Palmitoylation controls the dynamics of budding-yeast heterochromatin via the telomere-binding protein Rif1

Fate of telomere entanglements is dictated by the timing of anaphase midregion nuclear envelope breakdown

Persisting replication intermediates can confer mitotic catastrophe. Loss of the fission yeast telomere protein Taz1 (ortholog of mammalian TRF1/TRF2) causes telomeric replication fork (RF) stalling and consequently, telomere entanglements that stretch between segregating mitotic chromosomes. At ≤20 °C, these entanglements fail to resolve, resulting in lethality. Rif1, a conserved DNA replication/repair protein, hinders the resolution of telomere entanglements without affecting their formation. At mitosis, local nuclear envelope (NE) breakdown occurs in the cell's midregion. Here we demonstrate that entanglement resolution occurs in the cytoplasm following this NE breakdown. However, in response to taz1Δ telomeric entanglements, Rif1 delays midregion NE breakdown at ≤20 °C, in turn disfavoring entanglement resolution. Moreover, Rif1 overexpression in an otherwise wild-type setting causes cold-specific NE defects and lethality, which are rescued by membrane fluidization. Hence, NE properties confer the cold-specificity of taz1Δ lethality, which stems from postponement of NE breakdown. We propose that such postponement promotes clearance of simple stalled RFs, but resolution of complex entanglements (involving strand invasion between nonsister telomeres) requires rapid exposure to the cytoplasm.

SIR telomere silencing depends on nuclear envelope lipids and modulates sensitivity to a lysolipid

The nuclear envelope (NE) is important in maintaining genome organization. The role of lipids in communication between the NE and telomere regulation was investigated, including how changes in lipid composition impact gene expression and overall nuclear architecture. Yeast was treated with the non-metabolizable lysophosphatidylcholine analog edelfosine, known to accumulate at the perinuclear ER. Edelfosine induced NE deformation and disrupted telomere clustering but not anchoring. Additionally, the association of Sir4 at telomeres decreased. RNA-seq analysis showed altered expression of Sir-dependent genes located at sub-telomeric (0-10 kb) regions, consistent with Sir4 dispersion. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that two lipid metabolic circuits were activated in response to edelfosine, one mediated by the membrane sensing transcription factors, Spt23/Mga2, and the other by a transcriptional repressor, Opi1. Activation of these transcriptional programs resulted in higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids and the formation of nuclear lipid droplets. Interestingly, cells lacking Sir proteins displayed resistance to unsaturated-fatty acids and edelfosine, and this phenotype was connected to Rap1.

Aberrant association of chromatin with nuclear periphery induced by Rif1 leads to mitotic defect

The architecture and nuclear location of chromosomes affect chromatin events. Rif1, a crucial regulator of replication timing, recognizes G-quadruplex and inhibits origin firing over the 50-100-kb segment in fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, leading us to postulate that Rif1 may generate chromatin higher order structures inhibitory for initiation. However, the effects of Rif1 on chromatin localization in nuclei have not been known. We show here that Rif1 overexpression causes growth inhibition and eventually, cell death in fission yeast. Chromatin-binding activity of Rif1, but not recruitment of phosphatase PP1, is required for growth inhibition. Overexpression of a PP1-binding site mutant of Rif1 does not delay the S-phase, but still causes cell death, indicating that cell death is caused not by S-phase problems but by issues in other phases of the cell cycle, most likely the M-phase. Indeed, Rif1 overexpression generates cells with unequally segregated chromosomes. Rif1 overexpression relocates chromatin near nuclear periphery in a manner dependent on its chromatin-binding ability, and this correlates with growth inhibition. Thus, coordinated progression of S- and M-phases may require regulated Rif1-mediated chromatin association with the nuclear periphery.

A field guide to the proteomics of post-translational modifications in DNA repair

All cells incur DNA damage from exogenous and endogenous sources and possess pathways to detect and repair DNA damage. Post-translational modifications (PTMs), in the past 20 years, have risen to ineluctable importance in the study of the regulation of DNA repair mechanisms. For example, DNA damage response kinases are critical in both the initial sensing of DNA damage as well as in orchestrating downstream activities of DNA repair factors. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics revolutionized the study of the role of PTMs in the DNA damage response and has canonized PTMs as central modulators of nearly all aspects of DNA damage signaling and repair. This review provides a biologist-friendly guide for the mass spectrometry analysis of PTMs in the context of DNA repair and DNA damage responses. We reflect on the current state of proteomics for exploring new mechanisms of PTM-based regulation and outline a roadmap for designing PTM mapping experiments that focus on the DNA repair and DNA damage responses.

RIF1-ASF1-mediated high-order chromatin structure safeguards genome integrity

The 53BP1-RIF1 pathway antagonizes resection of DNA broken ends and confers PARP inhibitor sensitivity on BRCA1-mutated tumors. However, it is unclear how this pathway suppresses initiation of resection. Here, we identify ASF1 as a partner of RIF1 via an interacting manner similar to its interactions with histone chaperones CAF-1 and HIRA. ASF1 is recruited to distal chromatin flanking DNA breaks by 53BP1-RIF1 and promotes non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) using its histone chaperone activity. Epistasis analysis shows that ASF1 acts in the same NHEJ pathway as RIF1, but via a parallel pathway with the shieldin complex, which suppresses resection after initiation. Moreover, defects in end resection and homologous recombination (HR) in BRCA1-deficient cells are largely suppressed by ASF1 deficiency. Mechanistically, ASF1 compacts adjacent chromatin by heterochromatinization to protect broken DNA ends from BRCA1-mediated resection. Taken together, our findings identify a RIF1-ASF1 histone chaperone complex that promotes changes in high-order chromatin structure to stimulate the NHEJ pathway for DSB repair.

The 53BP1-RIF1 pathway is important for DNA repair. Here, the authors identified the histone chaperone ASF1, which functions as a suppressor of DNA end resection through changing high-order chromatin structure, as a partner of RIF1. This finding links DNA repair and dynamic changes of high-order chromatin structure.

