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Aguilar R, Rosenberg M, Levy V, Lee JT. An evolving landscape of PRC2-RNA interactions in chromatin regulation. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2025:10.1038/s41580-025-00850-3. [PMID: 40307460 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-025-00850-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025]
Abstract
A major unsolved problem in epigenetics is how RNA regulates Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), a complex that trimethylates histone H3 Lys27 (H3K27me3) to form repressive chromatin. Key questions include how PRC2 binds RNA in vivo and what the functional consequences of binding are. In this Perspective, we expound on the viewpoint that RNA is integral to the stepwise regulation of PRC2 activity. Using the long non-coding RNA XIST and X chromosome inactivation as a model, we discuss evidence indicating that RNA is involved in PRC2 recruitment onto chromatin, in induction of its catalytic activity and in its eviction from chromatin. Studies have also implicated RNA in controlling promoter-proximal pausing of RNA polymerase II. The cumulative data argue that the functional consequences of PRC2-RNA interactions crucially depend on RNA conformation. We recognize that alternative hypotheses exist and therefore we attempt to integrate contrary data. Thus, although an RNA-rich landscape is emerging for Polycomb complexes, additional work is required to resolve a broad range of data interpretations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Aguilar
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Michael Rosenberg
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Vered Levy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeannie T Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Genetics, The Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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2
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Heikamp EB, Martucci C, Henrich JA, Neel DS, Mahendra-Rajah S, Rice H, Wenge DV, Perner F, Wen Y, Hatton C, Armstrong SA. NUP98 fusion proteins and KMT2A-MENIN antagonize PRC1.1 to drive gene expression in AML. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114901. [PMID: 39475509 PMCID: PMC11780541 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114901] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 10/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Control of stem cell-associated genes by Trithorax group (TrxG) and Polycomb group (PcG) proteins is frequently misregulated in cancer. In leukemia, oncogenic fusion proteins hijack the TrxG homolog KMT2A and disrupt PcG activity to maintain pro-leukemogenic gene expression, though the mechanisms by which oncofusion proteins antagonize PcG proteins remain unclear. Here, we define the relationship between NUP98 oncofusion proteins and the non-canonical polycomb repressive complex 1.1 (PRC1.1) in leukemia using Menin-KMT2A inhibitors and targeted degradation of NUP98 fusion proteins. Eviction of the NUP98 fusion-Menin-KMT2A complex from chromatin is not sufficient to silence pro-leukemogenic genes. In the absence of PRC1.1, key oncogenes remain transcriptionally active. Transition to a repressed chromatin state requires the accumulation of PRC1.1 and repressive histone modifications. We show that PRC1.1 loss leads to resistance to small-molecule Menin-KMT2A inhibitors in vivo. Therefore, a critical function of oncofusion proteins that hijack Menin-KMT2A activity is antagonizing repressive chromatin complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily B Heikamp
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Cynthia Martucci
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jill A Henrich
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dana S Neel
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Hannah Rice
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Daniela V Wenge
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Florian Perner
- Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Yanhe Wen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Charlie Hatton
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Scott A Armstrong
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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3
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Deforzh E, Kharel P, Zhang Y, Karelin A, El Khayari A, Ivanov P, Krichevsky AM. HOXDeRNA activates a cancerous transcription program and super enhancers via genome-wide binding. Mol Cell 2024; 84:3950-3966.e6. [PMID: 39383879 PMCID: PMC11490371 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.09.018] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024]
Abstract
The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in malignant cell transformation remains elusive. We previously identified an enhancer-associated lncRNA, LINC01116 (named HOXDeRNA), as a transformative factor converting human astrocytes into glioma-like cells. Employing a combination of CRISPR editing, chromatin isolation by RNA purification coupled with sequencing (ChIRP-seq), in situ mapping RNA-genome interactions (iMARGI), chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), HiC, and RNA/DNA FISH, we found that HOXDeRNA directly binds to CpG islands within the promoters of 35 glioma-specific transcription factors (TFs) distributed throughout the genome, including key stem cell TFs SOX2, OLIG2, POU3F2, and ASCL1, liberating them from PRC2 repression. This process requires a distinct RNA quadruplex structure and other segments of HOXDeRNA, interacting with EZH2 and CpGs, respectively. Subsequent transformation activates multiple oncogenes (e.g., EGFR, miR-21, and WEE1), driven by the SOX2- and OLIG2-dependent glioma-specific super enhancers. These results help reconstruct the sequence of events underlying the process of astrocyte transformation, highlighting HOXDeRNA's central genome-wide activity and suggesting a shared RNA-dependent mechanism in otherwise heterogeneous and multifactorial gliomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Deforzh
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Prakash Kharel
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yanhong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anton Karelin
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Abdellatif El Khayari
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), UM6P Faculty of Medical Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben-Guerir 43150, Morocco
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anna M Krichevsky
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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4
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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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5
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Gong L, Liu X, Yang X, Yu Z, Chen S, Xing C, Liu X. EPOP Restricts PRC2.1 Targeting to Chromatin by Directly Modulating Enzyme Complex Dimerization. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.10.612337. [PMID: 39314288 PMCID: PMC11419040 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.10.612337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) mediates developmental gene repression as two classes of holocomplexes, PRC2.1 and PRC2.2. EPOP is an accessory subunit specific to PRC2.1, which also contains PCL proteins. Unlike other accessory subunits that collectively facilitate PRC2 targeting, EPOP was implicated in an enigmatic inhibitory role, together with its interactor Elongin BC. We report an unusual molecular mechanism whereby EPOP regulates PRC2.1 by directly modulating its oligomerization state. EPOP disrupts the PRC2.1 dimer and weakens its chromatin association, likely by disabling the avidity effect conferred by the dimeric complex. Congruently, an EPOP mutant specifically defective in PRC2 binding enhances genome-wide enrichments of MTF2 and H3K27me3 in mouse epiblast-like cells. Elongin BC is largely dispensable for the EPOP-mediated inhibition of PRC2.1. EPOP defines a distinct subclass of PRC2.1, which uniquely maintains an epigenetic program by preventing the over-repression of key gene regulators along the continuum of early differentiation.
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6
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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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7
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Camellato BR, Brosh R, Ashe HJ, Maurano MT, Boeke JD. Synthetic reversed sequences reveal default genomic states. Nature 2024; 628:373-380. [PMID: 38448583 PMCID: PMC11006607 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07128-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Pervasive transcriptional activity is observed across diverse species. The genomes of extant organisms have undergone billions of years of evolution, making it unclear whether these genomic activities represent effects of selection or 'noise'1-4. Characterizing default genome states could help understand whether pervasive transcriptional activity has biological meaning. Here we addressed this question by introducing a synthetic 101-kb locus into the genomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mus musculus and characterizing genomic activity. The locus was designed by reversing but not complementing human HPRT1, including its flanking regions, thus retaining basic features of the natural sequence but ablating evolved coding or regulatory information. We observed widespread activity of both reversed and native HPRT1 loci in yeast, despite the lack of evolved yeast promoters. By contrast, the reversed locus displayed no activity at all in mouse embryonic stem cells, and instead exhibited repressive chromatin signatures. The repressive signature was alleviated in a locus variant lacking CpG dinucleotides; nevertheless, this variant was also transcriptionally inactive. These results show that synthetic genomic sequences that lack coding information are active in yeast, but inactive in mouse embryonic stem cells, consistent with a major difference in 'default genomic states' between these two divergent eukaryotic cell types, with implications for understanding pervasive transcription, horizontal transfer of genetic information and the birth of new genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ran Brosh
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah J Ashe
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew T Maurano
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jef D Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY, USA.
