Histone h3 glutathionylation in proliferating mammalian cells destabilizes nucleosomal structure.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Here we report that chromatin, the complex and dynamic eukaryotic DNA packaging structure, is able to sense cellular redox changes. Histone H3, the only nucleosomal protein that possesses cysteine(s), can be modified by glutathione (GSH).

Results

Using Biotin labeled glutathione ethyl ester (BioGEE) treatment of nucleosomes in vitro, we show that GSH, the most abundant antioxidant in mammals, binds to histone H3. BioGEE treatment of NIH3T3 cells indicates that glutathionylation of H3 is maximal in fast proliferating cells, correlating well with enhanced levels of H3 glutathionylation in different tumor cell lines. Furthermore, glutathionylation of H3 in vivo decreases in livers from aged SAMP8 and C57BL/6J mice. We demonstrate biochemically and by mass spectrometry that

SUBMITTER: Garcia-Gimenez JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3791047 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature