scholarly journals DNA methylation associated with repeat-induced point mutation in Neurospora crassa.

1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 5586-5597 ◽  
Author(s):  
M J Singer ◽  
B A Marcotte ◽  
E U Selker
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Point Mutation ◽  
Cytosine Methylation ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Sexual Cycle ◽  
Cpg Dinucleotides ◽  
Maintenance Methylation ◽  
De Novo Methylation ◽  
Repeat Induced Point Mutation

Repeat-induced point mutation (RIP) is a process that efficiently detects DNA duplications prior to meiosis in Neurospora crassa and peppers them with G:C to A:T mutations. Cytosine methylation is typically associated with sequences affected by RIP, and methylated cytosines are not limited to CpG dinucleotides. We generated and characterized a collection of methylated and unmethylated amRIP alleles to investigate the connection(s) between DNA methylation and mutations by RIP. Alleles of am harboring 84 to 158 mutations in the 2.6-kb region that was duplicated were heavily methylated and triggered de novo methylation when reintroduced into vegetative N. crassa cells. Alleles containing 45 and 56 mutations were methylated in the strains originally isolated but did not become methylated when reintroduced into vegetative cells. This provides the first evidence for de novo methylation in the sexual cycle and for a maintenance methylation system in Neurospora cells. No methylation was detected in am alleles containing 8 and 21 mutations. All mutations in the eight primary alleles studied were either G to A or C to T, with respect to the coding strand of the am gene, suggesting that RIP results in only one type of mutation. We consider possibilities for how DNA methylation is triggered by some sequences altered by RIP.

scholarly journals Synthesis of Signals for De Novo DNA Methylation in Neurospora crassa

2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 2379-2394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hisashi Tamaru ◽  
Eric U. Selker
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Point Mutation ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Minor Groove ◽  
Binding Motif ◽  
Repeat Induced Point Mutation

ABSTRACT Most 5-methylcytosine in Neurospora crassa occurs in A:T-rich sequences high in TpA dinucleotides, hallmarks of repeat-induced point mutation. To investigate how such sequences induce methylation, we developed a sensitive in vivo system. Tests of various 25- to 100-bp synthetic DNA sequences revealed that both T and A residues were required on a given strand to induce appreciable methylation. Segments composed of (TAAA) n or (TTAA) n were the most potent signals; 25-mers induced robust methylation at the special test site, and a 75-mer induced methylation elsewhere. G:C base pairs inhibited methylation, and cytosines 5′ of ApT dinucleotides were particularly inhibitory. Weak signals could be strengthened by extending their lengths. A:T tracts as short as two were found to cooperate to induce methylation. Distamycin, which, like the AT-hook DNA binding motif found in proteins such as mammalian HMG-I, binds to the minor groove of A:T-rich sequences, suppressed DNA methylation and gene silencing. We also found a correlation between the strength of methylation signals and their binding to an AT-hook protein (HMG-I) and to activities in a Neurospora extract. We propose that de novo DNA methylation in Neurospora cells is triggered by cooperative recognition of the minor groove of multiple short A:T tracts. Similarities between sequences subjected to repeat-induced point mutation in Neurospora crassa and A:T-rich repeated sequences in heterochromatin in other organisms suggest that related mechanisms control silent chromatin in fungi, plants, and animals.

scholarly journals Recent loss of the Dim2 DNA methyltransferase decreases mutation rate in repeats and changes evolutionary trajectory in a fungal pathogen

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mareike Möller ◽  
Michael Habig ◽  
Cécile Lorrain ◽  
Alice Feurtey ◽  
Janine Haueisen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Transposable Elements ◽  
Genome Evolution ◽  
Point Mutation ◽  
Dna Methyltransferase ◽  
Cytosine Methylation ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Pathogenic Fungus ◽  
Evolutionary Trajectory ◽  
Repeat Induced Point Mutation

