scholarly journals Cohesin: a critical chromatin organizer in mammalian gene regulation

2011 ◽  
Vol 89 (5) ◽  
pp. 445-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Chien ◽  
Weihua Zeng ◽  
Alexander R. Ball ◽  
Kyoko Yokomori
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Gene Regulation ◽  
Cellular Differentiation ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Mitotic Chromosome ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Chromatin Organization ◽  
Genome Integrity ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Functional Hierarchy

Cohesins are evolutionarily conserved essential multi-protein complexes that are important for higher-order chromatin organization. They play pivotal roles in the maintenance of genome integrity through mitotic chromosome regulation, DNA repair and replication, as well as gene regulation critical for proper development and cellular differentiation. In this review, we will discuss the multifaceted functions of mammalian cohesins and their apparent functional hierarchy in the cell, with particular focus on their actions in gene regulation and their relevance to human developmental disorders.

scholarly journals Formation of a Bazooka–Stardust complex is essential for plasma membrane polarity in epithelia

2010 ◽  
Vol 190 (5) ◽  
pp. 751-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Krahn ◽  
Johanna Bückers ◽  
Lars Kastrup ◽  
Andreas Wodarz
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Pdz Domain ◽  
Phosphorylation Site ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Epithelial Polarity ◽  
Kinase C ◽  
Discs Large ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Functional Hierarchy

Apical–basal polarity in Drosophila melanogaster epithelia depends on several evolutionarily conserved proteins that have been assigned to two distinct protein complexes: the Bazooka (Baz)–PAR-6 (partitioning defective 6)–atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) complex and the Crumbs (Crb)–Stardust (Sdt) complex. These proteins operate in a functional hierarchy, in which Baz is required for the proper subcellular localization of all other proteins. We investigated how these proteins interact and how this interaction is regulated. We show that Baz recruits Sdt to the plasma membrane by direct interaction between the Postsynaptic density 95/Discs large/Zonula occludens 1 (PDZ) domain of Sdt and a region of Baz that contains a phosphorylation site for aPKC. Phosphorylation of Baz causes the dissociation of the Baz–Sdt complex. Overexpression of a nonphosphorylatable version of Baz blocks the dissociation of Sdt from Baz, causing phenotypes very similar to those of crb and sdt mutations. Our findings provide a molecular mechanism for the phosphorylation-dependent interaction between the Baz–PAR-3 and Crb complexes during the establishment of epithelial polarity.

scholarly journals A cryptic hydrophobic pocket in the polo-box domain of the polo-like kinase PLK1 regulates substrate recognition and mitotic chromosome segregation

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooja Sharma ◽  
Robert Mahen ◽  
Maxim Rossmann ◽  
Jamie E. Stokes ◽  
Bryn Hardwick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Mitotic Chromosome ◽  
Substrate Recognition ◽  
Genome Integrity ◽  
Mitotic Progression ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Molecule Inhibitor ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Essential Function ◽  
Carboxyl Terminal

Abstract The human polo-like kinase PLK1 coordinates mitotic chromosome segregation by phosphorylating multiple chromatin- and kinetochore-binding proteins. How PLK1 activity is directed to specific substrates via phosphopeptide recognition by its carboxyl-terminal polo-box domain (PBD) is poorly understood. Here, we combine molecular, structural and chemical biology to identify a determinant for PLK1 substrate recognition that is essential for proper chromosome segregation. We show that mutations ablating an evolutionarily conserved, Tyr-lined pocket in human PLK1 PBD trigger cellular anomalies in mitotic progression and timing. Tyr pocket mutations selectively impair PLK1 binding to the kinetochore phosphoprotein substrate PBIP1, but not to the centrosomal substrate NEDD1. Through a structure-guided approach, we develop a small-molecule inhibitor, Polotyrin, which occupies the Tyr pocket. Polotyrin recapitulates the mitotic defects caused by mutations in the Tyr pocket, further evidencing its essential function, and exemplifying a new approach for selective PLK1 inhibition. Thus, our findings support a model wherein substrate discrimination via the Tyr pocket in the human PLK1 PBD regulates mitotic chromosome segregation to preserve genome integrity.

scholarly journals Binding of an X-Specific Condensin Correlates with a Reduction in Active Histone Modifications at Gene Regulatory Elements