The Many Faces of Lipids in Genome Stability (and How to Unmask Them)

Deep efforts have been devoted to studying the fundamental mechanisms ruling genome integrity preservation. A strong focus relies on our comprehension of nucleic acid and protein interactions. Comparatively, our exploration of whether lipids contribute to genome homeostasis and, if they do, how, is severely underdeveloped. This disequilibrium may be understood in historical terms, but also relates to the difficulty of applying classical lipid-related techniques to a territory such as a nucleus. The limited research in this domain translates into scarce and rarely gathered information, which with time further discourages new initiatives. In this review, the ways lipids have been demonstrated to, or very likely do, impact nuclear transactions, in general, and genome homeostasis, in particular, are explored. Moreover, a succinct yet exhaustive battery of available techniques is proposed to tackle the study of this topic while keeping in mind the feasibility and habits of "nucleus-centered" researchers.

G-quadruplex binding protein Rif1, a key regulator of replication timing

DNA replication is spatially and temporally regulated during S phase to execute efficient and coordinated duplication of entire genome. Various epigenomic mechanisms operate to regulate the timing and locations of replication. Among them, Rif1 plays a major role to shape the 'replication domains' that dictate which segments of the genome are replicated when and where in the nuclei. Rif1 achieves this task by generating higher-order chromatin architecture near nuclear membrane and by recruiting a protein phosphatase. Rif1 is a G4 binding protein, and G4 binding activity of Rif1 is essential for replication timing regulation in fission yeast. In this article, we first summarize strategies by which cells regulate their replication timing and then describe how Rif1 and its interaction with G4 contribute to regulation of chromatin architecture and replication timing.

Repair pathway choice for double-strand breaks

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is at a constant risk of damage from endogenous substances, environmental radiation, and chemical stressors. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) pose a significant threat to genomic integrity and cell survival. There are two major pathways for DSB repair: nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). The extent of DNA end resection, which determines the length of the 3' single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) overhang, is the primary factor that determines whether repair is carried out via NHEJ or HR. NHEJ, which does not require a 3' ssDNA tail, occurs throughout the cell cycle. 53BP1 and the cofactors PTIP or RIF1-shieldin protect the broken DNA end, inhibit long-range end resection and thus promote NHEJ. In contrast, HR mainly occurs during the S/G2 phase and requires DNA end processing to create a 3' tail that can invade a homologous region, ensuring faithful gene repair. BRCA1 and the cofactors CtIP, EXO1, BLM/DNA2, and the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex promote DNA end resection and thus HR. DNA resection is influenced by the cell cycle, the chromatin environment, and the complexity of the DNA end break. Herein, we summarize the key factors involved in repair pathway selection for DSBs and discuss recent related publications.

Rif1 regulates telomere length through conserved HEAT repeats

In budding yeast, Rif1 negatively regulates telomere length, but the mechanism of this regulation has remained elusive. Previous work identified several functional domains of Rif1, but none of these has been shown to mediate telomere length. To define Rif1 domains responsible for telomere regulation, we localized truncations of Rif1 to a single specific telomere and measured telomere length of that telomere compared to bulk telomeres. We found that a domain in the N-terminus containing HEAT repeats, Rif1_177–996, was sufficient for length regulation when tethered to the telomere. Charged residues in this region were previously proposed to mediate DNA binding. We found that mutation of these residues disrupted telomere length regulation even when Rif1 was tethered to the telomere. Mutation of other conserved residues in this region, which were not predicted to interact with DNA, also disrupted telomere length maintenance, while mutation of conserved residues distal to this region did not. Our data suggest that conserved amino acids in the region from 436 to 577 play a functional role in telomere length regulation, which is separate from their proposed DNA binding function. We propose that the Rif1 HEAT repeats region represents a protein-protein binding interface that mediates telomere length regulation.

Nuclear envelope tethering inhibits the formation of ALT-associated PML bodies in ALT cells

Telomere length homeostasis is essential for maintaining genomic stability and cancer proliferation. Telomerase-negative cancer cells undergo recombination-mediated alternative lengthening of telomeres. Telomeres associate with the nuclear envelope through the shelterin RAP1 and nuclear envelope SUN1 proteins. However, how the associations between telomeres and the nuclear envelope affect the progression of telomere recombination is not understood. Here, we show that telomere anchorage might inhibit telomere-telomere recombination. SUN1 depletion stimulates the formation of alternative lengthening of telomeres-associated promyelocytic leukemia bodies in ALT cells. In contrast, overexpression of a telomere-nuclear envelope-tethering chimera protein, RAP1-SUN1, suppresses APB formation. Moreover, inhibition of this nuclear envelope attachment alleviates the requirement of TOP3α for resolving the supercoiling pressure during telomere recombination. A coimmunoprecipitation assay revealed that the SUN1 N-terminal nucleoplasmic domain interacts with the RAP1 middle coil domain, and phosphorylation-mimetic mutations in RAP1 inhibit this interaction. However, abolishing the RAP1-SUN1 interaction does not hinder APB formation, which hints at the existence of another SUN1-dependent telomere anchorage pathway. In summary, our results reveal an inhibitory role of telomere-nuclear envelope association in telomere-telomere recombination and imply the presence of redundant pathways for the telomere-nuclear envelope association in ALT cells.

G-quadruplex DNA and RNA: Their roles in regulation of DNA replication and other biological functions

G-quadruplex is one of the best-studied non-B type DNA that is now known to be prevalently present in the genomes of almost all the biological species. Recent studies reveal roles of G-quadruplex (G4) structures in various nucleic acids and chromosome transactions. In this short article, we will first describe recent findings on the roles of G4 in regulation of DNA replication. G4 is involved in regulation of spatio-temporal regulation of DNA replication through interaction with a specific binding protein, Rif1. This regulation is at least partially mediated by generation of specific chromatin architecture through Rif1-G4 interactions. We will also describe recent studies showing the potential roles of G4 in initiation of DNA replication. Next, we will present showcases of highly diversified roles of DNA G4 and RNA G4 in regulation of nucleic acid and chromosome functions. Finally, we will discuss how the formation of cellular G4 could be regulated.

