Mapping Transcription Factors on Extended DNA: A Single Molecule Approach

2009 ◽  
pp. 203-216
Author(s):  
Yuval Ebenstein ◽  
Natalie Gassman ◽  
Shimon Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Single Molecule

Reduction in gene expression noise by targeted increase in accessibility at gene loci

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (42) ◽  
pp. e2018640118
Author(s):  
LaTasha C. R. Fraser ◽  
Ryan J. Dikdan ◽  
Supravat Dey ◽  
Abhyudai Singh ◽  
Sanjay Tyagi
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Global Changes ◽  
Messenger Rnas ◽  
Histone Acetyl Transferase ◽  
Gene Expression Noise ◽  
Expression Noise ◽  
Eukaryotic Genes

Many eukaryotic genes are expressed in randomly initiated bursts that are punctuated by periods of quiescence. Here, we show that the intermittent access of the promoters to transcription factors through relatively impervious chromatin contributes to this “noisy” transcription. We tethered a nuclease-deficient Cas9 fused to a histone acetyl transferase at the promoters of two endogenous genes in HeLa cells. An assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing showed that the activity of the histone acetyl transferase altered the chromatin architecture locally without introducing global changes in the nucleus and rendered the targeted promoters constitutively accessible. We measured the gene expression variability from the gene loci by performing single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization against mature messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and by imaging nascent mRNA molecules present at active gene loci in single cells. Because of the increased accessibility of the promoter to transcription factors, the transcription from two genes became less noisy, even when the average levels of expression did not change. In addition to providing evidence for chromatin accessibility as a determinant of the noise in gene expression, our study offers a mechanism for controlling gene expression noise which is otherwise unavoidable.

scholarly journals Single molecule tracking of Ace1p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae defines a characteristic residence time for non-specific interactions of transcription factors with chromatin

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (21) ◽  
pp. e160-e160 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A Ball ◽  
Gunjan D Mehta ◽  
Ronit Salomon-Kent ◽  
Davide Mazza ◽  
Tatsuya Morisaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Residence Time ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Specific Interactions ◽  
Single Molecule Tracking ◽  
Reliable Performance ◽  
Transient Interactions

Abstract In vivo single molecule tracking has recently developed into a powerful technique for measuring and understanding the transient interactions of transcription factors (TF) with their chromatin response elements. However, this method still lacks a solid foundation for distinguishing between specific and non-specific interactions. To address this issue, we took advantage of the power of molecular genetics of yeast. Yeast TF Ace1p has only five specific sites in the genome and thus serves as a benchmark to distinguish specific from non-specific binding. Here, we show that the estimated residence time of the short-residence molecules is essentially the same for Hht1p, Ace1p and Hsf1p, equaling 0.12–0.32 s. These three DNA-binding proteins are very different in their structure, function and intracellular concentration. This suggests that (i) short-residence molecules are bound to DNA non-specifically, and (ii) that non-specific binding shares common characteristics between vastly different DNA-bound proteins and thus may have a common underlying mechanism. We develop new and robust procedure for evaluation of adverse effects of labeling, and new quantitative analysis procedures that significantly improve residence time measurements by accounting for fluorophore blinking. Our results provide a framework for the reliable performance and analysis of single molecule TF experiments in yeast.

Molecular and biochemical analyses of avocado (Persea americana) reveal differences in the oil accumulation pattern between the mesocarp and seed during the fruit developmental period

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Ge ◽  
Xiangshu Dong ◽  
Yuanzheng Liu ◽  
Ying Yang ◽  
Rulin Zhan
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Oil Production ◽  
Developmental Period ◽  
Persea Americana ◽  
Oil Accumulation ◽  
Accumulation Pattern ◽  
Tissue Specific ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

Abstract Background: The avocado (Persea americana) mesocarp and seed contain high-value oil with broad industrial applications. The oil contents in these two tissues vary considerably at maturity. Additionally, the molecular mechanism underlying the tissue-specific oil accumulation in the developing avocado mesocarp and seed remains unclear, which has hampered the exploration of the utility of avocado for oil production.Results: To clarify the mechanisms mediating the differences in oil contents and fatty acid compositions, the transcriptomes and oil bodies were compared between the oil-storing tissues during the fruit developmental period. The results revealed the increasing and fluctuating trends in the oil accumulation in the developing avocado mesocarp and seed, respectively. Additionally, striking differences in the lipid droplets between the mature mesocarp and seed were revealed in confocal microscopy images. Subsequently, the gene transcription profiles of the developing mesocarp and seed were characterized via a comprehensive transcriptome analysis involving second-generation sequencing and single-molecule real-time sequencing techniques. The tissue-specific transcription of lipid-related genes contributing to fatty acid synthesis, triacylglycerol assembly, and triacylglycerol storage was examined, with most of the lipid-related genes expressed at higher levels in the developing mesocarp than in the developing seed. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis uncovered 291 transcription factors that were commonly or uniquely correlated with the oil contents in the avocado mesocarp and seed. Moreover, 11 trans-acting and 79 cis-acting long non-coding RNAs were identified as common or unique to the developing avocado mesocarp and seed. These long non-coding RNAs may regulate the expression of 43 lipid-related genes. Finally, a network of genes associated with oil accumulation in the developing avocado mesocarp and seed was established.Conclusions: The results of this study further elucidate the tissue-specific oil biosynthesis and related regulatory network in the avocado mesocarp and seed. Furthermore, tissue-specific lipid-related genes, putative transcription factors, and putativelong non-coding RNAs affecting oil accumulation were identified. Our data may also be useful for characterizing tissue-specific oil accumulation at the transcriptomic level, thereby identifying candidate genes for improving the oil production of related plant species.

