Organismal development and cell differentiation critically depend on chromatin state transitions. However, certain developmentally regulated genes lack histone 3 lysine 9 and 27 acetylation (H3K9ac and H3K27ac, respectively) and histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation, histone modifications common to most active genes. Here we describe a chromatin state featuring unique histone 3 lysine 14 acetylation (H3K14ac) peaks in key tissue-specific genes in Drosophila and human cells. Replacing H3K14 in Drosophila demonstrates that H3K14 is essential for expression of genes devoid of canonical histone modifications in the embryonic gut and larval wing imaginal disc, causing lethality and defective wing patterning. We find that the SWI/SNF protein Brahma (Brm) recognizes H3K14ac, that brm acts in the same genetic pathway as H3K14R, and that chromatin accessibility at H3K14ac-unique genes is decreased in H3K14R mutants. Our results show that acetylation of a single lysine is essential at genes devoid of canonical histone marks and uncover an important requirement for H3K14 in tissue-specific gene regulation.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2021.01.041 | DOI Listing |
J Med Chem
January 2025
SANKEN, Osaka University, Mihogaoka, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka 567-0047, Japan.
Histone methylation, a crucial aspect of epigenetics, intricately involves specialized enzymes such as G9a, a histone methyltransferase (HMT) catalyzing the methylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) and H3K27. Apart from histone modification, G9a regulates essential cellular processes such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication, damage repair, and gene expression via modulating DNA methylation patterns. The dysregulation and overexpression of G9a are intricately linked to cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis, making it a compelling target for anticancer therapy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCultured human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can develop genetic anomalies that increase their susceptibility to transformation. In this study, we characterized a variant hESC (vhESC) line and investigated the molecular mechanisms leading to the drift towards a transformed state. Our findings revealed that vhESCs up-regulate EMT-specific markers, accelerate wound healing, exhibit compromised lineage differentiation, and retain pluripotency gene expression in teratomas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Med Chem
December 2024
Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center and Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, Core Facilities, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
G9a, a histone lysine methyltransferase, is instrumental in regulating gene expression through epigenetic modifications. Its overexpression is closely linked to the progression of various human diseases, including cancers. Therefore, targeting G9a enzyme is a promising strategy for treating various diseases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGenetics
December 2024
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Wolbachia pipientis are maternally transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria commonly found in arthropods and nematodes. These bacteria manipulate reproduction of the host to increase their transmission using mechanisms, such as cytoplasmic incompatibility, that favor infected female offspring. The underlying mechanisms of reproductive manipulation by W.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJCI Insight
December 2024
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 (EZH2) is part of the Polycomb Repressor Complex 2, which promotes trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3) and genes repression. EZH2 is overexpressed in many cancers and studies in mice attributed both pro-oncogenic and tumor suppressive functions to EZH2 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). EZH2 deletion enhances de novo KRAS-driven neoplasia following pancreatic injury, while increased EZH2 expression in PDAC patients is correlated to poor prognosis, suggesting a context-dependant effect for EZH2 in PDAC progression.
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