Heterochromatin in plant meiosis

Heterochromatin is an organizational property of eukaryotic chromosomes, characterized by extensive DNA and histone modifications, that is associated with the silencing of transposable elements and repetitive sequences. Maintaining heterochromatin is crucial for ensuring genomic integrity and stability during the cell cycle. During meiosis, heterochromatin is important for homologous chromosome synapsis, recombination, and segregation, but our understanding of meiotic heterochromatin formation and condensation is limited. In this review, we focus on the dynamics and features of heterochromatin and how it condenses during meiosis in plants. We also discuss how meiotic heterochromatin influences the interaction and recombination of homologous chromosomes during prophase I.

Targeting CK2 eliminates senescent cells and prolongs lifespan in Zmpste24-deficient mice

Senescent cell clearance is emerging as a promising strategy for treating age-related diseases. Senolytics are small molecules that promote the clearance of senescent cells; however, senolytics are uncommon and their underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated whether genomic instability is a potential target for senolytic. We screened small-molecule kinase inhibitors involved in the DNA damage response (DDR) in Zmpste24-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts, a progeroid model characterized with impaired DDR and DNA repair. 4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-2-azabenzamidazole (TBB), which specifically inhibits casein kinase 2 (CK2), was selected and discovered to preferentially trigger apoptosis in Zmpste24-/- cells. Mechanistically, inhibition of CK2 abolished the phosphorylation of heterochromatin protein 1α (HP1α), which retarded the dynamic HP1α dissociation from repressive histone mark H3K9me3 and its relocalization with γH2AX to DNA damage sites, suggesting that disrupting heterochromatin remodeling in the initiation of DDR accelerates apoptosis in senescent cells. Furthermore, feeding Zmpste24-deficient mice with TBB alleviated progeroid features and extended their lifespan. Our study identified TBB as a new class senolytic compound that can reduce age-related symptoms and prolong lifespan in progeroid mice.

Loops, crosstalk, and compartmentalization: it takes many layers to regulate DNA methylation

DNA methylation is a conserved epigenetic modification associated with transposon silencing and gene regulation. The stability of this modification relies on intimate connections between DNA and histone modifications that generate self-reinforcing loops wherein the presence of one mark promotes the other. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the efficiency of these loops is affected by cross-talk between pathways and by chromatin accessibility, which is heavily influenced by histone variants. Focusing primarily on plants, this review provides an update on the aforementioned self-reinforcing loops, highlights recent advances in understanding how DNA methylation pathways are restricted to prevent encroachment on genes, and discusses the roles of histone variants in compartmentalizing epigenetic pathways within the genome. This multilayered approach facilitates two essential, yet opposing functions, the ability to maintain heritable DNA methylation patterns while retaining the flexibility to modify these patterns during development.

Multimodal interactions drive chromatin phase separation and compaction

Gene silencing is intimately connected to DNA condensation and the formation of transcriptionally inactive heterochromatin by Heterochromatin Protein 1α (HP1α). Because heterochromatin foci are dynamic and HP1α can promote liquid-liquid phase separation, HP1α-mediated phase separation has been proposed as a mechanism of chromatin compaction. The molecular basis of HP1α-driven phase separation and chromatin compaction and the associated regulation by trimethylation of lysine 9 in histone 3 (H3K9me3), which is the hallmark of constitutive heterochromatin, is however largely unknown. Using a combination of chromatin compaction and phase separation assays, site-directed mutagenesis, and NMR-based interaction analysis, we show that human HP1α can compact chromatin in the absence of liquid-liquid phase separation. We further demonstrate that H3K9-trimethylation promotes compaction of chromatin arrays through multimodal interactions. The results provide molecular insights into HP1α-mediated chromatin compaction and thus into the role of human HP1α in the regulation of gene silencing.

Simulation of STAT and HP1 interaction by molecular docking

Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1) is a major component of heterochromatin. Multiple proteins have been shown to interact with HP1 with the HP1-binding motif PxVxL/I, thereby affecting heterochromatin stability. The HP1-interacting proteins include the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) protein, which can be regulated by phosphorylation on a tyrosine around amino acid 700 in the carboxyl terminus. Previous research has shown that unphosphorylated STAT (uSTAT) binds to HP1 via a PxVxI HP1-binding motif and maintains the stability of heterochromatin, while phosphorylated STAT (pSTAT) dissociates from HP1, resulting in heterochromatin disruption. To understand the theoretical basis of the biochemical observations, we employed computational modeling to investigate STAT-HP1 binding configurations and the effect of STAT phosphorylation on their interaction. Using STAT3 and HP1α protein structures for molecular docking and thermodynamic calculations, our computations predict that uSTAT homodimers have a higher affinity for HP1 and a lower affinity for DNA than pSTAT homodimers, and that phosphorylation induces a conformational change in STAT, shifting its binding preference from HP1 to DNA. The results of our modeling studies support the idea that phosphorylation drives STAT from HP1-binding to DNA-binding, suggesting a potential role for uSTAT in both maintaining and initiating heterochromatin formation.

Uncoupling the distinct functions of HP1 proteins during heterochromatin establishment and maintenance

H3K9 methylation (H3K9me) marks transcriptionally silent genomic regions called heterochromatin. HP1 proteins are required to establish and maintain heterochromatin. HP1 proteins bind to H3K9me, recruit factors that promote heterochromatin formation, and oligomerize to form phase-separated condensates. We do not understand how these different HP1 properties are involved in establishing and maintaining transcriptional silencing. Here, we demonstrate that the S. pombe HP1 homolog, Swi6, can be completely bypassed to establish silencing at ectopic and endogenous loci when an H3K4 methyltransferase, Set1, and an H3K14 acetyltransferase, Mst2, are deleted. Deleting Set1 and Mst2 enhances Clr4 enzymatic activity, leading to higher H3K9me levels and spreading. In contrast, Swi6 and its capacity to oligomerize were indispensable during epigenetic maintenance. Our results demonstrate the role of HP1 proteins in regulating histone modification crosstalk during establishment and identify a genetically separable function in maintaining epigenetic memory.

Uncoupling the distinct functions of HP1 proteins during heterochromatin establishment and maintenance

H3K9 methylation (H3K9me) marks transcriptionally silent genomic regions called heterochromatin. HP1 proteins are required to establish and maintain heterochromatin. HP1 proteins bind to H3K9me, recruit factors that promote heterochromatin formation, and oligomerize to form phase-separated condensates. We do not understand how HP1 protein binding to heterochromatin establishes and maintains transcriptional silencing. Here, we demonstrate that the S.pombe HP1 homolog, Swi6, can be completely bypassed to establish silencing at ectopic and endogenous loci when an H3K4 methyltransferase, Set1 and an H3K14 acetyltransferase, Mst2 are deleted. Deleting Set1 and Mst2 enhances Clr4 enzymatic activity, leading to higher H3K9me levels and spreading. In contrast, Swi6 and its capacity to oligomerize were indispensable during epigenetic maintenance. Our results demonstrate the role of HP1 proteins in regulating histone modification crosstalk during establishment and identifies a genetically separable function in maintaining epigenetic memory.

