Changes in Globin Gene Methylation and Covalent Histone Modifications of Chromatin Associated with the ε-, γ-, and β-Globin Promoters of the Baboon (P. Anubis) during Development.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1206-1206
Author(s):  
Donald Lavelle ◽  
Kestas Vaitkus ◽  
Maria Hankewych ◽  
Mahipal Singh ◽  
Joseph DeSimone
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Fetal Liver ◽  
Developmental Regulation ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Gene Promoters ◽  
Rna Pol Ii ◽  
Cpg Sites ◽  
Globin Promoter ◽  
Globin Gene Expression ◽  
Covalent Histone Modifications

Abstract The pattern of globin gene expression during development is conserved in all simian primates, but not in prosimians or other species. Therefore knowledge of the mechanisms regulating globin gene expression in animal models such as the baboon (P. anubis) is directly applicable to human. This investigation addressed the role of chromatin structure in developmental regulation of globin gene expression. DNA methylation of the ε- and γ-gene promoters and covalent histone modifications in chromatin associated with the ε- γ- and β-globin gene promoters have been investigated in 40d fetal primitive nucleated yolk sac-derived RBCs, and definitive erythroid precursor cells from fetal liver (40d to 56d), fetal BM (154d to 160d), and BM from phlebotomized adults. The methylation status of 3 CpG sites in the ε-globin promoter and 5 CpG sites in the γ-globin promoter was analyzed by sequencing 10 cloned PCR products of each sample following bisulfite modification. The ε-globin promoter was unmethylated in 40d primitive yolk-sac derived RBCs. Moderate methylation of the ε-globin promoter was observed in 40d fetal liver (33%: 50%) and was increased in fetal liver samples obtained 2 weeks later in gestation (54d: 76.6%, 56d: 79.1%) to levels observed in late term fetal BM ( 154d: 80%, 156d: 96.6%, 160 d: 93.1%) and adult BM (84.1%; n=2). Methylation of the γ-globin promoter was lowest in 40d primitive RBC (0%) and early fetal liver (40d: 3.1%, 54d: 0%, 56d: 7.1%) and was moderately increased in fetal BM (154d: 38.6%, 156d: 20%, 160d: 30%) compared to adult BM ( 67.3%; n=3). Levels of ac-H3, ac-H4, dimethyl H3 lys4 (H3-dimeK4), dimethyl H3 lys79 (H3-meK79), dimethyl H3 lys36 (H3-meK36), and RNA pol II bound to the ε-, γ-, and β-globin promoters were determined by immunoprecipitation of formaldehyde-fixed, sheared chromatin (ChIP) followed by real time PCR. The amount of RNA pol II, ac-H3, and ac-H4 associated with each globin promoter correlated with developmental-specific gene expression and differed from the pattern of H3-meK79 and H3-meK4 associated with these promoters during development. The amount of H3-meK79 and H3-dimeK4 bound to the the ε- and γ-globin promoters in 40d primitive RBC and fetal liver erythroid precursors (54 and 56d) was 5 times greater than to the β-globin promoter, while similar levels of each (< 2 fold difference) were associated with all three promoters in fetal and adult bone marrow cells. In contrast, the highest level of H3-meK36 was associated with developmentally silenced genes. The amount of H3-meK36 bound to the ε promoter was 2–3 fold higher than to the γ and β promoters in fetal liver (54 and 56d). Similar levels (<2 fold difference) of H3-meK36 were associated with the γ and ε promoters in late term fetal and adult BM and were 2–6 fold greater than bound to the β promoter. We conclude that the chromatin cofiguration of the β-globin locus undergoes distinctive changes associated with both gene activation and silencing during development. Changes in the levels of H3-dimeK4 and H3-meK79 may reflect generalized domain opening, while high levels of ac-H3 and ac-H4 are bound to the promoters of activated genes. In contrast, gene silencing is correlated with increased DNA methylation and enrichment of H3-meK36 bound to the promoters. Thus the baboon model offers unique opportunities to study developmental regulation of globin gene expression.