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8
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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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9
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Barrasa JI, Kahn TG, Lundkvist MJ, Schwartz YB. DNA elements tether canonical Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 to human genes. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11613-11633. [PMID: 37855680 PMCID: PMC10681801 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of multicellular animals requires epigenetic repression by Polycomb group proteins. The latter assemble in multi-subunit complexes, of which two kinds, Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) and Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), act together to repress key developmental genes. How PRC1 and PRC2 recognize specific genes remains an open question. Here we report the identification of several hundreds of DNA elements that tether canonical PRC1 to human developmental genes. We use the term tether to describe a process leading to a prominent presence of canonical PRC1 at certain genomic sites, although the complex is unlikely to interact with DNA directly. Detailed analysis indicates that sequence features associated with PRC1 tethering differ from those that favour PRC2 binding. Throughout the genome, the two kinds of sequence features mix in different proportions to yield a gamut of DNA elements that range from those tethering predominantly PRC1 or PRC2 to ones capable of tethering both complexes. The emerging picture is similar to the paradigmatic targeting of Polycomb complexes by Polycomb Response Elements (PREs) of Drosophila but providing for greater plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan I Barrasa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tatyana G Kahn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Moa J Lundkvist
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Yuri B Schwartz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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10
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Zhang W, Wang H, Ma Y, Gao B, Guan P, Huang X, Ouyang W, Guo M, Chen G, Li G, Li X. Domains Rearranged Methylase 2 maintains DNA methylation at large DNA hypomethylated shores and long-range chromatin interactions in rice. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 21:2333-2347. [PMID: 37539491 PMCID: PMC10579712 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation plays an important role in gene regulation and genomic stability. However, large DNA hypomethylated regions known as DNA methylation valleys (DMVs) or canyons have also been suggested to serve unique regulatory functions, largely unknown in rice (Oryza sativa). Here, we describe the DMVs in rice seedlings, which were highly enriched with developmental and transcription regulatory genes. Further detailed analysis indicated that grand DMVs (gDMVs) might be derived from nuclear integrants of organelle DNA (NORGs). Furthermore, Domains Rearranged Methylase 2 (OsDRM2) maintained DNA methylation at short DMV (sDMV) shores. Epigenetic maps indicated that sDMVs were marked with H3K4me3 and/or H3K27me3, although the loss of DNA methylation had a negligible effect on histone modification within these regions. In addition, we constructed H3K27me3-associated interaction maps for homozygous T-DNA insertion mutant of the gene (osdrm2) and wild type (WT). From a global perspective, most (90%) compartments were stable between osdrm2 and WT plants. At a high resolution, we observed a dramatic loss of long-range chromatin loops in osdrm2, which suffered an extensive loss of non-CG (CHG and CHH, H = A, T, or C) methylation. From another viewpoint, the loss of non-CG methylation at sDMV shores in osdrm2 could disrupt H3K27me3-mediated chromatin interaction networks. Overall, our results demonstrated that DMVs are a key genomic feature in rice and are precisely regulated by epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications. OsDRM2 maintained DNA methylation at sDMV shores, while OsDRM2 deficiency strongly affected three-dimensional (3D) genome architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Huanhuan Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of InformaticsHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yuning Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Baibai Gao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Pengpeng Guan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of InformaticsHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xingyu Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of InformaticsHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Weizhi Ouyang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Minrong Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Guoting Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of InformaticsHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Guoliang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, College of InformaticsHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
- Shenzhen BranchGuangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGenome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of AgricultureAgricultural Genomics Institute at ShenzhenChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and HealthHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xingwang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHubei Hongshan LaboratoryHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
- Shenzhen BranchGuangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGenome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of AgricultureAgricultural Genomics Institute at ShenzhenChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and HealthHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
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11
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Macrae TA, Fothergill-Robinson J, Ramalho-Santos M. Regulation, functions and transmission of bivalent chromatin during mammalian development. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:6-26. [PMID: 36028557 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cells differentiate and progress through development guided by a dynamic chromatin landscape that mediates gene expression programmes. During development, mammalian cells display a paradoxical chromatin state: histone modifications associated with gene activation (trimethylated histone H3 Lys4 (H3K4me3)) and with gene repression (trimethylated H3 Lys27 (H3K27me3)) co-occur at promoters of developmental genes. This bivalent chromatin modification state is thought to poise important regulatory genes for expression or repression during cell-lineage specification. In this Review, we discuss recent work that has expanded our understanding of the molecular basis of bivalent chromatin and its contributions to mammalian development. We describe the factors that establish bivalency, especially histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2B (KMT2B) and Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), and consider evidence indicating that PRC1 shapes bivalency and may contribute to its transmission between generations. We posit that bivalency is a key feature of germline and embryonic stem cells, as well as other types of stem and progenitor cells. Finally, we discuss the relevance of bivalent chromtin to human development and cancer, and outline avenues of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha A Macrae
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Julie Fothergill-Robinson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Miguel Ramalho-Santos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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12
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Wang K, Dai R, Xia Y, Tian J, Jiao C, Mikhailova T, Zhang C, Chen C, Liu C. Spatiotemporal specificity of correlated DNA methylation and gene expression pairs across different human tissues and stages of brain development. Epigenetics 2022; 17:1110-1127. [PMID: 34652256 PMCID: PMC9543113 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1993607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAm) that occurs on promoter regions is primarily considered to repress gene expression. Previous studies indicated that DNAm could also show positive correlations with gene expression. Both DNAm and gene expression profiles are known to be tissue- and development-specific. This study aims to investigate how DNAm and gene expression are coordinated across different human tissues and developmental stages, as well as the biological significance of such correlations. By analyzing 2,239 samples with both DNAm and gene expression data in the same human subjects obtained from six published datasets, we evaluated the correlations between gene and CpG pairs (GCPs) at cis-regions and compared significantly correlated GCPs (cGCPs) across different tissues and brains at different age groups. A total of 37,363 cGCPs was identified in the six datasets; approximately 38% of the cGCPs were positively correlated. The majority (>90%) of cGCPs was tissue- or development-specific. We also observed that the correlation direction can be opposite in different tissues and ages. Further analysis highlights the importance of cGCPs for their cellular functions and potential roles in complex traits and human diseases. For instance, the early developmental brain possessed a highly unique set of cGCPs that were associated with neurogenesis and psychiatric disorders. By assessing the epigenetic factors involved in cGCPs, we discovered novel regulatory mechanisms of positive cGCPs distinct from negative cGCPs, which were related to multiple factors, such as H3K27me3, CTCF, and JARD2. The catalogue of cGCPs compiled can be used to guide functional interpretation of genetic and epigenetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangli Wang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Rujia Dai
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Yan Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Jianghua Tian
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chuan Jiao
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Tatiana Mikhailova
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Chunling Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, Ny, USA
| | - Chao Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, Ny, USA
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13
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Jin J, Ohama N, He X, Wu HW, Chua NH. Tissue-specific transcriptomic analysis uncovers potential roles of natural antisense transcripts in Arabidopsis heat stress response. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:997967. [PMID: 36160979 PMCID: PMC9498583 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.997967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are an important class of non-coding ribonucleic acids (RNAs) that have been shown to regulate gene expression. Using strand-specific RNA sequencing, 36,317 NAT pairs were identified, and 5,536 were specifically expressed under heat stress. We found distinct expression patterns between vegetative and reproductive tissues for both coding genes and genes encoding NATs. Genes for heat-responsive NATs are associated with relatively high levels of H3K4me3 and low levels of H3K27me2/3. On the other hand, small RNAs are significantly enriched in sequence overlapping regions of NAT pairs, and a large number of heat-responsive NATs pairs serve as potential precursors of nat-siRNAs. Collectively, our results suggest epigenetic modifications and small RNAs play important roles in the regulation of NAT expression, and highlight the potential significance of heat-inducible NATs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Jin
- China Tobacco Gene Research Center, Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Naohiko Ohama
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiujing He
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui-Wen Wu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nam-Hai Chua
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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14
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Verma A, Arya R, Brahmachari V. Identification of a polycomb responsive region in human HoxA cluster and its long-range interaction with polycomb enriched genomic regions. Gene 2022; 845:146832. [PMID: 36007803 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Polycomb and Trithorax group proteins (PcG, TrxG) epigenetically regulate developmental genes. These proteins bind with specific DNA elements, the Polycomb Response Element (PRE). Apart from mutations in polycomb/ trithorax proteins, altered cis-elements like PRE underlie the modified function and thus disease etiology. PREs are well studied in Drosophila, while only a few human PREs have been reported. We have identified a polycomb responsive DNA element, hPRE-HoxA3, in the intron of the HoxA3 gene. The hPRE-HoxA3 represses luciferase reporter activity in a PcG-dependent manner. The endogenous hPRE-HoxA3 element recruits PcG proteins and is enriched with repressive H3K27me3 marks, demonstrating that hPRE-HoxA3 is a part of the PcG-dependent gene regulatory network. Furthermore, it interacts with D11-12, the well-known PRE in the human Hox cluster. hPRE-Hox3 is a part of the 3-dimensional chromosomal domain organization as it is involved in the long-range interaction with other PcG enriched regions of Hox A, B, C, and D clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Verma
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India.