Cooperative DNA-binding activities of Chp2 are critical for its function in heterochromatin assembly

Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) is an evolutionarily conserved protein that plays a critical role in heterochromatin assembly. HP1 proteins share a basic structure consisting of an N-terminal chromodomain (CD) and a C-terminal chromoshadow domain (CSD) linked by a disordered hinge region. The CD recognizes histone H3 lysine 9 methylation, a hallmark of heterochromatin, while the CSD forms a dimer to recruit other chromosomal proteins. HP1 proteins have been shown to bind DNA or RNA primarily through the hinge region. However, how DNA or RNA binding contributes to their function remains elusive. Here, we focus on Chp2, one of the two HP1 proteins in fission yeast, and investigate how Chp2's DNA-binding ability contributes to its function. Similar to other HP1 proteins, the Chp2 hinge exhibits clear DNA-binding activity. Interestingly, the Chp2 CSD also shows robust DNA-binding activity. Mutational analysis revealed that basic residues in the Chp2 hinge and at the N-terminus of the CSD are essential for DNA binding, and the combined amino acid substitutions of these residues alter Chp2 stability, impair Chp2 heterochromatin localization and lead to a silencing defect. These results demonstrate that the cooperative DNA-binding activities of Chp2 play an important role in heterochromatin assembly in fission yeast.

ZFP462 safeguards neural lineage specification by targeting G9A/GLP-mediated heterochromatin to silence enhancers

ZNF462 haploinsufficiency is linked to Weiss-Kruszka syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by neurodevelopmental defects, including autism. Though conserved in vertebrates and essential for embryonic development, the molecular functions of ZNF462 remain unclear. We identified its murine homologue ZFP462 in a screen for mediators of epigenetic gene silencing. Here we show that ZFP462 safeguards neural lineage specification of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) by targeting the H3K9-specific histone methyltransferase complex G9A/GLP to silence meso-endodermal genes. ZFP462 binds to transposable elements that are potential enhancers harbouring pluripotency and meso-endoderm transcription factor binding sites. Recruiting G9A/GLP, ZFP462 seeds heterochromatin, restricting transcription factor binding. Loss of ZFP462 in ESCs results in increased chromatin accessibility at target sites and ectopic expression of meso-endodermal genes. Taken together, ZFP462 confers lineage and locus specificity to the broadly expressed epigenetic regulator G9A/GLP. Our results suggest that aberrant activation of lineage non-specific genes in the neuronal lineage underlies ZNF462-associated neurodevelopmental pathology.

Chromatin structure meets cryo-EM: Dynamic building blocks of the functional architecture

Chromatin is a dynamic molecular complex composed of DNA and proteins that package the DNA in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. The basic structural unit of chromatin is the nucleosome core particle, composed of ~150 base pairs of genomic DNA wrapped around a histone octamer containing two copies each of four histones, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. Individual nucleosome core particles are connected by short linker DNAs, forming a nucleosome array known as a beads-on-a-string fiber. Higher-order structures of chromatin are closely linked to nuclear events such as replication, transcription, recombination, and repair. Recently, a variety of chromatin structures have been determined by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and their structural details have provided clues about the chromatin architecture functions in the cell. In this review, we highlight recent cryo-EM structural studies of a fundamental chromatin unit to clarify the functions of chromatin.

Characterization of a Novel Heterochromatin Protein 1 Homolog “HP1c” in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori

Simple Summary

Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) plays a major role in the formation and maintenance of heterochromatin and in the regulation of gene expression. Five HP1 genes have been found in Drosophila melanogaster and three HP1 genes in Homo sapiens, while in Bombyx mori, two HP1 genes (BmHP1a and BmHP1b) have been reported. In the present study, we analyzed the function of the novel Bombyx mori HP1 gene (BmHP1c), the third HP1 gene in silkworm. BmHP1c has different characteristics from BmHP1a and BmHP1b in terms of transcriptional repression activity, dimer formation, subcellular localization, and effects of RNAi on cell cycle progression. These findings indicate that BmHP1c plays a different role than BmHP1a and BmHP1b.

Abstract

Heterochromatin protein 1 plays an important role in chromatin structure and gene expression regulation. Three HP1 genes have been found in Homo sapiens, and five HP1 genes have been reported in Drosophila melanogaster. On the other hand, in Bombyx mori, only two HP1 genes, BmHP1a and BmHP1b, were reported. In this research, we have reported the molecular and functional characterization of a novel Bombyx mori HP1 gene (BmHP1c), which had stronger transcriptional repression activity than BmHP1a. BmHP1a and BmHP1b is reported to form homo- and heterodimers, but in co-immunoprecipitation experiments, no homo- or hetero-dimer formation of BmHP1c with the other silkworm HP1s is detected. The intracellular localization of BmHP1c is not only in the nucleus but also in the cytoplasm like mammalian HP1γ. In contrast to human HP1a and b, all three BmHP1s were localized preferentially in the regions poorly stained with DAPI. Interestingly, the double knockdown of BmHP1a and b, but not BmHP1c with a or b, arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. These results suggest that BmHP1c is not essential for cell progression and plays a different role than BmHP1a and BmHP1b.

Multiple interfaces to recognize nucleosomal targets

In eukaryotic cells, DNA is tightly compacted as chromatin. Chromatin states must be dynamically changed to increase the accessibility of transcription factors to chromatin or to stably silence genes by higher-order chromatin structures known as heterochromatin. The regulation of chromatin needs cooperative action performed by a variety of proteins. Specific binding of transcription factors to target DNA is the initial step of chromatin regulation, and promotes changes in the post-translational modifications of histone tails, which themselves are recognized by a set of histone reader proteins. Recent biochemical studies have revealed that some transcription factors that recognize specific DNA sequences can also interact with histones. Furthermore, histone reader proteins that recognize specific histone tail modifications have been shown to have the ability to directly bind to DNA. In this commentary, we introduce recent advances in the elucidation of how chromatin regulating factors recognize nucleosomal targets.

Differentiation of fetal hematopoietic stem cells requires ARID4B to restrict autocrine KITLG/KIT-Src signaling

Balance between the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) duality to either possess self-renewal capacity or differentiate into multipotency progenitors (MPPs) is crucial for maintaining homeostasis of the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) compartment. To retain the HSC self-renewal activity, KIT, a receptor tyrosine kinase, in HSCs is activated by its cognate ligand KITLG originating from niche cells. Here, we show that AT-rich interaction domain 4B (ARID4B) interferes with KITLG/KIT signaling, consequently allowing HSC differentiation. Conditional Arid4b knockout in mouse hematopoietic cells blocks fetal HSC differentiation, preventing hematopoiesis. Mechanistically, ARID4B-deficient HSCs self-express KITLG and overexpress KIT. As to downstream pathways of KITLG/KIT signaling, inhibition of Src family kinases rescues the HSC differentiation defect elicited by ARID4B loss. In summary, the intrinsic ARID4B-KITLG/KIT-Src axis is an HSPC regulatory program that enables the differentiation state, while KIT stimulation by KITLG from niche cells preserves the HSPC undifferentiated pool.

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) at the top of the hematopoietic hierarchy are able to self-renew and differentiate to mature blood cells. Young et al. report that an HSC self-control mechanism established by ARID4B ensures HSC differentiation. ARID4B-deficient HSCs produce KITLG to stimulate KIT, leading to blockage of HSC differentiation and eventual hematopoietic failure.

