1
|
Wakim JG, Spakowitz AJ. Physical modeling of nucleosome clustering in euchromatin resulting from interactions between epigenetic reader proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317911121. [PMID: 38900792 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317911121] [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: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Euchromatin is an accessible phase of genetic material containing genes that encode proteins with increased expression levels. The structure of euchromatin in vitro has been described as a 30-nm fiber formed from ordered nucleosome arrays. However, recent advances in microscopy have revealed an in vivo euchromatin architecture that is much more disordered, characterized by variable-length linker DNA and sporadic nucleosome clusters. In this work, we develop a theoretical model to elucidate factors contributing to the disordered in vivo architecture of euchromatin. We begin by developing a 1D model of nucleosome positioning that captures the interactions between bound epigenetic reader proteins to predict the distribution of DNA linker lengths between adjacent nucleosomes. We then use the predicted linker lengths to construct 3D chromatin configurations consistent with the physical properties of DNA within the nucleosome array, and we evaluate the distribution of nucleosome cluster sizes in those configurations. Our model reproduces experimental cluster-size distributions, which are dramatically influenced by the local pattern of epigenetic marks and the concentration of reader proteins. Based on our model, we attribute the disordered arrangement of euchromatin to the heterogeneous binding of reader proteins and subsequent short-range interactions between bound reader proteins on adjacent nucleosomes. By replicating experimental results with our physics-based model, we propose a mechanism for euchromatin organization in the nucleus that impacts gene regulation and the maintenance of epigenetic marks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Wakim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Andrew J Spakowitz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nie H, Kong X, Song X, Guo X, Li Z, Fan C, Zhai B, Yang X, Wang Y. Roles of histone post-translational modifications in meiosis†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:648-659. [PMID: 38224305 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination, play vital roles in various chromatin-based cellular processes. Meiosis is crucial for organisms that depend on sexual reproduction to produce haploid gametes, during which chromatin undergoes intricate conformational changes. An increasing body of evidence is clarifying the essential roles of histone post-translational modifications during meiotic divisions. In this review, we concentrate on the post-translational modifications of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4, as well as the linker histone H1, that are required for meiosis, and summarize recent progress in understanding how these modifications influence diverse meiotic events. Finally, challenges and exciting open questions for future research in this field are discussed. Summary Sentence Diverse histone post-translational modifications exert important effects on the meiotic cell cycle and these "histone codes" in meiosis might lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies against reproductive diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Nie
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xueyu Kong
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Song
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Guo
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhanyu Li
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Cunxian Fan
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Binyuan Zhai
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Saumer P, Scheffner M, Marx A, Stengel F. Interactome of intact chromatosome variants with site-specifically ubiquitylated and acetylated linker histone H1.2. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:101-113. [PMID: 37994785 PMCID: PMC10783519 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1113] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histones have fundamental effects on chromatin structure and function. While the impact of PTMs on the function of core histones are increasingly well understood, this is much less the case for modifications of linker histone H1, which is at least in part due to a lack of proper tools. In this work, we establish the assembly of intact chromatosomes containing site-specifically ubiquitylated and acetylated linker histone H1.2 variants obtained by a combination of chemical biology approaches. We then use these complexes in a tailored affinity enrichment mass spectrometry workflow to identify and comprehensively characterize chromatosome-specific cellular interactomes and the impact of site-specific linker histone modifications on a proteome-wide scale. We validate and benchmark our approach by western-blotting and by confirming the involvement of chromatin-bound H1.2 in the recruitment of proteins involved in DNA double-strand break repair using an in vitro ligation assay. We relate our data to previous work and in particular compare it to data on modification-specific interaction partners of free H1. Taken together, our data supports the role of chromatin-bound H1 as a regulatory protein with distinct functions beyond DNA compaction and constitutes an important resource for future investigations of histone epigenetic modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Saumer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz; Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
- Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz; Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Martin Scheffner
- Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz; Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz; Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Andreas Marx
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz; Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
- Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz; Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Florian Stengel
- Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz; Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz; Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kitazawa R, Haraguchi R, Kitazawa S. Histone Modification in Histochemistry and Cytochemistry. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2023; 56:41-47. [PMID: 37425097 PMCID: PMC10323199 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.23-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Keeping chromatin in a stable state is essential for genome stability, scheduled transcription, replication, DNA repair, and precise and reliable chromosome segregation and telomere maintenance during cell division. Over the past decade, research on chromatin remodeling has made great strides whereby modification of histone proteins is a key factor involved in many of the essential cellular processes. The nuclear findings of tumor cells that pathologists routinely examine are nothing but reflections of both genomic and histone alterations. Moreover, impaired histone function is known to be related to common diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis, and is, therefore, considered a potential therapeutic target. The present review first outlines the physiological function of histone proteins, and second, demonstrates their alterations to pathological states, emphasizing the importance of immunohistochemistry in histopathological diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riko Kitazawa
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Ehime University Hospital, Ehime, Japan
| | - Ryuma Haraguchi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Sohei Kitazawa
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Levinsky AJ, McEdwards G, Sethna N, Currie MA. Targets of histone H3 lysine 9 methyltransferases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1026406. [PMID: 36568972 PMCID: PMC9768651 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1026406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone H3 lysine 9 di- and trimethylation are well-established marks of constitutively silenced heterochromatin domains found at repetitive DNA elements including pericentromeres, telomeres, and transposons. Loss of heterochromatin at these sites causes genomic instability in the form of aberrant DNA repair, chromosome segregation defects, replication stress, and transposition. H3K9 di- and trimethylation also regulate cell type-specific gene expression during development and form a barrier to cellular reprogramming. However, the role of H3K9 methyltransferases extends beyond histone methylation. There is a growing list of non-histone targets of H3K9 methyltransferases including transcription factors, steroid hormone receptors, histone modifying enzymes, and other chromatin regulatory proteins. Additionally, two classes of H3K9 methyltransferases modulate their own function through automethylation. Here we summarize the structure and function of mammalian H3K9 methyltransferases, their roles in genome regulation and constitutive heterochromatin, as well as the current repertoire of non-histone methylation targets including cases of automethylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aidan J. Levinsky
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregor McEdwards
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nasha Sethna
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark A. Currie
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,*Correspondence: Mark A. Currie,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yahaya TO, Bashar DM, Oladele EO, Umar J, Anyebe D, Izuafa A. Epigenetics in the etiology and management of infertility. World J Med Genet 2022; 10:7-21. [DOI: 10.5496/wjmg.v10.i2.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic disruptions have been implicated in some cases of infertility and can serve as therapeutic targets. However, the involvement of epigenetics in infertility has not received adequate attention.
AIM This study aimed to determine the epigenetic basis of infertility in order to enhance public knowledge.
METHODS Relevant articles on the subject were collected from PubMed, RCA, Google Scholar, SpringerLink, and Scopus. The articles were pooled together and duplicates were removed using Endnote software.
RESULTS Available information shows that epigenetic mechanisms, mainly DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA interference are necessary for normal gametogenesis and embryogenesis. As a result, epigenetic disruptions in genes that control gametogenesis and embryogenesis, such as DDX3X, ADH4, AZF, PLAG1, D1RAS3, CYGB, MEST, JMJD1A, KCNQ1, IGF2, H19, and MTHFR may result in infertility. Aberrant DNA methylation during genomic imprinting and parental epigenetic mark erasures, in particular, may affect the DNA epigenomes of sperm and oocytes, resulting in reproductive abnormalities. Histone epigenetic dysregulation during oocyte development and histone-protamine replacement in the sperm may also cause reproductive abnormalities. Furthermore, overexpression or repression of certain microRNAs embedded in the ovary, testis, embryo, as well as granulosa cells and oocytes may impair reproduction. Male infertility is characterized by spermatogenesis failure, which includes oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia, while female infertility is characterized by polycystic ovary syndrome. Some epigenetic modifications can be reversed by deactivating the regulatory enzymes, implying that epigenetic reprogramming could help treat infertility in some cases. For some disorders, epigenetic drugs are available, but none have been formulated for infertility.
