Biomedical subjects

W Albig

Publications and source records attributed to W Albig.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

The telomeric region is excluded from nucleosomal fragmentation during apoptosis, but the bulk nuclear chromatin is randomly degraded.

Characteristic steps during cellular apoptosis are the induction of chromatin condensation and subsequent DNA fragmentation, finally leading to the formation of oligomers of nucleosomes. We have examined the kinetics and local distribution of this nucleosomal fragmentation within different genomic regions. For the induction of apoptosis, HL60 cells were treated with the water-soluble camptothecin derivative topotecan (a topoisomerase I inhibitor). The genomic origin of the fragments was analysed by Southern blot hybridisation of the cleaved DNA. In these experiments we observed similar hybridisation patterns of the fragmented DNA, indicating a random and synchronous cleavage of the nuclear chromatin. However, hybridisation with a telomeric probe revealed that, in contrast to the other analysed genomic regions, the telomeric chromatin was not cleaved into nucleosomal fragments despite our observation that the telomeric DNA in HL60 cells is organised in nucleosomes. We determined just a minor shortening of the telomeric repeats early during apoptosis. These observations suggest that telomeric chromatin is excluded from internucleosomal cleavage during apoptosis.

Aphidicolin↗

PubMed2001

Characterisation of nuclear localisation signals of the four human core histones.

The four core histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 are transported from the cytoplasm into the nucleus by a receptor-mediated and energy-dependent process. This nuclear transport depends on topogenic signals in the individual histone protein sequences. We have analysed such nuclear localisation signals in the core histones by means of fusion proteins consisting of individual core histones (or fragments thereof) and beta-galactosidase as a reporter protein. The results show that each of the four core histones contains several portions that are capable of mediating nuclear transport. One type of topogenic sequences consists of clustered basic amino acids in the amino terminal segments of each of the core histones. The globular portions of the core histones represent a second type of nuclear localisation signals that could only mediate nuclear transport when the whole protein domains were fused to the beta-galactosidase reporter. Fragments of the globular domains derived from each of the four core histones could not serve as nuclear localisation signals. We conclude that the nuclear targeting of core histones requires information conferred by the globular domain conformation.

Cell Nucleus↗

PubMed2001

Core histones and linker histones are imported into the nucleus by different pathways.

Histones are the major structural proteins in eukaryotic chromosomes. This group of small very basic proteins consists of the H1 linker histones and the core histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. Despite their small size, the nuclear import of histones occurs by an active transport mechanism and not simply by diffusion. Histones contain several nuclear localisation signals (NLS) that can be subdivided into two different types of signal structures. We have previously shown that H1 histones are transported by a heterodimeric import receptor complex consisting of importin beta and importin 7, and we now describe the receptors required for the import of the core histones. Competition experiments using the in vitro transport assay indicate that the import pathway of the core histones differs from that of the linker histones and of nuclear proteins with classical NLS. In vitro binding assays show that each of the import receptors importin beta, importin 5, importin 7 and transportin, has the capacity to bind to any of the four core histones. Reconstitution experiments with recombinant factors indicate that each of these factors can independently serve as an import receptor for each of the core histones.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

PubMed2000

Rapid dephosphorylation of H1 histones after apoptosis induction.

H1 histones are involved in the formation of higher order chromatin structures and in the modulation of gene expression. Changes in chromatin structure are a characteristic initial feature of apoptosis. We therefore have investigated the histone H1 pattern of the human leukemic cell line HL60 undergoing programmed cell death, as induced by topoisomerase I inhibition. Histone H1 proteins were isolated and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and capillary zone electrophoresis. DNA fragmentation after apoptosis induction was monitored by agarose gel electrophoresis. The patterns of the three H1 histone subtypes extractable from apoptotic HL60 cells significantly differed from those of control cells in showing a decrease of phosphorylated H1 subtypes and an increase of the respective dephosphorylated forms. This dephosphorylation of H1 histones could be observed already 45 min after apoptosis induction and preceded internucleosomal DNA cleavage by approximately 2 h. We conclude that during apoptotic DNA fragmentation, the H1 histones become rapidly dephosphorylated by a yet unknown protein phosphatase.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed1999

The expression of human H2A-H2B histone gene pairs is regulated by multiple sequence elements in their joint promoters.