PTMdyna: exploring the influence of post-translation modifications on protein conformational dynamics

Protein post-translational modifications (PTM) play vital roles in cellular regulation, modulating functions by driving changes in protein structure and dynamics. Exploring comprehensively the influence of PTM on conformational dynamics can facilitate the understanding of the related biological function and molecular mechanism. Currently, a series of excellent computation tools have been designed to analyze the time-dependent structural properties of proteins. However, the protocol aimed to explore conformational dynamics of post-translational modified protein is still a blank. To fill this gap, we present PTMdyna to visually predict the conformational dynamics differences between unmodified and modified proteins, thus indicating the influence of specific PTM. PTMdyna exhibits an AUC of 0.884 tested on 220 protein-protein complex structures. The case of heterochromatin protein 1α complexed with lysine 9-methylated histone H3, which is critical for genomic stability and cell differentiation, was used to demonstrate its applicability. PTMdyna provides a reliable platform to predict the influence of PTM on protein dynamics, making it easier to interpret PTM functionality at the structure level. The web server is freely available at http://ccbportal.com/PTMdyna.

Epigenetic rewriting at centromeric DNA repeats leads to increased chromatin accessibility and chromosomal instability

BACKGROUND

Centromeric regions of human chromosomes contain large numbers of tandemly repeated α-satellite sequences. These sequences are covered with constitutive heterochromatin which is enriched in trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me3). Although well studied using artificial chromosomes and global perturbations, the contribution of this epigenetic mark to chromatin structure and genome stability remains poorly known in a more natural context.

RESULTS

Using transcriptional activator-like effectors (TALEs) fused to a histone lysine demethylase (KDM4B), we were able to reduce the level of H3K9me3 on the α-satellites repeats of human chromosome 7. We show that the removal of H3K9me3 affects chromatin structure by increasing the accessibility of DNA repeats to the TALE protein. Tethering TALE-demethylase to centromeric repeats impairs the recruitment of HP1α and proteins of Chromosomal Passenger Complex (CPC) on this specific centromere without affecting CENP-A loading. Finally, the epigenetic re-writing by the TALE-KDM4B affects specifically the stability of chromosome 7 upon mitosis, highlighting the importance of H3K9me3 in centromere integrity and chromosome stability, mediated by the recruitment of HP1α and the CPC.

CONCLUSION

Our cellular model allows to demonstrate the direct role of pericentromeric H3K9me3 epigenetic mark on centromere integrity and function in a natural context and opens interesting possibilities for further studies regarding the role of the H3K9me3 mark.

Solvent Exposure and Ionic Condensation Drive Fuzzy Dimerization of Disordered Heterochromatin Protein Sequence

Proteins with low complexity, disordered sequences are receiving increasing attention due to their central roles in the biogenesis and regulation of membraneless organelles. In eukaryotic organisms, a substantial fraction of disordered proteins reside in the nucleus, thereby facilitating the formation of nuclear bodies, nucleolus, and chromatin compartmentalization. The heterochromatin family of proteins (HP1) is an important player in driving the formation of gene silenced mesoscopic heterochromatin B compartments and pericentric regions. Recent experiments have shown that the HP1a sequence of Drosophila melanogaster can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation under both in vitro and in vivo conditions, induced by changes of the monovalent salt concentration. While the phase separation of HP1a is thought to be the mechanism underlying chromatin compartmentalization, the molecular level mechanistic picture of salt-driven phase separation of HP1a has remained poorly understood. The disordered hinge region of HP1a is seen as the driver of salt-induced condensation because of its charge enriched sequence and post-translational modifications. Here, we set out to decipher the mechanisms of salt-induced condensation of HP1a through a systematic study of salt-dependent conformations of single chains and fuzzy dimers of disordered HP1a hinge sequences. Using multiple independent all-atom simulations with and without enhanced sampling, we carry out detailed characterization of conformational ensembles of disordered HP1a chains under different ionic conditions using various polymeric and structural measures. We show that the mobile ion release, enhancement of local transient secondary structural elements, and side-chain exposure to solvent are robust trends that accompany fuzzy dimer formation. Furthermore, we find that salt-induced changes in the ensemble of conformations of HP1a disordered hinge sequence fine-tune the inter-chain vs. self-chain interactions in ways that favor fuzzy dimer formation under low salt conditions in the agreement with condensation trends seen in experiments.

Structural dynamics of the chromo-shadow domain and chromodomain of HP1 bound to histone H3K9 methylated peptide, as measured by site-directed spin-labeling EPR spectroscopy

The structural dynamics of the chromo-shadow domain (CSD) and chromodomain (CD) of human HP1 proteins essential for heterochromatin formation were investigated at the nanosecond and nanometer scales by site-directed spin labeling electron paramagnetic resonance and pulsed double resonance spectroscopy. Distance measurements showed that the spin-labeled CSD of human HP1α and HP1γ tightly dimerizes. Unlike CD-CD interaction observed in fission yeast HP1 in an inactivated state (Canzio et al., 2013), the two CDs of HP1α and HP1γ were spatially separated from each other, dynamically mobile, and ready for a Brownian search for H3K9-tri-methyl(me3) on histones. Complex formation of the CD with H3K9me3 slowed dynamics of the domain due to a decreased diffusion constant. CSD mobility was significantly (∼1.3-fold) lower in full-length HP1α than in HP1γ, suggesting that the immobilized conformation of human HP1α shows an auto-inactivated state. Differential properties of HP1α and HP1γ to form the inactive conformation could be relevant to its physiological role in the heterochromatin formation in a cell.

Unravelling HP1 functions: post-transcriptional regulation of stem cell fate

Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) is a non-histone chromosomal protein first identified in Drosophila as a major component of constitutive heterochromatin, required for stable epigenetic gene silencing in many species including humans. Over the years, several studies have highlighted additional roles of HP1 in different cellular processes including telomere maintenance, DNA replication and repair, chromosome segregation and, surprisingly, positive regulation of gene expression. In this review, we briefly summarize past research and recent results supporting the unexpected and emerging role of HP1 in activating gene expression. In particular, we discuss the role of HP1 in post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA processing because it has proved decisive in the control of germline stem cells homeostasis in Drosophila and has certainly added a new dimension to our understanding on HP1 targeting and functions in epigenetic regulation of stem cell behaviour.

Heterochromatin protein 1 beta regulates neural and neural crest development by repressing pluripotency-associated gene pou5f3.2/oct25 in Xenopus

BACKGROUND

Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) is associated with and plays a role in compact chromatin conformation, but the function of HP1 in vertebrate embryogenesis is not understood completely.

RESULTS

Here, we explore the activity of HP1 in early neural development in the frog Xenopus laevis. We show that the three isoforms of HP1, HP1α, β, and γ, are expressed in similar patterns in the neural and neural crest derivatives in early embryos. Despite this, knockdown of HP1β and HP1γ, but not HP1α, in presumptive neural tissues leads to head defects. Late pan-neural markers and neural crest specifier genes are reduced, but early neural and neural plate border genes are less affected in the morphant embryos. Further investigation reveals that neuronal differentiation is impaired and a pluripotency-associated gene, pou5f3.2/oct25, is expanded in HP1β morphants. Ectopic expression of pou5f3.2/oct25 mimics the effect of HP1β knockdown on marker expression, whereas simultaneous knockdown of HP1β and pou5f3.2/oct25 partially rescues expression of these genes.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the data suggest that HP1β regulates transition from precursor to more differentiated cell types during neural and neural crest development in Xenopus, and it does so at least partially via repression of the pluripotency-associated transcription regulator pou5f3.2/oct25.

The 20S proteasome activator PA28γ controls the compaction of chromatin

PA28γ (also known as PSME3), a nuclear activator of the 20S proteasome, is involved in the degradation of several proteins regulating cell growth and proliferation and in the dynamics of various nuclear bodies, but its precise cellular functions remain unclear. Here, using a quantitative FLIM-FRET based microscopy assay monitoring close proximity between nucleosomes in living human cells, we show that PA28γ controls chromatin compaction. We find that its depletion induces a decompaction of pericentromeric heterochromatin, which is similar to what is observed upon the knockdown of HP1β (also known as CBX1), a key factor of the heterochromatin structure. We show that PA28γ is present at HP1β-containing repetitive DNA sequences abundant in heterochromatin and, importantly, that HP1β on its own is unable to drive chromatin compaction without the presence of PA28γ. At the molecular level, we show that this novel function of PA28γ is independent of its stable interaction with the 20S proteasome, and most likely depends on its ability to maintain appropriate levels of H3K9me3 and H4K20me3, histone modifications that are involved in heterochromatin formation. Overall, our results implicate PA28γ as a key factor involved in the regulation of the higher order structure of chromatin.

Beyond the Nucleosome: Nucleosome-Protein Interactions and Higher Order Chromatin Structure

The regulation of chromatin biology ultimately depends on the manipulation of its smallest subunit, the nucleosome. The proteins that bind and operate on the nucleosome do so, while their substrate is part of a polymer embedded in the dense nuclear environment. Their molecular interactions must in some way be tuned to deal with this complexity. Due to the rapid increase in the number of high-resolution structures of nucleosome-protein complexes and the increasing understanding of the cellular chromatin structure, it is starting to become clearer how chromatin factors operate in this complex environment. In this review, we analyze the current literature on the interplay between nucleosome-protein interactions and higher-order chromatin structure. We examine in what way nucleosomes-protein interactions can affect and can be affected by chromatin organization at the oligonucleosomal level. In addition, we review the characteristics of nucleosome-protein interactions that can cause phase separation of chromatin. Throughout, we hope to illustrate the exciting challenges in characterizing nucleosome-protein interactions beyond the nucleosome.

Organoruthenium-catalyzed chemical protein synthesis to elucidate the functions of epigenetic modifications on heterochromatin factors

The application of organometallic compounds for protein science has received attention. Recently, total chemical protein synthesis using transition metal complexes has been developed to produce various proteins bearing site-specific posttranslational modifications (PTMs). However, in general, significant amounts of metal complexes were required to achieve chemical reactions of proteins bearing a large number of nucleophilic functional groups. Moreover, syntheses of medium-size proteins (>20 kDa) were plagued by time-consuming procedures due to cumbersome purification and isolation steps, which prevented access to variously decorated proteins. Here, we report a one-pot multiple peptide ligation strategy assisted by an air-tolerant organoruthenium catalyst that showed more than 50-fold activity over previous palladium complexes, leading to rapid and quantitative deprotection on a protein with a catalytic amount (20 mol%) of the metal complex even in the presence of excess thiol moieties. Utilizing the organoruthenium catalyst, heterochromatin factors above 20 kDa, such as linker histone H1.2 and heterochromatin protein 1α (HP1α), bearing site-specific PTMs including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, citrullination, and acetylation have been synthesized. The biochemical assays using synthetic proteins revealed that the citrullination at R53 in H1.2 resulted in the reduced electrostatic interaction with DNA and the reduced binding affinity to nucleosomes. Furthermore, we identified a key phosphorylation region in HP1α to control its DNA-binding ability. The ruthenium chemistry developed here will facilitate the preparation of a variety of biologically and medically significant proteins containing PTMs and non-natural amino acids.

Chemical protein synthesis assisted by an organoruthenium catalyst streamlined the production of heterochromatin factors bearing various patterns of epigenetic modifications, and their biological significance was elucidated.

Various modes of HP1a interactions with the euchromatic chromosome arms in Drosophila ovarian somatic cells

Heterochromatin protein 1a (HP1a) is a well-known component of pericentromeric and telomeric heterochromatin in Drosophila. However, its role and the mechanisms of its binding in the chromosome arms (ChAs) remain largely unclear. Here, we identified HP1a-interacting domains in the somatic cells of Drosophila ovaries using a DamID-seq approach and compared them with insertion sites of transposable elements (TEs) revealed by genome sequencing. Although HP1a domains cover only 13% of ChAs, they non-randomly associate with 42% of TE insertions. Furthermore, HP1a on average propagates at 2-kb distances from the TE insertions. These data confirm the role of TEs in formation of HP1a islands in ChAs. However, only 18% of HP1a domains have adjacent TEs, indicating the existence of other mechanisms of HP1a domain formation besides spreading from TEs. In particular, many TE-independent HP1a domains correspond to the regions attached to the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) or contain active gene promoters. However, HP1a occupancy on the promoters does not significantly influence expression of corresponding genes. At the same time, the steady-state transcript level of many genes located outside of HP1a domains was altered upon HP1a knockdown in the somatic cells of ovaries, thus pointing to the strong indirect effect of HP1a depletion. Collectively, our results support an existence of at least three different mechanisms of HP1a domain emergence in ChAs: spreading from TE insertions, transient interactions with the chromatin located near NPCs, and targeting to the promoters of moderately expressed genes.

Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1): interactions with itself and chromatin components

Isoforms of heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) have been known to perform a multitude of functions ranging from gene silencing, gene activation to cell cycle regulation, and cell differentiation. This functional diversity arises from the dissimilarities coded in protein sequence which confers different biophysical and biochemical properties to individual structural elements of HP1 and thereby different behavior and interaction patterns. Hence, an understanding of various interactions of the structural elements of HP1 will be of utmost importance to better elucidate chromatin dynamics in its presence. In this review, we have gathered available information about interactions of HP1 both within and with itself as well as with chromatin elements. Also, the possible implications of these interactions are discussed.

Heterochromatin protein 1α interacts with parallel RNA and DNA G-quadruplexes

The eukaryotic genome is functionally organized into domains of transcriptionally active euchromatin and domains of highly compact transcriptionally silent heterochromatin. Heterochromatin is constitutively assembled at repetitive elements that include the telomeres and centromeres. The histone code model proposes that HP1α forms and maintains these domains of heterochromatin through the interaction of its chromodomain with trimethylated lysine 9 of histone 3, although this interaction is not the sole determinant. We show here that the unstructured hinge domain, necessary for the targeting of HP1α to constitutive heterochromatin, recognizes parallel G-quadruplex (G4) assemblies formed by the TElomeric Repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) transcribed from the telomere. This provides a mechanism by which TERRA can lead to the enrichment of HP1α at telomeres to maintain heterochromatin. Furthermore, we show that HP1α binds with a faster association rate to DNA G4s of parallel topology compared to antiparallel G4s that bind slowly or not at all. Such G4–DNAs are found in the regulatory regions of several oncogenes. This implicates specific non-canonical nucleic acid structures as determinants of HP1α function and thus RNA and DNA G4s need to be considered as contributors to chromatin domain organization and the epigenome.

