletion of RYBP results in impaired deposition of H3K27ac, decreased expression of SE-associated genes, and reducing the transcription of enhancer RNA at SE regions (seRNA). Regarding the mechanism of seRNA transcription, the Trithorax group (TrxG) component WDR5 co-localizes with RYBP at SEs, and is required for seRNA expression. RYBP depletion reduces WDR5 deposition at SE regions. In addition, TrxG-associated H3K4me3 tends to be enriched at SEs with high levels of seRNA transcription, and RYBP deficiency impairs the deposition of H3K4me3 at SEs. Structurally, RYBP is involved in both intra- and inter-SE interactions. Finally, RYBP generally localizes at SEs in both in vitro cell lines and in vivo tissue-derived cells, dysfunction of RYBP is associated with various cancers and developmental diseases. CONCLUSION RYBP cooperates with TrxG component to regulate SE activity. Dysfunction of RYBP relates to various diseases. The findings provide new insights into the transcriptionally active function of Polycomb protein in cell fate determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ranran Dai
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xinlan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - He Xu
- Center of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Chao Wei
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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7
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Hanafiah A, Geng Z, Liu T, Tai YT, Cai W, Wang Q, Christensen N, Liu Y, Yue F, Gao Z. PRC1 and CTCF-Mediated Transition from Poised to Active Chromatin Loops Drives Bivalent Gene Activation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.11.13.623456. [PMID: 39605346 PMCID: PMC11601310 DOI: 10.1101/2024.11.13.623456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2024]
Abstract
Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) are critical regulators of 3D chromatin architecture that influence cellular transcriptional programs. Spatial chromatin structures comprise conserved compartments, topologically associating domains (TADs), and dynamic, cell-type-specific chromatin loops. Although the role of CTCF in chromatin organization is well-known, the involvement of PRC1 is less understood. In this study, we identified an unexpected, essential role for the canonical Pcgf2-containing PRC1 complex (cPRC1.2), a known transcriptional repressor, in activating bivalent genes during differentiation. Our Hi-C analysis revealed that cPRC1.2 forms chromatin loops at bivalent promoters, rendering them silent yet poised for activation. Using mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, we found that the loss of Pcgf2, though not affecting the global level of H2AK119ub1, disrupts these cPRC1.2 loops in ESCs and impairs the transcriptional induction of crucial target genes necessary for neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, we identified CTCF enrichment at cPRC1.2 loop anchors and at Polycomb group (PcG) bodies, nuclear foci with concentrated PRC1 and its tethered chromatin domains, suggesting that PRC1 and CTCF cooperatively shape chromatin loop structures. Through virtual 4C and other genomic analyses, we discovered that establishing neuronal progenitor cell (NPC) identity involves a switch from cPRC1.2-mediated chromatin loops to CTCF-mediated active loops, enabling the expression of critical lineage-specific factors. This study uncovers a novel mechanism by which pre-formed PRC1 and CTCF loops at lineage-specific genes maintain a poised state for subsequent gene activation, advancing our understanding of the role of chromatin architecture in controlling cell fate transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aflah Hanafiah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Zhuangzhuang Geng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Yen Teng Tai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Wenjie Cai
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Neil Christensen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Yan Liu
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Feng Yue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Zhonghua Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033
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8
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Tamburri S, Rustichelli S, Amato S, Pasini D. Navigating the complexity of Polycomb repression: Enzymatic cores and regulatory modules. Mol Cell 2024; 84:3381-3405. [PMID: 39178860 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Polycomb proteins are a fundamental repressive system that plays crucial developmental roles by orchestrating cell-type-specific transcription programs that govern cell identity. Direct alterations of Polycomb activity are indeed implicated in human pathologies, including developmental disorders and cancer. General Polycomb repression is coordinated by three distinct activities that regulate the deposition of two histone post-translational modifications: tri-methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) and histone H2A at lysine 119 (H2AK119ub1). These activities exist in large and heterogeneous multiprotein ensembles consisting of common enzymatic cores regulated by heterogeneous non-catalytic modules composed of a large number of accessory proteins with diverse biochemical properties. Here, we have analyzed the current molecular knowledge, focusing on the functional interaction between the core enzymatic activities and their regulation mediated by distinct accessory modules. This provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular details that control the establishment and maintenance of Polycomb repression, examining their underlying coordination and highlighting missing information and emerging new features of Polycomb-mediated transcriptional control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Tamburri
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Department of Experimental Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; University of Milan, Department of Health Sciences, Via A. di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Samantha Rustichelli
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Department of Experimental Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Amato
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Department of Experimental Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Pasini
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Department of Experimental Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; University of Milan, Department of Health Sciences, Via A. di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy.
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9
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Ryan CW, Regan SL, Mills EF, McGrath BT, Gong E, Lai YT, Sheingold JB, Patel K, Horowitz T, Moccia A, Tsan YC, Srivastava A, Bielas SL. RING1 missense variants reveal sensitivity of DNA damage repair to H2A monoubiquitination dosage during neurogenesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7931. [PMID: 39256363 PMCID: PMC11387726 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52292-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) modifies chromatin through catalysis of histone H2A lysine 119 monoubiquitination (H2AK119ub1). RING1 and RNF2 interchangeably serve as the catalytic subunit within PRC1. Pathogenic missense variants in PRC1 core components reveal functions of these proteins that are obscured in knockout models. While Ring1a knockout models remain healthy, the microcephaly and neuropsychiatric phenotypes associated with a pathogenic RING1 missense variant implicate unappreciated functions. Using an in vitro model of neurodevelopment, we observe that RING1 contributes to the broad placement of H2AK119ub1, and that its targets overlap with those of RNF2. PRC1 complexes harboring hypomorphic RING1 bind target loci but do not catalyze H2AK119ub1, reducing H2AK119ub1 by preventing catalytically active complexes from accessing the locus. This results in delayed DNA damage repair and cell cycle progression in neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Conversely, reduced H2AK119ub1 due to hypomorphic RING1 does not generate differential expression that impacts NPC differentiation. In contrast, hypomorphic RNF2 generates a greater reduction in H2AK119ub1 that results in both delayed DNA repair and widespread transcriptional changes. These findings suggest that the DNA damage response is more sensitive to H2AK119ub1 dosage change than is regulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Ryan
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Medical Science Training Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - S L Regan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - E F Mills
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - B T McGrath
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - E Gong
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Y T Lai
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J B Sheingold
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K Patel
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - T Horowitz
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - A Moccia
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Y C Tsan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - A Srivastava
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Genetics, Lucknow, India
| | - S L Bielas
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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10
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Dasgupta A, Nandi S, Gupta S, Roy S, Das C. To Ub or not to Ub: The epic dilemma of histones that regulate gene expression and epigenetic cross-talk. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2024; 1867:195033. [PMID: 38750882 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2024.195033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
A dynamic array of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulate diverse cellular processes in the eukaryotic chromatin. Among them, histone ubiquitination is particularly complex as it alters nucleosome surface area fostering intricate cross-talk with other chromatin modifications. Ubiquitin signaling profoundly impacts DNA replication, repair, and transcription. Histones can undergo varied extent of ubiquitination such as mono, multi-mono, and polyubiquitination, which brings about distinct cellular fates. Mechanistic studies of the ubiquitin landscape in chromatin have unveiled a fascinating tapestry of events that orchestrate gene regulation. In this review, we summarize the key contributors involved in mediating different histone ubiquitination and deubiquitination events, and discuss their mechanism which impacts cell transcriptional identity and DNA damage response. We also focus on the proteins bearing epigenetic reader modules critical in discerning site-specific histone ubiquitination, pivotal for establishing complex epigenetic crosstalk. Moreover, we highlight the role of histone ubiquitination in different human diseases including neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. Overall the review elucidates the intricate orchestration of histone ubiquitination impacting diverse cellular functions and disease pathogenesis, and provides insights into the current challenges of targeting them for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Dasgupta
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India; Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA
| | - Sandhik Nandi
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Sayan Gupta
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Siddhartha Roy
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Chandrima Das
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India.