The Emerging Roles of Fox Family Transcription Factors in Chromosome Replication, Organization, and Genome Stability

The forkhead box (Fox) transcription factors (TFs) are widespread from yeast to humans. Their mutations and dysregulation have been linked to a broad spectrum of malignant neoplasias. They are known as critical players in DNA repair, metabolism, cell cycle control, differentiation, and aging. Recent studies, especially those from the simple model eukaryotes, revealed unexpected contributions of Fox TFs in chromosome replication and organization. More importantly, besides functioning as a canonical TF in cell signaling cascades and gene expression, Fox TFs can directly participate in DNA replication and determine the global replication timing program in a transcription-independent mechanism. Yeast Fox TFs preferentially recruit the limiting replication factors to a subset of early origins on chromosome arms. Attributed to their dimerization capability and distinct DNA binding modes, Fkh1 and Fkh2 also promote the origin clustering and assemblage of replication elements (replication factories). They can mediate long-range intrachromosomal and interchromosomal interactions and thus regulate the four-dimensional chromosome organization. The novel aspects of Fox TFs reviewed here expand their roles in maintaining genome integrity and coordinating the multiple essential chromosome events. These will inevitably be translated to our knowledge and new treatment strategies of Fox TF-associated human diseases including cancer.

Compartmentalized DNA repair: Rif1 S-acylation links DNA double-strand break repair to the nuclear membrane

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) disrupt the structural integrity of chromosomes. Proper DSB repair pathway choice is critical to avoid the type of gross chromosomal rearrangements that characterize cancer cells. Recent findings reveal S-fatty acylation and membrane anchorage of Rap1-interacting factor 1 (Rif1) as a mechanism providing spatial control over DSB repair pathway choice.

Rif1 Binding and Control of Chromosome-Internal DNA Replication Origins Is Limited by Telomere Sequestration

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae telomere-binding protein Rif1 plays an evolutionarily conserved role in control of DNA replication timing by promoting PP1-dependent dephosphorylation of replication initiation factors. However, ScRif1 binding outside of telomeres has never been detected, and it has thus been unclear whether Rif1 acts directly on the replication origins that it controls. Here, we show that, in unperturbed yeast cells, Rif1 primarily regulates late-replicating origins within 100 kb of a telomere. Using the chromatin endogenous cleavage ChEC-seq technique, we robustly detect Rif1 at late-replicating origins that we show are targets of its inhibitory action. Interestingly, abrogation of Rif1 telomere association by mutation of its Rap1-binding module increases Rif1 binding and origin inhibition elsewhere in the genome. Our results indicate that Rif1 inhibits replication initiation by interacting directly with origins and suggest that Rap1-dependent sequestration of Rif1 increases its effective concentration near telomeres, while limiting its action at chromosome-internal sites.

Rif1 promotes association of G-quadruplex (G4) by its specific G4 binding and oligomerization activities

Rif1 is a conserved protein regulating replication timing and binds preferentially to the vicinity of late-firing/dormant origins in fission yeast. The Rif1 binding sites on the fission yeast genome have an intrinsic potential to generate G-quadruplex (G4) structures to which purified Rif1 preferentially binds. We previously proposed that Rif1 generates chromatin architecture that may determine replication timing by facilitating the chromatin loop formation. Here, we conducted detailed biochemical analyses on Rif1 and its G4 binding. Rif1 prefers sequences containing long stretches of guanines and binds preferentially to the multimeric G4 of parallel or hybrid/mix topology. Rif1 forms oligomers and binds simultaneously to multiple G4. We present a model on how Rif1 may facilitate the formation of chromatin architecture through its G4 binding and oligomerization properties.

Rif1 S-acylation mediates DNA double-strand break repair at the inner nuclear membrane

Rif1 is involved in telomere homeostasis, DNA replication timing, and DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway choice from yeast to human. The molecular mechanisms that enable Rif1 to fulfill its diverse roles remain to be determined. Here, we demonstrate that Rif1 is S-acylated within its conserved N-terminal domain at cysteine residues C466 and C473 by the DHHC family palmitoyl acyltransferase Pfa4. Rif1 S-acylation facilitates the accumulation of Rif1 at DSBs, the attenuation of DNA end-resection, and DSB repair by non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). These findings identify S-acylation as a posttranslational modification regulating DNA repair. S-acylated Rif1 mounts a localized DNA-damage response proximal to the inner nuclear membrane, revealing a mechanism of compartmentalized DSB repair pathway choice by sequestration of a fatty acylated repair factor at the inner nuclear membrane.

A single KH domain in Bicaudal-C links mRNA binding and translational repression functions to maternal development

Bicaudal-C (Bicc1) is a conserved RNA-binding protein that represses the translation of selected mRNAs to control development. In Xenopus embryos, Bicc1 binds and represses specific maternal mRNAs to control anterior-posterior cell fates. However, it is not known how Bicc1 binds its RNA targets or how binding affects Bicc1-dependent embryogenesis. Focusing on the KH domains, we analyzed Bicc1 mutants for their ability to bind RNA substrates in vivo and in vitro Analyses of these Bicc1 mutants demonstrated that a single KH domain, KH2, was crucial for RNA binding in vivo and in vitro, while the KH1 and KH3 domains contributed minimally. The Bicc1 mutants were also assayed for their ability to repress translation, and results mirrored the RNA-binding data, with KH2 being the only domain essential for repression. Finally, maternal knockdown and rescue experiments indicated that the KH domains were essential for the regulation of embryogenesis by Bicc1. These data advance our understanding of how Bicc1 selects target mRNAs and provide the first direct evidence that the RNA binding functions of Bicc1 are essential for both Bicc1-dependent translational repression and maternal vertebrate development.

Dynamic relocalization of replication origins by Fkh1 requires execution of DDK function and Cdc45 loading at origins

Chromosomal DNA elements are organized into spatial domains within the eukaryotic nucleus. Sites undergoing DNA replication, high-level transcription, and repair of double-strand breaks coalesce into foci, although the significance and mechanisms giving rise to these dynamic structures are poorly understood. In S. cerevisiae, replication origins occupy characteristic subnuclear localizations that anticipate their initiation timing during S phase. Here, we link localization of replication origins in G1 phase with Fkh1 activity, which is required for their early replication timing. Using a Fkh1-dependent origin relocalization assay, we determine that execution of Dbf4-dependent kinase function, including Cdc45 loading, results in dynamic relocalization of a replication origin from the nuclear periphery to the interior in G1 phase. Origin mobility increases substantially with Fkh1-driven relocalization. These findings provide novel molecular insight into the mechanisms that govern dynamics and spatial organization of DNA replication origins and possibly other functional DNA elements.