scholarly journals Facilitated Dissociation of Transcription Factors from Single DNA Binding Sites

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramsey I. Kamar ◽  
Edward J. Banigan ◽  
Aykut Erbas ◽  
Rebecca D. Giuntoli ◽  
Monica Olvera de la Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Binding Kinetics ◽  
General Mechanism ◽  
Dissociation Kinetics ◽  
Dna Binding Sites ◽  
Standard Picture ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

ABSTRACTThe binding of transcription factors (TFs) to DNA controls most aspects of cellular function, making the understanding of their binding kinetics imperative. The standard description of bimolecular interactions posits TF off-rates are independent of TF concentration in solution. However, recent observations have revealed that proteins in solution can accelerate the dissociation of DNA-bound proteins. To study the molecular basis of facilitated dissociation (FD), we have used single-molecule imaging to measure dissociation kinetics of Fis, a key E. coli TF and major bacterial nucleoid protein, from single dsDNA binding sites. We observe a strong FD effect characterized by an exchange rate ∽1 × 104 M-1s-1, establishing that FD of Fis occurs at the single-binding-site level, and we find that the off-rate saturates at large Fis concentrations in solution. While spontaneous (i.e., competitor-free) dissociation shows a strong salt dependence, we find that facilitated dissociation depends only weakly on salt. These results are quantitatively explained by a model in which partially dissociated bound proteins are susceptible to invasion by competitor proteins in solution. We also report FD of NHP6A, a yeast TF whose structure differs significantly from Fis. We further perform molecular dynamics simulations, which indicate that FD can occur for molecules that interact far more weakly than those we have studied. Taken together, our results indicate that FD is a general mechanism assisting in the local removal of TFs from their binding sites and does not necessarily require cooperativity, clustering, or binding site overlap.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTranscription factors (TFs) control biological processes by binding and unbinding to DNA. Therefore it is crucial to understand the mechanisms that affect TF binding kinetics. Recent studies challenge the standard picture of TF binding kinetics by demonstrating cases of proteins in solution accelerating TF dissociation rates through a facilitated dissociation (FD) process. Our study shows that FD can occur at the level of single binding sites, without the action of large protein clusters or long DNA segments. Our results quantitatively support a model of FD in which competitor proteins invade partially dissociated states of DNA-bound TFs. FD is expected to be a general mechanism for modulating gene expression by altering the occupancy of TFs on the genome.Author ContributionsRamsey I. Kamardesigned research, performed research, contributed new reagents/analytic tools, analyzed data, wrote the paperEdward J. Banigandesigned research, performed research, contributed new reagents/analytic tools, analyzed data, wrote the paperAykut Erbasdesigned research, performed research, contributed new reagents/analytic tools, analyzed data, wrote the paperRebecca D. Giuntolidesigned research, performed research, contributed new reagents/analytic tools, analyzed data, wrote the paperMonica Olvera de la Cruzdesigned research, performed research, wrote the paperReid C. Johnsondesigned research, performed research, contributed new reagents/analytic tools, analyzed data, wrote the paperJohn F. Markodesigned research, performed research, contributed new reagents/analytic tools, analyzed data, wrote the paper

scholarly journals Bi-fated tendon-to-bone attachment cells are regulated by shared enhancers and KLF transcription factors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiri Kult ◽  
Tsviya Olender ◽  
Marco Osterwalder ◽  
Sharon Krief ◽  
Ronnie Blecher-Gonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Transcriptional Enhancer ◽  
Molecular Identity ◽  
And Function

