Project description:The stimulation of trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) by H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub) has been widely studied with multiple mechanisms proposed for this form of histone crosstalk. Cps35/Swd2 within COMPASS is considered to bridge these processes. However, a truncated form of Set1 (762-Set1) is reported to function in H3K4 trimethylation without interacting with Cps35/Swd2, and such crosstalk is attributed to the n-SET domain of Set1 and its interaction with the Cps40/Spp1 subunit of COMPASS. Here, we use biochemical, structural, in vivo, and ChIP-seq approaches to demonstrate that Cps40/Spp1 and the n-SET domain of Set1 are required for the stability of Set1 and not the crosstalk. Furthermore, the apparent wild-type levels of H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) in the 762-Set1 strain is due to rogue methylase activity of this mutant resulting in the mislocalization of H3K4me3 from the promoter-proximal regions to gene bodies and intergenic regions. We have also performed detailed screens and identified yeast strains lacking H2Bub, but containing intact H2Bub enzymes, that have normal levels of H3K4me3, suggesting that ubiquitination may not directly stimulate COMPASS, but rather works in a context of the PAF and Rad6/Bre1 complexes. Our study demonstrates that the ubiquitination machinery and Cps35/Swd2 function to focus COMPASS’ H3K4me3 activity at promoter-proximal regions in a context dependent manner. ChIP-Seq for H3K4ME3 in S. cerevisie wild-type strains and strains expressing a truncated form of Set1: aa762-1080 Set1. H3K4ME3 ChIP-Seq was also compared for wild-type, leo1 knockout, and chd1 knockout strains
Project description:The stimulation of trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) by H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub) has been widely studied with multiple mechanisms proposed for this form of histone crosstalk. Cps35/Swd2 within COMPASS is considered to bridge these processes. However, a truncated form of Set1 (762-Set1) is reported to function in H3K4 trimethylation without interacting with Cps35/Swd2, and such crosstalk is attributed to the n-SET domain of Set1 and its interaction with the Cps40/Spp1 subunit of COMPASS. Here, we use biochemical, structural, in vivo, and ChIP-seq approaches to demonstrate that Cps40/Spp1 and the n-SET domain of Set1 are required for the stability of Set1 and not the crosstalk. Furthermore, the apparent wild-type levels of H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) in the 762-Set1 strain is due to rogue methylase activity of this mutant resulting in the mislocalization of H3K4me3 from the promoter-proximal regions to gene bodies and intergenic regions. We have also performed detailed screens and identified yeast strains lacking H2Bub, but containing intact H2Bub enzymes, that have normal levels of H3K4me3, suggesting that ubiquitination may not directly stimulate COMPASS, but rather works in a context of the PAF and Rad6/Bre1 complexes. Our study demonstrates that the ubiquitination machinery and Cps35/Swd2 function to focus COMPASS’ H3K4me3 activity at promoter-proximal regions in a context dependent manner.
Project description:The functional determinants of histone H3 Lys-4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), their potential dependency on histone H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub) and their contribution to defining transcriptional regimes are poorly defined in plant systems. Unlike in S. cerevisiae, where a single SET1 protein catalyzes H3 Lys-4 trimethylation as part of COMPASS (COMPlex of proteins ASsociated with Set1), in Arabidopsis thaliana this activity involves multiple histone methyltransferases (HMTs). Among these, the plant-specific SDG2 (SET DOMAIN GROUP2) has a prominent role. We report that SDG2 co-regulates hundreds of genes with SWD2-like b (S2Lb), a plant ortholog of the Swd2 axillary subunit of yeast COMPASS. S2Lb co-purifies with the AtCOMPASS core subunit WDR5 from a high-molecular weight complex, and both S2Lb and SDG2 directly influence H3K4me3 enrichment over highly transcribed genes. S2Lb knockout triggers pleiotropic developmental phenotypes at the vegetative and reproductive stages, including reduced fertility and seed dormancy. Notwithstanding, s2lb seedlings display little transcriptomic defects as compared to the large repertoire of genes targeted by S2Lb, SDG2 or H3 Lys-4 trimethylation, suggesting that H3K4me3 enrichment is important for optimal gene induction during cellular transitions rather than for determining on/off transcriptional status. Moreover, unlike in budding yeast, most of the S2Lb and H3K4me3 genomic distribution does not rely on a trans-histone crosstalk with histone H2B monoubiquitination. Collectively, this study unveils that the evolutionarily conserved COMPASS-like complex has been coopted by the plant-specific SDG2 HMT and mediates H3K4me3 deposition through an H2Bub-independent pathway in Arabidopsis.
Project description:Trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) is associated with transcriptional start sites and proposed to regulate transcription initiation. However, redundant functions of the H3K4 SET1/COMPASS methyltransferase complexes complicate elucidation of the specific role of H3K4me3 in transcriptional regulation. Here, we show that acute ablation of shared subunits of the SET1/COMPASS complexes leads to complete loss of all H3K4 methylation. H3K4me3 turnover occurs more rapidly than H3K4me1 and H3K4me2 and is dependent on KDM5 demethylases. Surprisingly, acute loss of H3K4me3 does not have detectable effects on transcriptional initiation but leads to a widespread decrease in transcriptional output, an increase in RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) pausing and slower elongation. Our study demonstrates a distinct role for H3K4me3 in transcriptional pause-release and elongation rather than transcriptional initiation.
Project description:Global analysis of H3K4 methylation defines MLL family member targets and points to a role for MLL1-mediated H3K4 methylation in the regulation of transcriptional initiation by RNA polymerase II A common landmark of activated genes is the presence of trimethylation on lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4) at promoter regions. The Set1/COMPASS was the founding member and the only H3K4 methylases in S. cerevisiae, however, in mammals at least six H3K4 methylases Set1A/B and MLL1-4 are found in COMPASS-like complexes capable of methylating H3K4. To gain further insight into the different roles and functional targets for the H3K4 methylases, we have undertaken a genome-wide analysis of H3K4 methylation pattern in wild-type Mll1+/+ and Mll1-/- mouse fibroblasts (MEFs). We found that Mll1 is required for the H3K4 trimethylation of less than 5% of promoters carrying this modification. Many of these genes, which include developmental regulators such as Hox genes show decreased levels of RNA polymerase II recruitment and expression concomitant with the loss of H3K4 methylation. Although Mll1 is only required for the methylation of a subset of Hox genes, Menin, a component of the Mll1 and Mll2 complexes, is required for the overwhelming majority of H3K4 methylation at Hox loci. However, the loss of MLL3/4 and/or the Set1 complexes have little to no effect on the Hox loci H3K4 methylation or expression levels in these MEFs. Together these data provide insight into redundancy and specialization of COMPASS-like complexes in mammals and provide evidence on a possible role for Mll1-mediated H3K4 methylation in the regulation of transcriptional initiation. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation was performed with antibodies for histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation, histone 3, and PolII in Mll1+/+ and Mll1-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts. DNA was hybridized to a custom Agilent tiling array (4x44k format) that covers three of the hox regions (A,B,D) and a collection of other genes.
Project description:Global analysis of H3K4 methylation defines MLL family member targets and points to a role for MLL1-mediated H3K4 methylation in the regulation of transcriptional initiation by RNA polymerase II A common landmark of activated genes is the presence of trimethylation on lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4) at promoter regions. The Set1/COMPASS was the founding member and the only H3K4 methylases in S. cerevisiae, however, in mammals at least six H3K4 methylases Set1A/B and MLL1-4 are found in COMPASS-like complexes capable of methylating H3K4. To gain further insight into the different roles and functional targets for the H3K4 methylases, we have undertaken a genome-wide analysis of H3K4 methylation pattern in wild-type Mll1+/+ and Mll1-/- mouse fibroblasts (MEFs). We found that Mll1 is required for the H3K4 trimethylation of less than 5% of promoters carrying this modification. Many of these genes, which include developmental regulators such as Hox genes show decreased levels of RNA polymerase II recruitment and expression concomitant with the loss of H3K4 methylation. Although Mll1 is only required for the methylation of a subset of Hox genes, Menin, a component of the Mll1 and Mll2 complexes, is required for the overwhelming majority of H3K4 methylation at Hox loci. However, the loss of MLL3/4 and/or the Set1 complexes have little to no effect on the Hox loci H3K4 methylation or expression levels in these MEFs. Together these data provide insight into redundancy and specialization of COMPASS-like complexes in mammals and provide evidence on a possible role for Mll1-mediated H3K4 methylation in the regulation of transcriptional initiation. Expression arrays were done with Mll1+/+ and Mll1-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Four replicates were done (dyes were swapped). DNA was hybridized to Agilent Mouse Whole Genome Expression Arrays (4x44k).