Palmitoylation in apicomplexan parasites: from established regulatory roles to putative new functions

This minireview aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis on protein palmitoylation in apicomplexan parasites and higher eukaryotes where most of the data is available. Apicomplexan parasites encompass numerous obligate intracellular parasites with significant health risk to animals and humans. Protein palmitoylation is a widespread post-translational modification that plays important regulatory roles in several physiological and pathological states. Functional studies demonstrate that many processes important for parasites are regulated by protein palmitoylation. Structural analyses suggest that enzymes responsible for the palmitoylation process have a conserved architecture in eukaryotes although there are particular differences which could be related to their substrate specificities. Interestingly, with the publication of T. gondii and P. falciparum palmitoylomes new possible regulatory functions are unveiled. Here we focus our discussion on data from both palmitoylomes that suggest that palmitoylation of nuclear proteins regulate different chromatin-related processes such as nucleosome assembly and stability, transcription, translation and DNA repair.

Nutrient-Dependent Changes of Protein Palmitoylation: Impact on Nuclear Enzymes and Regulation of Gene Expression

Diet is the main environmental stimulus chronically impinging on the organism throughout the entire life. Nutrients impact cells via a plethora of mechanisms including the regulation of both protein post-translational modifications and gene expression. Palmitoylation is the most-studied protein lipidation, which consists of the attachment of a molecule of palmitic acid to residues of proteins. S-palmitoylation is a reversible cysteine modification finely regulated by palmitoyl-transferases and acyl-thioesterases that is involved in the regulation of protein trafficking and activity. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that diet-dependent molecules such as insulin and fatty acids may affect protein palmitoylation. Here, we examine the role of protein palmitoylation on the regulation of gene expression focusing on the impact of this modification on the activity of chromatin remodeler enzymes, transcription factors, and nuclear proteins. We also discuss how this physiological phenomenon may represent a pivotal mechanism underlying the impact of diet and nutrient-dependent signals on human diseases.

Budding yeast Rif1 binds to replication origins and protects DNA at blocked replication forks

Despite its evolutionarily conserved function in controlling DNA replication, the chromosomal binding sites of the budding yeast Rif1 protein are not well understood. Here, we analyse genome-wide binding of budding yeast Rif1 by chromatin immunoprecipitation, during G1 phase and in S phase with replication progressing normally or blocked by hydroxyurea. Rif1 associates strongly with telomeres through interaction with Rap1. By comparing genomic binding of wild-type Rif1 and truncated Rif1 lacking the Rap1-interaction domain, we identify hundreds of Rap1-dependent and Rap1-independent chromosome interaction sites. Rif1 binds to centromeres, highly transcribed genes and replication origins in a Rap1-independent manner, associating with both early and late-initiating origins. Interestingly, Rif1 also binds around activated origins when replication progression is blocked by hydroxyurea, suggesting association with blocked forks. Using nascent DNA labelling and DNA combing techniques, we find that in cells treated with hydroxyurea, yeast Rif1 stabilises recently synthesised DNA Our results indicate that, in addition to controlling DNA replication initiation, budding yeast Rif1 plays an ongoing role after initiation and controls events at blocked replication forks.

Shepherding DNA ends: Rif1 protects telomeres and chromosome breaks

Cells have evolved conserved mechanisms to protect DNA ends, such as those at the termini of linear chromosomes, or those at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). In eukaryotes, DNA ends at chromosomal termini are packaged into proteinaceous structures called telomeres. Telomeres protect chromosome ends from erosion, inadvertent activation of the cellular DNA damage response (DDR), and telomere fusion. In contrast, cells must respond to damage-induced DNA ends at DSBs by harnessing the DDR to restore chromosome integrity, avoiding genome instability and disease. Intriguingly, Rif1 (Rap1-interacting factor 1) has been implicated in telomere homeostasis as well as DSB repair. The protein was first identified in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as being part of the proteinaceous telosome. In mammals, RIF1 is not associated with intact telomeres, but was found at chromosome breaks, where RIF1 has emerged as a key mediator of pathway choice between the two evolutionary conserved DSB repair pathways of non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). While this functional dichotomy has long been a puzzle, recent findings link yeast Rif1 not only to telomeres, but also to DSB repair, and mechanistic parallels likely exist. In this review, we will provide an overview of the actions of Rif1 at DNA ends and explore how exclusion of end-processing factors might be the underlying principle allowing Rif1 to fulfill diverse biological roles at telomeres and chromosome breaks.

Effect of dietary palmitic and stearic acids on sucrose motivation and hypothalamic and striatal cell signals in the rat

We have reported that motivation for sucrose is increased in rats fed a moderate (31%) mixed-fat diet for 4-6 wk. In this study, rats were fed diets containing 32% stearic (STEAR) or palmitic (PALM) acid, and behavior, metabolic profile, and cell signals were compared with those of rats fed a matched low-fat diet (LF; 11% fat) diet. Rats fed STEAR or PALM increased sucrose motivation relative to LF rats (one-way ANOVA for lever presses; P = 0.03). Diet did not change fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, intravenous glucose tolerance test glucose profile, percent body fat, or total kilocalories, although kilocalories as fat were increased (ANOVA, P < 0.05). Cell signals were assessed in rats ranked from high to low sucrose motivation. Diet did not alter Thr and Ser phosphorylation of Akt in the medial hypothalamus (HYP) and striatum (STR). However, Ser phosphorylation of GSK3Β was decreased in HYP and STR from both high- and low-performer tertiles of STEAR and PALM rats (ANOVA within each brain region, P < 0.05). Two histone 3 (H3) modifications were also assessed. Although there was no effect of diet on the transcription-repressive H3 modification, H3K27me3, the transcription-permissive H3 modification, H3K4me3, was significantly decreased in the HYP of high performers fed PALM or STEAR (ANOVA, P = 0.013). There was no effect of diet on H3K4me3 levels in HYP of low performers, or in STR. Our findings suggest signal-specific and brain region-specific effects of PALM or STEAR diets and may link downstream signaling effects of GSK3Β activity and H3 modifications with enhanced motivational behavior.