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11
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Peraldi R, Kmita M. 40 years of the homeobox: mechanisms of Hox spatial-temporal collinearity in vertebrates. Development 2024; 151:dev202508. [PMID: 39167089 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Animal body plans are established during embryonic development by the Hox genes. This patterning process relies on the differential expression of Hox genes along the head-to-tail axis. Hox spatial collinearity refers to the relationship between the organization of Hox genes in clusters and the differential Hox expression, whereby the relative order of the Hox genes within a cluster mirrors the spatial sequence of expression in the developing embryo. In vertebrates, the cluster organization is also associated with the timing of Hox activation, which harmonizes Hox expression with the progressive emergence of axial tissues. Thereby, in vertebrates, Hox temporal collinearity is intimately linked to Hox spatial collinearity. Understanding the mechanisms contributing to Hox temporal and spatial collinearity is thus key to the comprehension of vertebrate patterning. Here, we provide an overview of the main discoveries pertaining to the mechanisms of Hox spatial-temporal collinearity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigue Peraldi
- Genetics and Development Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H2W 1R7, Canada
- Programme de Biologie Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Marie Kmita
- Genetics and Development Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H2W 1R7, Canada
- Programme de Biologie Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
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12
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Uckelmann M, Levina V, Taveneau C, Ng XH, Pandey V, Martinez J, Mendiratta S, Houx J, Boudes M, Venugopal H, Trépout S, Zhang Q, Flanigan S, Li M, Sierecki E, Gambin Y, Das PP, Bell O, de Marco A, Davidovich C. Dynamic PRC1-CBX8 stabilizes a porous structure of chromatin condensates. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.05.08.539931. [PMID: 38405976 PMCID: PMC10888862 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.08.539931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The compaction of chromatin is a prevalent paradigm in gene repression. Chromatin compaction is commonly thought to repress transcription by restricting chromatin accessibility. However, the spatial organisation and dynamics of chromatin compacted by gene-repressing factors are unknown. Using cryo-electron tomography, we solved the three-dimensional structure of chromatin condensed by the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) in a complex with CBX8. PRC1-condensed chromatin is porous and stabilised through multivalent dynamic interactions of PRC1 with chromatin. Mechanistically, positively charged residues on the internally disordered regions (IDRs) of CBX8 mask negative charges on the DNA to stabilize the condensed state of chromatin. Within condensates, PRC1 remains dynamic while maintaining a static chromatin structure. In differentiated mouse embryonic stem cells, CBX8-bound chromatin remains accessible. These findings challenge the idea of rigidly compacted polycomb domains and instead provides a mechanistic framework for dynamic and accessible PRC1-chromatin condensates.
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13
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Pletenev I, Bazarevich M, Zagirova D, Kononkova A, Cherkasov A, Efimova O, Tiukacheva E, Morozov K, Ulianov K, Komkov D, Tvorogova A, Golimbet V, Kondratyev N, Razin S, Khaitovich P, Ulianov S, Khrameeva E. Extensive long-range polycomb interactions and weak compartmentalization are hallmarks of human neuronal 3D genome. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:6234-6252. [PMID: 38647066 PMCID: PMC11194087 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromatin architecture regulates gene expression and shapes cellular identity, particularly in neuronal cells. Specifically, polycomb group (PcG) proteins enable establishment and maintenance of neuronal cell type by reorganizing chromatin into repressive domains that limit the expression of fate-determining genes and sustain distinct gene expression patterns in neurons. Here, we map the 3D genome architecture in neuronal and non-neuronal cells isolated from the Wernicke's area of four human brains and comprehensively analyze neuron-specific aspects of chromatin organization. We find that genome segregation into active and inactive compartments is greatly reduced in neurons compared to other brain cells. Furthermore, neuronal Hi-C maps reveal strong long-range interactions, forming a specific network of PcG-mediated contacts in neurons that is nearly absent in other brain cells. These interacting loci contain developmental transcription factors with repressed expression in neurons and other mature brain cells. But only in neurons, they are rich in bivalent promoters occupied by H3K4me3 histone modification together with H3K27me3, which points to a possible functional role of PcG contacts in neurons. Importantly, other layers of chromatin organization also exhibit a distinct structure in neurons, characterized by an increase in short-range interactions and a decrease in long-range ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya A Pletenev
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Maria Bazarevich
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Diana R Zagirova
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
- A.A. Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Moscow 127051, Russia
| | - Anna D Kononkova
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Alexander V Cherkasov
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Olga I Efimova
- Vladimir Zelman Center for Neurobiology and Brain Rehabilitation, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Eugenia A Tiukacheva
- Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow 141700, Russia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- CNRS UMR9018, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif 94805, France
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
- Department of Cellular Genomics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Kirill V Morozov
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Kirill A Ulianov
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Dmitriy Komkov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Anna V Tvorogova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Vera E Golimbet
- Laboratory of Clinical Genetics, Mental Health Research Center, Moscow 115522, Russia
| | - Nikolay V Kondratyev
- Laboratory of Clinical Genetics, Mental Health Research Center, Moscow 115522, Russia
| | - Sergey V Razin
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Department of Cellular Genomics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Philipp Khaitovich
- Vladimir Zelman Center for Neurobiology and Brain Rehabilitation, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Sergey V Ulianov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Department of Cellular Genomics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Ekaterina E Khrameeva
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
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14
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Policarpi C, Munafò M, Tsagkris S, Carlini V, Hackett JA. Systematic epigenome editing captures the context-dependent instructive function of chromatin modifications. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1168-1180. [PMID: 38724747 PMCID: PMC11176084 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01706-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Chromatin modifications are linked with regulating patterns of gene expression, but their causal role and context-dependent impact on transcription remains unresolved. Here we develop a modular epigenome editing platform that programs nine key chromatin modifications, or combinations thereof, to precise loci in living cells. We couple this with single-cell readouts to systematically quantitate the magnitude and heterogeneity of transcriptional responses elicited by each specific chromatin modification. Among these, we show that installing histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) at promoters can causally instruct transcription by hierarchically remodeling the chromatin landscape. We further dissect how DNA sequence motifs influence the transcriptional impact of chromatin marks, identifying switch-like and attenuative effects within distinct cis contexts. Finally, we examine the interplay of combinatorial modifications, revealing that co-targeted H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and H2AK119 monoubiquitination (H2AK119ub) maximizes silencing penetrance across single cells. Our precision-perturbation strategy unveils the causal principles of how chromatin modification(s) influence transcription and dissects how quantitative responses are calibrated by contextual interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Policarpi
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Munafò
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy
| | - Stylianos Tsagkris
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Carlini
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Biosciences, EMBL and Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jamie A Hackett
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Rome, Italy.
- Genome Biology Unit, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany.
