Abstract

Covalent modification of histones, such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitylation, are essential regulators of chromatin structure and function. Defects in the regulation of these modifications have causal roles in numerous developmental disorders and diseases. However, the mechanisms that regulate histone-modifying activities are not well understood. In addition, apart from a few well-known examples, it is not clear how the cellular machinery interprets these modifications. The PWWP domain is similar to Chromo, Tudor, and MBT domains, which are well known for their ability to recognize methylated histones to regulate diverse cellular processes. However, the function of the PWWP domain is still a mystery. Our preliminary studies demonstrated that PWWP domain proteins directly interact with histones and form complexes with histone-modifying activities. I therefore hypothesize that PWWP domain proteins might recognize modified chromatin components to regulate associated enzymes. I will characterize the functions of PWWP domain proteins in fission yeast to gain mechanistic insights into their roles in regulating chromatin structure and function.
The specific aims are designed to (a) determine the histone modification that interacts with each PWWP domain protein with pull-down assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis;(b) characterize PWWP domain protein complexes identified by affinity purification of epitope-tagged PWWP domain proteins to elucidate the contribution of each protein to the function of these complexes;(c) analyze the cellular functions of PWWP domain proteins in chromatin based processes, with the goal of directly linking phenotypes to specific histone modifications. Mutations in many PWWP domain-containing proteins are intimately linked to human diseases. For example, a single amino acid alteration in the PWWP domain of Dnmt3b is responsible for ICF (immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and facial anomalies) syndrome. A better understanding of the function of PWWP domain proteins may lead to novel therapeutic approaches to treat these diseases.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01GM085145-02S1
Application #
7895337
Study Section
Molecular Genetics C Study Section (MGC)
Program Officer
Carter, Anthony D
Project Start
2009-08-10
Project End
2011-07-31
Budget Start
2009-08-10
Budget End
2011-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$223,028
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
Columbia University (N.Y.)
Department
Biology
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
049179401
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10027

  Publications

Zhang, Yinglu; Shan, Chun-Min; Wang, Jiyong et al. (2017) Molecular basis for the role of oncogenic histone mutations in modulating H3K36 methylation. Sci Rep 7:43906
Wang, Jiyong; Cohen, Allison L; Letian, Anudari et al. (2016) The proper connection between shelterin components is required for telomeric heterochromatin assembly. Genes Dev 30:827-39
Shan, Chun-Min; Wang, Jiyong; Xu, Ke et al. (2016) A histone H3K9M mutation traps histone methyltransferase Clr4 to prevent heterochromatin spreading. Elife 5:
Wang, Jiyong; Jia, Sharon T; Jia, Songtao (2016) New Insights into the Regulation of Heterochromatin. Trends Genet 32:284-294
Wang, Jiyong; Reddy, Bharat D; Jia, Songtao (2015) Rapid epigenetic adaptation to uncontrolled heterochromatin spreading. Elife 4:
Wang, Jiyong; Tadeo, Xavier; Hou, Haitong et al. (2014) Tls1 regulates splicing of shelterin components to control telomeric heterochromatin assembly and telomere length. Nucleic Acids Res 42:11419-32
Cohen, Allison L; Jia, Songtao (2014) Noncoding RNAs and the borders of heterochromatin. Wiley Interdiscip Rev RNA 5:835-47
Kallgren, Scott P; Andrews, Stuart; Tadeo, Xavier et al. (2014) The proper splicing of RNAi factors is critical for pericentric heterochromatin assembly in fission yeast. PLoS Genet 10:e1004334
Wang, Jiyong; Lawry, Stephanie T; Cohen, Allison L et al. (2014) Chromosome boundary elements and regulation of heterochromatin spreading. Cell Mol Life Sci 71:4841-52
Hou, Haitong; Kallgren, Scott P; Jia, Songtao (2013) Csi1 illuminates the mechanism and function of Rabl configuration. Nucleus 4:176-81

Showing the most recent 10 out of 18 publications