Role of gene order in developmental control of human gamma- and beta-globin gene expression

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4836-4843
Author(s):  
K R Peterson ◽  
G Stamatoyannopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Order ◽  
Developmental Regulation ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Gene Promoters ◽  
Globin Genes ◽  
Beta Globin ◽  
Gamma Globin ◽  
Globin Gene Expression ◽  
Beta Gene

To determine the effect of gene order on globin gene developmental regulation, we produced transgenic mice containing two tandemly arranged gamma- or beta-globin or gamma beta- and beta gamma-globin genes linked to a 2.5-kb cassette containing sequences of the locus control region (LCR). Analysis of constructs containing two identical gamma or beta genes assessed the effect of gene order on globin gene expression, while analysis of constructs containing tandemly arranged gamma and beta genes assessed any additional effects of the trans-acting environment. When two gamma genes were tandemly linked to the LCR, expression from the proximal gamma gene was three- to fourfold higher than expression from the distal gamma gene, and the ratio of proximal to distal gene expression remained unchanged throughout development. Similarly, when two beta genes were tandemly linked to the LCR, the proximal beta gene was predominantly expressed throughout development. These results indicate that proximity to LCR increases gene expression, perhaps by influencing the frequency of interaction between the LCR and globin gene promoters. An arrangement where the gamma gene was proximal and the beta gene distal to the LCR resulted in predominant gamma-gene expression in the embryo. When the order was reversed and the gamma gene was placed distally to the LCR, gamma-gene expression in the embryo was still up to threefold higher than expression of the LCR-proximal beta gene. These findings suggest that the embryonic trans-acting environment interacts preferentially with the gamma genes irrespective of their order or proximity to the LCR. We conclude that promoter competition rather than gene order plays the major role in globin gene switching.

The Effect of Decitabine on Covalent Histone Modifications of Chromatin Associated with the ε-,γ -, and β-Globin Gene Promoters in the Baboon (P. anubis).

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 378-378
Author(s):  
Donald Lavelle ◽  
Kestas Vaitkus ◽  
Maria Hankewych ◽  
Mahipal Singh ◽  
Joseph DeSimone
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Gene Promoters ◽  
Rna Pol Ii ◽  
Pol Ii ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Globin Promoter ◽  
Covalent Histone Modifications

Abstract Treatment with the DNA demethylating drug decitabine increased HbF and F cells to therapeutically significant levels in patients with sickle cell disease in clinical trials. To gain more insight into the mechanism of action of this drug and to increase our understanding of the relationship between DNA methylation and chromatin structure we have determined the effect of decitabine on DNA methylation and covalent histone modifications of chromatin associated with the ε-, γ-, and β-globin gene promoters in purified erythroid bone marrow-derived cells obtained from 2 baboons (P. anubis) pre- and post-treatment. Baboons were phlebotomized for 10 days to maintain a hematocrit of 20 followed by subcutaneous decitabine administration (0.52mg/kg/day; 10–13 days). Erythroid cells (30–50 X 106) were purified from pre and post-treatment bone marrow apirates by immunomagnetic columns using an anti-baboon RBC antibody. The level of DNA methylation of 3 sites in the ε-globin promoter and 5 sites in the γ-globin promoter was determined by sequence analysis of ten cloned PCR products of each sample following bisulfite modification. Levels of ac-H3, ac-H4, dimethyl H3 ly4 (H3-dimeK4), dimethyl H3 ly79 (H3-meK79, dimethyl H3 ly36 (H3-meK36), and RNA pol II associated with the ε-, γ-, and β-globin promoters were determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation of sheared, formaldehyde fixed chromatin followed by real time PCR. In pre-treatment samples the level of DNA methylation of the γ-globin promoter (75%, 59.5%) was lower than the ε-globin promoter (84.%, 83.3%) and was associated with a small increase in HbF (5.4%, 9.0%). Following decitabine treatment HbF increased 8–10 fold (51.1%, 76%) and the level of DNA methylation of the ε-globin promoter (30.5%, 38.8%) and γ-globin promoter (24.3%, 25.0%) decreased 2–3 fold. Binding of RNA pol II to βthe -promoter was 2–3 fold higher than to the γ-promoter in pre-treatment samples. Following decitabine treatment the level of pol II associated with the γ-globin promoter was at least tenfold higher than with the β-globin promoter. In pre-treatment samples the level of ac-H3 and ac-H4 associated with the β-globin promoter was 2–4 fold higher than with the γ-globin promoter and 50 fold higher than with the ε-globin promoter. Following decitabine treatment the level of ac-H3 associated with the γ-promoter was 3–4 fold higher than with the β-promoter, while the level of ac-H4 associated with the γ-promoter increased to a level equivalent to that bound to the β-promoter. While no difference in the pattern of H3-dimeK4 associated with the ε-, γ-, and β-globin promoters was observed between pre- and post-treatment samples, minor changes in H3-meK79 and H3-meK36 were observed. These results demonstrate that decitabine treatment decreases DNA methylation of both the ε- and γ-globin promoters, greatly increases binding of RNA pol II to the γ-globin promoter, and increases the levels of ac-H3 and ac-H4 in chromatin associated with the γ-globin promoter. These experiments illustrate the usefulness of the baboon model to investigate the mechanism of pharmacologic reactivation of HbF synthesis at the molecular level.