The majority of human H2A and H2B histone genes are organized as gene pairs: 14 H2A-H2B gene pairs, one solitary H2A gene and three solitary H2B genes have been described. Two of the H2A genes and two of the H2B genes arranged within gene pairs are pseudogenes. The gene pairs are organized with divergent transcriptional orientation, and the coding regions of the respective H2A and H2B genes are separated by about 320 nucleotide pairs that form overlapping promoter regions. Comparison of promoters of H2A-H2B gene pairs has previously shown that these belong to two different groups (groups I and II) which are characterized by specific patterns of conserved sequence elements. We have constructed a reporter gene vector that allows the simultaneous analysis of both genes regulated by the divergent promoters belonging to group I or II, respectively. Firefly-luciferase and beta-galactosidase genes were taken as reporter genes. Site directed mutagenesis performed at individual promoter elements revealed that individual sequence elements within both groups of promoters functionally depend on each other and may contribute to a coordinate expression of paired H2A and H2B genes through assembly of their joint promoter into a mutually dependent promoter complex. Group II promoters are characterized by the presence of an E2F binding site upstream of the H2A gene-proximal TATA box. Immediately upstream of the E2F element, we have identified a highly conserved octanucleotide CACAGCTT (RT-1) that exists in all human group II H2A-H2B gene promoters. Protein binding studies at the RT-1 element indicate factor binding to this sequence. Site directed mutagenesis indicates that both the E2F element and the RT-1 motif are essential for full promoter activity.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1999

The importin beta/importin 7 heterodimer is a functional nuclear import receptor for histone H1.

Import of proteins into the nucleus proceeds through nuclear pore complexes and is largely mediated by nuclear transport receptors of the importin beta family that use direct RanGTP-binding to regulate the interaction with their cargoes. We investigated nuclear import of the linker histone H1 and found that two receptors, importin beta (Impbeta) and importin 7 (Imp7, RanBP7), play a critical role in this process. Individually, the two import receptors bind H1 weakly, but binding is strong for the Impbeta/Imp7 heterodimer. Consistent with this, import of H1 into nuclei of permeabilized mammalian cells requires exogenous Impbeta together with Imp7. Import by the Imp7/Impbeta heterodimer is strictly Ran dependent, the Ran-requiring step most likely being the disassembly of the cargo-receptor complex following translocation into the nucleus. Disassembly is brought about by direct binding of RanGTP to Impbeta and Imp7, whereby the two Ran-binding sites act synergistically. However, whereas an Impbeta/RanGTP interaction appears essential for H1 import, Ran-binding to Imp7 is dispensable. Thus, Imp7 can function in two modes. Its Ran-binding site is essential when operating as an autonomous import receptor, i.e. independently of Impbeta. Within the Impbeta/Imp7 heterodimer, however, Imp7 plays a more passive role than Impbeta and resembles an import adapter.

Allosteric Regulation↗

PubMed1999

Changes in the protein pattern of H1 histones associated with apoptotic DNA fragmentation.

Characteristic steps in the course of cellular apoptosis are the induction of chromatin condensation and cleavage of the DNA, leading to the formation of oligomers of nucleosomes. Since the H1 histones represent functional elements that are essential for the generation of highly condensed chromatin structures, we analysed the total cellular H1 histones of five leukaemic and three solid human tumour cell lines, comparing the H1 pattern of exponentially growing cells with that of apoptotic cells. For the induction of apoptosis, cell lines were treated with the water-soluble camptothecin derivative, topotecan (a topoisomerase I inhibitor), or with an apoptosis-inducing monoclonal anti-CD95 (Fas/APO-1) antibody. Total histone H1 proteins were isolated by extraction with 5% perchloric acid and were analysed by means of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) separation. The identities of the peaks representing different histone H1 subtypes on CZE electropherograms were confirmed by analysis of preparations (recombinant proteins purified from transformed yeast used as internal standards) mixed with each of the subtypes respectively. The progress of topotecan- or anti-CD95-induced cell death was monitored by flow cytometry analysis and also by agarose electrophoresis of fragmented DNA. During early apoptosis of three of these cell lines, we observed the induction of internucleosomal DNA cleavage and, simultaneously, a typical change in the histone H1 protein pattern, leading to an increase in the relative amounts of histone subtypes H1.4 and H1.5. Upon apoptosis induction, these changes were only observed in correlation with the occurrence of DNA fragmentation, thus possibly reflecting a prerequisite for DNA accessibility and/or endonuclease activity.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed1999