Protein S-palmitoylation in cellular differentiation

Reversible protein S-palmitoylation confers spatiotemporal control of protein function by modulating protein stability, trafficking and activity, as well as protein-protein and membrane-protein associations. Enabled by technological advances, global studies revealed S-palmitoylation to be an important and pervasive posttranslational modification in eukaryotes with the potential to coordinate diverse biological processes as cells transition from one state to another. Here, we review the strategies and tools to analyze in vivo protein palmitoylation and interrogate the functions of the enzymes that put on and take off palmitate from proteins. We also highlight palmitoyl proteins and palmitoylation-related enzymes that are associated with cellular differentiation and/or tissue development in yeasts, protozoa, mammals, plants and other model eukaryotes.

Progress toward Understanding Protein S-acylation: Prospective in Plants

S-acylation, also known as S-palmitoylation or palmitoylation, is a reversible post-translational lipid modification in which long chain fatty acid, usually the 16-carbon palmitate, covalently attaches to a cysteine residue(s) throughout the protein via a thioester bond. It is involved in an array of important biological processes during growth and development, reproduction and stress responses in plant. S-acylation is a ubiquitous mechanism in eukaryotes catalyzed by a family of enzymes called Protein S-Acyl Transferases (PATs). Since the discovery of the first PAT in yeast in 2002 research in S-acylation has accelerated in the mammalian system and followed by in plant. However, it is still a difficult field to study due to the large number of PATs and even larger number of putative S-acylated substrate proteins they modify in each genome. This is coupled with drawbacks in the techniques used to study S-acylation, leading to the slower progress in this field compared to protein phosphorylation, for example. In this review we will summarize the discoveries made so far based on knowledge learnt from the characterization of protein S-acyltransferases and the S-acylated proteins, the interaction mechanisms between PAT and its specific substrate protein(s) in yeast and mammals. Research in protein S-acylation and PATs in plants will also be covered although this area is currently less well studied in yeast and mammalian systems.

Interaction of Rif1 Protein with G-Quadruplex in Control of Chromosome Transactions

Recent studies on G-quadruplex (G4) revealed crucial and conserved functions of G4 in various biological systems. We recently showed that Rif1, a conserved nuclear factor, binds to G4 present in the intergenic regions and plays a major role in spatiotemporal regulation of DNA replication. Rif1 may tether chromatin fibers through binding to G4, generating specific chromatin domains that dictate the replication timing. G4 and its various binding partners are now implicated in many other chromosome regulations, including transcription, replication initiation, recombination, gene rearrangement, and transposition.

Lipids contribute to epigenetic control via chromatin structure and functions

Abstract Isolated cases of experimental evidence over the last few decades have shown that, where specifically tested, both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have specific lipid species bound to nucleoproteins of the genome. In vitro, some of these lipid species exhibit stoichiometric association with DNA polynucleotides with differential affinities toward certain secondary and tertiary structures. Hydrophobic interactions with inner nuclear membrane could provide attractive anchor points for lipid-modified nucleoproteins in organizing the dynamic genome and accordingly there are precedents for covalent bonds between lipids and core histones and, under certain conditions, even DNA. Advances in biophysics, functional genomics, and proteomics in recent years brought about the first sparks of light that promises to uncover some coherent new level of the epigenetic code governed by certain types of lipid–lipid, DNA–lipid, and DNA-protein–lipid interactions among other biochemical lipid transactions in the nucleus. Here, we review some of the older and more recent findings and speculate on how critical nuclear lipid transactions are for individual cells, tissues, and organisms.

A gradient of maternal Bicaudal-C controls vertebrate embryogenesis via translational repression of mRNAs encoding cell fate regulators

Vertebrate Bicaudal-C (Bicc1) has important biological roles in the formation and homeostasis of multiple organs, but direct experiments to address the role of maternal Bicc1 in early vertebrate embryogenesis have not been reported. Here, we use antisense phosphorothioate-modified oligonucleotides and the host-transfer technique to eliminate specifically maternal stores of both bicc1 mRNA and Bicc1 protein from Xenopus laevis eggs. Fertilization of these Bicc1-depleted eggs produced embryos with an excess of dorsal-anterior structures and overexpressed organizer-specific genes, indicating that maternal Bicc1 is crucial for normal embryonic patterning of the vertebrate embryo. Bicc1 is an RNA-binding protein with robust translational repression function. Here, we show that the maternal mRNA encoding the cell-fate regulatory protein Wnt11b is a direct target of Bicc1-mediated repression. It is well established that the Wnt signaling pathway is crucial to vertebrate embryogenesis. Thus, the work presented here links the molecular function of Bicc1 in mRNA target-specific translation repression to its biological role in the maternally controlled stages of vertebrate embryogenesis.

Identification of new palmitoylated proteins in Toxoplasma gondii

Protein palmitoylation has been shown to be an important post-translational modification in eukaryotic cells. This modification alters the localization and/or the function of the targeted protein. In recent years, protein palmitoylation has risen in importance in apicomplexan parasites as well. In Toxoplasma gondii, some proteins have been reported to be modified by palmitate. With the development of new techniques that allow the isolation of palmitoylated proteins, this significant post-translational modification has begun to be studied in more detail in T. gondii. Here we describe the palmitoylome of the tachyzoite stage of T. gondii using a combination of the acyl-biotin exchange chemistry method and mass spectrometry analysis. We identified 401 proteins found in multiple cellular compartments, with a wide range of functions that vary from metabolic processes, gliding and host-cell invasion to even regulation of transcription and translation. Besides, we found that more rhoptry proteins than the ones already described for Toxoplasma are palmitoylated, suggesting an important role for this modification in the invasion mechanism of the host-cell. This study documents that protein palmitoylation is a common modification in T. gondii that could have an impact on different cellular processes.