| | - Richa Arya
- Current address- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
| | - Vani Brahmachari
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
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15
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Hernández-Romero IA, Valdes VJ. De Novo Polycomb Recruitment and Repressive Domain Formation. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:25. [PMID: 35997371 PMCID: PMC9397058 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6030025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Every cell of an organism shares the same genome; even so, each cellular lineage owns a different transcriptome and proteome. The Polycomb group proteins (PcG) are essential regulators of gene repression patterning during development and homeostasis. However, it is unknown how the repressive complexes, PRC1 and PRC2, identify their targets and elicit new Polycomb domains during cell differentiation. Classical recruitment models consider the pre-existence of repressive histone marks; still, de novo target binding overcomes the absence of both H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub. The CpG islands (CGIs), non-core proteins, and RNA molecules are involved in Polycomb recruitment. Nonetheless, it is unclear how de novo targets are identified depending on the physiological context and developmental stage and which are the leading players stabilizing Polycomb complexes at domain nucleation sites. Here, we examine the features of de novo sites and the accessory elements bridging its recruitment and discuss the first steps of Polycomb domain formation and transcriptional regulation, comprehended by the experimental reconstruction of the repressive domains through time-resolved genomic analyses in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victor Julian Valdes
- Department of Cell Biology and Development, Institute of Cellular Physiology (IFC), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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16
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Liu X, Liu X. PRC2, Chromatin Regulation, and Human Disease: Insights From Molecular Structure and Function. Front Oncol 2022; 12:894585. [PMID: 35800061 PMCID: PMC9255955 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.894585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a multisubunit histone-modifying enzyme complex that mediates methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27). Trimethylated H3K27 (H3K27me3) is an epigenetic hallmark of gene silencing. PRC2 plays a crucial role in a plethora of fundamental biological processes, and PRC2 dysregulation has been repeatedly implicated in cancers and developmental disorders. Here, we review the current knowledge on mechanisms of cellular regulation of PRC2 function, particularly regarding H3K27 methylation and chromatin targeting. PRC2-related disease mechanisms are also discussed. The mode of action of PRC2 in gene regulation is summarized, which includes competition between H3K27 methylation and acetylation, crosstalk with transcription machinery, and formation of high-order chromatin structure. Recent progress in the structural biology of PRC2 is highlighted from the aspects of complex assembly, enzyme catalysis, and chromatin recruitment, which together provide valuable insights into PRC2 function in close-to-atomic detail. Future studies on the molecular function and structure of PRC2 in the context of native chromatin and in the presence of other regulators like RNAs will continue to deepen our understanding of the stability and plasticity of developmental transcriptional programs broadly impacted by PRC2.
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17
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Li J, Pinto-Duarte A, Zander M, Cuoco MS, Lai CY, Osteen J, Fang L, Luo C, Lucero JD, Gomez-Castanon R, Nery JR, Silva-Garcia I, Pang Y, Sejnowski TJ, Powell SB, Ecker JR, Mukamel EA, Behrens MM. Dnmt3a knockout in excitatory neurons impairs postnatal synapse maturation and increases the repressive histone modification H3K27me3. eLife 2022; 11:e66909. [PMID: 35604009 PMCID: PMC9170249 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Two epigenetic pathways of transcriptional repression, DNA methylation and polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), are known to regulate neuronal development and function. However, their respective contributions to brain maturation are unknown. We found that conditional loss of the de novo DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a in mouse excitatory neurons altered expression of synapse-related genes, stunted synapse maturation, and impaired working memory and social interest. At the genomic level, loss of Dnmt3a abolished postnatal accumulation of CG and non-CG DNA methylation, leaving adult neurons with an unmethylated, fetal-like epigenomic pattern at ~222,000 genomic regions. The PRC2-associated histone modification, H3K27me3, increased at many of these sites. Our data support a dynamic interaction between two fundamental modes of epigenetic repression during postnatal maturation of excitatory neurons, which together confer robustness on neuronal regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Li
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Antonio Pinto-Duarte
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Mark Zander
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Michael S Cuoco
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Chi-Yu Lai
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Julia Osteen
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Linjing Fang
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Core, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Chongyuan Luo
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Jacinta D Lucero
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Rosa Gomez-Castanon
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Joseph R Nery
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Isai Silva-Garcia
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Yan Pang
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Terrence J Sejnowski
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Susan B Powell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Joseph R Ecker
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| | - Eran A Mukamel
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - M Margarita Behrens
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
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18
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Owen BM, Davidovich C. DNA binding by polycomb-group proteins: searching for the link to CpG islands. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4813-4839. [PMID: 35489059 PMCID: PMC9122586 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group proteins predominantly exist in polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) that cooperate to maintain the repressed state of thousands of cell-type-specific genes. Targeting PRCs to the correct sites in chromatin is essential for their function. However, the mechanisms by which PRCs are recruited to their target genes in mammals are multifactorial and complex. Here we review DNA binding by polycomb group proteins. There is strong evidence that the DNA-binding subunits of PRCs and their DNA-binding activities are required for chromatin binding and CpG targeting in cells. In vitro, CpG-specific binding was observed for truncated proteins externally to the context of their PRCs. Yet, the mere DNA sequence cannot fully explain the subset of CpG islands that are targeted by PRCs in any given cell type. At this time we find very little structural and biophysical evidence to support a model where sequence-specific DNA-binding activity is required or sufficient for the targeting of CpG-dinucleotide sequences by polycomb group proteins while they are within the context of their respective PRCs, either PRC1 or PRC2. We discuss the current knowledge and open questions on how the DNA-binding activities of polycomb group proteins facilitate the targeting of PRCs to chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brady M Owen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - 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
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19
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DNMT3A-dependent DNA methylation is required for spermatogonial stem cells to commit to spermatogenesis. Nat Genet 2022; 54:469-480. [DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01040-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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20
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Janssen SM, Lorincz MC. Interplay between chromatin marks in development and disease. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:137-153. [PMID: 34608297 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00416-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAme) and histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) have important roles in transcriptional regulation. Although many reports have characterized the functions of such chromatin marks in isolation, recent genome-wide studies reveal surprisingly complex interactions between them. Here, we focus on the interplay between DNAme and methylation of specific lysine residues on the histone H3 tail. We describe the impact of genetic perturbation of the relevant methyltransferases in the mouse on the landscape of chromatin marks as well as the transcriptome. In addition, we discuss the specific neurodevelopmental growth syndromes and cancers resulting from pathogenic mutations in the human orthologues of these genes. Integrating these observations underscores the fundamental importance of crosstalk between DNA and histone H3 methylation in development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne M Janssen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Matthew C Lorincz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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21
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Lu D, Zhai J, Xi M. Regulation of DNA Methylation During Plant Endosperm Development. Front Genet 2022; 13:760690. [PMID: 35222527 PMCID: PMC8867698 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.760690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The endosperm is a vital storage tissue in plant seeds. It provides nutrients to the embryos or the seedlings during seed development and germination. Although the genetic information in the endosperm cannot be passed directly to the next generation, its inherited epigenetic marks affect gene expression and its development and, consequently, embryo and seed growth. DNA methylation is a major form of epigenetic modification that can be investigated to understand the epigenome changes during reproductive development. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore the effects of endosperm DNA methylation on crop yield and traits. In this review, we discuss the changes in DNA methylation and the resulting imprinted gene expression levels during plant endosperm development, as well as their effects on seed development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jixian Zhai
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Jixian Zhai, ; Mengli Xi,
| | - Mengli Xi
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Jixian Zhai, ; Mengli Xi,
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22