scholarly journals Active Chromatin Hub of the Mouse α-Globin Locus Forms in a Transcription Factory of Clustered Housekeeping Genes

2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (13) ◽  
pp. 5096-5105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guo-Ling Zhou ◽  
Li Xin ◽  
Wei Song ◽  
Li-Jun Di ◽  
Guang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Fetal Liver ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Housekeeping Genes ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Gene Promoters ◽  
Globin Genes ◽  
Rna Pol Ii ◽  
Pol Ii ◽  
Transcription Factory

ABSTRACT RNA polymerases can be shared by a particular group of genes in a transcription “factory” in nuclei, where transcription may be coordinated in concert with the distribution of coexpressed genes in higher-eukaryote genomes. Moreover, gene expression can be modulated by regulatory elements working over a long distance. Here, we compared the conformation of a 130-kb chromatin region containing the mouse α-globin cluster and their flanking housekeeping genes in 14.5-day-postcoitum fetal liver and brain cells. The analysis of chromatin conformation showed that the active α1 and α2 globin genes and upstream regulatory elements are in close spatial proximity, indicating that looping may function in the transcriptional regulation of the mouse α-globin cluster. In fetal liver cells, the active α1 and α2 genes, but not the inactive ζ gene, colocalize with neighboring housekeeping genes C16orf33, C16orf8, MPG, and C16orf35. This is in sharp contrast with the mouse α-globin genes in nonexpressing cells, which are separated from the congregated housekeeping genes. A comparison of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) occupancies showed that active α1 and α2 gene promoters have a much higher RNA Pol II enrichment in liver than in brain. The RNA Pol II occupancy at the ζ gene promoter, which is specifically repressed during development, is much lower than that at the α1 and α2 promoters. Thus, the mouse α-globin gene cluster may be regulated through moving in or out active globin gene promoters and regulatory elements of a preexisting transcription factory in the nucleus, which is maintained by the flanking clustered housekeeping genes, to activate or inactivate α-globin gene expression.

scholarly journals Role of gene order in developmental control of human gamma- and beta-globin gene expression.

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4836-4843 ◽  
Author(s):  
K R Peterson ◽  
G Stamatoyannopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Order ◽  
Developmental Regulation ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Gene Promoters ◽  
Globin Genes ◽  
Beta Globin ◽  
Gamma Globin ◽  
Globin Gene Expression ◽  
Beta Gene