Lipids contribute to epigenetic control via chromatin structure and functions

Abstract Isolated cases of experimental evidence over the last few decades have shown that, where specifically tested, both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have specific lipid molecules bound to nucleoproteins of the genome. In vitro, some of these lipids exhibit stoichiometric association with DNA polynucleotides with differential affinities toward certain secondary and tertiary structures. Hydrophobic interactions with inner nuclear membrane could provide attractive anchor points for lipid-modified nucleoproteins in organizing the dynamic genome and accordingly there are precedents for covalent bonds between lipids and core histones and, under certain conditions, even DNA. Advances in biophysics, functional genomics, and proteomics in recent years brought about the first sparks of light that promises to uncover some coherent new level of the epigenetic code governed by certain types of lipid–lipid, DNA–lipid, and protein–lipid interactions among other biochemical lipid transactions in the nucleus. Here, we review some of the older and more recent findings and speculate on how critical nuclear lipid transactions are for individual cells, tissues, and organisms.

Rif1 binds to G quadruplexes and suppresses replication over long distances

Rif1 regulates replication timing and repair of double-strand DNA breaks. Using a chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing method, we identified 35 high-affinity Rif1-binding sites in fission yeast chromosomes. Binding sites tended to be located near dormant origins and to contain at least two copies of a conserved motif, CNWWGTGGGGG. Base substitution within these motifs resulted in complete loss of Rif1 binding and in activation of late-firing or dormant origins located up to 50 kb away. We show that Rif1-binding sites adopt G quadruplex-like structures in vitro, in a manner dependent on the conserved sequence and on other G tracts, and that purified Rif1 preferentially binds to this structure. These results suggest that Rif1 recognizes and binds G quadruplex-like structures at selected intergenic regions, thus generating local chromatin structures that may exert long-range suppressive effects on origin firing.

SwissPalm: Protein Palmitoylation database

Protein S-palmitoylation is a reversible post-translational modification that regulates many key biological processes, although the full extent and functions of protein S-palmitoylation remain largely unexplored. Recent developments of new chemical methods have allowed the establishment of palmitoyl-proteomes of a variety of cell lines and tissues from different species.  As the amount of information generated by these high-throughput studies is increasing, the field requires centralization and comparison of this information. Here we present SwissPalm ( http://swisspalm.epfl.ch), our open, comprehensive, manually curated resource to study protein S-palmitoylation. It currently encompasses more than 5000 S-palmitoylated protein hits from seven species, and contains more than 500 specific sites of S-palmitoylation. SwissPalm also provides curated information and filters that increase the confidence in true positive hits, and integrates predictions of S-palmitoylated cysteine scores, orthologs and isoform multiple alignments. Systems analysis of the palmitoyl-proteome screens indicate that 10% or more of the human proteome is susceptible to S-palmitoylation. Moreover, ontology and pathway analyses of the human palmitoyl-proteome reveal that key biological functions involve this reversible lipid modification. Comparative analysis finally shows a strong crosstalk between S-palmitoylation and other post-translational modifications. Through the compilation of data and continuous updates, SwissPalm will provide a powerful tool to unravel the global importance of protein S-palmitoylation.

The physiology of protein S-acylation

Protein S-acylation, the only fully reversible posttranslational lipid modification of proteins, is emerging as a ubiquitous mechanism to control the properties and function of a diverse array of proteins and consequently physiological processes. S-acylation results from the enzymatic addition of long-chain lipids, most typically palmitate, onto intracellular cysteine residues of soluble and transmembrane proteins via a labile thioester linkage. Addition of lipid results in increases in protein hydrophobicity that can impact on protein structure, assembly, maturation, trafficking, and function. The recent explosion in global S-acylation (palmitoyl) proteomic profiling as a result of improved biochemical tools to assay S-acylation, in conjunction with the recent identification of enzymes that control protein S-acylation and de-acylation, has opened a new vista into the physiological function of S-acylation. This review introduces key features of S-acylation and tools to interrogate this process, and highlights the eclectic array of proteins regulated including membrane receptors, ion channels and transporters, enzymes and kinases, signaling adapters and chaperones, cell adhesion, and structural proteins. We highlight recent findings correlating disruption of S-acylation to pathophysiology and disease and discuss some of the major challenges and opportunities in this rapidly expanding field.

Topoisomerase II inhibition suppresses the proliferation of telomerase-negative cancers

Telomere maintenance is required for chromosome stability, and telomeres are typically elongated by telomerase following DNA replication. In both tumor and yeast cells that lack telomerase, telomeres are maintained via an alternative recombination mechanism. Previous studies have indicated that yeast Sgs1 and Top3 may work together to remove highly negative supercoils that are generated from recombination. However, the mechanism by which cells eradicate highly positive supercoils during recombination remains unclear. In the present study, we demonstrate that TOP2 is involved in telomere-telomere recombination. Disturbance of telomeric structure by RIF1 or RIF2 deletion alleviates the requirement for TOP2 in telomere-telomere recombination. In human telomerase-negative alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) cells, TOP2α or TOP2β knockdown decreases ALT-associated PML bodies, increases telomere dysfunction-induced foci and triggers telomere shortening. Similar results were observed when ALT cells were treated with ICRF-193, a TOP2 inhibitor. Importantly, ICRF-193 treatment blocks ALT-associated phenotypes in vitro, causes telomere shortening, and inhibits ALT cell proliferation in mice. Taken together, these findings imply that TOP2 is involved in the ALT pathway, perhaps by resolving the highly positive supercoil structure at the front of the helicase. Inhibition of topoisomerase II may be a promising therapeutic approach that can be used to prevent cell proliferation in ALT-type cancer cells.

Discovery of Chromatin-Associated Proteins via Sequence-Specific Capture and Mass Spectrometric Protein Identification in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

DNA–protein interactions play critical roles in the control of genome expression and other fundamental processes. An essential element in understanding how these systems function is to identify their molecular components. We present here a novel strategy, Hybridization Capture of Chromatin Associated Proteins for Proteomics (HyCCAPP), to identify proteins that are interacting with any given region of the genome. This technology identifies and quantifies the proteins that are specifically interacting with a genomic region of interest by sequence-specific hybridization capture of the target region from in vivo cross-linked chromatin, followed by mass spectrometric identification and quantification of associated proteins. We demonstrate the utility of HyCCAPP by identifying proteins associated with three multicopy and one single-copy loci in yeast. In each case, a locus-specific pattern of target-associated proteins was revealed. The binding of previously unknown proteins was confirmed by ChIP in 11 of 17 cases. The identification of many previously known proteins at each locus provides strong support for the ability of HyCCAPP to correctly identify DNA-associated proteins in a sequence-specific manner, while the discovery of previously unknown proteins provides new biological insights into transcriptional and regulatory processes at the target locus.