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Butz S, Schmolka N, Karemaker ID, Villaseñor R, Schwarz I, Domcke S, Uijttewaal ECH, Jude J, Lienert F, Krebs AR, de Wagenaar NP, Bao X, Zuber J, Elling U, Schübeler D, Baubec T. DNA sequence and chromatin modifiers cooperate to confer epigenetic bistability at imprinting control regions. Nat Genet 2022; 54:1702-1710. [PMID: 36333500 PMCID: PMC9649441 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01210-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is regulated by parental-specific DNA methylation of imprinting control regions (ICRs). Despite an identical DNA sequence, ICRs can exist in two distinct epigenetic states that are memorized throughout unlimited cell divisions and reset during germline formation. Here, we systematically study the genetic and epigenetic determinants of this epigenetic bistability. By iterative integration of ICRs and related DNA sequences to an ectopic location in the mouse genome, we first identify the DNA sequence features required for maintenance of epigenetic states in embryonic stem cells. The autonomous regulatory properties of ICRs further enabled us to create DNA-methylation-sensitive reporters and to screen for key components involved in regulating their epigenetic memory. Besides DNMT1, UHRF1 and ZFP57, we identify factors that prevent switching from methylated to unmethylated states and show that two of these candidates, ATF7IP and ZMYM2, are important for the stability of DNA and H3K9 methylation at ICRs in embryonic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Butz
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Molecular Life Science PhD Program of the Life Science Zurich Graduate School, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nina Schmolka
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Present Address: Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ino D. Karemaker
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rodrigo Villaseñor
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XPresent Address: Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabel Schwarz
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Domcke
- grid.482245.d0000 0001 2110 3787Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland ,grid.34477.330000000122986657Present Address: Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Esther C. H. Uijttewaal
- grid.473822.80000 0005 0375 3232Institute of Molecular Biotechnology Austria (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Julian Jude
- grid.14826.390000 0000 9799 657XResearch Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Lienert
- grid.482245.d0000 0001 2110 3787Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud R. Krebs
- grid.482245.d0000 0001 2110 3787Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland ,grid.4709.a0000 0004 0495 846XPresent Address: European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nathalie P. de Wagenaar
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Division of Genome Biology and Epigenetics, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Xue Bao
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Division of Genome Biology and Epigenetics, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes Zuber
- grid.14826.390000 0000 9799 657XResearch Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria ,grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrich Elling
- grid.473822.80000 0005 0375 3232Institute of Molecular Biotechnology Austria (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Dirk Schübeler
- grid.482245.d0000 0001 2110 3787Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tuncay Baubec
- Department of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Division of Genome Biology and Epigenetics, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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23
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Blackledge NP, Klose RJ. The molecular principles of gene regulation by Polycomb repressive complexes. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:815-833. [PMID: 34400841 PMCID: PMC7612013 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Precise control of gene expression is fundamental to cell function and development. Although ultimately gene expression relies on DNA-binding transcription factors to guide the activity of the transcription machinery to genes, it has also become clear that chromatin and histone post-translational modification have fundamental roles in gene regulation. Polycomb repressive complexes represent a paradigm of chromatin-based gene regulation in animals. The Polycomb repressive system comprises two central protein complexes, Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and PRC2, which are essential for normal gene regulation and development. Our early understanding of Polycomb function relied on studies in simple model organisms, but more recently it has become apparent that this system has expanded and diverged in mammals. Detailed studies are now uncovering the molecular mechanisms that enable mammalian PRC1 and PRC2 to identify their target sites in the genome, communicate through feedback mechanisms to create Polycomb chromatin domains and control transcription to regulate gene expression. In this Review, we discuss and contextualize the emerging principles that define how this fascinating chromatin-based system regulates gene expression in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert J Klose
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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24
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Holoch D, Wassef M, Lövkvist C, Zielinski D, Aflaki S, Lombard B, Héry T, Loew D, Howard M, Margueron R. A cis-acting mechanism mediates transcriptional memory at Polycomb target genes in mammals. Nat Genet 2021; 53:1686-1697. [PMID: 34782763 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-021-00964-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic inheritance of gene expression states enables a single genome to maintain distinct cellular identities. How histone modifications contribute to this process remains unclear. Using global chromatin perturbations and local, time-controlled modulation of transcription, we establish the existence of epigenetic memory of transcriptional activation for genes that can be silenced by the Polycomb group. This property emerges during cell differentiation and allows genes to be stably switched after a transient transcriptional stimulus. This transcriptional memory state at Polycomb targets operates in cis; however, rather than relying solely on read-and-write propagation of histone modifications, the memory is also linked to the strength of activating inputs opposing Polycomb proteins, and therefore varies with the cellular context. Our data and computational simulations suggest a model whereby transcriptional memory arises from double-negative feedback between Polycomb-mediated silencing and active transcription. Transcriptional memory at Polycomb targets thus depends not only on histone modifications but also on the gene-regulatory network and underlying identity of a cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Holoch
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris, France
| | - Michel Wassef
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris, France
| | - Cecilia Lövkvist
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK. .,Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Dina Zielinski
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris, France.,INSERM U900, Mines ParisTech, Paris, France
| | - Setareh Aflaki
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris, France
| | - Bérangère Lombard
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Proteomics Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Tiphaine Héry
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris, France
| | - Damarys Loew
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Proteomics Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Martin Howard
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Raphaël Margueron
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France. .,INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris, France.
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25
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Eto H, Kishi Y. Brain regionalization by Polycomb-group proteins and chromatin accessibility. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2100155. [PMID: 34536032 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
During brain development, neural precursor cells (NPCs) in different brain regions produce different types of neurons, and each of these regions plays a different role in the adult brain. Therefore, precise regionalization is essential in the early stages of brain development, and irregular regionalization has been proposed as the cause of neurodevelopmental disorders. The mechanisms underlying brain regionalization have been well studied in terms of morphogen-induced expression of critical transcription factors for regionalization. NPC potential in different brain regions is defined by chromatin structures that regulate the plasticity of gene expression. Herein, we present recent findings on the importance of chromatin structure in brain regionalization, particularly with respect to its regulation by Polycomb-group proteins and chromatin accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Eto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kishi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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26
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El-Sappah AH, Yan K, Huang Q, Islam MM, Li Q, Wang Y, Khan MS, Zhao X, Mir RR, Li J, El-Tarabily KA, Abbas M. Comprehensive Mechanism of Gene Silencing and Its Role in Plant Growth and Development. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:705249. [PMID: 34589097 PMCID: PMC8475493 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.705249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Gene silencing is a negative feedback mechanism that regulates gene expression to define cell fate and also regulates metabolism and gene expression throughout the life of an organism. In plants, gene silencing occurs via transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) and post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS). TGS obscures transcription via the methylation of 5' untranslated region (5'UTR), whereas PTGS causes the methylation of a coding region to result in transcript degradation. In this review, we summarized the history and molecular mechanisms of gene silencing and underlined its specific role in plant growth and crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H. El-Sappah
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
| | - Kuan Yan
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
| | - Qiulan Huang
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
- College of Tea Science, Yibin University, Yibin, China
| | | | - Quanzi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
| | - Muhammad Sarwar Khan
- Center of Agriculture Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Xianming Zhao
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
| | - Reyazul Rouf Mir
- Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST–K), Sopore, India
| | - Jia Li
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
| | - Khaled A. El-Tarabily
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Manzar Abbas
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
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27