The mouse HP1 proteins are essential for preventing liver tumorigenesis

Chromatin organization is essential for appropriate interpretation of the genetic information. Here, we demonstrated that the chromatin-associated proteins HP1 are dispensable for hepatocytes survival but are essential within hepatocytes to prevent liver tumor development in mice with HP1β being pivotal in these functions. Yet, we found that the loss of HP1 per se is not sufficient to induce cell transformation but renders cells more resistant to specific stress such as the expression of oncogenes and thus in fine, more prone to cell transformation. Molecular characterization of HP1-Triple KO premalignant livers and BMEL cells revealed that HP1 are essential for the maintenance of heterochromatin organization and for the regulation of specific genes with most of them having well characterized functions in liver functions and homeostasis. We further showed that some specific retrotransposons get reactivated upon loss of HP1, correlating with overexpression of genes in their neighborhood. Interestingly, we found that, although HP1-dependent genes are characterized by enrichment H3K9me3, this mark does not require HP1 for its maintenance and is not sufficient to maintain gene repression in absence of HP1. Finally, we demonstrated that the loss of TRIM28 association with HP1 recapitulated several phenotypes induced by the loss of HP1 including the reactivation of some retrotransposons and the increased incidence of liver cancer development. Altogether, our findings indicate that HP1 proteins act as guardians of liver homeostasis to prevent tumor development by modulating multiple chromatin-associated events within both the heterochromatic and euchromatic compartments, partly through regulation of the corepressor TRIM28 activity.

Identification of the PTEN-ARID4B-PI3K pathway reveals the dependency on ARID4B by PTEN-deficient prostate cancer

PTEN is frequently mutated in prostate cancer. The tumor suppressor function of PTEN is attributed to its lipid phosphatase activity that counters PI3K action. Here, we report a PTEN-ARID4B-PI3K axis in which PTEN inhibits expression of ARID4B, while ARID4B is a transcriptional activator of the PI3K subunit genes PIK3CA and PIK3R2 that are crucial for activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Reciprocal binding of ARID4B and histone H1 to the PIK3CA and PIK3R2 promoters modulates chromatin condensation, suggesting a mechanism by which ARID4B activates these promoters. Functional analyses reveals that ARID4B is required for prostate tumorigenesis when PTEN is deficient. The biological significance is further substantiated by the existence of a PTEN/ARID4B/PIK3CA three-gene signature that improves the predictive power for prostate cancer recurrence in patients. In summary, we identify ARID4B as a master regulator in the PTEN-PI3K pathway, thus providing a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer carrying PTEN mutations.

The identification of synthetic essential genes of PTEN is of therapeutic potential for PTEN-deficient prostate cancers. Here, the authors show that ARID4B is a synthetic essential gene in these cancers in which deficiency of PTEN prompts the AKT-ARID4B feedback loop required for activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.

Epigenetic Regulation of Hippocampal Fosb Expression Controls Behavioral Responses to Cocaine

Drug addiction results in part from maladaptive learning, including the formation of strong associations between the drug and the circumstances of consumption. However, drug-induced changes in gene expression underlying the saliency of these associations remain understudied. Consolidation of explicit memories occurs within the hippocampus, and we have shown that spatial learning induces expression of the transcription factor ΔFosB in hippocampus and that this induction is critical for learning. Drugs of abuse also upregulate ΔFosB in hippocampus, but the mechanism of its induction by cocaine and its role in hippocampus-dependent cocaine responses is unknown. We investigated differences in mouse dorsal and ventral hippocampal ΔFosB expression in response to chronic cocaine, because these regions appear to regulate distinct cocaine-related behaviors. We found that cocaine-mediated induction of ΔFosB was subregion-specific, and that ΔFosB transcriptional activity in both the dorsal and ventral hippocampus is necessary for cocaine conditioned place preference. Further, we characterize changes in histone modifications at the FosB promoter in hippocampus in response to chronic cocaine and found that locus-specific epigenetic modification is essential for FosB induction and multiple hippocampus-dependent behaviors, including cocaine place preference. Collectively, these findings suggest that exposure to cocaine induces histone modification at the hippocampal FosB gene promoter to cause ΔFosB induction critical for cocaine-related learning.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Although cocaine addiction is driven in part by the formation of indelible associations between the drug and the environment, paraphernalia, and circumstances of use, and although this type of associative learning is dependent upon changes in gene expression in a brain region called the hippocampus, the mechanisms by which cocaine alters hippocampal gene expression to drive formation of these associations is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that chronic cocaine engages locus-specific changes in the epigenetic profile of the FosB gene in the hippocampus, and that these alterations are required for cocaine-dependent gene expression and cocaine-environment associations. This work provides novel insight into addiction etiology and potential inroads for therapeutic intervention in cocaine addiction.

KAP1 is an antiparallel dimer with a functional asymmetry

This study reveals the architecture of human KAP1 by integrating molecular modeling with small-angle X-ray scattering and single-molecule experiments. KAP1 dimers feature a structural asymmetry at the C-terminal domains that has functional implications for recruitment of HP1.

KAP1 (KRAB domain–associated protein 1) plays a fundamental role in regulating gene expression in mammalian cells by recruiting different transcription factors and altering the chromatin state. In doing so, KAP1 acts both as a platform for macromolecular interactions and as an E3 small ubiquitin modifier ligase. This work sheds light on the overall organization of the full-length protein combining solution scattering data, integrative modeling, and single-molecule experiments. We show that KAP1 is an elongated antiparallel dimer with an asymmetry at the C-terminal domains. This conformation is consistent with the finding that the Really Interesting New Gene (RING) domain contributes to KAP1 auto-SUMOylation. Importantly, this intrinsic asymmetry has key functional implications for the KAP1 network of interactions, as the heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) occupies only one of the two putative HP1 binding sites on the KAP1 dimer, resulting in an unexpected stoichiometry, even in the context of chromatin fibers.

Phosphorylation of repressive histone code readers by casein kinase 2 plays diverse roles in heterochromatin regulation

Heterochromatin is a condensed and transcriptionally silent chromatin structure and that plays important roles in epigenetic regulation of the genome. Two types of heterochromatin exist: constitutive heterochromatin is primarily associated with trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me3), and facultative heterochromatin with trimethylation of H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). The methylated histones are bound by the chromodomain of histone code 'reader' proteins: HP1 family proteins for H3K9me3 and Polycomb family proteins for H3K27me3. Each repressive reader associates with various 'effector' proteins that provide the functional basis of heterochromatin. Heterochromatin regulation is primarily achieved by controlling histone modifications. However, recent studies have revealed that the repressive readers are phosphorylated, like other regulatory proteins, suggesting that phosphorylation also participates in heterochromatin regulation. Detailed studies have shown that phosphorylation of readers affects the binding specificities of chromodomains for methylated histone H3, as well as the binding of effector proteins. Thus, phosphorylation adds another layer to heterochromatin regulation. Interestingly, casein kinase 2, a strong and predominant kinase within the cell, is responsible for phosphorylation of repressive readers. In this commentary, I summarize the regulation of repressive readers by casein kinase 2-dependent phosphorylation and discuss the functional meaning of this modification.