Rif1 regulates initiation timing of late replication origins throughout the S. cerevisiae genome

Chromosomal DNA replication involves the coordinated activity of hundreds to thousands of replication origins. Individual replication origins are subject to epigenetic regulation of their activity during S-phase, resulting in differential efficiencies and timings of replication initiation during S-phase. This regulation is thought to involve chromatin structure and organization into timing domains with differential ability to recruit limiting replication factors. Rif1 has recently been identified as a genome-wide regulator of replication timing in fission yeast and in mammalian cells. However, previous studies in budding yeast have suggested that Rif1’s role in controlling replication timing may be limited to subtelomeric domains and derives from its established role in telomere length regulation. We have analyzed replication timing by analyzing BrdU incorporation genome-wide, and report that Rif1 regulates the timing of late/dormant replication origins throughout the S. cerevisiae genome. Analysis of pfa4Δ cells, which are defective in palmitoylation and membrane association of Rif1, suggests that replication timing regulation by Rif1 is independent of its role in localizing telomeres to the nuclear periphery. Intra-S checkpoint signaling is intact in rif1Δ cells, and checkpoint-defective mec1Δ cells do not comparably deregulate replication timing, together indicating that Rif1 regulates replication timing through a mechanism independent of this checkpoint. Our results indicate that the Rif1 mechanism regulates origin timing irrespective of proximity to a chromosome end, and suggest instead that telomere sequences merely provide abundant binding sites for proteins that recruit Rif1. Still, the abundance of Rif1 binding in telomeric domains may facilitate Rif1-mediated repression of non-telomeric origins that are more distal from centromeres.

Rif1 controls DNA replication by directing Protein Phosphatase 1 to reverse Cdc7-mediated phosphorylation of the MCM complex

Initiation of eukaryotic DNA replication requires phosphorylation of the MCM complex by Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK), composed of Cdc7 kinase and its activator, Dbf4. We report here that budding yeast Rif1 (Rap1-interacting factor 1) controls DNA replication genome-wide and describe how Rif1 opposes DDK function by directing Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1)-mediated dephosphorylation of the MCM complex. Deleting RIF1 partially compensates for the limited DDK activity in a cdc7-1 mutant strain by allowing increased, premature phosphorylation of Mcm4. PP1 interaction motifs within the Rif1 N-terminal domain are critical for its repressive effect on replication. We confirm that Rif1 interacts with PP1 and that PP1 prevents premature Mcm4 phosphorylation. Remarkably, our results suggest that replication repression by Rif1 is itself also DDK-regulated through phosphorylation near the PP1-interacting motifs. Based on our findings, we propose that Rif1 is a novel PP1 substrate targeting subunit that counteracts DDK-mediated phosphorylation during replication. Fission yeast and mammalian Rif1 proteins have also been implicated in regulating DNA replication. Since PP1 interaction sites are evolutionarily conserved within the Rif1 sequence, it is likely that replication control by Rif1 through PP1 is a conserved mechanism.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rif1 cooperates with MRX-Sae2 in promoting DNA-end resection

Diverse roles in DNA metabolism have been envisaged for budding yeast and mammalian Rif1. In particular, yeast Rif1 is involved in telomere homeostasis, while its mammalian counterpart participates in the cellular response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Here, we show that Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rif1 supports cell survival to DNA lesions in the absence of MRX or Sae2. Furthermore, it contributes to the nucleolytic processing (resection) of DSBs. This Rif1-dependent control of DSB resection becomes important for DSB repair by homologous recombination when resection activities are suboptimal.

A personal reflection on the replicon theory: from R1 plasmid to replication timing regulation in human cells

Fifty years after the Replicon Theory was originally presented, detailed mechanistic insight into prokaryotic replicons has been obtained and rapid progress is being made to elucidate the more complex regulatory mechanisms of replicon regulation in eukaryotic cells. Here, I present my personal perspectives on how studies of model replicons have contributed to our understanding of the basic mechanisms of DNA replication as well as the evolution of replication regulation in human cells. I will also discuss how replication regulation contributes to the stable maintenance of the genome and how disruption of replication regulation leads to human diseases.

Bicaudal-C spatially controls translation of vertebrate maternal mRNAs

The Xenopus Cripto-1 protein is confined to the cells of the animal hemisphere during early embryogenesis where it regulates the formation of anterior structures. Cripto-1 protein accumulates only in animal cells because cripto-1 mRNA in cells of the vegetal hemisphere is translationally repressed. Here, we show that the RNA binding protein, Bicaudal-C (Bic-C), functioned directly in this vegetal cell-specific repression. While Bic-C protein is normally confined to vegetal cells, ectopic expression of Bic-C in animal cells repressed a cripto-1 mRNA reporter and associated with endogenous cripto-1 mRNA. Repression by Bic-C required its N-terminal domain, comprised of multiple KH motifs, for specific binding to relevant control elements within the cripto-1 mRNA and a functionally separable C-terminal translation repression domain. Bic-C-mediated repression required the 5' CAP and translation initiation factors, but not a poly(A) tail or the conserved SAM domain within Bic-C. Bic-C-directed immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing of associated mRNAs identified multiple Bic-C-regulated mRNA targets, including cripto-1 mRNA, providing new insights and tools for understanding the role of Bic-C in vertebrate development.

Environmental stresses disrupt telomere length homeostasis

Telomeres protect the chromosome ends from degradation and play crucial roles in cellular aging and disease. Recent studies have additionally found a correlation between psychological stress, telomere length, and health outcome in humans. However, studies have not yet explored the causal relationship between stress and telomere length, or the molecular mechanisms underlying that relationship. Using yeast as a model organism, we show that stresses may have very different outcomes: alcohol and acetic acid elongate telomeres, whereas caffeine and high temperatures shorten telomeres. Additional treatments, such as oxidative stress, show no effect. By combining genome-wide expression measurements with a systematic genetic screen, we identify the Rap1/Rif1 pathway as the central mediator of the telomeric response to environmental signals. These results demonstrate that telomere length can be manipulated, and that a carefully regulated homeostasis may become markedly deregulated in opposing directions in response to different environmental cues.