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Park SH, Fong KW, Mong E, Martin MC, Schiltz GE, Yu J. Going beyond Polycomb: EZH2 functions in prostate cancer. Oncogene 2021; 40:5788-5798. [PMID: 34349243 PMCID: PMC8487936 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01982-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Polycomb group (PcG) protein Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is one of the three core subunits of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). It harbors histone methyltransferase activity (MTase) that specifically catalyze histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methylation on target gene promoters. As such, PRC2 are epigenetic silencers that play important roles in cellular identity and embryonic stem cell maintenance. In the past two decades, mounting evidence supports EZH2 mutations and/or over-expression in a wide array of hematological cancers and solid tumors, including prostate cancer. Further, EZH2 is among the most upregulated genes in neuroendocrine prostate cancers, which become abundant due to the clinical use of high-affinity androgen receptor pathway inhibitors. While numerous studies have reported epigenetic functions of EZH2 that inhibit tumor suppressor genes and promote tumorigenesis, discordance between EZH2 and H3K27 methylation has been reported. Further, enzymatic EZH2 inhibitors have shown limited efficacy in prostate cancer, warranting a more comprehensive understanding of EZH2 functions. Here we first review how canonical functions of EZH2 as a histone MTase are regulated and describe the various mechanisms of PRC2 recruitment to the chromatin. We further outline non-histone substrates of EZH2 and discuss post-translational modifications to EZH2 itself that may affect substrate preference. Lastly, we summarize non-canonical functions of EZH2, beyond its MTase activity and/or PRC2, as a transcriptional cofactor and discuss prospects of its therapeutic targeting in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su H Park
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ka-Wing Fong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ezinne Mong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - M Cynthia Martin
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Gary E Schiltz
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jindan Yu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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28
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Zhang C, Macchi F, Magnani E, Sadler KC. Chromatin states shaped by an epigenetic code confer regenerative potential to the mouse liver. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4110. [PMID: 34226551 PMCID: PMC8257577 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24466-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized that the highly controlled pattern of gene expression that is essential for liver regeneration is encoded by an epigenetic code set in quiescent hepatocytes. Here we report that epigenetic and transcriptomic profiling of quiescent and regenerating mouse livers define chromatin states that dictate gene expression and transposon repression. We integrate ATACseq and DNA methylation profiling with ChIPseq for the histone marks H3K4me3, H3K27me3 and H3K9me3 and the histone variant H2AZ to identify 6 chromatin states with distinct functional characteristics. We show that genes involved in proliferation reside in active states, but are marked with H3K27me3 and silenced in quiescent livers. We find that during regeneration, H3K27me3 is depleted from their promoters, facilitating their dynamic expression. These findings demonstrate that hepatic chromatin states in quiescent livers predict gene expression and that pro-regenerative genes are maintained in active chromatin states, but are restrained by H3K27me3, permitting a rapid and synchronized response during regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- grid.440573.1Biology Program, NYU Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Filippo Macchi
- grid.440573.1Biology Program, NYU Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Elena Magnani
- grid.440573.1Biology Program, NYU Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kirsten C. Sadler
- grid.440573.1Biology Program, NYU Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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29
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Shen Q, Lin Y, Li Y, Wang G. Dynamics of H3K27me3 Modification on Plant Adaptation to Environmental Cues. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10061165. [PMID: 34201297 PMCID: PMC8228231 DOI: 10.3390/plants10061165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Given their sessile nature, plants have evolved sophisticated regulatory networks to confer developmental plasticity for adaptation to fluctuating environments. Epigenetic codes, like tri-methylation of histone H3 on Lys27 (H3K27me3), are evidenced to account for this evolutionary benefit. Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and PRC1 implement and maintain the H3K27me3-mediated gene repression in most eukaryotic cells. Plants take advantage of this epigenetic machinery to reprogram gene expression in development and environmental adaption. Recent studies have uncovered a number of new players involved in the establishment, erasure, and regulation of H3K27me3 mark in plants, particularly highlighting new roles in plants’ responses to environmental cues. Here, we review current knowledge on PRC2-H3K27me3 dynamics occurring during plant growth and development, including its writers, erasers, and readers, as well as targeting mechanisms, and summarize the emerging roles of H3K27me3 mark in plant adaptation to environmental stresses.
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30
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Lorzadeh A, Romero-Wolf M, Goel A, Jadhav U. Epigenetic Regulation of Intestinal Stem Cells and Disease: A Balancing Act of DNA and Histone Methylation. Gastroenterology 2021; 160:2267-2282. [PMID: 33775639 PMCID: PMC8169626 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Genetic mutations or regulatory failures underlie cellular malfunction in many diseases, including colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases. However, mutational defects alone fail to explain the complexity of such disorders. Epigenetic regulation-control of gene action through chemical and structural changes of chromatin-provides a platform to integrate multiple extracellular inputs and prepares the cellular genome for appropriate gene expression responses. Coregulation by polycomb repressive complex 2-mediated trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 and DNA methylation has emerged as one of the most influential epigenetic controls in colorectal cancer and many other diseases, but molecular details remain inadequate. Here we review the molecular interplay of these epigenetic features in relation to gastrointestinal development, homeostasis, and disease biology. We discuss other epigenetic mechanisms pertinent to the balance of trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 and DNA methylation and their actions in gastrointestinal cancers. We also review the current molecular understanding of chromatin control in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Lorzadeh
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maile Romero-Wolf
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ajay Goel
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Unmesh Jadhav
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
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31
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Stielow B, Simon C, Liefke R. Making fundamental scientific discoveries by combining information from literature, databases, and computational tools - An example. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3027-3033. [PMID: 34136100 PMCID: PMC8175269 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the amount of available literature, data and computational tools has increased exponentially, providing opportunities and challenges to make use of this vast amount of material. Here, we describe how we utilized publicly available information to identify the previously hardly characterized protein SAMD1 (SAM domain-containing protein 1) as a novel unmethylated CpG island-binding protein. This discovery is an example, how the richness of material and tools on the internet can be used to make scientific breakthroughs, but also the hurdles that may occur. Specifically, we discuss how the misrepresentation of SAMD1 in literature and databases may have prevented an earlier characterization of this protein and we address what can be learned from this example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Stielow
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Philipps University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Clara Simon
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Philipps University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Robert Liefke
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Philipps University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Corresponding author at: Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Philipps University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
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32
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Li Y, Chen X, Lu C. The interplay between DNA and histone methylation: molecular mechanisms and disease implications. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e51803. [PMID: 33844406 PMCID: PMC8097341 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202051803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylation of cytosine in CpG dinucleotides and histone lysine and arginine residues is a chromatin modification that critically contributes to the regulation of genome integrity, replication, and accessibility. A strong correlation exists between the genome-wide distribution of DNA and histone methylation, suggesting an intimate relationship between these epigenetic marks. Indeed, accumulating literature reveals complex mechanisms underlying the molecular crosstalk between DNA and histone methylation. These in vitro and in vivo discoveries are further supported by the finding that genes encoding DNA- and histone-modifying enzymes are often mutated in overlapping human diseases. Here, we summarize recent advances in understanding how DNA and histone methylation cooperate to maintain the cellular epigenomic landscape. We will also discuss the potential implication of these insights for understanding the etiology of, and developing biomarkers and therapies for, human congenital disorders and cancers that are driven by chromatin abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglu Li
- Department of Genetics and Development and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer CenterColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Genetics and Development and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer CenterColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Chao Lu
- Department of Genetics and Development and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer CenterColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA
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33
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Elsherbiny A, Dobreva G. Epigenetic memory of cell fate commitment. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 69:80-87. [PMID: 33535129 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
During development, discrete cell fates are established in precise spatiotemporal order guided by morphogen signals. These signals converge in the nucleus to induce transcriptional and epigenetic programming that determines cell fate. Once cell identity is established, cell programs have to be accurately sustained through multiple rounds of cell division, during which DNA replication serves as a window of opportunity for altering cell fate. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the molecular players that underlie epigenetic memory of cell fate decisions, with a particular focus on histone modifications and mitotic bookmarking factors. We also discuss the different mechanisms of inheritance of repressed and active chromatin states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Elsherbiny
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Germany
| | - Gergana Dobreva
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Germany.