Genetics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 212 (3) ◽  
pp. 729-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Annika Street ◽  
Ana Karina Morao ◽  
Lara Heermans Winterkorn ◽  
Chen-Yu Jiao ◽  
Sarah Elizabeth Albritton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Histone Modifications ◽  
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing ◽  
Gene Regulatory Elements ◽  
Gene Regulatory ◽  
Regulatory Sites

Condensins are evolutionarily conserved protein complexes that are required for chromosome segregation during cell division and genome organization during interphase. In Caenorhabditis elegans, a specialized condensin, which forms the core of the dosage compensation complex (DCC), binds to and represses X chromosome transcription. Here, we analyzed DCC localization and the effect of DCC depletion on histone modifications, transcription factor binding, and gene expression using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and mRNA sequencing. Across the X, the DCC accumulates at accessible gene regulatory sites in active chromatin and not heterochromatin. The DCC is required for reducing the levels of activating histone modifications, including H3K4me3 and H3K27ac, but not repressive modification H3K9me3. In X-to-autosome fusion chromosomes, DCC spreading into the autosomal sequences locally reduces gene expression, thus establishing a direct link between DCC binding and repression. Together, our results indicate that DCC-mediated transcription repression is associated with a reduction in the activity of X chromosomal gene regulatory elements.

The ArabidopsisRAD51paralogsRAD51B,RAD51DandXRCC2play partially redundant roles in somatic DNA repair and gene regulation

2013 ◽  
Vol 201 (1) ◽  
pp. 292-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingxiang Wang ◽  
Rong Xiao ◽  
Haifeng Wang ◽  
Zhihao Cheng ◽  
Wuxing Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Gene Regulation

scholarly journals Cleavage activates Dispatched for Sonic Hedgehog ligand release

eLife ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel P Stewart ◽  
Suresh Marada ◽  
William J Bodeen ◽  
Ashley Truong ◽  
Sadie Miki Sakurada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sonic Hedgehog ◽  
Membrane Trafficking ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Transmembrane Protein ◽  
Regulatory Mechanisms ◽  
Extracellular Loop ◽  
Site Mutation ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Processing Site

Hedgehog ligands activate an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that provides instructional cues during tissue morphogenesis, and when corrupted, contributes to developmental disorders and cancer. The transmembrane protein Dispatched is an essential component of the machinery that deploys Hedgehog family ligands from producing cells, and is absolutely required for signaling to long-range targets. Despite this crucial role, regulatory mechanisms controlling Dispatched activity remain largely undefined. Herein, we reveal vertebrate Dispatched is activated by proprotein convertase-mediated cleavage at a conserved processing site in its first extracellular loop. Dispatched processing occurs at the cell surface to instruct its membrane re-localization in polarized epithelial cells. Cleavage site mutation alters Dispatched membrane trafficking and reduces ligand release, leading to compromised pathway activity in vivo. As such, convertase-mediated cleavage is required for Dispatched maturation and functional competency in Hedgehog ligand-producing cells.

scholarly journals DrosophilaTorsin Protein Regulates Motor Control and Stress Sensitivity and Forms a Complex with Fragile-X Mental Retardation Protein

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phuong Nguyen ◽  
Jong Bok Seo ◽  
Hyo-Min Ahn ◽  
Young Ho Koh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Retardation ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Fragile X ◽  
Stress Sensitivity ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Fragile X Mental Retardation ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Mental Retardation Protein ◽  
Synaptic Boutons

We investigated unknownin vivofunctions of Torsin by usingDrosophilaas a model. Downregulation ofDrosophilaTorsin (DTor) by DTor-specific inhibitory double-stranded RNA (RNAi) induced abnormal locomotor behavior and increased susceptibility to H2O2. In addition, altered expression of DTor significantly increased the numbers of synaptic boutons. One important biochemical consequence of DTor-RNAi expression in fly brains was upregulation of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Altered expression of ADH has also been reported inDrosophilaFragile-X mental retardation protein (DFMRP) mutant flies. Interestingly, expression of DFMRP was altered in DTor mutant flies, and DTor and DFMRP were present in the same protein complexes. In addition, DTor and DFMRP immunoreactivities were partially colocalized in several cellular organelles in larval muscles. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between synaptic morphologies ofdfmrpnull mutants anddfmrpmutants expressing DTor-RNAi. Taken together, our evidences suggested that DTor and DFMRP might be present in the same signaling pathway regulating synaptic plasticity. In addition, we also found that human Torsin1A and human FMRP were present in the same protein complexes, suggesting that this phenomenon is evolutionarily conserved.

