The long-term goal of this proposal is to understand the functions of H1 linker histone in chromosome structure and activity. We propose to use the fruit fly, Drosphila melanogaster, as a model system because it provides many advantages for studies of chromosome structure and genetic activity and because Drosophila H1 strongly resembles mammalian H1 linker histones. In metazoans, H1 is nearly as abundant as nucleosome core particles, suggesting that it plays important roles in establishing and maintaining the architecture of the chromatin fiber. H1 can influence chromatin functions at several levels, including locally at the level of individual nucleosome particles and arrays as well as over long range to determine the folding of chromatin into higher order structures. H1 is expected to affect gene expression and many other reactions of nuclear DNA metabolism, such as replication, recombination and repair. Much of our knowledge about the roles of linker histones comes from in vitro studies. However, in vivo analyses of H1 functions have been lagging. Recently, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to nearly completely deplete H1 in Drosophila melanogaster in vivo. This approach allowed us to demonstrate that H1 is essential for Drosophila development and that it is required for normal chromosome architecture. We identified heterochromatin structure and activity as primary targets of H1 regulation. We also found that H1 has both positive and negative effects on gene expression. To gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which H1 controls chromosome structure and gene activity, to identify the factors that work in concert with H1 to regulate the epigenetic states of the genome, and to discover other cellular processes that depend upon H1 for proper function, we propose to pursue the following specific aims. (1) We will elucidate mechanisms by which H1 regulates the structure and activity of heterochromatin. (2) We will characterize the network of proteins that functionally interact with H1 in vivo. (3) We will perform a detailed in vivo structure-function analysis of H1. The successful completion of the proposed studies is expected to provide crucial insights into the ways in which this major component of chromatin affects the structure and activity of eukaryotic chromosomes.

Public Health Relevance

The goals of this project are to understand the functions of a major component of all eukaryotic chromosomes called H1 linker histone. H1 is a key determinant of the structure and genetic activity of chromosomes. By collaborating with other components of chromosomes, H1 regulates the epigenetic state of the genome. Thus, H1 is a key intermediate in process that control normal embryonic/fetal development. When these processes are perturbed they contribute to the development of numerous human diseases including cancer.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01GM093190-01A1
Application #
8043743
Study Section
Molecular Genetics B Study Section (MGB)
Program Officer
Carter, Anthony D
Project Start
2011-01-17
Project End
2014-12-31
Budget Start
2011-01-17
Budget End
2011-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$413,773
Indirect Cost
Name
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
110521739
City
Bronx
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10461
Fyodorov, Dmitry V; Zhou, Bing-Rui; Skoultchi, Arthur I et al. (2018) Emerging roles of linker histones in regulating chromatin structure and function. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 19:192-206
Andreyeva, Evgeniya N; Bernardo, Travis J; Kolesnikova, Tatyana D et al. (2017) Regulatory functions and chromatin loading dynamics of linker histone H1 during endoreplication in Drosophila. Genes Dev 31:603-616
Kavi, Harsh; Emelyanov, Alexander V; Fyodorov, Dmitry V et al. (2016) Independent Biological and Biochemical Functions for Individual Structural Domains of Drosophila Linker Histone H1. J Biol Chem 291:15143-55
Xu, Na; Lu, Xingwu; Kavi, Harsh et al. (2016) BEN domain protein Elba2 can functionally substitute for linker histone H1 in Drosophila in vivo. Sci Rep 6:34354
Kavi, Harsh; Lu, Xingwu; Xu, Na et al. (2015) A genetic screen and transcript profiling reveal a shared regulatory program for Drosophila linker histone H1 and chromatin remodeler CHD1. G3 (Bethesda) 5:677-87
Xu, Na; Emelyanov, Alexander V; Fyodorov, Dmitry V et al. (2014) Drosophila linker histone H1 coordinates STAT-dependent organization of heterochromatin and suppresses tumorigenesis caused by hyperactive JAK-STAT signaling. Epigenetics Chromatin 7:16
Lu, Xingwu; Wontakal, Sandeep N; Kavi, Harsh et al. (2013) Drosophila H1 regulates the genetic activity of heterochromatin by recruitment of Su(var)3-9. Science 340:78-81