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34
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Vincent JB, Ausió J. MeCP2: latest insights fundamentally change our understanding of its interactions with chromatin and its functional attributes. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2000281. [PMID: 33416207 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) was initially isolated as an exclusive reader of DNA methylated at CpG. This recognition site, was subsequently extended to other DNA methylated residues and it has been the persisting dogma that binding to methylated DNA constitutes its physiologically relevant role. As we review here, two very recent papers fundamentally change our understanding of the interactions of this protein with chromatin, as well as its functional attributes. In the first one, the protein has been shown to bind to tri-methylated histone H3 (H3K27me3), providing a hint for what might turn out to be the first described chromodomain-containing protein reader in the animal kingdom, and unequivocally demonstrates the ability of MeCP2 to bind to nonmethylated CpG regions of the genome. The second paper reports how the protein dynamically participates in the formation of constitutive heterochromatin condensates. Histone H3K27me3 is a critical component of this form of chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Vincent
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry & Development (MiND) Lab, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juan Ausió
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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35
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Liu X. A Structural Perspective on Gene Repression by Polycomb Repressive Complex 2. Subcell Biochem 2020; 96:519-562. [PMID: 33252743 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-58971-4_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) is a major repressive chromatin complex formed by the Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins. PRC2 mediates trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3), a hallmark of gene silencing. PRC2 is a key regulator of development, impacting many fundamental biological processes, like stem cell differentiation in mammals and vernalization in plants. Misregulation of PRC2 function is linked to a variety of human cancers and developmental disorders. In correlation with its diverse roles in development, PRC2 displays a high degree of compositional complexity and plasticity. Structural biology research over the past decade has shed light on the molecular mechanisms of the assembly, catalysis, allosteric activation, autoinhibition, chemical inhibition, dimerization and chromatin targeting of various developmentally regulated PRC2 complexes. In addition to these aspects, structure-function analysis is also discussed in connection with disease data in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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36
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Yang Y, Li G. Post-translational modifications of PRC2: signals directing its activity. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:47. [PMID: 33129354 PMCID: PMC7603765 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00369-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a chromatin-modifying enzyme that catalyses the methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me1/2/3). This complex maintains gene transcriptional repression and plays an essential role in the maintenance of cellular identity as well as normal organismal development. The activity of PRC2, including its genomic targeting and catalytic activity, is controlled by various signals. Recent studies have revealed that these signals involve cis chromatin features, PRC2 facultative subunits and post-translational modifications (PTMs) of PRC2 subunits. Overall, these findings have provided insight into the biochemical signals directing PRC2 function, although many mysteries remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Gang Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China. .,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China. .,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
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37
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Chetverina DA, Lomaev DV, Erokhin MM. Polycomb and Trithorax Group Proteins: The Long Road from Mutations in Drosophila to Use in Medicine. Acta Naturae 2020; 12:66-85. [PMID: 33456979 PMCID: PMC7800605 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins are evolutionarily conserved factors responsible for the repression and activation of the transcription of multiple genes in Drosophila and mammals. Disruption of the PcG/TrxG expression is associated with many pathological conditions, including cancer, which makes them suitable targets for diagnosis and therapy in medicine. In this review, we focus on the major PcG and TrxG complexes, the mechanisms of PcG/TrxG action, and their recruitment to chromatin. We discuss the alterations associated with the dysfunction of a number of factors of these groups in oncology and the current strategies used to develop drugs based on small-molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. A. Chetverina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - D. V. Lomaev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - M. M. Erokhin
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
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38
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Madsen A, Höppner G, Krause J, Hirt MN, Laufer SD, Schweizer M, Tan WLW, Mosqueira D, Anene-Nzelu CG, Lim I, Foo RSY, Eschenhagen T, Stenzig J. An Important Role for DNMT3A-Mediated DNA Methylation in Cardiomyocyte Metabolism and Contractility. Circulation 2020; 142:1562-1578. [PMID: 32885664 PMCID: PMC7566310 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.119.044444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: DNA methylation acts as a mechanism of gene transcription regulation. It has recently gained attention as a possible therapeutic target in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. However, its exact role in cardiomyocytes remains controversial. Thus, we knocked out the main de novo DNA methyltransferase in cardiomyocytes, DNMT3A, in human induced pluripotent stem cells. Functional consequences of DNA methylation-deficiency under control and stress conditions were then assessed in human engineered heart tissue from knockout human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes. Methods: DNMT3A was knocked out in human induced pluripotent stem cells by CRISPR/Cas9gene editing. Fibrin-based engineered heart tissue was generated from knockout and control human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes. Development and baseline contractility were analyzed by video-optical recording. Engineered heart tissue was subjected to different stress protocols, including serum starvation, serum variation, and restrictive feeding. Molecular, histological, and ultrastructural analyses were performed afterward. Results: Knockout of DNMT3A in human cardiomyocytes had three main consequences for cardiomyocyte morphology and function: (1) Gene expression changes of contractile proteins such as higher atrial gene expression and lower MYH7/MYH6 ratio correlated with different contraction kinetics in knockout versus wild-type; (2) Aberrant activation of the glucose/lipid metabolism regulator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma was associated with accumulation of lipid vacuoles within knockout cardiomyocytes; (3) Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α protein instability was associated with impaired glucose metabolism and lower glycolytic enzyme expression, rendering knockout-engineered heart tissue sensitive to metabolic stress such as serum withdrawal and restrictive feeding. Conclusion: The results suggest an important role of DNA methylation in the normal homeostasis of cardiomyocytes and during cardiac stress, which could make it an interesting target for cardiac therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Madsen
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.M., G.H., M.N.H., S.D.L., T.E., J.S.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany (A.M., G.H., J.K., M.N.H., S.D.L., T.E., J.S.)
| | - Grit Höppner
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.M., G.H., M.N.H., S.D.L., T.E., J.S.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany (A.M., G.H., J.K., M.N.H., S.D.L., T.E., J.S.)
| | - Julia Krause
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany (A.M., G.H., J.K., M.N.H., S.D.L., T.E., J.S.).,Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Germany (J.K.)
| | - Marc N Hirt
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.M., G.H., M.N.H., S.D.L., T.E., J.S.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany (A.M., G.H., J.K., M.N.H., S.D.L., T.E., J.S.)
| | - Sandra D Laufer
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.M., G.H., M.N.H., S.D.L., T.E., J.S.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany (A.M., G.H., J.K., M.N.H., S.D.L., T.E., J.S.)
| | - Michaela Schweizer
- Department of Morphology and Electron Microscopy, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (M.S.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Diogo Mosqueira
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom (D.M.)
| | - Chukwuemeka George Anene-Nzelu
- Genome Institute of Singapore (W.L.W.T., C.G.A.-N., I.L., R.S.Y.F.).,Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University of Singapore (C.G.A.-N., I.L., R.S.Y.F.)
| | - Ives Lim
- Genome Institute of Singapore (W.L.W.T., C.G.A.-N., I.L., R.S.Y.F.)
| | - Roger S Y Foo
- Genome Institute of Singapore (W.L.W.T., C.G.A.-N., I.L., R.S.Y.F.).,Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University of Singapore (C.G.A.-N., I.L., R.S.Y.F.)
| | - Thomas Eschenhagen
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.M., G.H., M.N.H., S.D.L., T.E., J.S.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany (A.M., G.H., J.K., M.N.H., S.D.L., T.E., J.S.)
| | - Justus Stenzig
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.M., G.H., M.N.H., S.D.L., T.E., J.S.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany (A.M., G.H., J.K., M.N.H., S.D.L., T.E., J.S.)
