Histones are the major scaffolding proteins which organize and compact nuclear DMAin chromatin. These proteins undergo numerous types of chemical modifications that govern a variety of processes in the nucleus. Methylation of the amino acid lysine occurs in several histones and has been linked to the regulation of gene expression as well as in DNA repair processes and cell division. Histone lysine methyltransferases (HKMTs) are enzymes that catalyze the methylation of specific lysines within histones. HKMTs have been shown to function as both positive and negative regulators of gene expression, depending on the specific lysine that they methylate in histones. Recently, some HKMTs have been shown to methylate transcription factors (DNA binding proteins that activate gene expression), suggesting that these enzymes have broader roles in controlling transcription than previously believed. The importance of HKMTs in regulating gene expression is underscored by direct relationships between these enzymes and numerous forms of cancer. Deletions, mutations, or over-expression of several HKMTs have been linked malignancies such as leukemias and prostate, breast, lung, colorectal, and hepatic cancers. In order to gain insight into the functions of HKMTs in transcriptional regulation and how disruption of these enzymes can lead to cancer, we propose several experiments to characterize their protein substrate specificities and elucidate the chemical mechanism through which they methylate specific lysine residues in nuclear proteins. To achieve these goals, we will use a combination of biochemistry and structural biology in which we will determine the molecular structures of these enzymes bound to their protein substrates. Taken together, this research will provide not only novel insights into the functions of HKMTs in the nucleus, but will also provide avenues for the development of specific inhibitors against these enzymes in the treatment of cancer.
Aim1 : Determine the chemical mechanism of lysine methylation of HKMTs via biochemical and structural studies of a plant HKMT homolog known as Rubisco large subunit methyltransferase (LSMT).
Aim2 : Determine the substrate specificity of human SET7/9, a histone and transcription factor methyltransferase, through structural and biochemical techniques.
Aim3 : Determine the structure and substrate specificity of human SETS, an HKMT that is pivotal in regulating gene silencing and proper chromosome separation during cell division.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM073839-04
Application #
7571638
Study Section
Macromolecular Structure and Function A Study Section (MSFA)
Program Officer
Jones, Warren
Project Start
2006-02-01
Project End
2011-01-31
Budget Start
2009-02-01
Budget End
2010-01-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$252,230
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
073133571
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48109
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Trievel, Raymond C; Shilatifard, Ali (2009) WDR5, a complexed protein. Nat Struct Mol Biol 16:678-80

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