Mytilus edulis histone gene clusters containing only H1 genes.

We isolated five different phage clones containing histone gene clusters with up to five H1 genes per phage clone from a Mytilus edulis genomic library. Among these H1 genes, nine gene types coding for five different H1 proteins have been identified. All H1 histone genes were located on repetitive restriction fragments with only slightly different sizes. The H1 coding regions show highly related sequences, suggesting that the multitude of H1 genes has evolved by gene duplication events. Core histone genes could not be found on these five Mytilus edulis genome fragments.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

The human H2A and H2B histone gene complement.

Sequences and expression patterns of newly isolated human histone H2A and H2B genes and the respective proteins were compared with previously isolated human H2A and H2B genes and proteins. Altogether, 15 human H2A genes and 17 human H2B genes have been identified. 14 of these are organized as H2A/H2B gene pairs, while one H2A gene and three H2B genes are solitary genes. Two H2A genes and two H2B genes turned outto be pseudogenes. The 13 H2A genes code for at least 6 different amino acid sequences, and the 15 H2B genes encode 11 different H2B isoforms. Each H2A/H2B gene pair is controlled by a divergent promoter spanning 300 to 330 nucleotides between the coding regions of the two genes. The highly conserved divergent H2A/H2B promoters can be classified in two groups based on the patterns of consensus sequence elements. Group I promoters contain a TATA box for each gene, two Oct-1 factor binding sites, and three CCAAT boxes. Group II promoters contain the same elements as group I promoters and an additional CCAAT box, a binding motif for E2F and adjacent a highly conserved octanucleotide (CACAGCTT) that has not been described so far. Five of the 6 gene pairs and 4 solitary genes with group I promoters are localized in the large histone gene cluster at 6p21.3-6p22, and one gene pair is located at 1q21. All group II promoter associated genes are contained within the histone gene subcluster at D6S105, which is located at a distance of about 2 Mb from the major subcluster at 6p21.3-6p22 containing histone genes with group I promoters. Almost all group II H2A genes encode identical amino acid sequences, whereas group I H2A gene products vary at several positions. Using human cell lines, we have analyzed the expression patterns of functional human H2A/H2B gene pairs organized within the two histone gene clusters on the short arm of chromosome 6. The genes show varying expression patterns in different tumor cell lines.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1998

Selective expression of specific histone H4 genes reflects distinctions in transcription factor interactions with divergent H4 promoter elements.

Expression of many histone H4 genes is stringently controlled during the cell cycle to maintain a functional coupling of histone biosynthesis with DNA replication. The histone H4 multigene family provides a paradigm for understanding cell cycle control of gene transcription. All functional histone H4 gene copies are highly conserved in the mRNA coding region. However, the putative promoter regions of these H4 genes are divergent. We analyzed three representative mouse H4 genes to assess whether variation in H4 promoter sequences has functional consequences for the relative level and temporal control of expression of distinct H4 genes. Using S1 nuclease protection assays with gene-specific probes and RNA from synchronized cells, we show that the mRNA level of each H4 gene is temporally coupled to DNA synthesis. However, there are differences in the relative mRNA levels of these three H4 gene copies in several cell types. Based on gel shift assays, nucleotide variations in the promoters of these H4 genes preclude or reduce binding of several histone gene transcription factors, including IRF2, HiNF-D, SP-1 and/or YY1. Therefore, differential regulation of H4 genes is directly attributable to evolutionary divergence in H4 promoter organization which dictates the potential for regulatory interactions with cognate H4 transcription factors. This regulatory flexibility in H4 promoter organization may maximize options for transcriptional control of histone H4 gene expression in response to the onset of DNA synthesis and cell cycle progression in a broad spectrum of cell types and developmental stages.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed1998

The histone H1(0) contains multiple sequence elements for nuclear targeting.