CONCLUSION Some cases of infertility have an epigenetic etiology and can be treated by reversing the same epigenetic mechanism that caused it. As a result, medical practitioners are urged to come up with epigenetic treatments for infertility that have an epigenetic cause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Danlami M Bashar
- Department of Microbiology, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State 23401, Nigeria
| | - Esther O Oladele
- Biology Unit, Distance Learning Institute, University of Lagos, Lagos State 23401, Nigeria
| | - Ja'afar Umar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State 23401, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Anyebe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State 23401, Nigeria
| | - Abdulrazaq Izuafa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State 23401, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sikder S, Arunkumar G, Melters DP, Dalal Y. Breaking the aging epigenetic barrier. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:943519. [PMID: 35966762 PMCID: PMC9366916 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.943519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is an inexorable event occurring universally for all organisms characterized by the progressive loss of cell function. However, less is known about the key events occurring inside the nucleus in the process of aging. The advent of chromosome capture techniques and extensive modern sequencing technologies have illuminated a rather dynamic structure of chromatin inside the nucleus. As cells advance along their life cycle, chromatin condensation states alter which leads to a different epigenetic landscape, correlated with modified gene expression. The exact factors mediating these changes in the chromatin structure and function remain elusive in the context of aging cells. The accumulation of DNA damage, reactive oxygen species and loss of genomic integrity as cells cease to divide can contribute to a tumor stimulating environment. In this review, we focus on genomic and epigenomic changes occurring in an aged cell which can contribute to age-related tumor formation.
Collapse
|
8
|
Abdelrahman M, Wang W, Shaukat A, Kulyar MFEA, Lv H, Abulaiti A, Yao Z, Ahmad MJ, Liang A, Yang L. Nutritional Modulation, Gut, and Omics Crosstalk in Ruminants. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12080997. [PMID: 35454245 PMCID: PMC9029867 DOI: 10.3390/ani12080997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Over the last decade, animal nutrition science has been significantly developed, supported by the great advancements in molecular technologies. For scientists, the present "feedomics and nutrigenomics" era continues to evolve and shape how research is designed, performed, and understood. The new omics interpretations have established a new point of view for the nutrition–gene interaction, integrating more comprehensive findings from animal physiology, molecular genetics, and biochemistry. In the ruminant model, this modern approach addresses rumen microbes as a critical intermediate that can deepen the studies of diet–gut interaction with host genomics. The present review discusses nutrigenomics’ and feedomics’ potential contribution to diminishing the knowledge gap about the DNA cellular activities of different nutrients. It also presents how nutritional management can influence the epigenetic pathway, considering the production type, life stage, and species for more sustainable ruminant nutrition strategies. Abstract Ruminant nutrition has significantly revolutionized a new and prodigious molecular approach in livestock sciences over the last decade. Wide-spectrum advances in DNA and RNA technologies and analysis have produced a wealth of data that have shifted the research threshold scheme to a more affluent level. Recently, the published literature has pointed out the nutrient roles in different cellular genomic alterations among different ruminant species, besides the interactions with other factors, such as age, type, and breed. Additionally, it has addressed rumen microbes within the gut health and productivity context, which has made interpreting homogenous evidence more complicated. As a more systematic approach, nutrigenomics can identify how genomics interacts with nutrition and other variables linked to animal performance. Such findings should contribute to crystallizing powerful interpretations correlating feeding management with ruminant production and health through genomics. This review will present a road-mapping discussion of promising trends in ruminant nutrigenomics as a reference for phenotype expression through multi-level omics changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdelrahman
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.A.); (W.W.); (A.S.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (Z.Y.); (M.J.A.); (A.L.)
- Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Assuit University, Asyut 71515, Egypt
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.A.); (W.W.); (A.S.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (Z.Y.); (M.J.A.); (A.L.)
| | - Aftab Shaukat
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.A.); (W.W.); (A.S.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (Z.Y.); (M.J.A.); (A.L.)
| | | | - Haimiao Lv
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.A.); (W.W.); (A.S.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (Z.Y.); (M.J.A.); (A.L.)
| | - Adili Abulaiti
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.A.); (W.W.); (A.S.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (Z.Y.); (M.J.A.); (A.L.)
| | - Zhiqiu Yao
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.A.); (W.W.); (A.S.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (Z.Y.); (M.J.A.); (A.L.)
| | - Muhammad Jamil Ahmad
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.A.); (W.W.); (A.S.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (Z.Y.); (M.J.A.); (A.L.)
| | - Aixin Liang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.A.); (W.W.); (A.S.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (Z.Y.); (M.J.A.); (A.L.)