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15
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Uckelmann M, Davidovich C. Chromatin compaction by Polycomb group proteins revisited. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 86:102806. [PMID: 38537534 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The chromatin compaction activity of Polycomb group proteins has traditionally been considered essential for transcriptional repression. However, there is very little information on how Polycomb group proteins compact chromatin at the molecular level and no causal link between the compactness of chromatin and transcriptional repression. Recently, a more complete picture of Polycomb-dependent chromatin architecture has started to emerge, owing to advanced methods for imaging and chromosome conformation capture. Discoveries into Polycomb-driven phase separation add another layer of complexity. Recent observations generally imply that Polycomb group proteins modulate chromatin structure at multiple scales to reduce its dynamics and segregate it from active domains. Hence, it is reasonable to hypothesise that Polycomb group proteins maintain the energetically favourable state of compacted chromatin, rather than actively compact it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Uckelmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
| | - Chen Davidovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia; EMBL-Australia, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
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16
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Shi TH, Sugishita H, Gotoh Y. Crosstalk within and beyond the Polycomb repressive system. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202311021. [PMID: 38506728 PMCID: PMC10955045 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202311021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of multicellular organisms depends on spatiotemporally controlled differentiation of numerous cell types and their maintenance. To generate such diversity based on the invariant genetic information stored in DNA, epigenetic mechanisms, which are heritable changes in gene function that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence, are required to establish and maintain unique gene expression programs. Polycomb repressive complexes represent a paradigm of epigenetic regulation of developmentally regulated genes, and the roles of these complexes as well as the epigenetic marks they deposit, namely H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub, have been extensively studied. However, an emerging theme from recent studies is that not only the autonomous functions of the Polycomb repressive system, but also crosstalks of Polycomb with other epigenetic modifications, are important for gene regulation. In this review, we summarize how these crosstalk mechanisms have improved our understanding of Polycomb biology and how such knowledge could help with the design of cancer treatments that target the dysregulated epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Hideyuki Shi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sugishita
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Gotoh
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Guan S, Tang J, Ma X, Miao R, Cheng B. CBX7C⋅PHC2 interaction facilitates PRC1 assembly and modulates its phase separation properties. iScience 2024; 27:109548. [PMID: 38600974 PMCID: PMC11004992 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
CBX7 is a key component of PRC1 complex. Cbx7C is an uncharacterized Cbx7 splicing isoform specifically expressed in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). We demonstrate that CBX7C functions as an epigenetic repressor at the classic PRC1 targets in mESCs, and its preferential interaction to PHC2 facilitates PRC1 assembly. Both Cbx7C and Phc2 are significantly upregulated during cell differentiation, and knockdown of Cbx7C abolishes the differentiation of mESCs to embryoid bodies. Interestingly, CBX7C⋅PHC2 interaction at low levels efficiently undergoes the formation of functional Polycomb bodies with high mobility, whereas the coordination of the two factors at high doses results in the formation of large, low-mobility, chromatin-free aggregates. Overall, these findings uncover the unique roles and molecular basis of the CBX7C⋅PHC2 interaction in PRC1 assembly on chromatin and Pc body formation and open a new avenue of controlling PRC1 activities via modulation of its phase separation properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanli Guan
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Jiajia Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojun Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Ruidong Miao
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Bo Cheng
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P.R. China
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18
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Zhao J, Lan J, Wang M, Liu C, Fang Z, Song A, Zhang T, Wang L, Zhu B, Chen P, Yu J, Li G. H2AK119ub1 differentially fine-tunes gene expression by modulating canonical PRC1- and H1-dependent chromatin compaction. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1191-1205.e7. [PMID: 38458202 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) is a key transcriptional regulator in development via modulating chromatin structure and catalyzing histone H2A ubiquitination at Lys119 (H2AK119ub1). H2AK119ub1 is one of the most abundant histone modifications in mammalian cells. However, the function of H2AK119ub1 in polycomb-mediated gene silencing remains debated. In this study, we reveal that H2AK119ub1 has two distinct roles in gene expression, through differentially modulating chromatin compaction mediated by canonical PRC1 and the linker histone H1. Interestingly, we find that H2AK119ub1 plays a positive role in transcription through interfering with the binding of canonical PRC1 to nucleosomes and therefore counteracting chromatin condensation. Conversely, we demonstrate that H2AK119ub1 facilitates H1-dependent chromatin condensation and enhances the silencing of developmental genes in mouse embryonic stem cells, suggesting that H1 may be one of several possible pathways for H2AK119ub1 in repressing transcription. These results provide insights and molecular mechanisms by which H2AK119ub1 differentially fine-tunes developmental gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jicheng Zhao
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jie Lan
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Min Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Cuifang Liu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zheng Fang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Aoqun Song
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structure Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bing Zhu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ping Chen
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Juan Yu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Guohong Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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19
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Ryan CW, Peirent ER, Regan SL, Guxholli A, Bielas SL. H2A monoubiquitination: insights from human genetics and animal models. Hum Genet 2024; 143:511-527. [PMID: 37086328 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02557-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Metazoan development arises from spatiotemporal control of gene expression, which depends on epigenetic regulators like the polycomb group proteins (PcG) that govern the chromatin landscape. PcG proteins facilitate the addition and removal of histone 2A monoubiquitination at lysine 119 (H2AK119ub1), which regulates gene expression, cell fate decisions, cell cycle progression, and DNA damage repair. Regulation of these processes by PcG proteins is necessary for proper development, as pathogenic variants in these genes are increasingly recognized to underly developmental disorders. Overlapping features of developmental syndromes associated with pathogenic variants in specific PcG genes suggest disruption of central developmental mechanisms; however, unique clinical features observed in each syndrome suggest additional non-redundant functions for each PcG gene. In this review, we describe the clinical manifestations of pathogenic PcG gene variants, review what is known about the molecular functions of these gene products during development, and interpret the clinical data to summarize the current evidence toward an understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles W Ryan
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
- Medical Science Training Program, University of Michigan Medical School, 3703 Med Sci II, 1241 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Emily R Peirent
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Samantha L Regan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, 3703 Med Sci II, 1241 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Alba Guxholli
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, 3703 Med Sci II, 1241 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48199-5618, USA
| | - Stephanie L Bielas
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, 3703 Med Sci II, 1241 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48199-5618, USA.
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20
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Murphy SE, Boettiger AN. Polycomb repression of Hox genes involves spatial feedback but not domain compaction or phase transition. Nat Genet 2024; 56:493-504. [PMID: 38361032 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01661-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Polycomb group proteins have a critical role in silencing transcription during development. It is commonly proposed that Polycomb-dependent changes in genome folding, which compact chromatin, contribute directly to repression by blocking the binding of activating complexes. Recently, it has also been argued that liquid-liquid demixing of Polycomb proteins facilitates this compaction and repression by phase-separating target genes into a membraneless compartment. To test these models, we used Optical Reconstruction of Chromatin Architecture to trace the Hoxa gene cluster, a canonical Polycomb target, in thousands of single cells. Across multiple cell types, we find that Polycomb-bound chromatin frequently explores decompact states and partial mixing with neighboring chromatin, while remaining uniformly repressed, challenging the repression-by-compaction or phase-separation models. Using polymer simulations, we show that these observed flexible ensembles can be explained by 'spatial feedback'-transient contacts that contribute to the propagation of the epigenetic state (epigenetic memory), without inducing a globular organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedona Eve Murphy
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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21
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Ito S, Umehara T, Koseki H. Polycomb-mediated histone modifications and gene regulation. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:151-161. [PMID: 38288743 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2 (PRC1 and PRC2) are transcriptional repressor complexes that play a fundamental role in epigenomic regulation and the cell-fate decision; these complexes are widely conserved in multicellular organisms. PRC1 is an E3 ubiquitin (ub) ligase that generates histone H2A ubiquitinated at lysine (K) 119 (H2AK119ub1), whereas PRC2 is a histone methyltransferase that specifically catalyzes tri-methylation of histone H3K27 (H3K27me3). Genome-wide analyses have confirmed that these two key epigenetic marks highly overlap across the genome and contribute to gene repression. We are now beginning to understand the molecular mechanisms that enable PRC1 and PRC2 to identify their target sites in the genome and communicate through feedback mechanisms to create Polycomb chromatin domains. Recently, it has become apparent that PRC1-induced H2AK119ub1 not only serves as a docking site for PRC2 but also affects the dynamics of the H3 tail, both of which enhance PRC2 activity, suggesting that trans-tail communication between H2A and H3 facilitates the formation of the Polycomb chromatin domain. In this review, we discuss the emerging principles that define how PRC1 and PRC2 establish the Polycomb chromatin domain and regulate gene expression in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinsuke Ito
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takashi Umehara
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
- Laboratory for Epigenetics Drug Discovery, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Koseki
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
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22