Do the charges matter?-balancing the charges of the chromodomain proteins on the nucleosome

The chromodomain (CD) is a member of the Royal family of conserved chromatin-binding motifs with methylated substrate binding ability, and is often found in ‘readers’ or ‘writers’ of repressive histone marks. The regions upstream or downstream of the CD are generally highly charged. Several previous studies suggested that these charged regions modulate the CD’s chromatin-binding activity. Considering the relatively weak interaction between the CD and a modified histone tail, it is puzzling how the highly charged CD-flanking regions are ‘balanced’ on the highly charged nucleosomes to mediate a modification-dependent interaction. Interestingly, the charge distributions along the CD and surrounding regions appear to be distinct among different types of readers and writers, indicating their functional relevance. Here, we describe and discuss the current understanding of the highly charged CD-flanking regions and the potential experimental concerns caused by the regions.

The binding of Chp2's chromodomain to methylated H3K9 is essential for Chp2's role in heterochromatin assembly in fission yeast

The binding of heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) to lysine 9–methylated histone H3 (H3K9me) is an essential step in heterochromatin assembly. Chp2, an HP1-family protein in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, is required for heterochromatic silencing. Chp2 recruits SHREC, a multifunctional protein complex containing the nucleosome remodeler Mit1 and the histone deacetylase Clr3. Although the targeting of SHREC to chromatin is thought to occur via two distinct modules regulated by the SHREC components Chp2 and Clr2, it is not clear how Chp2’s chromatin binding regulates SHREC function. Here, we show that H3K9me binding by Chp2’s chromodomain (CD) is essential for Chp2’s silencing function and for SHREC’s targeting to chromatin. Cells expressing a Chp2 mutant with defective H3K9me binding (Chp2-W199A) have a silencing defect, with a phenotype similar to that of chp2-null cells. Genetic analysis using a synthetic silencing system revealed that a Chp2 mutant and SHREC-component mutants had similar phenotypes, suggesting that Chp2’s function also affects SHREC’s chromatin binding. Size-exclusion chromatography of native protein complexes showed that Chp2-CD’s binding of H3K9me3 ensures Clr3’s chromatin binding, and suggested that SHREC’s chromatin binding is mediated by separable functional modules. Interestingly, we found that the stability of the Chp2 protein depended on the Clr3 protein’s histone deacetylase activity. Our findings demonstrate that Chp2’s H3K9me binding is critical for SHREC function and that the two modules within the SHREC complex are interdependent.

Interactions of HP1 Bound to H3K9me3 Dinucleosome by Molecular Simulations and Biochemical Assays

Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1), associated with heterochromatin formation, recognizes an epigenetically repressive marker, trimethylated lysine 9 in histone H3 (H3K9me3), and generally contributes to long-term silencing. How HP1 induces heterochromatin is not fully understood. Recent experiments suggested that not one, but two nucleosomes provide a platform for this recognition. Integrating previous and new biochemical assays with computational modeling, we provide near-atomic structural models for HP1 binding to the dinucleosomes. We found that the dimeric HP1α tends to bind two H3K9me3s that are in adjacent nucleosomes, thus bridging two nucleosomes. We identified, to our knowledge, a novel DNA binding motif in the hinge region that is specific to HP1α and is essential for recognizing the H3K9me3 sites of two nucleosomes. An HP1 isoform, HP1γ, does not easily bridge two nucleosomes in extended conformations because of the absence of the above binding motif and its shorter hinge region. We propose a molecular mechanism for chromatin structural changes caused by HP1.

ChIP-ping the branches of the tree: functional genomics and the evolution of eukaryotic gene regulation

Advances in the methods for detecting protein-DNA interactions have played a key role in determining the directions of research into the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation. The most recent major technological transformation happened a decade ago, with the move from using tiling arrays [chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-on-Chip] to high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) as a readout for ChIP assays. In addition to the numerous other ways in which it is superior to arrays, by eliminating the need to design and manufacture them, sequencing also opened the door to carrying out comparative analyses of genome-wide transcription factor occupancy across species and studying chromatin biology in previously less accessible model and nonmodel organisms, thus allowing us to understand the evolution and diversity of regulatory mechanisms in unprecedented detail. Here, we review the biological insights obtained from such studies in recent years and discuss anticipated future developments in the field.

Structural Basis of Heterochromatin Formation by Human HP1

Heterochromatin plays important roles in transcriptional silencing and genome maintenance by the formation of condensed chromatin structures, which determine the epigenetic status of eukaryotic cells. The trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me3), a target of heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1), is a hallmark of heterochromatin formation. However, the mechanism by which HP1 folds chromatin-containing H3K9me3 into a higher-order structure has not been elucidated. Here we report the three-dimensional structure of the H3K9me3-containing dinucleosomes complexed with human HP1α, HP1β, and HP1γ, determined by cryogenic electron microscopy with a Volta phase plate. In the structures, two H3K9me3 nucleosomes are bridged by a symmetric HP1 dimer. Surprisingly, the linker DNA between the nucleosomes does not directly interact with HP1, thus allowing nucleosome remodeling by the ATP-utilizing chromatin assembly and remodeling factor (ACF). The structure depicts the fundamental architecture of heterochromatin.

Heterochromatin protein (HP)1γ is not only in the nucleus but also in the cytoplasm interacting with actin in both cell compartments

Confocal and electron microscopy images, and WB analysis of cellular fractions revealed that HP1γ is in the nucleus but also in the cytoplasm of C2C12 myoblasts, myotubes, skeletal and cardiac muscles, N2a, HeLa and HEK293T cells. Signal specificity was tested with different antibodies and by HP1γ knockdown. Leptomycin B treatment of myoblasts increased nuclear HP1γ, suggesting that its nuclear export is Crm-1-dependent. HP1γ exhibited a filamentous pattern of staining partially co-localizing with actin in the cytoplasm of myotubes and myofibrils. Immunoelectron microscopic analysis showed high-density immunogold particles that correspond to HP1γ localized to the Z-disk and A-band of the sarcomere of skeletal muscle. HP1γ partially co-localized with actin in C2C12 myotubes and murine myofibrils. Importantly, actin co-immunoprecipitated with HP1γ in the nuclear and cytosolic fractions of myoblasts. Actin co-immunoprecipitated with HP1γ in myoblasts incubated in the absence or presence of the actin depolymerizing agent cytochalasin D, suggesting that HP1γ may interact with G-and F-actin. In the cytoplasm, HP1γ was associated to the perinuclear actin cap that controls nuclear shape and position. In the nucleus, re-ChIP assays showed that HP1γ-actin associates to the promoter and transcribed regions of the house keeping gene GAPDH, suggesting that HP1γ may function as a scaffold protein for the recruitment of actin to control gene expression. When HP1γ was knocked-down, myoblasts were unable to differentiate or originated thin myotubes. In summary, HP1γ is present in the nucleus and the cytoplasm interacting with actin, a protein complex that may exert different functions depending on its subcellular localization.

