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Biomedical subjects

Sukesh R Bhaumik

Publications and source records attributed to Sukesh R Bhaumik.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Insights into FACT in Cancers with Targeted Therapeutic Implications.

Facilitates chromatin transcription (FACT) is an evolutionarily conserved chromatin remodeling factor. It controls chromatin states in an ATP-independent manner via the regulation of chromatin assembly and disassembly. Through such regulation, FACT is involved in controlling transcription and other DNA-transacting processes such as replication and repair. However, it is surprisingly found to be upregulated in various cancers, and upregulated FACT induces oncogenesis and supports cancer cell survival, aggressiveness and metastasis, thus implying it to be a prognostic marker for cancer with an attractive targeted therapeutic potential. Here, we describe the involvement of FACT in various cancers with mechanistic insights and potential targeted therapeutic implications.

Humans↗

SAGA-associated Sgf73p facilitates formation of the preinitiation complex assembly at the promoters either in a HAT-dependent or independent manner in vivo.

Although Sgf73p, a yeast homologue of human Sca7p, has recently been implicated as a new component of Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA), its association with SAGA and functional role in regulation of transcription remain unknown in vivo. Here, using a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, we show in vivo that, like SAGA, Sgf73p is recruited to the upstream activating sequence (UAS) of a SAGA-dependent gene, GAL1, in an activator-dependent manner. Further, Sgf73p is required for recruitment of SAGA to the GAL1 UAS, and facilitates formation of the preinitiation complex (PIC) assembly at the GAL1 promoter. When PIC is not formed in Deltasgf73, histone H3 is not evicted from the GAL1 promoter. Interestingly, PIC formation at GAL1 is not regulated by histone H3 acetylation or histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity of SAGA. Similarly, Sgf73p facilitates PIC formation at another SAGA-dependent gene, ADH1, independent of histone H3 acetylation or HAT. In contrast, Sgf73p stimulates PIC formation at PHO84 (a SAGA-dependent gene), in a HAT-dependent-manner. Collectively, our data reveal that Sgf73p is required for SAGA recruitment, and stimulates PIC formation either in a HAT-dependent or -independent manner, providing significant information on how Sgf73p and possibly human Sca7p function physiologically.

Acetylation↗

Ctk complex-mediated regulation of histone methylation by COMPASS.

A comparative global proteomic screen identified factors required for COMPASS (complex of proteins associated with Set1)-mediated mono-, di-, and trimethylation of the fourth lysine of histone H3 (H3K4), which included components of a cyclin-dependent protein kinase (Ctk complex) that phosphorylates the C-terminal domain of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Our results indicate that histone H3K4 methylation levels are regulated by the Ctk1, Ctk2, and Ctk3 components of the Ctk complex. We show that loss of Ctk1 kinase activity results in reduced histone H3K4 monomethylation levels, followed by a global increase in histone H3K4 trimethylation levels on chromatin. Ctk1 loss does not appear to have a substantial effect on histone H2B monoubiquitination levels or COMPASS and Paf1 complex phosphorylation. Our chromatin immunoprecipitation studies demonstrate that histone H3 eviction during active transcription is decelerated in a CTK1 deletion strain in response to reduced levels of Pol II recruitment. Our in vitro studies show that the onset of monomethylation on an unmethylated histone H3 by COMPASS is virtually immediate, while the onset of trimethylation occurs upon extended time of association between the histone tail and COMPASS. Our study suggests a role for the Ctk complex in the regulation of the pattern of H3K4 mono-, di-, and trimethylation via COMPASS.

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation↗

Rtt109 is required for proper H3K56 acetylation: a chromatin mark associated with the elongating RNA polymerase II.