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liguo Yang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.A.); (W.W.); (A.S.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (Z.Y.); (M.J.A.); (A.L.)
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-138-7105-6592
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Phillips EO, Gunjan A. Histone Variants: The Unsung Guardians of the Genome. DNA Repair (Amst) 2022; 112:103301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2022.103301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
10
|
Chi YH, Wang WP, Hung MC, Liou GG, Wang JY, Chao PHG. Deformation of the nucleus by TGFβ1 via the remodeling of nuclear envelope and histone isoforms. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:1. [PMID: 34983624 PMCID: PMC8725468 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-021-00434-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cause of nuclear shape abnormalities which are often seen in pre-neoplastic and malignant tissues is not clear. In this study we report that deformation of the nucleus can be induced by TGFβ1 stimulation in several cell lines including Huh7. In our results, the upregulated histone H3.3 expression downstream of SMAD signaling contributed to TGFβ1-induced nuclear deformation, a process of which requires incorporation of the nuclear envelope (NE) proteins lamin B1 and SUN1. During this process, the NE constitutively ruptured and reformed. Contrast to lamin B1 which was relatively stationary around the nucleus, the upregulated lamin A was highly mobile, clustering at the nuclear periphery and reintegrating into the nucleoplasm. The chromatin regions that lost NE coverage formed a supra-nucleosomal structure characterized by elevated histone H3K27me3 and histone H1, the formation of which depended on the presence of lamin A. These results provide evidence that shape of the nucleus can be modulated through TGFβ1-induced compositional changes in the chromatin and nuclear lamina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hui Chi
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
| | - Wan-Ping Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chun Hung
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Gunn-Guang Liou
- National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ya Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Pen-Hsiu Grace Chao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fritz AJ, El Dika M, Toor RH, Rodriguez PD, Foley SJ, Ullah R, Nie D, Banerjee B, Lohese D, Glass KC, Frietze S, Ghule PN, Heath JL, Imbalzano AN, van Wijnen A, Gordon J, Lian JB, Stein JL, Stein GS, Stein GS. Epigenetic-Mediated Regulation of Gene Expression for Biological Control and Cancer: Cell and Tissue Structure, Function, and Phenotype. Results Probl Cell Differ 2022; 70:339-373. [PMID: 36348114 PMCID: PMC9753575 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06573-6_12] [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: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic gene regulatory mechanisms play a central role in the biological control of cell and tissue structure, function, and phenotype. Identification of epigenetic dysregulation in cancer provides mechanistic into tumor initiation and progression and may prove valuable for a variety of clinical applications. We present an overview of epigenetically driven mechanisms that are obligatory for physiological regulation and parameters of epigenetic control that are modified in tumor cells. The interrelationship between nuclear structure and function is not mutually exclusive but synergistic. We explore concepts influencing the maintenance of chromatin structures, including phase separation, recognition signals, factors that mediate enhancer-promoter looping, and insulation and how these are altered during the cell cycle and in cancer. Understanding how these processes are altered in cancer provides a potential for advancing capabilities for the diagnosis and identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Fritz
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Mohammed El Dika
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Rabail H. Toor
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | | | - Stephen J. Foley
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Rahim Ullah
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Daijing Nie
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Bodhisattwa Banerjee
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Dorcas Lohese
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Karen C. Glass
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Seth Frietze
- University of Vermont, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Prachi N. Ghule
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Jessica L. Heath
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405,University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Anthony N. Imbalzano
- UMass Chan Medical School, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Andre van Wijnen
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Jonathan Gordon
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Jane B. Lian
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Janet L. Stein
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Gary S. Stein
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lin CYG, Näger AC, Lunardi T, Vančevska A, Lossaint G, Lingner J. The human telomeric proteome during telomere replication. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:12119-12135. [PMID: 34747482 PMCID: PMC8643687 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere shortening can cause detrimental diseases and contribute to aging. It occurs due to the end replication problem in cells lacking telomerase. Furthermore, recent studies revealed that telomere shortening can be attributed to difficulties of the semi-conservative DNA replication machinery to replicate the bulk of telomeric DNA repeats. To investigate telomere replication in a comprehensive manner, we develop QTIP-iPOND - Quantitative Telomeric chromatin Isolation Protocol followed by isolation of Proteins On Nascent DNA - which enables purification of proteins that associate with telomeres specifically during replication. In addition to the core replisome, we identify a large number of proteins that specifically associate with telomere replication forks. Depletion of several of these proteins induces telomere fragility validating their importance for telomere replication. We also find that at telomere replication forks the single strand telomere binding protein POT1 is depleted, whereas histone H1 is enriched. Our work reveals the dynamic changes of the telomeric proteome during replication, providing a valuable resource of telomere replication proteins. To our knowledge, this is the first study that examines the replisome at a specific region of the genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Yi Gabriela Lin