AbstractDNA methylation is found throughout all domains of life, yet the extent and function of DNA methylation differ between eukaryotes. Strains of the plant pathogenic fungus Zymoseptoria tritici appeared to lack cytosine DNA methylation (5mC) because gene amplification followed by Repeat-Induced Point mutation (RIP) resulted in the inactivation of the dim2 DNA methyltransferase gene. 5mC is, however, present in closely related sister species. We demonstrate that inactivation of dim2 occurred recently as some Z. tritici isolates carry a functional dim2 gene. Moreover, we show that dim2 inactivation occurred by a different path than previously hypothesized. We mapped the genome-wide distribution of 5mC in strains with and without functional dim2. Presence of functional dim2 correlates with high levels of 5mC in transposable elements (TEs), suggesting a role in genome defense. We identified low levels of 5mC in strains carrying inactive dim2 alleles, suggesting that 5mC is maintained over time, presumably by an active Dnmt5 DNA methyltransferase. Integration of a functional dim2 allele in strains with mutated dim2 restored normal 5mC levels, demonstrating de novo cytosine methylation activity of dim2. To assess the importance of 5mC for genome evolution, we performed an evolution experiment, comparing genomes of strains with high levels of 5mC to genomes of strains lacking dim2. We found that the presence of dim2 alters nucleotide composition by promoting C to T transitions (C→T) specifically at CpA (CA) sites during mitosis, likely contributing to TE inactivation. Our results show that 5mC density at TEs is a polymorphic trait in Z. tritici populations that can impact genome evolution.Author SummaryCytosine DNA methylation (5mC) is known to silence transposable elements in fungi and thereby appears to contribute to genome stability. The genomes of plant pathogenic fungi are highly diverse, differing substantially in transposon content and distribution. Here, we show extensive differences of 5mC levels within a single species of an important wheat pathogen. These differences were caused by inactivation of the DNA methyltransferase Dim2 in the majority of studied isolates. Presence of widespread 5mC increased point mutation rates in regions with active or mutated transposable elements during mitosis. The mutation pattern is dependent on the presence of Dim2 and resembles a mitotic version of Repeat-Induced Point mutation (RIP). Thus, loss of 5mC may represent an evolutionary trade-off offering adaptive potential at the cost of transposon control.

Cytosine Methylation Associated With Repeat-Induced Point Mutation Causes Epigenetic Gene Silencing in Neurospora crassa

Genetics ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 146 (2) ◽  
pp. 509-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey T Irelan ◽  
Eric U Selker
Keyword(s):  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Point Mutation ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Cytosine Methylation ◽  
Single Copy ◽  
Sexual Cycle ◽  
Epigenetic Gene Silencing ◽  
Flanking Sequences ◽  
Methylation Patterns ◽  
Repeat Induced Point Mutation

Repeated DNA sequences are frequently mutated during the sexual cycle in Neurospora crassa by a process named repeat-induced point mutation (RIP). RIP is often associated with methylation of cytosine residues in and around the mutated sequences. Here we demonstrate that this methylation can silence a gene located in nearby, unique sequences. A large proportion of strains that had undergone RIP of a linked duplication flanking a single-copy transgene, hph (hygromycin B phosphotransferase), showed partial silencing of hph. These strains were all heavily methylated throughout the single-copy hph sequences and the flanking sequences. Silencing was alleviated by preventing methylation, either by 5-azacytidine (5AC) treatment or by introduction of a mutation (eth-I) known to reduce intracellular levels of S-adenosylmethionine. Silenced strains exhibited spontaneous reactivation of hph at frequencies of 10–4 to 0.5. Reactivated strains, as well as cells that were treated with 5AC, gave rise to cultures that were hypomethylated and partially hygromycin resistant, indicating that some of the original methylation was propagated by a maintenance mechanism. Gene expression levels were found to be variable within a population of clonally related cells, and this variation was correlated with epigenetically propagated differences in methylation patterns.

A targeted-replacement system for identification of signals for de novo methylation in Neurospora crassa

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 7059-7067
Author(s):  
V P Miao ◽  
M J Singer ◽  
M R Rountree ◽  
E U Selker
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Gene Replacement ◽  
Position Effects ◽  
Efficient Gene ◽  
Bona Fide ◽  
Replacement System ◽  
Methylation Signal ◽  
De Novo Methylation

Transformation of eukaryotic cells can be used to test potential signals for DNA methylation. This approach is not always reliable, however, because of chromosomal position effects and because integration of multiple and/or rearranged copies of transforming DNA can influence DNA methylation. We developed a robust system to evaluate the potential of DNA fragments to function as signals for de novo methylation in Neurospora crassa. The requirements of the system were (i) a location in the N. crassa genome that becomes methylated only in the presence of a bona fide methylation signal and (ii) an efficient gene replacement protocol. We report here that the am locus fulfills these requirements, and we demonstrate its utility with the identification of a 2.7-kb fragment from the psi 63 locus as a new portable signal for de novo methylation.

scholarly journals A targeted-replacement system for identification of signals for de novo methylation in Neurospora crassa.