Histone acetylation has been shown to be required for the proper regulation of many cellular processes including transcription, DNA repair, and chromatin assembly. Acetylation of histone H3 on lysine 56 (H3K56) occurs both during the premeiotic and mitotic S phase and persists throughout DNA damage repair. To learn more about the molecular mechanism of H3K56 acetylation and factors required for this process, we surveyed the genome of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to identify genes necessary for this process. A comparative global proteomic screen identified several factors required for global H3K56 acetylation, which included histone chaperone Asf1 and a protein of an unknown function Rtt109 but not Spt10. Our results indicate that the loss of Rtt109 results in the loss of H3K56 acetylation, both on bulk histone and on chromatin, similar to that of asf1Delta or the K56Q mutation. RTT109 deletion exhibits sensitivity to DNA damaging agents similar to that of asf1Delta and H3K56Q mutants. Furthermore, Rtt109 and H3K56 acetylation appear to correlate with actively transcribed genes and associate with the elongating form of polymerase II in yeast. This histone modification is also associated with some of the transcriptionally active puff sites in Drosophila. Our results indicate a new role for the Rtt109 protein in the proper regulation of H3K56 acetylation.

Acetylation↗

Functional analysis of H2B-Lys-123 ubiquitination in regulation of H3-Lys-4 methylation and recruitment of RNA polymerase II at the coding sequences of several active genes in vivo.

Previous biochemical studies have demonstrated that Lys-123 ubiquitination of histone H2B is globally required for up-regulation of mono-, di, and trimethylation of Lys-4 of histone H3. However, recent studies have implicated H2B-Lys-123 ubiquitination in the regulation of di- and trimethylation, but not monomethylation, of H3-Lys-4 in vivo. Using a formaldehyde-based cross-linking and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we show that H3-Lys-4 trimethylation, but not dimethylation, is up-regulated by H2B-Lys-123 ubiquitination in vivo at the coding sequences of a set of transcriptionally active genes such as ADH1, PHO84, and PYK1. Both the ubiquitination of H2B-Lys-123 and the methylation of H3-Lys-4 are dispensable for recruitment of RNA polymerase II to the coding sequences of these genes, and hence, their transcription is not altered in the absence of these covalent modifications. However, recruitment of RNA polymerase II to the coding sequence of a galactose-inducible gene, GAL1, is significantly reduced in the absence of H2B-Lys-123 ubiquitination but not H3-Lys-4 methylation. Consistently, transcription of GAL1 is altered in the H2B-K123R point mutant strain. Finally, we show that H3-Lys-4 methylation does not regulate H3-Lys-9/14 acetylation. Collectively, our data reveal a "trans-tail" regulation of H3-Lys-4 tri- but not dimethylation by H2B-Lys-123 ubiquitination, and these modifications are dispensable for transcription of a certain set of genes in vivo.

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation↗

Analysis of in vivo targets of transcriptional activators by fluorescence resonance energy transfer.

Gene expression in eukaryotes is largely controlled at the level of transcriptional initiation by gene-specific activators. Transcriptional activators stimulate the assembly of general transcription factors on the promoter to form a preinitiation complex (PIC). Such a stimulated assembly of PIC is believed to result from a direct interaction between the activator and one or more components of the transcription machinery, termed the "target". Based primarily upon in vitro protein-protein interaction experiments, a variety of factors have been proposed to be the direct targets of activators. However, whether any of these are bona fide in vivo targets required for stimulation of PIC assembly and hence transcriptional activation remains mostly unknown, primarily because of lack of appropriate experimental methods. Using a confocal microscopy-based FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) assay, we have recently identified the target of a prototypic activator, Gal4p, in living yeast cells. Here, we describe the FRET assay in general for analysis of the targets of transcriptional activators in living yeast cells. Such an assay can also be used as a general method to monitor protein-protein interactions in vivo.

Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer↗

Ubp8p, a histone deubiquitinase whose association with SAGA is mediated by Sgf11p, differentially regulates lysine 4 methylation of histone H3 in vivo.