AbstractThe connection between different tissues is vital for the development and function of any organs and systems. In the musculoskeletal system, the attachment of elastic tendons to stiff bones poses a mechanical challenge that is solved by the formation of a transitional tissue, which allows the transfer of muscle forces to the skeleton without tearing. Here, we show that tendon-to-bone attachment cells are bi-fated, activating a mixture of chondrocyte and tenocyte transcriptomes, which is regulated by sharing regulatory elements with these cells and by Krüppel-like factors transcription factors (KLF).To uncover the molecular identity of attachment cells, we first applied high-throughput RNA sequencing to murine humeral attachment cells. The results, which were validated by in situ hybridization and single-molecule in situ hybridization, reveal that attachment cells express hundreds of chondrogenic and tenogenic genes. In search for the underlying mechanism allowing these cells to express these genes, we performed ATAC sequencing and found that attachment cells share a significant fraction of accessible intergenic chromatin areas with either tenocytes or chondrocytes. Epigenomic analysis further revealed transcriptional enhancer signatures for the majority of these regions. We then examined a subset of these regions using transgenic mouse enhancer reporter. Results verified the shared activity of some of these enhancers, supporting the possibility that the transcriptome of attachment cells is regulated by enhancers with shared activities in tenocytes or chondrocytes. Finally, integrative chromatin and motif analyses, as well as the transcriptome data, indicated that KLFs are regulators of attachment cells. Indeed, blocking the expression of Klf2 and Klf4 in the developing limb mesenchyme led to abnormal differentiation of attachment cells, establishing these factors as key regulators of the fate of these cells.In summary, our findings show how the molecular identity of bi-fated attachment cells enables the formation of the unique transitional tissue that connect tendon to bone. More broadly, we show how mixing the transcriptomes of two cell types through shared enhancers and a dedicated set of transcription factors can lead to the formation of a new cell fate that connects them.

scholarly journals Single-molecule imaging reveals the interplay between transcription factors, nucleosomes, and transcriptional bursting

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin T. Donovan ◽  
Anh Huynh ◽  
David A. Ball ◽  
Michael G. Poirier ◽  
Daniel R. Larson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Burst Size ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Single Molecule Imaging ◽  
Transcriptional Bursting

SummaryTranscription factors show rapid and reversible binding to chromatin in living cells, and transcription occurs in sporadic bursts, but how these phenomena are related is unknown. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo single-molecule imaging approaches, we directly correlated binding of the transcription factor Gal4 with the transcriptional bursting kinetics of the Gal4 target genes GAL3 and GAL10 in living yeast cells. We find that Gal4 dwell times sets the transcriptional burst size. Gal4 dwell time depends on the affinity of the binding site and is reduced by orders of magnitude by nucleosomes. Using a novel imaging platform, we simultaneously tracked transcription factor binding and transcription at one locus, revealing the timing and correlation between Gal4 binding and transcription. Collectively, our data support a model where multiple polymerases initiate during a burst as long as the transcription factor is bound to DNA, and a burst terminates upon transcription factor dissociation.

scholarly journals Dynamic multifactor hubs interact transiently with sites of active transcription in Drosophila embryos

eLife ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Mir ◽  
Michael R Stadler ◽  
Stephan A Ortiz ◽  
Colleen E Hannon ◽  
Melissa M Harrison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Light Sheet ◽  
Editorial Note ◽  
Regulation Of Transcription ◽  
Light Sheet Microscopy ◽  
4D Imaging ◽  
Active Transcription ◽  
Drosophila Embryos

The regulation of transcription requires the coordination of numerous activities on DNA, yet how transcription factors mediate these activities remains poorly understood. Here, we use lattice light-sheet microscopy to integrate single-molecule and high-speed 4D imaging in developing Drosophila embryos to study the nuclear organization and interactions of the key transcription factors Zelda and Bicoid. In contrast to previous studies suggesting stable, cooperative binding, we show that both factors interact with DNA with surprisingly high off-rates. We find that both factors form dynamic subnuclear hubs, and that Bicoid binding is enriched within Zelda hubs. Remarkably, these hubs are both short lived and interact only transiently with sites of active Bicoid-dependent transcription. Based on our observations, we hypothesize that, beyond simply forming bridges between DNA and the transcription machinery, transcription factors can organize other proteins into hubs that transiently drive multiple activities at their gene targets.Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (<xref ref-type="decision-letter" rid="SA1">see decision letter</xref>).

scholarly journals The base pair-scale diffusion of nucleosomes modulates binding of transcription factors

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (25) ◽  
pp. 12161-12166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergei Rudnizky ◽  
Hadeel Khamis ◽  
Omri Malik ◽  
Philippa Melamed ◽  
Ariel Kaplan
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Optical Tweezers ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Base Pair ◽  
Regulatory Mechanism ◽  
Model System ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Transcriptional Regulatory Mechanism ◽  
Transcriptional Regulatory

The structure of promoter chromatin determines the ability of transcription factors (TFs) to bind to DNA and therefore has a profound effect on the expression levels of genes. However, the role of spontaneous nucleosome movements in this process is not fully understood. Here, we developed a single-molecule optical tweezers assay capable of simultaneously characterizing the base pair-scale diffusion of a nucleosome on DNA and the binding of a TF, using the luteinizing hormone β subunit gene (Lhb) promoter and Egr-1 as a model system. Our results demonstrate that nucleosomes undergo confined diffusion, and that the incorporation of the histone variant H2A.Z serves to partially relieve this confinement, inducing a different type of nucleosome repositioning. The increase in diffusion leads to exposure of a TF’s binding site and facilitates its association with the DNA, which, in turn, biases the subsequent movement of the nucleosome. Our findings suggest the use of mobile nucleosomes as a general transcriptional regulatory mechanism.

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