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McGrath KE, Koniski AD, Murphy K, Getman M, An HH, Schulz VP, Kim AR, Zhang B, Schofield TL, Papoin J, Blanc L, Kingsley PD, Westhoff CM, Gallagher PG, Chou ST, Steiner LA, Palis J. BMI1 regulates human erythroid self-renewal through both gene repression and gene activation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.02.578704. [PMID: 38370741 PMCID: PMC10871261 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.02.578704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The limited proliferative capacity of erythroid precursors is a major obstacle to generate sufficient numbers of in vitro-derived red blood cells (RBC) for clinical purposes. We and others have determined that BMI1, a member of the polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), is both necessary and sufficient to drive extensive proliferation of self-renewing erythroblasts (SREs). However, the mechanisms of BMI1 action remain poorly understood. BMI1 overexpression led to 10 billion-fold increase BMI1-induced (i)SRE self-renewal. Despite prolonged culture and BMI1 overexpression, human iSREs can terminally mature and agglutinate with typing reagent monoclonal antibodies against conventional RBC antigens. BMI1 and RING1B occupancy, along with repressive histone marks, were identified at known BMI1 target genes, including the INK-ARF locus, consistent with an altered cell cycle following BMI1 inhibition. We also identified upregulated BMI1 target genes with low repressive histone modifications, including key regulator of cholesterol homeostasis. Functional studies suggest that both cholesterol import and synthesis are essential for BMI1-associated self-renewal. These findings support the hypothesis that BMI1 regulates erythroid self-renewal not only through gene repression but also through gene activation and offer a strategy to expand the pool of immature erythroid precursors for eventual clinical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E. McGrath
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Anne D. Koniski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Kristin Murphy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Michael Getman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Hyun Hyung An
- Dept. of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Ah Ram Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Taylor L. Schofield
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Julien Papoin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Lionel Blanc
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Paul D. Kingsley
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA
| | | | - Patrick G. Gallagher
- Dept. of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stella T. Chou
- Dept. of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laurie A. Steiner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA
| | - James Palis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA
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23
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Shen X, Chen C, Wang Y, Zheng W, Zheng J, Jones AE, Zhu B, Zhang H, Lyons C, Rijal A, Moley JA, Cao G, Liu K, Winn R, Dickinson A, Zhang K, Wang H. Role of histone variants H2BC1 and H2AZ.2 in H2AK119ub nucleosome organization and Polycomb gene silencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.16.575234. [PMID: 38293106 PMCID: PMC10827191 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.16.575234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Ubiquitination of histone H2A at lysine 119 residue (H2AK119ub) plays critical roles in a wide range of physiological processes, including Polycomb gene silencing 1,2 , replication 3-5 , DNA damage repair 6-10 , X inactivation 11,12 , and heterochromatin organization 13,14 . However, the underlying mechanism and structural basis of H2AK119ub remains largely elusive. In this study, we report that H2AK119ub nucleosomes have a unique composition, containing histone variants H2BC1 and H2AZ.2, and importantly, this composition is required for H2AK119ub and Polycomb gene silencing. Using the UAB domain of RSF1, we purified H2AK119ub nucleosomes to a sufficient amount and purity. Mass spectrometry analyses revealed that H2AK119ub nucleosomes contain the histone variants H2BC1 and H2AZ.2. A cryo-EM study resolved the structure of native H2AK119ub nucleosomes to a 2.6A resolution, confirming H2BC1 in one subgroup of H2AK119ub nucleosomes. Tandem GST-UAB pulldown, Flag-H2AZ.2, and HA-H2BC1 immunoprecipitation revealed that H2AK119ub nucleosomes could be separated into distinct subgroups, suggesting their composition heterogeneity and potential dynamic organization. Knockout or knockdown of H2BC1 or H2AZ.2 reduced cellular H2AK119ub levels, establishing H2BC1 and H2AZ.2 as critical determinants of H2AK119ub. Furthermore, genomic binding profiles of H2BC1 and H2AZ.2 overlapped significantly with H2AK119ub binding, with the most significant overlapping in the gene body and intergenic regions. Finally, assays in developing embryos reveal an interaction of H2AZ.2, H2BC1, and RING1A in vivo . Thus, this study revealed, for the first time, that the H2AK119ub nucleosome has a unique composition, and this composition is required for H2AK119ub and Polycomb gene silencing.
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24
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Miller A, Dasen JS. Establishing and maintaining Hox profiles during spinal cord development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 152-153:44-57. [PMID: 37029058 PMCID: PMC10524138 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
The chromosomally-arrayed Hox gene family plays central roles in embryonic patterning and the specification of cell identities throughout the animal kingdom. In vertebrates, the relatively large number of Hox genes and pervasive expression throughout the body has hindered understanding of their biological roles during differentiation. Studies on the subtype diversification of spinal motor neurons (MNs) have provided a tractable system to explore the function of Hox genes during differentiation, and have provided an entry point to explore how neuronal fate determinants contribute to motor circuit assembly. Recent work, using both in vitro and in vivo models of MN subtype differentiation, have revealed how patterning morphogens and regulation of chromatin structure determine cell-type specific programs of gene expression. These studies have not only shed light on basic mechanisms of rostrocaudal patterning in vertebrates, but also have illuminated mechanistic principles of gene regulation that likely operate in the development and maintenance of terminal fates in other systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Miller
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Developmental Genetics Programs, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Jeremy S Dasen
- NYU Neuroscience Institute and Developmental Genetics Programs, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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25
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Liu J, Fan H, Liang X, Chen Y. Polycomb repressor complex: Its function in human cancer and therapeutic target strategy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115897. [PMID: 37981459 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb Repressor Complex (PRC) plays a pivotal role in gene regulation during development and disease, with dysregulation contributing significantly to various human cancers. The intricate interplay between PRC and cellular signaling pathways sheds light on cancer complexity. PRC presents promising therapeutic opportunities, with inhibitors undergoing rigorous evaluation in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we emphasize the critical role of PRC complex in gene regulation, particularly PcG proteins mediated chromatin compaction through phase separation. We also highlight the pathological implications of PRC complex dysregulation in various tumors, elucidating underlying mechanisms driving cancer progression. The burgeoning field of therapeutic strategies targeting PRC complexes, notably EZH2 inhibitors, has advanced significantly. However, we explore the need for combination therapies to enhance PRC targeted treatments efficacy, providing a glimpse into the future of cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrong Liu
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Hongjie Fan
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Yang Chen
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
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26
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Kim SJ, Kiser PK, Asfaha S, DeKoter RP, Dick FA. EZH2 inhibition stimulates repetitive element expression and viral mimicry in resting splenic B cells. EMBO J 2023; 42:e114462. [PMID: 37934086 PMCID: PMC10711652 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023114462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian cells repress expression of repetitive genomic sequences by forming heterochromatin. However, the consequences of ectopic repeat expression remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that inhibitors of EZH2, the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), stimulate repeat misexpression and cell death in resting splenic B cells. B cells are uniquely sensitive to these agents because they exhibit high levels of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and correspondingly low DNA methylation at repeat elements. We generated a pattern recognition receptor loss-of-function mouse model, called RIC, with mutations in Rigi (encoding for RIG-I), Ifih1 (MDA5), and Cgas. In both wildtype and RIC mutant B cells, EZH2 inhibition caused loss of H3K27me3 at repetitive elements and upregulated their expression. However, NF-κB-dependent expression of inflammatory chemokines and subsequent cell death was suppressed by the RIC mutations. We further show that inhibition of EZH2 in cancer cells requires the same pattern recognition receptors to activate an interferon response. Together, the results reveal chemokine expression induced by EZH2 inhibitors in B cells as a novel inflammatory response to genomic repeat expression. Given the overlap of genes induced by EZH2 inhibitors and Epstein-Barr virus infection, this response can be described as a form of viral mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung J Kim
- London Regional Cancer ProgramChildren's Health Research InstituteLondonONCanada
- London Health Sciences Research InstituteLondonONCanada
- Department of BiochemistryWestern UniversityLondonONCanada
| | - Patti K Kiser
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineWestern UniversityLondonONCanada
| | - Samuel Asfaha
- London Regional Cancer ProgramChildren's Health Research InstituteLondonONCanada
- London Health Sciences Research InstituteLondonONCanada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineWestern UniversityLondonONCanada
- Department of MedicineWestern UniversityLondonONCanada
| | - Rodney P DeKoter
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyWestern UniversityLondonONCanada
| | - Frederick A Dick
- London Regional Cancer ProgramChildren's Health Research InstituteLondonONCanada
- London Health Sciences Research InstituteLondonONCanada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineWestern UniversityLondonONCanada
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27
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Bsteh D, Moussa HF, Michlits G, Yelagandula R, Wang J, Elling U, Bell O. Loss of cohesin regulator PDS5A reveals repressive role of Polycomb loops. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8160. [PMID: 38071364 PMCID: PMC10710464 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43869-w] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb Repressive Complexes 1 and 2 (PRC1, PRC2) are conserved epigenetic regulators that promote transcriptional gene silencing. PRC1 and PRC2 converge on shared targets, catalyzing repressive histone modifications. Additionally, a subset of PRC1/PRC2 targets engage in long-range interactions whose functions in gene silencing are poorly understood. Using a CRISPR screen in mouse embryonic stem cells, we found that the cohesin regulator PDS5A links transcriptional silencing by Polycomb and 3D genome organization. PDS5A deletion impairs cohesin unloading and results in derepression of a subset of endogenous PRC1/PRC2 target genes. Importantly, derepression is not linked to loss of Polycomb chromatin domains. Instead, PDS5A removal causes aberrant cohesin activity leading to ectopic insulation sites, which disrupt the formation of ultra-long Polycomb loops. We show that these loops are important for robust silencing at a subset of PRC1/PRC2 target genes and that maintenance of cohesin-dependent genome architecture is critical for Polycomb regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bsteh
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hagar F Moussa
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Georg Michlits
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- JLP Health GmbH, Himmelhofgasse 62, 1130, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ramesh Yelagandula
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Cell Fate & Disease, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, 500039, India
| | - Jingkui Wang
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrich Elling
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Bell
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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28