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DeLuca SZ, Ghildiyal M, Pang LY, Spradling AC. Differentiating Drosophila female germ cells initiate Polycomb silencing by regulating PRC2-interacting proteins. eLife 2020; 9:e56922. [PMID: 32773039 PMCID: PMC7438113 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb silencing represses gene expression and provides a molecular memory of chromatin state that is essential for animal development. We show that Drosophila female germline stem cells (GSCs) provide a powerful system for studying Polycomb silencing. GSCs have a non-canonical distribution of PRC2 activity and lack silenced chromatin like embryonic progenitors. As GSC daughters differentiate into nurse cells and oocytes, nurse cells, like embryonic somatic cells, silence genes in traditional Polycomb domains and in generally inactive chromatin. Developmentally controlled expression of two Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-interacting proteins, Pcl and Scm, initiate silencing during differentiation. In GSCs, abundant Pcl inhibits PRC2-dependent silencing globally, while in nurse cells Pcl declines and newly induced Scm concentrates PRC2 activity on traditional Polycomb domains. Our results suggest that PRC2-dependent silencing is developmentally regulated by accessory proteins that either increase the concentration of PRC2 at target sites or inhibit the rate that PRC2 samples chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Z DeLuca
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Laboratories Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for ScienceBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Megha Ghildiyal
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Laboratories Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for ScienceBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Liang-Yu Pang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Laboratories Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for ScienceBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Allan C Spradling
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Laboratories Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for ScienceBaltimoreUnited States
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40
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Fourier N, Zolty M, Azriel A, Tedesco D, Levi BZ. MafK Mediates Chromatin Remodeling to Silence IRF8 Expression in Non-immune Cells in a Cell Type-SpecificManner. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:4544-4560. [PMID: 32534063 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of gene expression is a result of a complex interplay between chromatin remodeling, transcription factors, and signaling molecules. Cell differentiation is accompanied by chromatin remodeling of specific loci to permanently silence genes that are not essential for the differentiated cell activity. The molecular cues that recruit the chromatin remodeling machinery are not well characterized. IRF8 is an immune-cell specific transcription factor and its expression is augmented by interferon-γ. Therefore, it serves as a model gene to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing its silencing in non-immune cells. Ahigh-throughput shRNA library screen in IRF8 expression-restrictive cells enabled the identification of MafK as modulator of IRF8 silencing, affecting chromatin architecture. ChIP-Seq analysis revealed three MafK binding regions (-25 kb, -20 kb, and IRF8 6th intron) within the IRF8 locus. These MafK binding sites are sufficient to repress a reporter gene when cloned in genome-integrated lentiviral reporter constructs in only expression-restrictive cells. Conversely, plasmid-based constructs do not demonstrate such repressive effect. These results highlight the role of these MafK binding sites in mediating repressed chromatin assembly. Finally, a more thorough genomic analysis was performed, using CRISPR-Cas9 to delete MafK-int6 binding region in IRF8 expression-restrictive cells. Deleted clones exhibited an accessible chromatin conformation within the IRF8 locus that was accompanied by a significant increase in basal expression of IRF8 that was further induced by interferon-γ. Taken together, we identified and characterized several MafK binding elements within the IRF8 locus that mediate repressive chromatin conformation resulting in the silencing of IRF8 expression in a celltype-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitsan Fourier
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Maya Zolty
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Aviva Azriel
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Ben-Zion Levi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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41
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Kiani M, Salehi M, Mogheiseh A, Mohammadi-Yeganeh S, Shahidi S. The Effect of Increased miR-16-1 Levels in Mouse Embryos on Epigenetic Modification, Target Gene Expression, and Developmental Processes. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:2197-2210. [PMID: 32602050 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00240-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Changes in microRNA (miRNA) levels are present in numerous diseases. Although these changes are particularly noted in male infertility, little is known about the effects of increased miR-16-1 in sperm from infertile men. In this study, we assessed the effects of increased mir-16-1 expression on the developmental process, epigenetic changes, and target gene expressions. IVF embryos, 6 h after insemination, were divided into three groups: control, control negative (CN), and miR-16-1 harboring plasmid microinjection. The developmental rates of these embryos were recorded after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of culture. The levels of histone H3 lysine 4 tri-methylation (H3K4me3) and histone H3 lysine 27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3) were assessed in the 2-cell and blastocyst stages by immunofluorescence staining. Expression profiles of the miR16-1, Bax, Bcl-2, Suz12, and Kmt2a genes were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). There was a significant decrease from the 8-cell stage to the blastocyst stage of embryo development in the miR-16-1 harboring plasmid microinjection group. We observed substantial reductions in the amounts of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in the 2-cell and the blastocyst stages in the miR-16-1 harboring plasmid microinjection group (P ≤ 0.05). The miR-16-1 level in the miRNA group was higher than the control group in the 2-cell and the blastocyst stages. There was a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in Bax and decreases in Bcl2, Suz12, and Kmt2a following the injection of the miR-16-1 harboring plasmid. These results suggest that a change in miR-16-1 expression can significantly affect embryo development, epigenetic changes, and target gene expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Kiani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Salehi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box 193954717, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Asghar Mogheiseh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Samira Mohammadi-Yeganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box 193954717, Tehran, Iran
| | - Solmaz Shahidi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box 193954717, Tehran, Iran
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42
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Abstract
Predicting regulatory potential from primary DNA sequences or transcription factor binding patterns is not possible. However, the annotation of the genome by chromatin proteins, histone modifications, and differential compaction is largely sufficient to reveal the locations of genes and their differential activity states. The Polycomb Group (PcG) and Trithorax Group (TrxG) proteins are the central players in this cell type-specific chromatin organization. PcG function was originally viewed as being solely repressive and irreversible, as observed at the homeotic loci in flies and mammals. However, it is now clear that modular and reversible PcG function is essential at most developmental genes. Focusing mainly on recent advances, we review evidence for how PcG and TrxG patterns change dynamically during cell type transitions. The ability to implement cell type-specific transcriptional programming with exquisite fidelity is essential for normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitzi I Kuroda
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; ,
| | - Hyuckjoon Kang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; ,
| | - Sandip De
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA; ,
| | - Judith A Kassis
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA; ,
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43
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Abstract
Cell-type- and condition-specific profiles of gene expression require coordination between protein-coding gene promoters and cis-regulatory sequences called enhancers. Enhancers can stimulate gene activity at great genomic distances from their targets, raising questions about how enhancers communicate with specific gene promoters and what molecular mechanisms underlie enhancer function. Characterization of enhancer loci has identified the molecular features of active enhancers that accompany the binding of transcription factors and local opening of chromatin. These characteristics include coactivator recruitment, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA transcription. However, it remains unclear which of these features functionally contribute to enhancer activity. Here, we discuss what is known about how enhancers regulate their target genes and how enhancers and promoters communicate. Further, we describe recent data demonstrating many similarities between enhancers and the gene promoters they control, and we highlight unanswered questions in the field, such as the potential roles of transcription at enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Field
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Karen Adelman
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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44
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Identification of a PRC2 Accessory Subunit Required for Subtelomeric H3K27 Methylation in Neurospora crassa. Mol Cell Biol 2020; 40:MCB.00003-20. [PMID: 32179551 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00003-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) catalyzes methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27) in genomic regions of most eukaryotes and is critical for maintenance of the associated transcriptional repression. However, the mechanisms that shape the distribution of H3K27 methylation, such as recruitment of PRC2 to chromatin and/or stimulation of PRC2 activity, are unclear. Here, using a forward genetic approach in the model organism Neurospora crassa, we identified two alleles of a gene, NCU04278, encoding an unknown PRC2 accessory subunit (PAS). Loss of PAS resulted in losses of H3K27 methylation concentrated near the chromosome ends and derepression of a subset of associated subtelomeric genes. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry confirmed reciprocal interactions between PAS and known PRC2 subunits, and sequence similarity searches demonstrated that PAS is not unique to N. crassa PAS homologs likely influence the distribution of H3K27 methylation and underlying gene repression in a variety of fungal lineages.