Despite recent advances in characterizing the regulation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3-K4) methylation at the GAL1 gene by the H2B-K123-specific deubiquitinase activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAGA (Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase)-associated Ubp8p, our knowledge on the general role of Ubp8p at the SAGA-dependent genes is lacking. For this study, using a formaldehyde-based in vivo cross-linking and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, we have analyzed the role of Ubp8p in the regulation of H3-K4 methylation at three other SAGA-dependent yeast genes, namely, PHO84, ADH1, and CUP1. Like that at GAL1, H3-K4 methylation is increased at the PHO84 core promoter in the UBP8 deletion mutant. We also show that H3-K4 methylation remains invariant at the PHO84 open reading frame in the Deltaubp8 mutant, demonstrating a highly localized role of Upb8p in regulation of H3-K4 methylation at the promoter in vivo. However, unlike that at PHO84, H3-K4 methylation at the two other SAGA-dependent genes is not controlled by Ubp8p. Interestingly, Ubp8p and H3-K4 methylation are dispensable for preinitiation complex assembly at the core promoters of these genes. Our ChIP assay further demonstrates that the association of Ubp8p with SAGA is mediated by Sgf11p, consistent with recent biochemical data. Collectively, the data show that Ubp8p differentially controls H3-K4 methylation at the SAGA-dependent promoters, revealing a complex regulatory network of histone methylation in vivo.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

In vivo target of a transcriptional activator revealed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer.

Our understanding of eukaryotic transcriptional activation mechanisms has been hampered by an inability to identify the direct in vivo targets of activator proteins, primarily because of lack of appropriate experimental methods. To circumvent this problem, we have developed a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay to monitor interactions with transcriptional activation domains in living cells. We use this method to show that the Tra1 subunit of the SAGA (Spt/Ada/Gcn5/acetyltransferase) complex is the direct in vivo target of the yeast activator Gal4. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that the Gal4-Tra1 interaction is required for recruitment of SAGA to the upstream activating sequence (UAS), and SAGA, in turn, recruits the Mediator complex to the UAS. The UAS-bound Mediator is required for recruitment of the general transcription factors to the core promoter. Thus, our results identify the in vivo target of an activator and show how the activator-target interaction leads to transcriptional stimulation. The FRET assay we describe is a general method that can be used to identify the in vivo targets of other activators.

Acetyltransferases↗

Systematic analysis of essential yeast TAFs in genome-wide transcription and preinitiation complex assembly.

The general transcription factor TFIID is composed of the TATA box binding protein (TBP) and a set of conserved TBP-associated factors (TAFs). Here we report the completion of genome-wide expression profiling analyses of yeast strains bearing temperature-sensitive mutations in each of the 13 essential TAFs. The percentage of the yeast genome dependent on each TAF ranges from 3% (TAF2) to 59-61% (TAF9). Approximately 84% of yeast genes are dependent upon one or more TAFs and 16% of yeast genes are TAF independent. In addition, this complete analysis defines three distinct classes of yeast promoters whose transcriptional requirements for TAFs differ substantially. Using this collection of temperature-sensitive mutants, we show that in all cases the transcriptional dependence for a TAF can be explained by a requirement for TBP recruitment and assembly of the preinitiation complex (PIC). Unexpectedly, these assembly experiments reveal that TAF11 and TAF13 appear to provide the critical functional contacts with TBP during PIC assembly. Collectively, our results confirm and extend the proposal that individual TAFs have selective transcriptional roles and distinct functions.

Base Sequence↗

Selective recruitment of TAFs by yeast upstream activating sequences. Implications for eukaryotic promoter structure.

The general transcription factor TFIID is composed of the TATA box binding protein (TBP) and multiple TBP-associated factors (TAFs). In yeast, promoters can be grouped into two classes based on the involvement of TAFs. TAF-dependent (TAF(dep)) promoters require TAFs for transcription, and TBP and TAFs are present at comparable levels on these promoters. TAF-independent (TAF(ind)) promoters do not require TAFs for activity, and TAFs are either absent or present at levels far below those of TBP on these promoters. Here, we demonstrate that the upstream activating sequence (UAS) mediates the selective recruitment of TAFs to TAF(dep) promoters. A TAF(ind) UAS fails to recruit TAFs and to direct efficient transcription when inserted upstream of a TAF(dep) core promoter. This transcriptional defect can be overcome by a potent activator, indicating that a strong activation domain can compensate for the absence of TAFs on a TAF(dep) core promoter. Our results reveal a requirement for compatibility between the UAS and core promoter and thus help explain previous reports that only certain yeast UAS-core promoter combinations and mammalian enhancer-promoter combinations are efficiently transcribed. The differential recruitment of TAFs by UASs provides strong evidence for the proposal that in vivo TAFs are the targets of some, but not all, activators.

