Chromatin serves an essential cellular function. Defects in chromatin and factors that modulate its structure are associated with a number of human diseases including cancer. Studying chromatin assembly on nascent DNA produced during DNA replication offers the opportunity to investigate how chromatin structure is established and maintained. Nevertheless, the analysis of chromatin assembly at the replication fork is confounded by the highly dynamic nature of the process. We have found that lagging strand synthesis and nucleosomes impact each other. In this project, we use Okazaki fragments as a tool to interrogate chromatin assembly pathways and gain a detailed picture of DNA replication. This project has three aims:
Aim 1. We will analyze purified Okazaki fragments from budding yeast to test which histone chaperones are load nucleosomes on the lagging strand. We will explore the role of ATP dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes and test if nucleosome repositioning occurs as histones are being deposited. In addition, we will investigate how the predominant lagging strand polymerase, polymerase ?, interacts with nucleosomes to establish the ends of Okazaki fragments. These will be the first experiments ever to systematically analyze eukaryotic Okazaki fragments.
Aim 2. We will map Okazaki fragments by deep sequencing to interrogate DNA replication patterns across the genome. We will map sites of initiation at replication origins as well as sites of termination genome wide. In addition, we will determine the firing characteristics of each replication origin allowing us to tell when, how often, and for how long a particular origin is active. Compiling our data, we will produce the most detailed map of DNA replication for any eukaryote, allowing fundamental aspects of genomic replication to be understood.
Aim 3. We will test if the properties of Okazaki processing and replication dynamics observed in budding yeast are conserved in other eukaryotes. Using our experience with budding yeast, we will develop methods to precisely characterize Okazaki fragments in S. pombe. We will define replication origins and the dynamics of DNA replication across the genome. In addition, we will test if Okazaki fragments from S. pombe are influenced by nucleosome positions and chromatin structure. Our interdisciplinary work will address key problems that were previously intractable. These studies will be directly relevant to may research programs and will translate into a better understanding of the biological processes fundamental to maintaining genomic integrity and chromatin states.

Public Health Relevance

Each time a cell divides it must produce an accurate copy of its genome. This process, termed DNA replication, is essential and defects in DNA replication can lead to mutations, chromosomal rearrangements and cancer. This project will use new technology to understand the molecular mechanisms that control DNA replication. )

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM102253-03
Application #
8666657
Study Section
Molecular Genetics A Study Section (MGA)
Program Officer
Reddy, Michael K
Project Start
2012-08-01
Project End
2017-05-31
Budget Start
2014-06-01
Budget End
2015-05-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$411,525
Indirect Cost
$186,525
Name
Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
Department
Type
DUNS #
064931884
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10065
Bellush, James M; Whitehouse, Iestyn (2017) DNA replication through a chromatin environment. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 372:
Devbhandari, Sujan; Jiang, Jieqing; Kumar, Charanya et al. (2017) Chromatin Constrains the Initiation and Elongation of DNA Replication. Mol Cell 65:131-141
Mattiroli, Francesca; Gu, Yajie; Yadav, Tejas et al. (2017) DNA-mediated association of two histone-bound complexes of yeast Chromatin Assembly Factor-1 (CAF-1) drives tetrasome assembly in the wake of DNA replication. Elife 6:
Pourkarimi, Ehsan; Bellush, James M; Whitehouse, Iestyn (2016) Spatiotemporal coupling and decoupling of gene transcription with DNA replication origins during embryogenesis in C. elegans. Elife 5:
Yadav, Tejas; Whitehouse, Iestyn (2016) Replication-Coupled Nucleosome Assembly and Positioning by ATP-Dependent Chromatin-Remodeling Enzymes. Cell Rep 15:715-723
Smith, Duncan J; Yadav, Tejas; Whitehouse, Iestyn (2015) Detection and Sequencing of Okazaki Fragments in S. cerevisiae. Methods Mol Biol 1300:141-53
Gros, Julien; Kumar, Charanya; Lynch, Gerard et al. (2015) Post-licensing Specification of Eukaryotic Replication Origins by Facilitated Mcm2-7 Sliding along DNA. Mol Cell 60:797-807
McGuffee, Sean R; Smith, Duncan J; Whitehouse, Iestyn (2013) Quantitative, genome-wide analysis of eukaryotic replication initiation and termination. Mol Cell 50:123-35
Borges, Vanessa; Smith, Duncan J; Whitehouse, Iestyn et al. (2013) An Eco1-independent sister chromatid cohesion establishment pathway in S. cerevisiae. Chromosoma 122:121-34
Whitehouse, Iestyn; Smith, Duncan J (2013) Chromatin dynamics at the replication fork: there's more to life than histones. Curr Opin Genet Dev 23:140-6

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