Phosphorylation of CBX2 controls its nucleosome-binding specificity

Chromobox 2 (CBX2), a component of polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), binds lysine 27-methylated histone H3 (H3K27me3) via its chromodomain (CD) and plays a critical role in repressing developmentally regulated genes. The phosphorylation of CBX2 has been described in several studies, but the biological implications of this modification remain largely elusive. Here, we show that CBX2's phosphorylation plays an important role in its nucleosome binding. CBX2 is stably phosphorylated in vivo, and domain analysis showed that residues in CBX2's serine-rich (SR) region are the predominant phosphorylation sites. The serine residues in an SR region followed by an acidic-residue (AR) cluster coincide with the consensus target of casein kinase II (CK2), and CK2 efficiently phosphorylated the SR region in vitro. A nucleosome pull-down assay revealed that CK2-phosphorylated CBX2 had a high specificity for H3K27me3-modified nucleosomes. An electrophoretic mobility-shift assay showed that CK2-mediated phosphorylation diminished CBX2's AT-hook-associated DNA-binding activity. Mutant CBX2 lacking the SR region or its neighboring AR cluster failed to repress the transcription of p21, a gene targeted by PRC1. These results suggest that CBX2's phosphorylation is critical for its transcriptional repression of target genes.

Temporal-Spatial Establishment of Initial Niche for the Primary Spermatogonial Stem Cell Formation Is Determined by an ARID4B Regulatory Network

During neonatal testis development, centrally located gonocytes migrate to basement membrane of the seminiferous cords, where physical contact with a niche established by Sertoli cells is essential for transition of gonocytes into spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). To provide structural support and signaling stimuli for the gonocyte-to-SSC transition that occurs at a specific location during a finite phase, temporal-spatial establishment of the niche is critical. To date, the factors that guide Sertoli cells to establish the initial stem cell niche remain largely unknown. Using the Sertoli cell-specific Arid4b knockout (Arid4bSCKO) mice, we demonstrated that ablation of AT-rich interaction domain 4B (ARID4B) resulted in abnormal detachment of Sertoli cells from the basement membrane of seminiferous cords during the gonocyte-to-SSC transition phase, suggesting failure to establish a niche for the SSC formation. Without support by a niche environment, gonocytes showed disarranged cell distribution in the Arid4bSCKO testes and underwent apoptosis. The commitment of gonocytes to differentiate into the spermatogonial lineage was broken and the capability of SSCs to self-renew and differentiate was also impaired. Gene expression profiling revealed the molecular mechanisms responsible for the phenotypic changes in the Arid4bSCKO testes, by identifying genes important for stem cell niche function as downstream effectors of ARID4B, including genes that encode gap junction protein alpha-1, KIT ligand, anti-Müllerian hormone, Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor, inhibin alpha, inhibin beta, and cytochrome P450 family 26 subfamily b polypeptide 1. Our results identified ARID4B as a master regulator of a signaling network that governs the establishment of a niche during the critical gonocyte-to-SSC transition phase to control the fate of gonocytes and SSCs. Stem Cells 2017;35:1554-1565.

The molecular basis of the organization of repetitive DNA-containing constitutive heterochromatin in mammals

Constitutive heterochromatin is composed mainly of repetitive elements and represents the typical inert chromatin structure in eukaryotic cells. Approximately half of the mammalian genome is made of repeat sequences, such as satellite DNA, telomeric DNA, and transposable elements. As essential genes are not present in these regions, most of these repeat sequences were considered as junk DNA in the past. However, it is now clear that these regions are essential for chromosome stability and the silencing of neighboring genes. Genetic and biochemical studies have revealed that histone methylation at H3K9 and its recognition by heterochromatin protein 1 represent the fundamental mechanism by which heterochromatin forms. Although this molecular mechanism is highly conserved from yeast to human cells, its detailed epigenetic regulation is more complex and dynamic for each distinct constitutive heterochromatin structure in higher eukaryotes. It can also vary according to the developmental stage. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis is a powerful tool to investigate the epigenetic regulation of eukaryote genomes, but non-unique reads are usually discarded during standard ChIP-seq data alignment to reference genome databases. Therefore, specific methods to obtain global epigenetic information concerning repetitive elements are needed. In this review, we focus on such approaches and we summarize the latest molecular models for distinct constitutive heterochromatin types in mammals.

Roles of pRB in the Regulation of Nucleosome and Chromatin Structures

Retinoblastoma protein (pRB) interacts with E2F and other protein factors to play a pivotal role in regulating the expression of target genes that induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and differentiation. pRB controls the local promoter activity and has the ability to change the structure of nucleosomes and/or chromosomes via histone modification, epigenetic changes, chromatin remodeling, and chromosome organization. Functional inactivation of pRB perturbs these cellular events and causes dysregulated cell growth and chromosome instability, which are hallmarks of cancer cells. The role of pRB in regulation of nucleosome/chromatin structures has been shown to link to tumor suppression. This review focuses on the ability of pRB to control nucleosome/chromatin structures via physical interactions with histone modifiers and chromatin factors and describes cancer therapies based on targeting these protein factors.

H3K36 methylation state and associated silencing mechanisms

Epigenetic marks determine cell fate via numerous reader proteins. H3K36 methylation is a common epigenetic mark that is thought to be associated with the activities of the RNA polymerase 2 C-terminal domain. We discuss a novel silencing mechanism regulated by Set2-dependent H3K36 methylation that involves exosome-dependent RNA processing.

Phosphorylation-Dependent Targeting of Tetrahymena HP1 to Condensed Chromatin

Compacting the genome to various degrees influences processes that use DNA as a template, such as gene transcription and replication. This project was aimed at learning more about the cellular mechanisms that control genome compaction. Posttranslational modifications of proteins involved in genome condensation are emerging as potentially important points of regulation. To help elucidate protein modifications and how they affect the function of condensation proteins, we investigated the phosphorylation of the chromatin protein called Hhp1 in the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila. This is one of the first functional investigations of these modifications of a nonhistone chromatin condensation protein that acts on the ciliate genome, and discoveries will aid in identifying common, evolutionarily conserved strategies that control the dynamic compaction of genomes.

The evolutionarily conserved proteins related to heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1), originally described in Drosophila, are well known for their roles in heterochromatin assembly and gene silencing. Targeting of HP1 proteins to specific chromatin locales is mediated, at least in part, by the HP1 chromodomain, which binds to histone H3 methylated at lysine 9 that marks condensed regions of the genome. Mechanisms that regulate HP1 targeting are emerging from studies with yeast and metazoans and point to roles for posttranslational modifications. Here, we report that modifications of an HP1 homolog (Hhp1) in the ciliate model Tetrahymena thermophila correlated with the physiological state and with nuclear differentiation events involving the restructuring of chromatin. Results support the model in which Hhp1 chromodomain binds lysine 27-methylated histone H3, and we show that colocalization with this histone mark depends on phosphorylation at a single Cdc2/Cdk1 kinase site in the “hinge region” adjacent to the chromodomain. These findings help elucidate important functional roles of reversible posttranslational modifications of proteins in the HP1 family, in this case, regulating the targeting of a ciliate HP1 to chromatin regions marked with methylated H3 lysine 27.