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Liu Y, Hu G, Yang S, Yao M, Liu Z, Yan C, Wen Y, Ping W, Wang J, Song Y, Dong X, Pan G, Yao H. Functional dissection of PRC1 subunits RYBP and YAF2 during neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7164. [PMID: 37935677 PMCID: PMC10630410 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42507-9] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) comprises two different complexes: CBX-containing canonical PRC1 (cPRC1) and RYBP/YAF2-containing variant PRC1 (vPRC1). RYBP-vPRC1 or YAF2-vPRC1 catalyzes H2AK119ub through a positive-feedback model; however, whether RYBP and YAF2 have different regulatory functions is still unclear. Here, we show that the expression of RYBP and YAF2 decreases and increases, respectively, during neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Rybp knockout impairs neural differentiation by activating Wnt signaling and derepressing nonneuroectoderm-associated genes. However, Yaf2 knockout promotes neural differentiation and leads to redistribution of RYBP binding, increases enrichment of RYBP and H2AK119ub on the RYBP-YAF2 cotargeted genes, and prevents ectopic derepression of nonneuroectoderm-associated genes in neural-differentiated cells. Taken together, this study reveals that RYBP and YAF2 function differentially in regulating mESC neural differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gongcheng Hu
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengxiong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingze Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zicong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenghong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yulin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wangfang Ping
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juehan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yawei Song
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaotao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangjin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjie Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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29
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Boston AM, Dwead AM, Al-Mathkour MM, Khazaw K, Zou J, Zhang Q, Wang G, Cinar B. Discordant interactions between YAP1 and polycomb group protein SCML2 determine cell fate. iScience 2023; 26:107964. [PMID: 37810219 PMCID: PMC10558808 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb group protein SCML2 and the transcriptional cofactor YAP1 regulate diverse cellular biology, including stem cell maintenance, developmental processes, and gene regulation in mammals and flies. However, their molecular and functional interactions are unknown. Here, we show that SCML2 interacts with YAP1, as revealed by immunological assays and mass spectroscopy. We have demonstrated that the steroid hormone androgen regulates the interaction of SCML2 with YAP1 in human tumor cell models. Our proximity ligation assay and GST pulldown showed that SCML2 and YAP1 physically interacted with each other. Silencing SCML2 by RNAi changed the growth behaviors of cells in response to androgen signaling. Mechanistically, this phenomenon is attributed to the interplay between distinct chromatin modifications and transcriptional programs, likely coordinated by the opposing SCML2 and YAP1 activity. These findings suggest that YAP1 and SCML2 cooperate to regulate cell growth, cell survival, and tumor biology downstream of steroid hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava M Boston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abdulrahman M Dwead
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marwah M Al-Mathkour
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kezhan Khazaw
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jin Zou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Guangdi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Bekir Cinar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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30
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Williamson I, Boyle S, Grimes GR, Friman ET, Bickmore WA. Dispersal of PRC1 condensates disrupts polycomb chromatin domains and loops. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302101. [PMID: 37487640 PMCID: PMC10366532 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) strongly influences 3D genome organization, mediating local chromatin compaction and clustering of target loci. Several PRC1 subunits have the capacity to form biomolecular condensates through liquid-liquid phase separation in vitro and when tagged and over-expressed in cells. Here, we use 1,6-hexanediol, which can disrupt liquid-like condensates, to examine the role of endogenous PRC1 biomolecular condensates on local and chromosome-wide clustering of PRC1-bound loci. Using imaging and chromatin immunoprecipitation, we show that PRC1-mediated chromatin compaction and clustering of targeted genomic loci-at different length scales-can be reversibly disrupted by the addition and subsequent removal of 1,6-hexanediol to mouse embryonic stem cells. Decompaction and dispersal of polycomb domains and clusters cannot be solely attributable to reduced PRC1 occupancy detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation following 1,6-hexanediol treatment as the addition of 2,5-hexanediol has similar effects on binding despite this alcohol not perturbing PRC1-mediated 3D clustering, at least at the sub-megabase and megabase scales. These results suggest that weak hydrophobic interactions between PRC1 molecules may have a role in polycomb-mediated genome organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain Williamson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Shelagh Boyle
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Graeme R Grimes
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elias T Friman
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Wendy A Bickmore
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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31
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Brickner JH. Inheritance of epigenetic transcriptional memory through read-write replication of a histone modification. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1526:50-58. [PMID: 37391188 PMCID: PMC11216120 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic transcriptional regulation frequently requires histone modifications. Some, but not all, of these modifications are able to template their own inheritance. Here, I discuss the molecular mechanisms by which histone modifications can be inherited and relate these ideas to new results about epigenetic transcriptional memory, a phenomenon that poises recently repressed genes for faster reactivation and has been observed in diverse organisms. Recently, we found that the histone H3 lysine 4 dimethylation that is associated with this phenomenon plays a critical role in sustaining memory and, when factors critical for the establishment of memory are inactivated, can be stably maintained through multiple mitoses. This chromatin-mediated inheritance mechanism may involve a physical interaction between an H3K4me2 reader, SET3C, and an H3K4me2 writer, Spp1- COMPASS. This is the first example of a chromatin-mediated inheritance of a mark that promotes transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason H Brickner
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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32
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Fukuda K, Shimi T, Shimura C, Ono T, Suzuki T, Onoue K, Okayama S, Miura H, Hiratani I, Ikeda K, Okada Y, Dohmae N, Yonemura S, Inoue A, Kimura H, Shinkai Y. Epigenetic plasticity safeguards heterochromatin configuration in mammals. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:6190-6207. [PMID: 37178005 PMCID: PMC10325917 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin is a key architectural feature of eukaryotic chromosomes critical for cell type-specific gene expression and genome stability. In the mammalian nucleus, heterochromatin segregates from transcriptionally active genomic regions and exists in large, condensed, and inactive nuclear compartments. However, the mechanisms underlying the spatial organization of heterochromatin need to be better understood. Histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) and lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) are two major epigenetic modifications that enrich constitutive and facultative heterochromatin, respectively. Mammals have at least five H3K9 methyltransferases (SUV39H1, SUV39H2, SETDB1, G9a and GLP) and two H3K27 methyltransferases (EZH1 and EZH2). In this study, we addressed the role of H3K9 and H3K27 methylation in heterochromatin organization using a combination of mutant cells for five H3K9 methyltransferases and an EZH1/2 dual inhibitor, DS3201. We showed that H3K27me3, which is normally segregated from H3K9me3, was redistributed to regions targeted by H3K9me3 after the loss of H3K9 methylation and that the loss of both H3K9 and H3K27 methylation resulted in impaired condensation and spatial organization of heterochromatin. Our data demonstrate that the H3K27me3 pathway safeguards heterochromatin organization after the loss of H3K9 methylation in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Fukuda
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako351-0198, Japan
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, 3010 Parkville, Australia
| | - Takeshi Shimi
- World Research Hub Initiative, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Chikako Shimura
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako351-0198, Japan
| | - Takao Ono
- Chromosome Dynamics Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako 351-0198, Japan
| | - Takehiro Suzuki
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, Technology Platform Division, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kenta Onoue
- Laboratory for Ultrastructural Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe650-0047, Japan
| | - Satoko Okayama
- Laboratory for Ultrastructural Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe650-0047, Japan
| | - Hisashi Miura
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe650-0047, Japan
| | - Ichiro Hiratani
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe650-0047, Japan
| | - Kazuho Ikeda
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0033, Japan
| | - Yasushi Okada
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0033, Japan
- Universal Biology Institute (UBI) and International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0033, Japan
- Laboratory for Cell Polarity Regulation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Osaka565-0874, Japan
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0033, Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, Technology Platform Division, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako 351-0198, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Yonemura
- Laboratory for Ultrastructural Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe650-0047, Japan
- Department of Cell Biology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokushima770-8503, Japan
| | - Azusa Inoue
- Laboratory for Epigenome Inheritance, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama230-0045, Japan
- Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji192-0397, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- World Research Hub Initiative, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama226-8501, Japan
| | - Yoichi Shinkai
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako351-0198, Japan
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Pandupuspitasari NS, Khan FA, Huang C, Ali A, Yousaf MR, Shakeel F, Putri EM, Negara W, Muktiani A, Prasetiyono BWHE, Kustiawan L, Wahyuni DS. Recent advances in chromosome capture techniques unraveling 3D genome architecture in germ cells, health, and disease. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:214. [PMID: 37386239 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01146-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, the genome does not emerge in a specific shape but rather as a hierarchial bundle within the nucleus. This multifaceted genome organization consists of multiresolution cellular structures, such as chromosome territories, compartments, and topologically associating domains, which are frequently defined by architecture, design proteins including CTCF and cohesin, and chromatin loops. This review briefly discusses the advances in understanding the basic rules of control, chromatin folding, and functional areas in early embryogenesis. With the use of chromosome capture techniques, the latest advancements in technologies for visualizing chromatin interactions come close to revealing 3D genome formation frameworks with incredible detail throughout all genomic levels, including at single-cell resolution. The possibility of detecting variations in chromatin architecture might open up new opportunities for disease diagnosis and prevention, infertility treatments, therapeutic approaches, desired exploration, and many other application scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuruliarizki Shinta Pandupuspitasari
- Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Animal Science Department, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia.