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anna Christina Näger
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Lunardi
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aleksandra Vančevska
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gérald Lossaint
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Lingner
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chemical biology approaches to study histone interactors. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2431-2441. [PMID: 34709376 PMCID: PMC9785950 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210772] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) in the nucleus play key roles in transcriptional regulation and ensure genomic stability. Critical to this are histone-mediated PPI networks, which are further fine-tuned through dynamic post-translational modification. Perturbation to these networks leads to genomic instability and disease, presenting epigenetic proteins as key therapeutic targets. This mini-review will describe progress in mapping the combinatorial histone PTM landscape, and recent chemical biology approaches to map histone interactors. Recent advances in mapping direct interactors of histone PTMs as well as local chromatin interactomes will be highlighted, with a focus on mass-spectrometry based workflows that continue to illuminate histone-mediated PPIs in unprecedented detail.
Collapse
|
14
|
Höllmüller E, Greiner K, Kienle SM, Scheffner M, Marx A, Stengel F. Interactome of Site-Specifically Acetylated Linker Histone H1. J Proteome Res 2021; 20:4443-4451. [PMID: 34351766 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.1c00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Linker histone H1 plays a key role in chromatin organization and maintenance, yet our knowledge of the regulation of H1 functions by post-translational modifications is rather limited. In this study, we report on the generation of site-specifically mono- and di-acetylated linker histone H1.2 by genetic code expansion. We used these modified histones to identify and characterize the acetylation-dependent cellular interactome of H1.2 by affinity purification mass spectrometry and show that site-specific acetylation results in overlapping but distinct groups of interacting partners. Among these, we find multiple translational initiation factors and transcriptional regulators such as the NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT1, which we demonstrate to act on acetylated H1.2. Taken together, our data suggest that site-specific acetylation of H1.2 plays a role in modulating protein-protein interactions.
Collapse
|
15
|
Höllmüller E, Geigges S, Niedermeier ML, Kammer KM, Kienle SM, Rösner D, Scheffner M, Marx A, Stengel F. Site-specific ubiquitylation acts as a regulator of linker histone H1. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3497. [PMID: 34108453 PMCID: PMC8190259 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23636-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Decoding the role of histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) is key to understand the fundamental process of epigenetic regulation. This is well studied for PTMs of core histones but not for linker histone H1 in general and its ubiquitylation in particular due to a lack of proper tools. Here, we report on the chemical synthesis of site-specifically mono-ubiquitylated H1.2 and identify its ubiquitin-dependent interactome on a proteome-wide scale. We show that site-specific ubiquitylation of H1 at position K64 modulates interactions with deubiquitylating enzymes and the deacetylase SIRT1. Moreover, it affects H1-dependent chromatosome assembly and phase separation resulting in a more open chromatosome conformation generally associated with a transcriptionally active chromatin state. In summary, we propose that site-specific ubiquitylation plays a general regulatory role for linker histone H1. While the role of specific posttranslational modifications (PTMs) is increasingly well understood for core histones, this is not the case for linker histone H1. Here the authors show that site-specific ubiquitylation of H1 results in distinct interactomes, regulates phase separation, and modulates assembly of chromatosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Höllmüller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Simon Geigges
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Marie L Niedermeier
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Kai-Michael Kammer
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Simon M Kienle
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Daniel Rösner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Martin Scheffner
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany. .,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Andreas Marx
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany. .,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Florian Stengel
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany. .,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Combinations of histone post-translational modifications. Biochem J 2021; 478:511-532. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Histones are essential proteins that package the eukaryotic genome into its physiological state of nucleosomes, chromatin, and chromosomes. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histones are crucial to both the dynamic and persistent regulation of the genome. Histone PTMs store and convey complex signals about the state of the genome. This is often achieved by multiple variable PTM sites, occupied or unoccupied, on the same histone molecule or nucleosome functioning in concert. These mechanisms are supported by the structures of ‘readers’ that transduce the signal from the presence or absence of PTMs in specific cellular contexts. We provide background on PTMs and their complexes, review the known combinatorial function of PTMs, and assess the value and limitations of common approaches to measure combinatorial PTMs. This review serves as both a reference and a path forward to investigate combinatorial PTM functions, discover new synergies, and gather additional evidence supporting that combinations of histone PTMs are the central currency of chromatin-mediated regulation of the genome.