IMPORTANCE Compacting the genome to various degrees influences processes that use DNA as a template, such as gene transcription and replication. This project was aimed at learning more about the cellular mechanisms that control genome compaction. Posttranslational modifications of proteins involved in genome condensation are emerging as potentially important points of regulation. To help elucidate protein modifications and how they affect the function of condensation proteins, we investigated the phosphorylation of the chromatin protein called Hhp1 in the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila. This is one of the first functional investigations of these modifications of a nonhistone chromatin condensation protein that acts on the ciliate genome, and discoveries will aid in identifying common, evolutionarily conserved strategies that control the dynamic compaction of genomes.

The Chp1 chromodomain binds the H3K9me tail and the nucleosome core to assemble heterochromatin

To maintain genome stability, cells pack large portions of their genome into silent chromatin or heterochromatin. Histone H3 lysine 9 methylation, a hallmark of heterochromatin, is recognized by conserved readers called chromodomains. But how chromodomains interact with their actual binding partner, the H3K9 methylated nucleosome, remains elusive. We have determined the structure of a nucleosome trimethylated at lysine 9 of histone H3 (H3K9me3 Nucleosome) in a complex with the chromodomain of Chp1, a protein required for RNA interference-dependent heterochromatin formation in fission yeast. The cryo-electron microscopy structure reveals that the chromodomain of Chp1 binds the histone H3 lysine 9 methylated tail and the core of the nucleosome, primarily histones H3 and H2B. Mutations in chromodomain of Chp1 loops, which interact with the nucleosome core, abolished this interaction in vitro. Moreover, fission yeast cells with Chp1 loop mutations have a defect in Chp1 recruitment and heterochromatin formation. This study reveals the structural basis for heterochromatic silencing and suggests that chromodomains could read histone code in the H3 tail and the nucleosome core, which would provide an additional layer of regulation.

Extended string-like binding of the phosphorylated HP1α N-terminal tail to the lysine 9-methylated histone H3 tail

The chromodomain of HP1α binds directly to lysine 9-methylated histone H3 (H3K9me). This interaction is enhanced by phosphorylation of serine residues in the N-terminal tail of HP1α by unknown mechanism. Here we show that phosphorylation modulates flexibility of HP1α's N-terminal tail, which strengthens the interaction with H3. NMR analysis of HP1α's chromodomain with N-terminal tail reveals that phosphorylation does not change the overall tertiary structure, but apparently reduces the tail dynamics. Small angle X-ray scattering confirms that phosphorylation contributes to extending HP1α's N-terminal tail. Systematic analysis using deletion mutants and replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the phosphorylated serines and following acidic segment behave like an extended string and dynamically bind to H3 basic residues; without phosphorylation, the most N-terminal basic segment of HP1α inhibits interaction of the acidic segment with H3. Thus, the dynamic string-like behavior of HP1α's N-terminal tail underlies the enhancement in H3 binding due to phosphorylation.

Beyond the histone tale: HP1α deregulation in breast cancer epigenetics

Heterochromatin protein 1α (HP1α) encoded from the CBX5-gene is an evolutionary conserved protein that binds histone H3 di- or tri-methylated at position lysine 9 (H3K9me2/3), a hallmark for heterochromatin, and has an essential role in forming higher order chromatin structures. HP1α has diverse functions in heterochromatin formation, gene regulation, and mitotic progression, and forms complex networks of gene, RNA, and protein interactions. Emerging evidence has shown that HP1α serves a unique biological role in breast cancer related processes and in particular for epigenetic control mechanisms involved in aberrant cell proliferation and metastasis. However, how HP1α deregulation plays dual mechanistic functions for cancer cell proliferation and metastasis suppression and the underlying cellular mechanisms are not yet comprehensively described. In this paper we provide an overview of the role of HP1α as a new sight of epigenetics in proliferation and metastasis of human breast cancer. This highlights the importance of addressing HP1α in breast cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

Intrabody-mediated diverting of HP1β to the cytoplasm induces co-aggregation of H3-H4 histones and lamin-B receptor

Diverting a protein from its intracellular location is a unique property of intrabodies. To interfere with the intracellular traffic of heterochromatin protein 1β (HP1β) in living cells, we have generated a cytoplasmic targeted anti-HP1β intrabody, specifically directed against the C-terminal portion of the molecule. HP1β is a conserved component of mouse and human constitutive heterochromatin involved in diverse nuclear functions including gene silencing, DNA repair and nuclear membrane assembly. We found that the anti-HP1β intrabody sequesters HP1β into cytoplasmic aggregates, inhibiting its traffic to the nucleus. Lamin B receptor (LBR) and a subset of core histones (H3/H4) are also specifically co-sequestered in the cytoplasm of anti-HP1β intrabody-expressing cells. Methylated histone H3 at K9 (Me9H3), a marker of constitutive heterochromatin, is not affected by the anti-HP1β intrabody expression. Hyper-acetylating conditions completely dislodge H3 from HP1β:LBR containing aggregates. The expression of anti-HP1β scFv fragments induces apoptosis, associated with an alteration of nuclear morphology. Both these phenotypes are specifically rescued either by overexpression of recombinant full length HP1β or by HP1β mutant containing the chromoshadow domain, but not by recombinant LBR protein. The HP1β-chromodomain mutant, on the other hand, does not rescue the phenotypes, but does compete with LBR for binding to HP1β. These findings provide new insights into the mode of action of cytoplasmic-targeted intrabodies and the interaction between HP1β and its binding partners involved in peripheral heterochromatin organisation.

Androgen Receptor Coactivator ARID4B Is Required for the Function of Sertoli Cells in Spermatogenesis

Defects in spermatogenesis, a process that produces spermatozoa inside seminiferous tubules of the testis, result in male infertility. Spermatogenic progression is highly dependent on a microenvironment provided by Sertoli cells, the only somatic cells and epithelium of seminiferous tubules. However, genes that regulate such an important activity of Sertoli cells are poorly understood. Here, we found that AT-rich interactive domain 4B (ARID4B), is essential for the function of Sertoli cells to regulate spermatogenesis. Specifically, we generated Sertoli cell-specific Arid4b knockout (Arid4bSCKO) mice, and showed that the Arid4bSCKO male mice were completely infertile with impaired testis development and significantly reduced testis size. Importantly, severe structural defects accompanied by loss of germ cells and Sertoli cell-only phenotype were found in many seminiferous tubules of the Arid4bSCKO testes. In addition, maturation of Sertoli cells was significantly delayed in the Arid4bSCKO mice, associated with delayed onset of spermatogenesis. Spermatogenic progression was also defective, showing an arrest at the round spermatid stage in the Arid4bSCKO testes. Interestingly, we showed that ARID4B functions as a "coactivator" of androgen receptor and is required for optimal transcriptional activation of reproductive homeobox 5, an androgen receptor target gene specifically expressed in Sertoli cells and critical for spermatogenesis. Together, our study identified ARID4B to be a key regulator of Sertoli cell function important for male germ cell development.