To determine the effect of gene order on globin gene developmental regulation, we produced transgenic mice containing two tandemly arranged gamma- or beta-globin or gamma beta- and beta gamma-globin genes linked to a 2.5-kb cassette containing sequences of the locus control region (LCR). Analysis of constructs containing two identical gamma or beta genes assessed the effect of gene order on globin gene expression, while analysis of constructs containing tandemly arranged gamma and beta genes assessed any additional effects of the trans-acting environment. When two gamma genes were tandemly linked to the LCR, expression from the proximal gamma gene was three- to fourfold higher than expression from the distal gamma gene, and the ratio of proximal to distal gene expression remained unchanged throughout development. Similarly, when two beta genes were tandemly linked to the LCR, the proximal beta gene was predominantly expressed throughout development. These results indicate that proximity to LCR increases gene expression, perhaps by influencing the frequency of interaction between the LCR and globin gene promoters. An arrangement where the gamma gene was proximal and the beta gene distal to the LCR resulted in predominant gamma-gene expression in the embryo. When the order was reversed and the gamma gene was placed distally to the LCR, gamma-gene expression in the embryo was still up to threefold higher than expression of the LCR-proximal beta gene. These findings suggest that the embryonic trans-acting environment interacts preferentially with the gamma genes irrespective of their order or proximity to the LCR. We conclude that promoter competition rather than gene order plays the major role in globin gene switching.

scholarly journals Restoration of the CCAAT Box or Insertion of the CACCC Motif Activate δ-Globin Gene Expression

Blood ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 421-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delia C. Tang ◽  
David Ebb ◽  
Ross C. Hardison ◽  
Griffin P. Rodgers
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
K562 Cells ◽  
Promoter Sequence ◽  
Flanking Sequence ◽  
Globin Promoter ◽  
Ccaat Box ◽  
Globin Gene Expression

Abstract Hemoglobin A2 (HbA2 ), which contains δ-globin as its non–α-globin, represents a minor fraction of the Hb found in normal adults. It has been shown recently that HbA2 is as potent as HbF in inhibiting intracellular deoxy-HbS polymerization, and its expression is therefore relevant to sickle cell disease treatment strategies. To elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the low-level expression of the δ-globin gene in adult erythroid cells, we first compared promoter sequences and found that the δ-globin gene differs from the β-globin gene in the absence of an erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF ) binding site, the alteration of the CCAAT box to CCAAC, and the presence of a GATA-1 binding site. Second, serial deletions of the human δ-globin promoter sequence fused to a luciferase (LUC) reporter gene were transfected into K562 cells. We identified both positive and negative regulatory regions in the 5′ flanking sequence. Furthermore, a plasmid containing a single base pair (bp) mutation in the CCAAC box of the δ promoter, restoring the CCAAT box, caused a 5.6-fold and 2.4-fold (P &lt; .05) increase of LUC activity in transfected K562 cells and MEL cells, respectively, in comparison to the wild-type δ promoter. A set of substitutions that create an EKLF binding site centered at −85 bp increased the expression by 26.8-fold and 6.5-fold (P &lt; .05) in K562 and MEL cells, respectively. These results clearly demonstrate that the restoration of either an EKLF binding site or the CCAAT box can increase δ-globin gene expression, with potential future clinical benefit.

scholarly journals Developmental- and differentiation-specific patterns of human γ- and β-globin promoter DNA methylation

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (4) ◽  
pp. 1343-1352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodwell Mabaera ◽  
Christine A. Richardson ◽  
Kristin Johnson ◽  
Mei Hsu ◽  
Steven Fiering ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Promoter Methylation ◽  
Fetal Liver ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Erythroid Cells ◽  
Promoter Dna Methylation ◽  
Globin Promoter ◽  
Promoter Dna

AbstractThe mechanisms underlying the human fetal-to-adult β-globin gene switch remain to be determined. While there is substantial experimental evidence to suggest that promoter DNA methylation is involved in this process, most data come from studies in nonhuman systems. We have evaluated human γ- and β-globin promoter methylation in primary human fetal liver (FL) and adult bone marrow (ABM) erythroid cells. Our results show that, in general, promoter methylation and gene expression are inversely related. However, CpGs at −162 of the γ promoter and −126 of the β promoter are hypomethylated in ABM and FL, respectively. We also studied γ-globin promoter methylation during in vitro differentiation of erythroid cells. The γ promoters are initially hypermethylated in CD34+ cells. The upstream γ promoter CpGs become hypomethylated during the preerythroid phase of differentiation and are then remethylated later, during erythropoiesis. The period of promoter hypomethylation correlates with transient γ-globin gene expression and may explain the previously observed fetal hemoglobin production that occurs during early adult erythropoiesis. These results provide the first comprehensive survey of developmental changes in human γ- and β-globin promoter methylation and support the hypothesis that promoter methylation plays a role in human β-globin locus gene switching.