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 7059-7067 ◽  
Author(s):  
V P Miao ◽  
M J Singer ◽  
M R Rountree ◽  
E U Selker
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Gene Replacement ◽  
Position Effects ◽  
Efficient Gene ◽  
Bona Fide ◽  
Replacement System ◽  
Methylation Signal ◽  
De Novo Methylation

Transformation of eukaryotic cells can be used to test potential signals for DNA methylation. This approach is not always reliable, however, because of chromosomal position effects and because integration of multiple and/or rearranged copies of transforming DNA can influence DNA methylation. We developed a robust system to evaluate the potential of DNA fragments to function as signals for de novo methylation in Neurospora crassa. The requirements of the system were (i) a location in the N. crassa genome that becomes methylated only in the presence of a bona fide methylation signal and (ii) an efficient gene replacement protocol. We report here that the am locus fulfills these requirements, and we demonstrate its utility with the identification of a 2.7-kb fragment from the psi 63 locus as a new portable signal for de novo methylation.

Directed De Novo DNA Methylation of a Genomic Locus Leads to Heritable Transcriptional Repression.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 343-343
Author(s):  
Kevin G. Ford ◽  
Paul J. Hurd ◽  
Andrew J. Bannister ◽  
Tony Kouzarides ◽  
Alexander E. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Transcriptional Repression ◽  
Cytosine Methylation ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Genomic Locus ◽  
Repressive Chromatin ◽  
First Time ◽  
Dna Cytosine Methylation ◽  
De Novo Methylation

Abstract The ability to impose exogenous targeted epigenetic changes in the genome represents an attractive goal in gene therapy for the heritable repression of target genes, while potentially enabling the generation and subsequent study of the downstream effects of de novo epigenetic events, which are known to occur in disease. Here we demonstrate the ability of zinc-finger peptides to deliver DNA cytosine methylation in vivo to a genomic target promoter, when expressed as fusions with a mutant prokaryotic DNA cytosine methyltransferase enzyme, thus mimicking cellular de novo methylation events. We show for the first time targeted gene silencing in response to directed DNA cytosine methylation via initiation of a repressive chromatin signature at a targeted genomic locus, characterised by elevation of histone H3K9Me2 and reduction of H3K4Me3 levels at that region. This transcriptional repression is maintained in the absence of sustained targeted methyltransferase action, confirming epigenetic maintenance by the cells own machinery. The inherited DNA methylation pattern is restricted to specific target sites, suggesting that the establishment of repressive chromatin structure does not drive further de novo DNA methylation in this system. Therefore, we demonstrate for the first time, targeted DNA methyltransferases as potential tools for the exogenous and heritable control of gene expression at the chromosomal level, while providing the clearest and most direct confirmation to date of the functional and mechanistic consequences of de novo DNA methylation in the cell. This work represents an important step towards the longer term goal of controlling gene expression through the inheritance of a repressive DNA state, as well as providing a valuable tool for studying spatial and temporal issues associated with ‘genuine’ de novo methylation, on transcription and chromatin structure.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of DNA methylation patterns in transgenic Drosophila overexpressing mouse DNA methyltransferases

2004 ◽  
Vol 378 (3) ◽  
pp. 763-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cora MUND ◽  
Tanja MUSCH ◽  
Martin STRÖDICKE ◽  
Birte ASSMANN ◽  
En LI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Cytosine Methylation ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Epigenetic Modification ◽  
Dna Methyltransferases ◽  
Significant Activity ◽  
Cpg Dinucleotides ◽  
Methylation Patterns ◽  
Transgenic Drosophila

DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) mediate the epigenetic modification of eukaryotic genomes. Mammalian DNA methylation patterns are established and maintained by co-operative interactions among the Dnmt proteins Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b. Owing to their simultaneous presence in mammalian cells, the activities of individual Dnmt have not yet been determined. This includes a fourth putative Dnmt, namely Dnmt2, which has failed to reveal any activity in previous assays. We have now established transgenic Drosophila strains that allow for individual overexpression of all known mouse Dnmts. Quantitative analysis of genomic cytosine methylation levels demonstrated a robust Dnmt activity for the de novo methyltransferases Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b. In addition, we also detected a weak but significant activity for Dnmt2. Subsequent methylation tract analysis by genomic bisulphite sequencing revealed that Dnmt3 enzymes preferentially methylated CpG dinucleotides in a processive manner, whereas Dnmt2 methylated isolated cytosine residues in a non-CpG dinucleotide context. Our results allow a direct comparison of the activities of mammalian Dnmts and suggest a significant functional specialization of these enzymes.