| | - Faheem Ahmed Khan
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Chunjie Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Azhar Ali
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Rizwan Yousaf
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Farwa Shakeel
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ezi Masdia Putri
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Windu Negara
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Anis Muktiani
- Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Animal Science Department, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Waluyo Hadi Eko Prasetiyono
- Laboratory of Feed Technology, Animal Science Department, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Limbang Kustiawan
- Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Animal Science Department, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Dimar Sari Wahyuni
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia
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34
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Aldous N, Moin ASM, Abdelalim EM. Pancreatic β-cell heterogeneity in adult human islets and stem cell-derived islets. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:176. [PMID: 37270452 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04815-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies reported that pancreatic β-cells are heterogeneous in terms of their transcriptional profiles and their abilities for insulin secretion. Sub-populations of pancreatic β-cells have been identified based on the functionality and expression of specific surface markers. Under diabetes condition, β-cell identity is altered leading to different β-cell sub-populations. Furthermore, cell-cell contact between β-cells and other endocrine cells within the islet play an important role in regulating insulin secretion. This highlights the significance of generating a cell product derived from stem cells containing β-cells along with other major islet cells for treating patients with diabetes, instead of transplanting a purified population of β-cells. Another key question is how close in terms of heterogeneity are the islet cells derived from stem cells? In this review, we summarize the heterogeneity in islet cells of the adult pancreas and those generated from stem cells. In addition, we highlight the significance of this heterogeneity in health and disease conditions and how this can be used to design a stem cell-derived product for diabetes cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Aldous
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Education City, PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abu Saleh Md Moin
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Education City, PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Essam M Abdelalim
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar.
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Education City, PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar.
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35
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Dror E, Fagnocchi L, Wegert V, Apostle S, Grimaldi B, Gruber T, Panzeri I, Heyne S, Höffler KD, Kreiner V, Ching R, Tsai-Hsiu Lu T, Semwal A, Johnson B, Senapati P, Lempradl A, Schones D, Imhof A, Shen H, Pospisilik JA. Epigenetic dosage identifies two major and functionally distinct β cell subtypes. Cell Metab 2023; 35:821-836.e7. [PMID: 36948185 PMCID: PMC10160009 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms that specify and stabilize cell subtypes remain poorly understood. Here, we identify two major subtypes of pancreatic β cells based on histone mark heterogeneity (βHI and βLO). βHI cells exhibit ∼4-fold higher levels of H3K27me3, distinct chromatin organization and compaction, and a specific transcriptional pattern. βHI and βLO cells also differ in size, morphology, cytosolic and nuclear ultrastructure, epigenomes, cell surface marker expression, and function, and can be FACS separated into CD24+ and CD24- fractions. Functionally, βHI cells have increased mitochondrial mass, activity, and insulin secretion in vivo and ex vivo. Partial loss of function indicates that H3K27me3 dosage regulates βHI/βLO ratio in vivo, suggesting that control of β cell subtype identity and ratio is at least partially uncoupled. Both subtypes are conserved in humans, with βHI cells enriched in humans with type 2 diabetes. Thus, epigenetic dosage is a novel regulator of cell subtype specification and identifies two functionally distinct β cell subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erez Dror
- Department of Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany.
| | - Luca Fagnocchi
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Vanessa Wegert
- Department of Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany; Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Stefanos Apostle
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Brooke Grimaldi
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Tim Gruber
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Ilaria Panzeri
- Department of Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany; Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Steffen Heyne
- Department of Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany
| | - Kira Daniela Höffler
- Department of Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany
| | - Victor Kreiner
- Department of Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany
| | - Reagan Ching
- Department of Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany
| | - Tess Tsai-Hsiu Lu
- Department of Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany
| | - Ayush Semwal
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Ben Johnson
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Parijat Senapati
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Adelheid Lempradl
- Department of Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany; Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Dustin Schones
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Axel Imhof
- Biomedical Center Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - John Andrew Pospisilik
- Department of Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg 79108, Germany; Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
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36
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Nepita I, Piazza S, Ruglioni M, Cristiani S, Bosurgi E, Salvadori T, Vicidomini G, Diaspro A, Castello M, Cerase A, Bianchini P, Storti B, Bizzarri R. On the Advent of Super-Resolution Microscopy in the Realm of Polycomb Proteins. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:374. [PMID: 36979066 PMCID: PMC10044799 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
The genomes of metazoans are organized at multiple spatial scales, ranging from the double helix of DNA to whole chromosomes. The intermediate genomic scale of kilobases to megabases, which corresponds to the 50-300 nm spatial scale, is particularly interesting, as the 3D arrangement of chromatin is implicated in multiple regulatory mechanisms. In this context, polycomb group (PcG) proteins stand as major epigenetic modulators of chromatin function, acting prevalently as repressors of gene transcription by combining chemical modifications of target histones with physical crosslinking of distal genomic regions and phase separation. The recent development of super-resolution microscopy (SRM) has strongly contributed to improving our comprehension of several aspects of nano-/mesoscale (10-200 nm) chromatin domains. Here, we review the current state-of-the-art SRM applied to PcG proteins, showing that the application of SRM to PcG activity and organization is still quite limited and mainly focused on the 3D assembly of PcG-controlled genomic loci. In this context, SRM approaches have mostly been applied to multilabel fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). However, SRM data have complemented the maps obtained from chromosome capture experiments and have opened a new window to observe how 3D chromatin topology is modulated by PcGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Nepita
- Nanoscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Simonluca Piazza
- Molecular Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
- R&D Department, Genoa Instruments s.r.l., Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Ruglioni
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 65, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sofia Cristiani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 65, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Bosurgi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 65, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiziano Salvadori
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 65, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vicidomini
- Molecular Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Diaspro
- Nanoscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
- DIFILAB, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Castello
- Nanoscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
- R&D Department, Genoa Instruments s.r.l., Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerase
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Strada Statale dell’Abetone Brennero 4, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Bianchini
- Nanoscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
- DIFILAB, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Barbara Storti
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ranieri Bizzarri
- Nanoscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 65, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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37
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Bhattacharya A. Epigenetic modifications and regulations in gastrointestinal diseases. EPIGENETICS IN ORGAN SPECIFIC DISORDERS 2023:497-543. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823931-5.00005-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2025]
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38
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Corcoran ET, Jacob Y. Direct assessment of histone function using histone replacement. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:53-70. [PMID: 35853806 PMCID: PMC9789166 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.06.010] [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: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Histones serve many purposes in eukaryotic cells in the regulation of diverse genomic processes, including transcription, replication, DNA repair, and chromatin organization. As such, experimental systems to assess histone function are fundamental resources toward elucidating the regulation of activities occurring on chromatin. One set of important tools for investigating histone function are histone replacement systems, in which endogenous histone expression can be partially or completely replaced with a mutant histone. Histone replacement systems allow systematic screens of histone regulatory functions and the direct assessment of functions for histone residues. In this review, we describe existing histone replacement systems in model organisms, the benefits and limitations of these systems, and opportunities for future research with histone replacement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Tung Corcoran
- Yale University, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Yannick Jacob
- Yale University, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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39
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The ubiquitin ligase RNF2 stabilizes ERα and modulates breast cancer progression. Hum Cell 2023; 36:353-365. [PMID: 36271315 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00810-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is the most common clinical marker used for breast cancer prognosis and the classification of breast cancer subtypes. Clinically, patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer can receive endocrine therapy. However, resistance to endocrine therapy has become an urgent clinical problem. A large number of previous studies have proven that posttranslational modification of the estrogen receptor is significantly related to endocrine therapy resistance. RNF2 is a member of the RING finger protein family that functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Several studies have clarified that RNF2 is a critical regulator of ERα transcriptional regulation. In our current study, we identified RNF2 as an important posttranslational modification regulator of the estrogen receptor. RNF2 depletion inhibited breast cancer cell progression and ERα signaling activity. TCGA data analysis indicated that RNF2 was elevated in breast malignancies, while RNF2 depletion could drastically inhibit estrogen response gene expression on a whole-genome scale. TCGA data analysis revealed that RNF2 was positively correlated with ERα target gene expression. Further mechanistic studies showed that RNF2 was mainly localized in the nucleus and associated with ERα. The association increased ERα stability by inhibiting ERα K48-linked polyubiquitination. In conclusion, our study implicates nongenomic regulation by RNF2 on ERα protein stability and suggests that targeting RNF2 could be a promising strategy for breast cancer treatments.