Collapse
|
17
|
Kowalski A, Knaga S. A variety-specific arrangement of histone H1 subtype (H1.b and H1.z) polymorphic variants in differently plumaged quails. Br Poult Sci 2021; 62:166-171. [PMID: 33325274 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2020.1842854] [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: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
1. This study was undertaken to evaluate genetic diversity among three varieties of Japanese quail (British Range, English White and Tuxedo) differing in plumage colour. The level of genetic variation was rated through the histone H1 polymorphic loci (H1.b and H1.z) containing quantitatively similar (P > 0.05) isoforms (H1.b1, H1.b2 and H1.z1, H1.z2) that form both homozygous (b1, b2 and z1, z2) and heterozygous (b1b2 and z1z2) phenotypes.2. The complete set of histone H1 phenotypes were characteristic of the British Range and Tuxedo varieties. Phenotypes b2 and z2 were not detected in the English White variety. A lack of the former phenotypes resulted in excess of heterozygotes at loci H1.b (F = -0.563) and H1.z (F = -0.562), pointing to the presence of outbreeding.3. The English White variety deviated from Hardy-Weinberg proportions (H1.b - Χ2 = 7.61, P < 0.05 and H1.z - Χ2 = 5.84, P < 0.05), in contrast to the British Range variety (H1.b - Χ2 = 0.86, P > 0.05 and H1.z - Χ2 = 0.86, P > 0.05) and Tuxedo (H1.b - Χ2 = 1.6, P > 0.05 and H1.z - Χ2 = 1.6, P > 0.05). The estimated values of the FST index for loci H1.b (0.073) and H1.z (0.099) indicate a moderate genetic diversity of the quail population.4. The distinct array and distribution of histone H1 phenotypes among quail varieties suggested that histone H1 allelic variants might have an individual impact on characteristic pigmentation of poultry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Kowalski
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Biology, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - S Knaga
- Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kumari A, Bhawal S, Kapila S, Yadav H, Kapila R. Health-promoting role of dietary bioactive compounds through epigenetic modulations: a novel prophylactic and therapeutic approach. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 62:619-639. [PMID: 33081489 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1825286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The epigenome is an overall epigenetic state of an organism, which is as important as that of the genome for normal development and functioning of an individual. Epigenetics involves heritable but reversible changes in gene expression through alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications and regulation of non-coding RNAs in cells, without any change in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic changes are owned by various environmental factors including pollution, microbiota and diet, which have profound effects on epigenetic modifiers. The bioactive compounds present in the diet mainly include curcumin, resveratrol, catechins, quercetin, genistein, sulforaphane, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, alkaloids, vitamins, and peptides. Bioactive compounds released during fermentation by the action of microbes also have a significant effect on the host epigenome. Besides, recent studies have explored the new insights in vitamin's functions through epigenetic regulation. These bioactive compounds exert synergistic, preventive and therapeutic effects when combined as well as when used with chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, these compounds have potential of therapeutic agents that could be used as "Epidrug" to treat many inflammatory diseases and various cancers where chemotherapy results have many side effects. In this review, the effect of diet derived bioactive compounds through epigenetic modulations on in vitro and in vivo models is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Kumari
- Animal Biochemistry Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Shalaka Bhawal
- Animal Biochemistry Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Suman Kapila
- Animal Biochemistry Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Hariom Yadav
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rajeev Kapila