scholarly journals Occurrence of Repeat Induced Point Mutation in Long Segmental Duplications of Neurospora

Genetics ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 147 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
David D Perkins ◽  
Brian S Margolin ◽  
Eric U Selker ◽  
S D Haedo
Keyword(s):  
Point Mutation ◽  
Sexual Cycle ◽  
Segmental Duplications ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Gene Size ◽  
Type Gene ◽  
Repeat Induced Point Mutation

Abstract Previous studies of repeat induced point mutation (RIP) have typically involved gene-size duplications resulting from insertion of transforming DNA at ectopic chromosomal positions. To ascertain whether genes in larger duplications are subject to RIP, progeny were examined from crosses heterozygous for long segmental duplications obtained using insertional or quasiterminal translocations. Of 17 distinct mutations from crossing 11 different duplications, 13 mapped within the segment that was duplicated in the parent, one was closely linked, and three were unlinked. Half of the mutations in duplicated segments were at previously unknown loci. The mutations were recessive and were expressed both in haploid and in duplication progeny from Duplication × Normal, suggesting that both copies of the wild-type gene had undergone RIP. Seven transition mutations characteristic of RIP were found in 395 base pairs (bp) examined in one ro-11 allele from these crosses and three were found in ~750 bp of another. A single chain-terminating C to T mutation was found in 800 bp of arg-6. RIP is thus responsible. These results are consistent with the idea that the impaired fertility that is characteristic of segmental duplications is due to inactivation by RIP of genes needed for progression through the sexual cycle.

scholarly journals The Roles of Human DNA Methyltransferases and Their Isoforms in Shaping the Epigenome

Genes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hemant Gujar ◽  
Daniel Weisenberger ◽  
Gangning Liang
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Cytosine Methylation ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Ring Finger ◽  
Dna Methyltransferases ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Hard Copy ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
New Gene ◽  
Cpg Dinucleotide

A DNA sequence is the hard copy of the human genome and it is a driving force in determining the physiological processes in an organism. Concurrently, the chemical modification of the genome and its related histone proteins is dynamically involved in regulating physiological processes and diseases, which overall constitutes the epigenome network. Among the various forms of epigenetic modifications, DNA methylation at the C-5 position of cytosine in the cytosine–guanine (CpG) dinucleotide is one of the most well studied epigenetic modifications. DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are a family of enzymes involved in generating and maintaining CpG methylation across the genome. In mammalian systems, DNA methylation is performed by DNMT1 and DNMT3s (DNMT3A and 3B). DNMT1 is predominantly involved in the maintenance of DNA methylation during cell division, while DNMT3s are involved in establishing de novo cytosine methylation and maintenance in both embryonic and somatic cells. In general, all DNMTs require accessory proteins, such as ubiquitin-like containing plant homeodomain (PHD) and really interesting new gene (RING) finger domain 1 (UHRF1) or DNMT3-like (DNMT3L), for their biological function. This review mainly focuses on the role of DNMT3B and its isoforms in de novo methylation and maintenance of DNA methylation, especially with respect to their role as an accessory protein.

scholarly journals Structural insights into CpG-specific DNA methylation by human DNA methyltransferase 3B

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 3949-3961 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chien-Chu Lin ◽  
Yi-Ping Chen ◽  
Wei-Zen Yang ◽  
James C K Shen ◽  
Hanna S Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Dna Methyltransferase ◽  
Cytosine Methylation ◽  
Catalytic Domain ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Water Channel ◽  
Dna Methyltransferases ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Cpg Sites ◽  
Methylation Patterns

Abstract DNA methyltransferases are primary enzymes for cytosine methylation at CpG sites of epigenetic gene regulation in mammals. De novo methyltransferases DNMT3A and DNMT3B create DNA methylation patterns during development, but how they differentially implement genomic DNA methylation patterns is poorly understood. Here, we report crystal structures of the catalytic domain of human DNMT3B–3L complex, noncovalently bound with and without DNA of different sequences. Human DNMT3B uses two flexible loops to enclose DNA and employs its catalytic loop to flip out the cytosine base. As opposed to DNMT3A, DNMT3B specifically recognizes DNA with CpGpG sites via residues Asn779 and Lys777 in its more stable and well-ordered target recognition domain loop to facilitate processive methylation of tandemly repeated CpG sites. We also identify a proton wire water channel for the final deprotonation step, revealing the complete working mechanism for cytosine methylation by DNMT3B and providing the structural basis for DNMT3B mutation-induced hypomethylation in immunodeficiency, centromere instability and facial anomalies syndrome.

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