Project description:Trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) is associated with transcriptional start sites and proposed to regulate transcription initiation. However, redundant functions of the H3K4 SET1/COMPASS methyltransferase complexes complicate elucidation of the specific role of H3K4me3 in transcriptional regulation. Here, by using mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) as a model system, we show that acute ablation of shared subunits of the SET1/COMPASS complexes leads to complete loss of all H3K4 methylation. H3K4me3 turnover occurs more rapidly than H3K4me1 and H3K4me2 and is dependent on KDM5 demethylases. Surprisingly, acute loss of H3K4me3 does not have detectable effects on transcriptional initiation but leads to a widespread decrease in transcriptional output, an increase in RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) pausing and slower elongation. Notably, we show that H3K4me3 is required for the recruitment of the Integrator Complex Subunit 11 (INTS11), which is essential for the eviction of paused RNAPII and transcriptional elongation. Thus, our study demonstrates a distinct role for H3K4me3 in transcriptional pause-release and elongation rather than transcriptional initiation.
Project description:The functional determinants of histone H3 Lys-4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), their potential dependency on histone H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub) and their contribution in defining gene expression programs are poorly defined in plant systems. Differently from S. cerevisiae in which a single SET1 protein catalyzes H3 Lys-4 trimethylation as part of COMPASS (COMPlex of proteins ASsociated with SET1), this activity involves multiple histone methyltransferases (HMTs) in Arabidopsis thaliana, among which the plant-specific SDG2 (SET DOMAIN GROUP2) has a prominent role. Here we report that SDG2 co-regulates hundreds genes with SWD2-like b (S2Lb), a plant ortholog of the Swd2 axillary subunit of the evolutionarily conserved COMPASS complex. Accordingly, S2Lb associates with the AtCOMPASS core subunit WDR5a within a high-molecular weight complex and is required for proper H3K4me3 enrichment over genes highly occupied by RNA Polymerase II. S2Lb knock-out plants display little transcriptomic defects, suggesting that H3K4me3 deposition is important for optimal gene induction rather than for determining on/off transcriptional states. We further report that S2Lb and H3K4me3 are accurately targeted over most genes in hub1 mutant plants lacking histone H2B monoubiquitination. Collectively, our study indicates that a plant-specific COMPASS-like complex acting mainly through an H2Bub-independent mechanism is a major determinant of H3K4me3 deposition in Arabidopsis.
Project description:The functional determinants of histone H3 Lys-4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), their potential dependency on histone H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub) and their contribution in defining gene expression programs are poorly defined in plant systems. Differently from S. cerevisiae in which a single SET1 protein catalyzes H3 Lys-4 trimethylation as part of COMPASS (COMPlex of proteins ASsociated with SET1), this activity involves multiple histone methyltransferases (HMTs) in Arabidopsis thaliana, among which the plant-specific SDG2 (SET DOMAIN GROUP2) has a prominent role. Here we report that SDG2 co-regulates hundreds genes with SWD2-like b (S2Lb), a plant ortholog of the Swd2 axillary subunit of the evolutionarily conserved COMPASS complex. Accordingly, S2Lb associates with the AtCOMPASS core subunit WDR5a within a high-molecular weight complex and is required for proper H3K4me3 enrichment over genes highly occupied by RNA Polymerase II. S2Lb knock-out plants display little transcriptomic defects, suggesting that H3K4me3 deposition is important for optimal gene induction rather than for determining on/off transcriptional states. We further report that S2Lb and H3K4me3 are accurately targeted over most genes in hub1 mutant plants lacking histone H2B monoubiquitination. Collectively, our study indicates that a plant-specific COMPASS-like complex acting mainly through an H2Bub-independent mechanism is a major determinant of H3K4me3 deposition in Arabidopsis.
Project description:The functional determinants of histone H3 Lys-4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), their potential dependency on histone H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub) and their contribution in defining gene expression programs are poorly defined in plant systems. Differently from S. cerevisiae in which a single SET1 protein catalyzes H3 Lys-4 trimethylation as part of COMPASS (COMPlex of proteins ASsociated with SET1), this activity involves multiple histone methyltransferases (HMTs) in Arabidopsis thaliana, among which the plant-specific SDG2 (SET DOMAIN GROUP2) has a prominent role. Here we report that SDG2 co-regulates hundreds genes with SWD2-like b (S2Lb), a plant ortholog of the Swd2 axillary subunit of the evolutionarily conserved COMPASS complex. Accordingly, S2Lb associates with the AtCOMPASS core subunit WDR5a within a high-molecular weight complex and is required for proper H3K4me3 enrichment over genes highly occupied by RNA Polymerase II. S2Lb knock-out plants display little transcriptomic defects, suggesting that H3K4me3 deposition is important for optimal gene induction rather than for determining on/off transcriptional states. We further report that S2Lb and H3K4me3 are accurately targeted over most genes in hub1 mutant plants lacking histone H2B monoubiquitination. Collectively, our study indicates that a plant-specific COMPASS-like complex acting mainly through an H2Bub-independent mechanism is a major determinant of H3K4me3 deposition in Arabidopsis.