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40
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Taslim TH, Hussein AM, Keshri R, Ishibashi JR, Chan TC, Nguyen BN, Liu S, Brewer D, Harper S, Lyons S, Garver B, Dang J, Balachandar N, Jhajharia S, Castillo DD, Mathieu J, Ruohola-Baker H. Stress-induced reversible cell-cycle arrest requires PRC2/PRC1-mediated control of mitophagy in Drosophila germline stem cells and human iPSCs. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 18:269-288. [PMID: 36493777 PMCID: PMC9860083 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Following acute genotoxic stress, both normal and tumorous stem cells can undergo cell-cycle arrest to avoid apoptosis and later re-enter the cell cycle to regenerate daughter cells. However, the mechanism of protective, reversible proliferative arrest, "quiescence," remains unresolved. Here, we show that mitophagy is a prerequisite for reversible quiescence in both irradiated Drosophila germline stem cells (GSCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). In GSCs, mitofission (Drp1) or mitophagy (Pink1/Parkin) genes are essential to enter quiescence, whereas mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC1α) or fusion (Mfn2) genes are crucial for exiting quiescence. Furthermore, mitophagy-dependent quiescence lies downstream of mTOR- and PRC2-mediated repression and relies on the mitochondrial pool of cyclin E. Mitophagy-dependent reduction of cyclin E in GSCs and in hiPSCs during mTOR inhibition prevents the usual G1/S transition, pushing the cells toward reversible quiescence (G0). This alternative method of G1/S control may present new opportunities for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy H Taslim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Abdiasis M Hussein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Riya Keshri
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julien R Ishibashi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tung C Chan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bich N Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shuozhi Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel Brewer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stuart Harper
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Scott Lyons
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ben Garver
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jimmy Dang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nanditaa Balachandar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Samriddhi Jhajharia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Debra Del Castillo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julie Mathieu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hannele Ruohola-Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
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41
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RINGs, DUBs and Abnormal Brain Growth-Histone H2A Ubiquitination in Brain Development and Disease. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:epigenomes6040042. [PMID: 36547251 PMCID: PMC9778336 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6040042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
During mammalian neurodevelopment, signaling pathways converge upon transcription factors (TFs) to establish appropriate gene expression programmes leading to the production of distinct neural and glial cell types. This process is partially regulated by the dynamic modulation of chromatin states by epigenetic systems, including the polycomb group (PcG) family of co-repressors. PcG proteins form multi-subunit assemblies that sub-divide into distinct, yet functionally related families. Polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2 (PRC1 and 2) modify the chemical properties of chromatin by covalently modifying histone tails via H2A ubiquitination (H2AK119ub1) and H3 methylation, respectively. In contrast to the PRCs, the Polycomb repressive deubiquitinase (PR-DUB) complex removes H2AK119ub1 from chromatin through the action of the C-terminal hydrolase BAP1. Genetic screening has identified several PcG mutations that are causally associated with a range of congenital neuropathologies associated with both localised and/or systemic growth abnormalities. As PRC1 and PR-DUB hold opposing functions to control H2AK119ub1 levels across the genome, it is plausible that such neurodevelopmental disorders arise through a common mechanism. In this review, we will focus on advancements regarding the composition and opposing molecular functions of mammalian PRC1 and PR-DUB, and explore how their dysfunction contributes to the emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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42
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Semprich CI, Davidson L, Amorim Torres A, Patel H, Briscoe J, Metzis V, Storey KG. ERK1/2 signalling dynamics promote neural differentiation by regulating chromatin accessibility and the polycomb repressive complex. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3000221. [PMID: 36455041 PMCID: PMC9746999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is a neural inducer in many vertebrate embryos, but how it regulates chromatin organization to coordinate the activation of neural genes is unclear. Moreover, for differentiation to progress, FGF signalling must decline. Why these signalling dynamics are required has not been determined. Here, we show that dephosphorylation of the FGF effector kinase ERK1/2 rapidly increases chromatin accessibility at neural genes in mouse embryos, and, using ATAC-seq in human embryonic stem cell derived spinal cord precursors, we demonstrate that this occurs genome-wide across neural genes. Importantly, ERK1/2 inhibition induces precocious neural gene transcription, and this involves dissociation of the polycomb repressive complex from key gene loci. This takes place independently of subsequent loss of the repressive histone mark H3K27me3 and transcriptional onset. Transient ERK1/2 inhibition is sufficient for the dissociation of the repressive complex, and this is not reversed on resumption of ERK1/2 signalling. Moreover, genomic footprinting of sites identified by ATAC-seq together with ChIP-seq for polycomb protein Ring1B revealed that ERK1/2 inhibition promotes the occupancy of neural transcription factors (TFs) at non-polycomb as well as polycomb associated sites. Together, these findings indicate that ERK1/2 signalling decline promotes global changes in chromatin accessibility and TF binding at neural genes by directing polycomb and other regulators and appears to serve as a gating mechanism that provides directionality to the process of differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia I. Semprich
- Division of Cell & Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay Davidson
- Division of Cell & Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Adriana Amorim Torres
- Division of Cell & Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Vicki Metzis
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (VM); (KGS)
| | - Kate G. Storey
- Division of Cell & Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (VM); (KGS)
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43
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Shell DJ, Rectenwald JM, Buttery PH, Johnson RL, Foley CA, Guduru SKR, Uguen M, Rubiano JS, Zhang X, Li F, Norris-Drouin JL, Axtman M, Brian Hardy P, Vedadi M, Frye SV, James LI, Pearce KH. Discovery of hit compounds for methyl-lysine reader proteins from a target class DNA-encoded library. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2022; 27:428-439. [PMID: 36272689 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Methyl-lysine (Kme) reader domains are prevalent in chromatin regulatory proteins which bind post-translational modification sites to recruit repressive and activating factors; therefore, these proteins play crucial roles in cellular signaling and epigenetic regulation. Proteins that contain Kme domains are implicated in various diseases, including cancer, making them attractive therapeutic targets for drug and chemical probe discovery. Herein, we report on expanding the utility of a previously reported, Kme-focused DNA-encoded library (DEL), UNCDEL003, as a screening tool for hit discovery through the specific targeting of Kme reader proteins. As an efficient method for library generation, focused DELs are designed based on structural and functional features of a specific class of proteins with the intent of novel hit discovery. To broadly assess the applicability of our library, UNCDEL003 was screened against five diverse Kme reader protein domains (53BP1 TTD, KDM7B JmjC-PHD, CDYL2 CD, CBX2 CD, and LEDGF PWWP) with varying structures and functions. From these screening efforts, we identified hit compounds which contain unique chemical scaffolds distinct from previously reported ligands. The selected hit compounds were synthesized off-DNA and confirmed using primary and secondary assays and assessed for binding selectivity. Hit compounds from these efforts can serve as starting points for additional development and optimization into chemical probes to aid in further understanding the functionality of these therapeutically relevant proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devan J Shell
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Justin M Rectenwald
- School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Peter H Buttery
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Rebecca L Johnson
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Caroline A Foley
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Shiva K R Guduru
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mélanie Uguen
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Juanita Sanchez Rubiano
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Xindi Zhang
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Jacqueline L Norris-Drouin
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Matthew Axtman
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - P Brian Hardy
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Stephen V Frye
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lindsey I James
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kenneth H Pearce
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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44