Over 70 years ago, Barbara McClintock described telomeres and hypothesized about their role in protecting the integrity of chromosomes. Since then, scientists have shown that telomere length is highly regulated and associated with cell senescence and longevity, as well as with age-related disorders and cancer. Here, we show that despite their importance, the tight, highly complex regulation of telomeres may be disrupted by environmental cues, leading to changes in telomere length. We have introduced yeast cells to 13 different environmental stresses to show that some stresses directly alter telomere length. Our results indicate that alcohol and acetic acid elongate telomeres, while caffeine and high temperatures shorten telomeres. Using expression data, bioinformatics tools, and a large genetic screen, we explored the mechanisms responsible for the alterations of telomere length under several stress conditions. We identify Rap1 and Rif1, central players in telomere length maintenance, as the central proteins directly affected by external cues that respond by altering telomere length. Because many human diseases are related to alterations in telomere length that fuel the disease's pathology, controlling telomere length by manipulating simple stressing agents may point the way to effective treatment, and will supply scientists with an additional tool to study the machinery responsible for telomere length homeostasis.

Location, location, location: it's all in the timing for replication origins

The differential replication timing of eukaryotic replication origins has long been linked with epigenetic regulation of gene expression and more recently with genome stability and mutation rates; however, the mechanism has remained obscure. Recent studies have shed new light by identifying novel factors that determine origin timing in yeasts and mammalian cells and implicate the spatial organization of origins within nuclear territories in the mechanism. These new insights, along with recent findings that several initiation factors are limiting relative to licensed origins, support and shape an emerging model for replication timing control. The mechanisms that control the spatial organization of replication origins have potential impacts for genome regulation beyond replication.

Enforcement of a lifespan-sustaining distribution of Sir2 between telomeres, mating-type loci, and rDNA repeats by Rif1

Telomere dysfunction is linked with genome instability and premature aging. Roles for sirtuin proteins at telomeres are thought to promote lifespan in yeast and mammals. However, replicative lifespan of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae shortens upon deletion of Rif1, a protein that limits the recruitment of the sirtuin histone deacetylase Sir2 to telomeres. Here we show that Rif1 maintains replicative lifespan by ultimately stabilizing another age-related chromosomal domain harboring the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeats. Deletion of Rif1 increases Sir2 localization to telomeres and the silent mating-type loci, while releasing a pool of the histone deacetylase from the intergenic spacer 1 (IGS1) of rDNA. This is accompanied by a disruption of IGS1 silent chromatin assembly and increases in aberrant recombination within rDNA repeats. Lifespan defects linked with Rif1 deletion are abolished if rDNA repeats are forcibly stabilized via deletion of the replication fork-blocking protein Fob1. In addition, Sir2 overexpression prevents Rif1 deletion from disrupting Sir2 at IGS1 and shortening lifespan. Moreover, subjecting cells lacking Rif1 to caloric restriction increases IGS1 histone deacetylation and lifespan, while uncovering novel genetic interactions between RIF1 and SIR2. Our data indicate that Rif1 maintains lifespan-sustaining levels of Sir2 at rDNA by preventing excessive recruitment of the histone deacetylase to telomeric and silent mating-type loci. As sirtuin histone deacetylases, such as Sir2 or mammalian SIRT6, each operate at multiple age-related loci, we propose that factors limiting the localization of sirtuins to certain age-related loci can promote lifespan-sustaining roles of these sirtuins elsewhere in the genome.

Palmitoylation, pathogens and their host

S-Palmitoylation, the only reversible post-translational lipid modification, confers unique biochemical and functional properties to proteins. Although it has long been known that viral proteins are palmitoylated, recent studies reveal that this modification plays a critical role for pathogens of all kinds and at multiple steps of their life cycle. The present review examines the involvement of S-palmitoylation in infection by viruses, bacteria and parasites and illustrates how pathogens have evolved to manipulate the host palmitoylation machinery.

Structure and function in the budding yeast nucleus

Budding yeast, like other eukaryotes, carries its genetic information on chromosomes that are sequestered from other cellular constituents by a double membrane, which forms the nucleus. An elaborate molecular machinery forms large pores that span the double membrane and regulate the traffic of macromolecules into and out of the nucleus. In multicellular eukaryotes, an intermediate filament meshwork formed of lamin proteins bridges from pore to pore and helps the nucleus reform after mitosis. Yeast, however, lacks lamins, and the nuclear envelope is not disrupted during yeast mitosis. The mitotic spindle nucleates from the nucleoplasmic face of the spindle pole body, which is embedded in the nuclear envelope. Surprisingly, the kinetochores remain attached to short microtubules throughout interphase, influencing the position of centromeres in the interphase nucleus, and telomeres are found clustered in foci at the nuclear periphery. In addition to this chromosomal organization, the yeast nucleus is functionally compartmentalized to allow efficient gene expression, repression, RNA processing, genomic replication, and repair. The formation of functional subcompartments is achieved in the nucleus without intranuclear membranes and depends instead on sequence elements, protein-protein interactions, specific anchorage sites at the nuclear envelope or at pores, and long-range contacts between specific chromosomal loci, such as telomeres. Here we review the spatial organization of the budding yeast nucleus, the proteins involved in forming nuclear subcompartments, and evidence suggesting that the spatial organization of the nucleus is important for nuclear function.

Mouse Rif1 is a key regulator of the replication-timing programme in mammalian cells

The eukaryotic genome is replicated according to a specific spatio-temporal programme. However, little is known about both its molecular control and biological significance. Here, we identify mouse Rif1 as a key player in the regulation of DNA replication timing. We show that Rif1 deficiency in primary cells results in an unprecedented global alteration of the temporal order of replication. This effect takes place already in the first S-phase after Rif1 deletion and is neither accompanied by alterations in the transcriptional landscape nor by major changes in the biochemical identity of constitutive heterochromatin. In addition, Rif1 deficiency leads to both defective G1/S transition and chromatin re-organization after DNA replication. Together, these data offer a novel insight into the global regulation and biological significance of the replication-timing programme in mammalian cells.