DNA-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (helicaselike transcription factor) activates β-globin transcription in K562 cells

Blood ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 348-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milind C. Mahajan ◽  
Sherman M. Weissman
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Developmental Regulation ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
K562 Cells ◽  
Homologous Sequence ◽  
Gene Promoters ◽  
Conserved Sequence ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Dna Elements ◽  
Globin Promoter

Correct developmental regulation of β-like globin gene expression is achieved by preferential transcription of a gene at a given developmental stage, silencing of other β-like gene promoters, and competition among these promoters for interaction with the locus control region (LCR). Several evolutionarily conserved DNA elements in the promoters of the β-like genes and LCR have been studied in detail, and the role of their binding factors has been investigated. However, the β-globin promoter includes additional evolutionarily conserved sequences of unknown function. The present study examined the properties of a 21-base pair (bp) promoter-conserved sequence (PCS) located at positions −115 to −136 bp relative to the transcription start site of the β-globin gene. A helicaselike transcription factor (HLTF) belonging to the SWI2/SNF2 family of proteins binds to the PCS and a partly homologous sequence in the enhancer region of the LCR hypersensitive site 2 (HS2). Elevation of the level of HLTF in K562 erythroleukemic cells increases β-promoter activity in transient transfection experiments, and mutations in the PCS that remove HLTF-binding regions abolish this effect, suggesting that HLTF is an activator of β-globin transcription. Overexpression of HLTF in K562 cells does not affect the endogenous levels of γ- and ε-globin message, but it markedly activates β-globin transcription. In conclusion, this study reports a transcription factor belonging to the SWI2/SNF2 family, which preferentially activates chromosomal β-globin gene transcription and which has not previously been implicated in globin gene regulation.

Endogenous Elevations of Short Chain Fatty Acids Up-Regulate Embryonic Globin Gene Expression during Primitive Erythropoiesis.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1210-1210
Author(s):  
Lauren Sterner ◽  
Toru Miyazaki ◽  
Larry Swift ◽  
Ann Dean ◽  
Jane Little
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Fetal Liver ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Yolk Sac ◽  
Globin Genes ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Alpha Type ◽  
Globin Gene Expression