scholarly journals Genome Maintenance Mechanisms at the Chromatin Level

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (19) ◽  
pp. 10384
Author(s):  
Hirotomo Takatsuka ◽  
Atsushi Shibata ◽  
Masaaki Umeda
Keyword(s):  
Dna Damage ◽  
Dna Repair ◽  
Genome Stability ◽  
Genotoxic Stress ◽  
Genome Integrity ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Order Structure ◽  
Chromatin Modifications ◽  
Level Control ◽  
Regulatory Systems

Genome integrity is constantly threatened by internal and external stressors, in both animals and plants. As plants are sessile, a variety of environment stressors can damage their DNA. In the nucleus, DNA twines around histone proteins to form the higher-order structure “chromatin”. Unraveling how chromatin transforms on sensing genotoxic stress is, thus, key to understanding plant strategies to cope with fluctuating environments. In recent years, accumulating evidence in plant research has suggested that chromatin plays a crucial role in protecting DNA from genotoxic stress in three ways: (1) changes in chromatin modifications around damaged sites enhance DNA repair by providing a scaffold and/or easy access to DNA repair machinery; (2) DNA damage triggers genome-wide alterations in chromatin modifications, globally modulating gene expression required for DNA damage response, such as stem cell death, cell-cycle arrest, and an early onset of endoreplication; and (3) condensed chromatin functions as a physical barrier against genotoxic stressors to protect DNA. In this review, we highlight the chromatin-level control of genome stability and compare the regulatory systems in plants and animals to find out unique mechanisms maintaining genome integrity under genotoxic stress.

scholarly journals Mechanisms of Nucleosome Reorganization by PARP1

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (22) ◽  
pp. 12127
Author(s):  
Natalya V. Maluchenko ◽  
Dmitry K. Nilov ◽  
Sergey V. Pushkarev ◽  
Elena Y. Kotova ◽  
Nadezhda S. Gerasimova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Dna Repair ◽  
Gene Regulation ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Histone H1 ◽  
Linker Histone ◽  
Gene Promoters ◽  
Linker Histone H1 ◽  
Nucleosomal Dna ◽  
Dna Ends

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is an enzyme involved in DNA repair, chromatin organization and transcription. During transcription initiation, PARP1 interacts with gene promoters where it binds to nucleosomes, replaces linker histone H1 and participates in gene regulation. However, the mechanisms of PARP1-nucleosome interaction remain unknown. Here, using spFRET microscopy, molecular dynamics and biochemical approaches we identified several different PARP1-nucleosome complexes and two types of PARP1 binding to mononucleosomes: at DNA ends and end-independent. Two or three molecules of PARP1 can bind to a nucleosome depending on the presence of linker DNA and can induce reorganization of the entire nucleosome that is independent of catalytic activity of PARP1. Nucleosome reorganization depends upon binding of PARP1 to nucleosomal DNA, likely near the binding site of linker histone H1. The data suggest that PARP1 can induce the formation of an alternative nucleosome state that is likely involved in gene regulation and DNA repair.

scholarly journals RecQ helicases in DNA repair and cancer targets

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 819-830
Author(s):  
Joseph A. Newman ◽  
Opher Gileadi
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
Atp Hydrolysis ◽  
Cancer Therapeutics ◽  
Genome Integrity ◽  
Mechanistic Study ◽  
Synthetic Lethal ◽  
Recq Helicases ◽  
Repair Pathways ◽  
Higher Eukaryotes

Abstract Helicases are enzymes that use the energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to catalyze the unwinding of DNA or RNA. The RecQ family of helicases is conserved through evolution from prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes and plays important roles in various DNA repair pathways, contributing to the maintenance of genome integrity. Despite their roles as general tumor suppressors, there is now considerable interest in exploiting RecQ helicases as synthetic lethal targets for the development of new cancer therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the latest developments in the structural and mechanistic study of RecQ helicases and discuss their roles in various DNA repair pathways. Finally, we consider the potential to exploit RecQ helicases as therapeutic targets and review the recent progress towards the development of small molecules targeting RecQ helicases as cancer therapeutics.

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