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Dimitrova E, Feldmann A, van der Weide RH, Flach KD, Lastuvkova A, de Wit E, Klose RJ. Distinct roles for CKM-Mediator in controlling Polycomb-dependent chromosomal interactions and priming genes for induction. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:1000-1010. [PMID: 36220895 PMCID: PMC9568430 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00840-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Precise control of gene expression underpins normal development. This relies on mechanisms that enable communication between gene promoters and other regulatory elements. In embryonic stem cells (ESCs), the cyclin-dependent kinase module Mediator complex (CKM-Mediator) has been reported to physically link gene regulatory elements to enable gene expression and also prime genes for induction during differentiation. Here, we show that CKM-Mediator contributes little to three-dimensional genome organization in ESCs, but it has a specific and essential role in controlling interactions between inactive gene regulatory elements bound by Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs). These interactions are established by the canonical PRC1 (cPRC1) complex but rely on CKM-Mediator, which facilitates binding of cPRC1 to its target sites. Importantly, through separation-of-function experiments, we reveal that this collaboration between CKM-Mediator and cPRC1 in creating long-range interactions does not function to prime genes for induction during differentiation. Instead, we discover that priming relies on an interaction-independent mechanism whereby the CKM supports core Mediator engagement with gene promoters during differentiation to enable gene activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelika Feldmann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robin H van der Weide
- Division of Gene Regulation, Oncode Institute and The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Hubrecht Institute KNAW, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Koen D Flach
- Division of Gene Regulation, Oncode Institute and The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Lastuvkova
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elzo de Wit
- Division of Gene Regulation, Oncode Institute and The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert J Klose
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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45
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Bonnet J, Boichenko I, Kalb R, Le Jeune M, Maltseva S, Pieropan M, Finkl K, Fierz B, Müller J. PR-DUB preserves Polycomb repression by preventing excessive accumulation of H2Aub1, an antagonist of chromatin compaction. Genes Dev 2022; 36:1046-1061. [PMID: 36357125 PMCID: PMC9744231 DOI: 10.1101/gad.350014.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The Polycomb repressive complexes PRC1, PRC2, and PR-DUB repress target genes by modifying their chromatin. In Drosophila, PRC1 compacts chromatin and monoubiquitinates histone H2A at lysine 118 (H2Aub1), whereas PR-DUB is a major H2Aub1 deubiquitinase, but how H2Aub1 levels must be balanced for Polycomb repression remains unclear. We show that in early embryos, H2Aub1 is enriched at Polycomb target genes, where it facilitates H3K27me3 deposition by PRC2 to mark genes for repression. During subsequent stages of development, H2Aub1 becomes depleted from these genes and is no longer enriched when Polycomb maintains them repressed. Accordingly, Polycomb targets remain repressed in H2Aub1-deficient animals. In PR-DUB catalytic mutants, high levels of H2Aub1 accumulate at Polycomb target genes, and Polycomb repression breaks down. These high H2Aub1 levels do not diminish Polycomb protein complex binding or H3K27 trimethylation but increase DNA accessibility. We show that H2Aub1 interferes with nucleosome stacking and chromatin fiber folding in vitro. Consistent with this, Polycomb repression defects in PR-DUB mutants are exacerbated by reducing PRC1 chromatin compaction activity, but Polycomb repression is restored if PRC1 E3 ligase activity is removed. PR-DUB therefore acts as a rheostat that removes excessive H2Aub1 that, although deposited by PRC1, antagonizes PRC1-mediated chromatin compaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Bonnet
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Iulia Boichenko
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry of Macromolecules, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Kalb
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Mathilde Le Jeune
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry of Macromolecules, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Svetlana Maltseva
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Mattia Pieropan
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Katja Finkl
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Beat Fierz
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry of Macromolecules, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Müller
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
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46
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German B, Ellis L. Polycomb Directed Cell Fate Decisions in Development and Cancer. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:28. [PMID: 36135315 PMCID: PMC9497807 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The polycomb group (PcG) proteins are a subset of transcription regulators highly conserved throughout evolution. Their principal role is to epigenetically modify chromatin landscapes and control the expression of master transcriptional programs to determine cellular identity. The two mayor PcG protein complexes that have been identified in mammals to date are Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) and 2 (PRC2). These protein complexes selectively repress gene expression via the induction of covalent post-translational histone modifications, promoting chromatin structure stabilization. PRC2 catalyzes the histone H3 methylation at lysine 27 (H3K27me1/2/3), inducing heterochromatin structures. This activity is controlled by the formation of a multi-subunit complex, which includes enhancer of zeste (EZH2), embryonic ectoderm development protein (EED), and suppressor of zeste 12 (SUZ12). This review will summarize the latest insights into how PRC2 in mammalian cells regulates transcription to orchestrate the temporal and tissue-specific expression of genes to determine cell identity and cell-fate decisions. We will specifically describe how PRC2 dysregulation in different cell types can promote phenotypic plasticity and/or non-mutational epigenetic reprogramming, inducing the development of highly aggressive epithelial neuroendocrine carcinomas, including prostate, small cell lung, and Merkel cell cancer. With this, EZH2 has emerged as an important actionable therapeutic target in such cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz German
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Leigh Ellis
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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47
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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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48
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NODULIN HOMEOBOX is required for heterochromatin homeostasis in Arabidopsis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5058. [PMID: 36030240 PMCID: PMC9420119 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32709-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Arabidopsis NODULIN HOMEOBOX (NDX) is a nuclear protein described as a regulator of specific euchromatic genes within transcriptionally active chromosome arms. Here we show that NDX is primarily a heterochromatin regulator that functions in pericentromeric regions to control siRNA production and non-CG methylation. Most NDX binding sites coincide with pericentromeric het-siRNA loci that mediate transposon silencing, and are antagonistic with R-loop structures that are prevalent in euchromatic chromosomal arms. Inactivation of NDX leads to differential siRNA accumulation and DNA methylation, of which CHH/CHG hypomethylation colocalizes with NDX binding sites. Hi-C analysis shows significant chromatin structural changes in the ndx mutant, with decreased intrachromosomal interactions at pericentromeres where NDX is enriched in wild-type plants, and increased interchromosomal contacts between KNOT-forming regions, similar to those observed in DNA methylation mutants. We conclude that NDX is a key regulator of heterochromatin that is functionally coupled to het-siRNA loci and non-CG DNA methylation pathways. Arabidopsis NDX was previously reported as a regulator of euchromatic gene expression. Here the authors show that NDX functions at pericentromeric regions and regulates heterochromatin homeostasis by controlling siRNA production and non-CG methylation.
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49
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Critical Roles of Polycomb Repressive Complexes in Transcription and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179574. [PMID: 36076977 PMCID: PMC9455514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomp group (PcG) proteins are members of highly conserved multiprotein complexes, recognized as gene transcriptional repressors during development and shown to play a role in various physiological and pathological processes. PcG proteins consist of two Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) with different enzymatic activities: Polycomb repressive complexes 1 (PRC1), a ubiquitin ligase, and Polycomb repressive complexes 2 (PRC2), a histone methyltransferase. Traditionally, PRCs have been described to be associated with transcriptional repression of homeotic genes, as well as gene transcription activating effects. Particularly in cancer, PRCs have been found to misregulate gene expression, not only depending on the function of the whole PRCs, but also through their separate subunits. In this review, we focused especially on the recent findings in the transcriptional regulation of PRCs, the oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles of PcG proteins, and the research progress of inhibitors targeting PRCs.
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50
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Oss-Ronen L, Sarusi T, Cohen I. Histone Mono-Ubiquitination in Transcriptional Regulation and Its Mark on Life: Emerging Roles in Tissue Development and Disease. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152404. [PMID: 35954248 PMCID: PMC9368181 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays an essential role in driving precise transcriptional programs during development and homeostasis. Among epigenetic mechanisms, histone mono-ubiquitination has emerged as an important post-transcriptional modification. Two major histone mono-ubiquitination events are the mono-ubiquitination of histone H2A at lysine 119 (H2AK119ub), placed by Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), and histone H2B lysine 120 mono-ubiquitination (H2BK120ub), placed by the heteromeric RNF20/RNF40 complex. Both of these events play fundamental roles in shaping the chromatin epigenetic landscape and cellular identity. In this review we summarize the current understandings of molecular concepts behind histone mono-ubiquitination, focusing on their recently identified roles in tissue development and pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Idan Cohen
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-8-6477593; Fax: +972-8-6477626
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