Abstract We examined the effects of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on globin gene expression during development. We studied globin gene expression in transgenic mice that have endogenous elevations in the SCFA propionate due to a knockout (KO) of the gene for propionyl CoA carboxylase subunit A (PCCA, Miyazaki et al. JBC, 2001 Sep 21;276(38):35995–9). Serum propionate levels measured by gas chromatography were 2.5 to 3.6 mgms/ml in 2 adult PCCA KO mice and were undetectable in 2 wild type (wt) or heterozygous control adult mice. Embryonic PCCA KO offspring had propionate levels of 2.3 and 5.0 μgms/100 mgms of fetal liver, at day 16.5 (E16.5), while wt or heterozygotes at E14.5 had levels &lt;1 μgm/100 mgms. Analysis of expression from alpha (α), beta major (βmaj), embryonic beta-type epsilon-y (εy), embryonic beta-type beta H1 (βH1) and embryonic alpha-type zeta (ζ) globin genes plus 18S ribosomal RNA as a control was undertaken using real-time PCR with gene-specific primers and taqman probes. cDNA was reverse-transcribed from the mRNA of yolk sac (YS) and fetal liver of PCCA KO and wt progeny of more than one litter from timed pregnancies. Individual PCCA embryos at E10 (n=10), E12 (n=9), and E14 (n=7) were analyzed for globin gene expression, normalized to18S expression and were compared to age-matched wt embryos (n&gt;=4 for each time point). As expected, embryonic alpha- and beta-type globin gene expression (ζ and βH1 plus εy) predominated in E 10 YS, and definitive globin gene expression, α and βmaj, predominated in E12 or E14 fetal liver. Expression from embryonic alpha-type globin was calculated as normalized ζ/(ζ+α) and from embryonic beta-type globins as normalized (βH1+εy)/(βH1+εy+βmaj), see table. Embryonic globin gene expression was statistically significantly increased in PCCA KO E12 YS at 1.3 fold relative to wt ζ and in PCCA KO E14 YS at 1.8 fold and 2.1 fold relative to wt ζ or βH1 and εy respectively (p&lt;.05). No increase in embryonic globin mRNA was seen in adult PCCA KO animals. We conclude that elevations of SCFAs during normal murine development causes a persistence of both embryonic alpha-type and embryonic beta-type globin gene expression during primitive, but not definitive, erythropoiesis, suggesting that SCFAs cannot reactivate silenced murine embryonic globin genes in the absence of erythroid stress. Embryonic Globin Gene Expression in Mice with Endogenous Elevations of SCFAs % Expression PCCA KO wild type p value, t test E10 ζ Yolk Sac 53+/− 2 nd E10 βH1 & ε y Yolk Sac 99 +/− 0.3 nd E12 ζ Yolk Sac 32 +/− 3 25 +/− 1 p &lt; .05 E12 βH1 & ε y Yolk Sac 77 +/− 6 74 +/− 3 ns E14 ζ Yolk Sac 7 +/− 1.5 4 +/− 1.4 p &lt; .05 E14 βH1 & ε y Yolk Sac 13 +/− 6 6 +/− 0.5 p &lt; .05 E12 ζ Fetal Liver 11 +/− 4 9 +/− 2 ns E12 βH1 & ε y Fetal Liver 13 +/− 5 13+/− 3 ns E14 ζ Fetal Liver 1 +/− 0.4 0.7 +/− 0.2 ns E14 βH1 & εy Fetal Liver 6 +/− 1.8 4 +/− 1 ns

Subdomains of the Baboon (P. anubis) β-Globin Gene Cluster Are Differentially Sensitive to Dacogen Treatment.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 525-525
Author(s):  
Janet Chin ◽  
Donald Lavelle ◽  
Bryan Roxas ◽  
Kestis Vaitkus ◽  
Maria Hankewych ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Histone Acetylation ◽  
Intergenic Region ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Globin Genes ◽  
Gene Complex ◽  
Alu Sequence ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Globin Promoter ◽  
Globin Gene Expression

Abstract Understanding the mechanism responsible for the developmental regulation of the β-like globin genes would be important in the design of future pharmacologic therapies to increase fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in patients with sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia. The baboon is a valuable and relevant experimental animal model to study the regulation of globin gene expression because the structure of the β-globin gene complex and developmental pattern of globin gene expression are similar to human, and HbF levels are greatly increased following treatment of baboons with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor Dacogen (5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine; DAC). To investigate the relationship between DNA methylation, chromatin structure and globin gene expression, the pattern of acetylated histone H3 (ac-H3) and H4 (ac-H4) within the β-globin gene complex was compared in purified erythroblasts from baboon fetal liver (FL; n=2) and bone marrow (ABM; n=2) of adult baboons pre and post DAC treatment. HbF increased to high levels (67.8%, 61.9%) in respective animals and methylation of 18 CpG sites within the ε- and γ globin genes was reduced &gt;50% following DAC treatment. Enrichment of ac-H3 and ac-H4 throughout the β-globin gene complex was measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) followed by real time PCR. In FL, equivalent levels of ac-H3 and ac-H4 were observed near the ε-globin and γ-globin promoters that were 3 fold higher than near the Aγ-enhancer and pseudo-β gene and 5–14 fold higher than near the β-globin promoter. In pretreatment ABM, levels of ac-H3 and ac-H4 near the β-globin promoter were 4–6 fold greater than near the γ-globin promoter, Aγ-enhancer, and pseudo-β gene and 10-15 fold higher than near the ε-globin promoter. The lowest levels of histone acetylation were observed in a 6kb subdomain within the γ-β intergenic region extending from the duplicated Alu sequence to 3′ of the δ-globin gene. Following DAC treatment, histone acetylation of the ε-, γ-, and pseudo-β genes and Aγ-enhancer increased 4-10 fold, while histone acetylation of the β-globin gene remained unchanged. This resulted in equivalent levels of histone acetylation associated with the γ-globin gene, Aγ-enhancer, pseudo-β-, and β-globin genes that were 3 fold greater than with the ε-globin gene. The levels of histone acetylation within the 6 kb subdomain of the γ-β intergenic region remained low. Our results suggest that three subdomains of chromatin are present within the baboon β-globin gene complex. One subdomain that encompasses the ε-, γ-, and pseudo-β genes is characterized by high levels of histone acetylation in FL and low levels in ABM. DAC treatment increases histone acetylation within this region to levels observed near the β-globin gene. A second subdomain near the β-globin gene is characterized by high levels of histone acetylation in ABM and low levels in FL. Histone acetylation of the β-globin gene within this subdomain remains high following DAC. A third subdomain found within the γ-β intergenic region surrounding the duplicated Alu sequences is characterized by a low level of histone acetylation in both FL and ABM. The level of histone acetylation of this region remains low following DAC. We conclude that three chromatin subdomains within the β-globin gene complex are differentially sensitive to DAC-induced changes in histone acetylation.

