The realization that epigenetic control of gene expression can override regulatory information encoded in DNA provides the exciting opportunity to stably alter gene expression programs in vivo with the use of epigenetic modifiers. However, this aspiration is challenged by limitations in our ability to alter the epigenetic state of specific target genes in restricted cell types in a temporally regulated fashio. For this reason, we propose to combine novel genetic approaches that afford tight spatiotemporal control in vivo with innovative biochemical tools that allow the targeting of specific genomic loci in a sequence-specific manner. We will modify an assay that we previously designed for the inducible labeling of specific neuronal populations, named Tango, towards the controlled expression of synthetic TALE (Transcription Activator Like Effectors)-fusion proteins that will bind to target genomic loci and alter their epigenetic properties. As a model for these proof-of-principle experiments we will use the genetically, epigenetically and biochemically tractable mouse olfactory system. As we previously showed, the monogenic and monoallelic expression of olfactory receptor (OR) genes in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) is epigenetically regulated, both at the level of post-translational histone modifications and at the level of nuclear organization and distribution of active and silent OR alleles. Therefore, we propose to express TALE-fusion proteins with specificity for OR genes and their regulating enhancers in an inducible fashion in specific OSN subpopulations using variations of the TANGO system. This way we will alter the epigenetic state of active or silent ORs, and induce their re-positioning to distinct nuclear territories with the goal of stably altering their expresson pattern. This strategy of chemically or optically controlled epigenetic manipulations will be directly applicable to any other cell type in the mouse, and compatible with viral delivery methods that will make our approach applicable to future therapeutic interventions for human disease.

Public Health Relevance

Epigenetic control of gene expression, through post-translational histone modifications or nuclear positioning, is crucial for proper development and function of the nervous system. Developing technologies for manipulating these epigenetic properties with high temporal and spatial precision will, therefore, be invaluable for the treatmen of various neurodevelopmental disorders.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DA036894-04
Application #
9098671
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Satterlee, John S
Project Start
2013-09-15
Project End
2018-05-31
Budget Start
2016-06-01
Budget End
2017-05-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Columbia University (N.Y.)
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
621889815
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10032
Monahan, Kevin; Schieren, Ira; Cheung, Jonah et al. (2017) Cooperative interactions enable singular olfactory receptor expression in mouse olfactory neurons. Elife 6:
Dalton, Ryan P; Lomvardas, Stavros (2015) Chemosensory receptor specificity and regulation. Annu Rev Neurosci 38:331-49
Alexander, J M; Lomvardas, S (2014) Nuclear architecture as an epigenetic regulator of neural development and function. Neuroscience 264:39-50
Markenscoff-Papadimitriou, Eirene; Allen, William E; Colquitt, Bradley M et al. (2014) Enhancer interaction networks as a means for singular olfactory receptor expression. Cell 159:543-57