- Animal Biochemistry Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Nizovtseva EV, Polikanov YS, Kulaeva OI, Clauvelin N, Postnikov YV, Olson WK, Studitsky VM. [Opposite Effects of Histone H1 and HMGN5 Protein on Distant Interactions in Chromatin]. Mol Biol (Mosk) 2020; 53:1038-1048. [PMID: 31876282 DOI: 10.1134/s0026898419060132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional enhancers in the cell nuclei typically interact with the target promoters in cis over long stretches of chromatin, but the mechanism of this communication remains unknown. Previously we have developed a defined in vitro system for quantitative analysis of the rate of distant enhancer-promoter communication (EPC) and have shown that the chromatin fibers maintain efficient distant EPC in cis. Here we investigate the roles of linker histone H1 and HMGN5 protein in EPC. A considerable negative effect of histone H1 on EPC depending on its C- and N-tails was shown. Protein HMGN5 that affects chromatin compaction and is associated with active chromatin counteracts EPC inhibition by H1. The data suggest that the efficiency of the interaction between the enhancer and the promoter depends on the structure and dynamics of the chromatin fiber localized between them and can be regulated by proteins associated with chromatin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E V Nizovtseva
- Cancer Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19422 USA
| | - Y S Polikanov
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607 USA.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607 USA
| | - O I Kulaeva
- Cancer Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19422 USA
| | - N Clauvelin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, BioMaPS Institute for Quantitative Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Y V Postnikov
- Protein Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - W K Olson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, BioMaPS Institute for Quantitative Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - V M Studitsky
- Cancer Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19422 USA.,Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991 Russia.,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nizovtseva EV, Polikanov YS, Kulaeva OI, Clauvelin N, Postnikov YV, Olson WK, Studitsky VM. Opposite Effects of Histone H1 and HMGN5 Protein on Distant Interactions in Chromatin. Mol Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s002689331906013x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
21
|
Legoff L, D’Cruz SC, Tevosian S, Primig M, Smagulova F. Transgenerational Inheritance of Environmentally Induced Epigenetic Alterations during Mammalian Development. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121559. [PMID: 31816913 PMCID: PMC6953051 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies traditionally focus on DNA as the molecule that passes information on from parents to their offspring. Changes in the DNA code alter heritable information and can more or less severely affect the progeny's phenotype. While the idea that information can be inherited between generations independently of the DNA's nucleotide sequence is not new, the outcome of recent studies provides a mechanistic foundation for the concept. In this review, we attempt to summarize our current knowledge about the transgenerational inheritance of environmentally induced epigenetic changes. We focus primarily on studies using mice but refer to other species to illustrate salient points. Some studies support the notion that there is a somatic component within the phenomenon of epigenetic inheritance. However, here, we will mostly focus on gamete-based processes and the primary molecular mechanisms that are thought to contribute to epigenetic inheritance: DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. Most of the rodent studies published in the literature suggest that transgenerational epigenetic inheritance through gametes can be modulated by environmental factors. Modification and redistribution of chromatin proteins in gametes is one of the major routes for transmitting epigenetic information from parents to the offspring. Our recent studies provide additional specific cues for this concept and help better understand environmental exposure influences fitness and fidelity in the germline. In summary, environmental cues can induce parental alterations and affect the phenotypes of offspring through gametic epigenetic inheritance. Consequently, epigenetic factors and their heritability should be considered during disease risk assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Legoff
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)—UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France; (L.L.); (S.C.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Shereen Cynthia D’Cruz
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)—UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France; (L.L.); (S.C.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Sergei Tevosian
- University of Florida, Department of Physiological Sciences Box 100144, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Michael Primig
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)—UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France; (L.L.); (S.C.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Fatima Smagulova
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)—UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France; (L.L.); (S.C.D.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|