An Erythoid-Specific Component of the Rhesus Stage Selector Protein, rNF-E4, Modulates γ-Globin Gene Expression Specifically.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 1599-1599
Author(s):  
Ruiqiong Wu ◽  
Aurelie Desgardin ◽  
Stephen M. Jane ◽  
John M. Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Gene Promoters ◽  
Fetal Stage ◽  
Globin Gene Expression ◽  
Selector Protein

Abstract Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate γ-globin gene expression is essential for development of new therapeutic strategies for individuals with sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia. We have previously identified a tissue- and developmentally- specific multiprotein transacting factor complex, the human stage selector protein (SSP), which facilitates the interaction of the g-globin gene promoters with the upstream locus control region enhancer in fetal erythoid cells. This complex interacts with the stage selector element (SSE) in the proximal g-globin promoter, a regulatory motif phylogenetically conserved in primate species with a distinct fetal stage of β-globin like gene expression. Given these observations, we hypothesized that a similar complex modulates γ-globin in the rhesus macaque, a non-human primate model that has been utilized to study β-globin like gene expression. We focused our efforts on NF-E4, given that a human isoform of this factor confers erythroid and fetal specificity to the SSP complex. Fetal liver erythroblasts were obtained from rhesus embryos and analyzed by reverse transcriptase(RT)-PCR analysis for NF-E4 expression. NF-E4 like transcripts were identified in day 60, 80 and 120 embryonic erythroblasts, but not other rhesus tissues, demonstrating an erythroid-specific pattern of expression. Utilizing 5′ RACE, we cloned a full length NF-E4 transcript, identifying an open reading frame encoding a 131 amino acid polypeptide. This 20kD polypeptide shares a high degree of homology with human NF-E4, especially in its carboxy-terminal domain. Like human NF-E4, GST pulldown chromatography confirmed the ability of the rhesus factor to interact directly with CP2 and ALY, the other core components of the SSP. To evaluate rNF-E4 function in vivo, we utilized retrovirally mediated gene transfer to enforce expression of this factor in K562 cells, a model of human fetal erythropoiesis. Initial co-immunoprecipitation studies confirmed the in vivo interaction of rNF-E4 with other components of the SSP. Interestingly, we observed a specific 3-fold induction of γ-globin gene expression in rNF-E4 expressing cells when compared to controls. Moreover, we demonstrated that, like enforced expression of human NF-E4, rNF-E4 induced a significant increase in ε-globin gene expression. Taken together, our results suggest a conservation of NF-E4 expression and function in species with a fetal stage of globin gene expression. Moreover, the identification of rNF-E4 provides a platform for the pre-clinical development of therapeutic agents that induce high levels of NF-E4 in adult erythroblasts.

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