Promoter Regions, Genetic↗

NMR structure of a parallel-stranded DNA duplex at atomic resolution.

DNA dodecamers have been designed with two cytosines on each end and intervening A and T stretches, such that the oligomers have fully complementary A:T base pairs when aligned in the parallel orientation. Spectroscopic (UV, CD and IR), NMR and molecular dynamics studies have shown that oligomers having the sequences d(CCATAATTTACC) and d(CCTATTAAATCC) form a parallel-stranded duplex when dissolved at 1:1 stoichiometry in aqueous solution. This is due to the C:C+ clamps on either end and extensive mismatches in the antiparallel orientation. The structure is stable at neutral and acidic pH. At higher temperatures, the duplex melts into single strands in a highly cooperative fashion. All adenine, cytosine and thymine nucleotides adopt the anti conformation with respect to the glycosidic bond. The A:T base pairs form reverse Watson-Crick base pairs. The duplex shows base stacking and NOEs between the base protons T(H6)/A(H8) and the sugar protons (H1'/H2'/H2") of the preceding nucleotide, as has been observed in antiparallel duplexes. However, no NOEs are observed between base protons H2/H6/H8 of sequential nucleotides, though such NOEs are observed between T(CH3) and A(H8). A three-dimensional structure of the parallel-stranded duplex at atomic resolution has been obtained using molecular dynamics simulations under NMR constraints. The simulated structures have torsional angles very similar to those found in B-DNA duplexes, but the base stacking and helicoid parameters are significantly different.

Base Pairing↗

Molecular dynamics and mechanics calculations on a DNA duplex with A(+)-C, G-T and T-C mispairs.

Despite major advances in characterizing purine(R)-purine(R), purine(R)-pyrimidine(Y) and pyrimidine(Y)-pyrimidine(Y) mismatches in DNA, there have not been any structural studies on a synthetic DNA duplex containing several different mispairs. Here, using NMR restrained molecular mechanics and dynamics simulations we have structurally characterized a 12 nucleotide long antiparallel DNA duplex with three different mispairs, namely A+-C, G-T and T-C. Our results show that the overall conformation of the antiparallel DNA duplex is B-DNA-like with slight structural distortions at or near the mispairs' sites. All these mispairs are properly stacked with their flanking base pairs. Each mispair is stabilized by two hydrogen bonds and the decreasing order of the hydrogen-bonding interactions is G-T>T-C>A+-C. G-T mispair has smaller configurational space while the structure is slightly bent at A+-C mispair's site. Overall, this study is the first ever structural characterization of a DNA duplex with three different mismatched base pairs and throws light upon the local conformations of the three mispairs present in the DNA duplex.

Algorithms↗

Differential requirement of SAGA components for recruitment of TATA-box-binding protein to promoters in vivo.

The multisubunit Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAGA (Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase) complex is required to activate transcription of a subset of RNA polymerase II-dependent genes. However, the contribution of each SAGA component to transcription activation is relatively unknown. Here, using a formaldehyde-based in vivo cross-linking and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we have systematically analyzed the role of SAGA components in the recruitment of TATA-box binding protein (TBP) to SAGA-dependent promoters. We show that recruitment of TBP is diminished at a number of SAGA-dependent promoters in ada1delta, spt7delta, and spt20delta null mutants, consistent with previous biochemical data suggesting that these components maintain the integrity of the SAGA complex. We also find that Spt3p is generally required for TBP binding to SAGA-dependent promoters, consistent with biochemical and genetic experiments, suggesting that Spt3p interacts with and recruits TBP to the core promoter. By contrast, Spt8p, which has been proposed to be required for the interaction between Spt3p and TBP, is required for TBP binding at only a subset of SAGA-dependent promoters. Ada2p and Ada3p are both required for TBP recruitment to Gcn5p-dependent promoters, supporting previous biochemical data that Ada2p and Ada3p are required for the histone acetyltransferase activity of Gcn5p. Finally, our results suggest that TBP-associated-factor components of SAGA are differentially required for TBP binding to SAGA-dependent promoters. In summary, we show that SAGA-dependent promoters require different combinations of SAGA components for TBP recruitment, revealing a complex combinatorial network for transcription activation in vivo.

Acetyltransferases↗