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45
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Jadhav U, Manieri E, Nalapareddy K, Madha S, Chakrabarti S, Wucherpfennig K, Barefoot M, Shivdasani RA. Replicational Dilution of H3K27me3 in Mammalian Cells and the Role of Poised Promoters. Mol Cell 2020; 78:141-151.e5. [PMID: 32027840 PMCID: PMC7376365 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) places H3K27me3 at developmental genes and is causally implicated in keeping bivalent genes silent. It is unclear if that silence requires minimum H3K27me3 levels and how the mark transmits faithfully across mammalian somatic cell generations. Mouse intestinal cells lacking EZH2 methyltransferase reduce H3K27me3 proportionately at all PRC2 target sites, but ∼40% uniform residual levels keep target genes inactive. These genes, derepressed in PRC2-null villus cells, remain silent in intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation and computational modeling indicate that because unmodified histones dilute H3K27me3 by 50% each time DNA replicates, PRC2-deficient ISCs initially retain sufficient H3K27me3 to avoid gene derepression. EZH2 mutant human lymphoma cells also require multiple divisions before H3K27me3 dilution relieves gene silencing. In both cell types, promoters with high basal H3K4me2/3 activate in spite of some residual H3K27me3, compared to less-poised promoters. These findings have implications for PRC2 inhibition in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unmesh Jadhav
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elisa Manieri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kodandaramireddy Nalapareddy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shariq Madha
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shaon Chakrabarti
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Kai Wucherpfennig
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Ramesh A Shivdasani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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46
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Casa V, Moronta Gines M, Gade Gusmao E, Slotman JA, Zirkel A, Josipovic N, Oole E, van IJcken WFJ, Houtsmuller AB, Papantonis A, Wendt KS. Redundant and specific roles of cohesin STAG subunits in chromatin looping and transcriptional control. Genome Res 2020; 30:515-527. [PMID: 32253279 PMCID: PMC7197483 DOI: 10.1101/gr.253211.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cohesin is a ring-shaped multiprotein complex that is crucial for 3D genome organization and transcriptional regulation during differentiation and development. It also confers sister chromatid cohesion and facilitates DNA damage repair. Besides its core subunits SMC3, SMC1A, and RAD21, cohesin in somatic cells contains one of two orthologous STAG subunits, STAG1 or STAG2. How these variable subunits affect the function of the cohesin complex is still unclear. STAG1- and STAG2-cohesin were initially proposed to organize cohesion at telomeres and centromeres, respectively. Here, we uncover redundant and specific roles of STAG1 and STAG2 in gene regulation and chromatin looping using HCT116 cells with an auxin-inducible degron (AID) tag fused to either STAG1 or STAG2. Following rapid depletion of either subunit, we perform high-resolution Hi-C, gene expression, and sequential ChIP studies to show that STAG1 and STAG2 do not co-occupy individual binding sites and have distinct ways by which they affect looping and gene expression. These findings are further supported by single-molecule localizations via direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) super-resolution imaging. Since somatic and congenital mutations of the STAG subunits are associated with cancer (STAG2) and intellectual disability syndromes with congenital abnormalities (STAG1 and STAG2), we verified STAG1-/STAG2-dependencies using human neural stem cells, hence highlighting their importance in particular disease contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Casa
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eduardo Gade Gusmao
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Johan A Slotman
- Optical Imaging Centre, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Zirkel
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Natasa Josipovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Edwin Oole
- Center for Biomics, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred F J van IJcken
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Biomics, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Argyris Papantonis
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kerstin S Wendt
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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47
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Chen S, Jiao L, Liu X, Yang X, Liu X. A Dimeric Structural Scaffold for PRC2-PCL Targeting to CpG Island Chromatin. Mol Cell 2020; 77:1265-1278.e7. [PMID: 31959557 PMCID: PMC7571800 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Diverse accessory subunits are involved in the recruitment of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) to CpG island (CGI) chromatin. Here we report the crystal structure of a SUZ12-RBBP4 complex bound to fragments of the accessory subunits PHF19 and JARID2. Unexpectedly, this complex adopts a dimeric structural architecture, accounting for PRC2 self-association that has long been implicated. The intrinsic PRC2 dimer is formed via domain swapping involving RBBP4 and the unique C2 domain of SUZ12. MTF2 and PHF19 associate with PRC2 at around the dimer interface and stabilize the dimer. Conversely, AEBP2 binding results in a drastic movement of the C2 domain, disrupting the intrinsic PRC2 dimer. PRC2 dimerization enhances CGI DNA binding by PCLs in pairs in vitro, reminiscent of the widespread phenomenon of transcription factor dimerization in active transcription. Loss of PRC2 dimerization impairs histone H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) on chromatin at developmental gene loci in mouse embryonic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siming Chen
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences and Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lianying Jiao
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences and Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiuli Liu
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences and Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xin Yang
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences and Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xin Liu
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences and Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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48
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Blackledge NP, Fursova NA, Kelley JR, Huseyin MK, Feldmann A, Klose RJ. PRC1 Catalytic Activity Is Central to Polycomb System Function. Mol Cell 2020; 77:857-874.e9. [PMID: 31883950 PMCID: PMC7033600 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The Polycomb repressive system is an essential chromatin-based regulator of gene expression. Despite being extensively studied, how the Polycomb system selects its target genes is poorly understood, and whether its histone-modifying activities are required for transcriptional repression remains controversial. Here, we directly test the requirement for PRC1 catalytic activity in Polycomb system function. To achieve this, we develop a conditional mutation system in embryonic stem cells that completely removes PRC1 catalytic activity. Using this system, we demonstrate that catalysis by PRC1 drives Polycomb chromatin domain formation and long-range chromatin interactions. Furthermore, we show that variant PRC1 complexes with DNA-binding activities occupy target sites independently of PRC1 catalytic activity, providing a putative mechanism for Polycomb target site selection. Finally, we discover that Polycomb-mediated gene repression requires PRC1 catalytic activity. Together these discoveries provide compelling evidence that PRC1 catalysis is central to Polycomb system function and gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil P Blackledge
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd., Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Nadezda A Fursova
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd., Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Jessica R Kelley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd., Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Miles K Huseyin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd., Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Angelika Feldmann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd., Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Robert J Klose
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd., Oxford OX1 3QU, UK.
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49
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McLaughlin K, Flyamer IM, Thomson JP, Mjoseng HK, Shukla R, Williamson I, Grimes GR, Illingworth RS, Adams IR, Pennings S, Meehan RR, Bickmore WA. DNA Methylation Directs Polycomb-Dependent 3D Genome Re-organization in Naive Pluripotency. Cell Rep 2019; 29:1974-1985.e6. [PMID: 31722211 PMCID: PMC6856714 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA hypomethylation that occurs when embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are directed to the ground state of naive pluripotency by culturing in two small molecule inhibitors (2i) results in redistribution of polycomb (H3K27me3) away from its target loci. Here, we demonstrate that 3D genome organization is also altered in 2i, with chromatin decompaction at polycomb target loci and a loss of long-range polycomb interactions. By preventing DNA hypomethylation during the transition to the ground state, we are able to restore to ESC in 2i the H3K27me3 distribution, as well as polycomb-mediated 3D genome organization that is characteristic of primed ESCs grown in serum. However, these cells retain the functional characteristics of 2i ground-state ESCs. Our findings demonstrate the central role of DNA methylation in shaping major aspects of 3D genome organization but caution against assuming causal roles for the epigenome and 3D genome in gene regulation and function in ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy McLaughlin
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Ilya M Flyamer
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - John P Thomson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Heidi K Mjoseng
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Ruchi Shukla
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Framlington Place, Medical Faculty, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Iain Williamson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Graeme R Grimes
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Robert S Illingworth
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Ian R Adams
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Sari Pennings
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Richard R Meehan
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.
| | - Wendy A Bickmore
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.
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50
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Beltran M, Tavares M, Justin N, Khandelwal G, Ambrose J, Foster BM, Worlock KB, Tvardovskiy A, Kunzelmann S, Herrero J, Bartke T, Gamblin SJ, Wilson JR, Jenner RG. G-tract RNA removes Polycomb repressive complex 2 from genes. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2019; 26:899-909. [PMID: 31548724 PMCID: PMC6778522 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-019-0293-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) maintains repression of cell type-specific genes but also associates with genes ectopically in cancer. While it is currently unknown how PRC2 is removed from genes, such knowledge would be useful for the targeted reversal of deleterious PRC2 recruitment events. Here, we show that G-tract RNA specifically removes PRC2 from genes in human and mouse cells. PRC2 preferentially binds G-tracts within nascent pre-mRNAs, especially within predicted G-quadruplex structures. G-quadruplex RNA evicts the PRC2 catalytic core from the substrate nucleosome. PRC2 transfers from chromatin to RNA upon gene activation and chromatin-associated G-tract RNA removes PRC2, leading to H3K27me3 depletion from genes. Targeting G-tract RNA to the tumor suppressor gene CDKN2A in malignant rhabdoid tumor cells reactivates the gene and induces senescence. These data support a model in which pre-mRNA evicts PRC2 during gene activation and provides the means to selectively remove PRC2 from specific genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Beltran
- UCL Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK UCL Centre, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Manuel Tavares
- UCL Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK UCL Centre, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | | | - Garima Khandelwal
- UCL Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK UCL Centre, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - John Ambrose
- UCL Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK UCL Centre, University College London (UCL), London, UK.,Genomics England, London, UK
| | - Benjamin M Foster
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kaylee B Worlock
- UCL Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK UCL Centre, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Andrey Tvardovskiy
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | | | - Javier Herrero
- UCL Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK UCL Centre, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Till Bartke
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Richard G Jenner
- UCL Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK UCL Centre, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
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