We have investigated the nuclear transport of the replacement histone H1(0) and have searched for its nuclear localization sequence (NLS). The lysine-rich H1(0) histone differs from the other H1 histones with respect to its mode of expression and to the processing of the respective mRNA. Using the digitonin-permeabilized cell import assay we demonstrate that H1(0) is transported into the nucleus in an energy- and temperature-dependent manner. In competition experiments we show that the transport of H1(0) from the cytoplasm into the nucleus is competed by the SV40 T-antigen-NLS-peptide coupled to HSA, an established substrate of the importin pathway. In transfection studies we have expressed in HeLa cells a series of plasmid constructs containing different fragments of the coding region of the H1(0) histone gene that were fused to the beta-galactosidase gene, and we have determined the subcellular localization of each fusion protein. The results show that H1(0) contains multiple transport-competent sequence elements that can function as NLS and that H1(0) meets the requirements for a transport into the nucleus by an importin-dependent pathway.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1998

Heterologous expression of human H1 histones in yeast.

The complete set of seven human H1 histone subtype genes was heterologously expressed in yeast. Since Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacks standard histone H1 we could isolate each recombinantly expressed human H1 subtype in pure form without contamination by endogenous H I histones. For isolation of the H1 histones in this expression system no tagging was needed and the isoforms could be extracted with the authentic primary structure by a single extraction step with 5%(0.74 M) perchloric acid. The isolated H1 histone proteins were used to assign the subtype genes to the corresponding protein spots or peaks after two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and capillary zone electrophoresis, respectively. This allowed us to correlate transcriptional data with protein data, which was barely possible until now.

Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional↗

PubMed1998

Conserved sequence elements in human main type-H1 histone gene promoters: their role in H1 gene expression.

In man, the H1 class of histones consists of seven different isoforms, termed H1.1-H1.5, H1t and H1o. Analysis of the promoters of the respective genes reveals that all seven H1 gene promoters share conserved sequence elements: a TATA box at around position -25 (relative to the transcription start site), a CCAAT motif at about position -50 (except in the H1 promoter), an H1-box (AAACACA) around position -110 (except in the H1.1 promoter), and the highly conserved motif TGTGT/CTA (TG-box or CH1UE) at around nucleotide position -450 (except in the H1.1 promoter). Analysis of the H1.3 gene promoter was carried out with reporter gene assays (using the luciferase gene as a reporter gene) including stepwise deletion and site-directed mutagenesis. In addition, electrophoretic mobility-shift assays were carried out for the analysis of protein/DNA interactions at conserved promoter motifs. Mutation analysis indicates that the CH1UE motif is involved in mediating the S-phase-dependent expression of the H1.3 gene. Comparison of H1 promoters shows that the CCAAT-box is extended in each case by CA. Mutational analysis indicates that only the CCAATCA heptanucleotide, but not just the CCAAT sequence mediates the effect of this element in H1 gene promoters.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1998

The haemochromatosis candidate gene HFE (HLA-H) of man and mouse is located in syntenic regions within the histone gene cluster.

The HFE (HLA-H) gene is a strong candidate gene for hereditary haemochromatosis and was localized on the short arm of chromosome 6 to 6p21.3-p22. In addition, the sequence of the homologous mouse and rat cDNA and a partial sequence from the mouse gene have been reported recently. In this report, we describe the location of the human and the mouse HFE (HLA-H) gene within the histone gene clusters on the human chromosome 6 and the mouse chromosome 13. Both the human and the murine gene were located on syntenic regions within the histone gene clusters in the vicinity of the histone H1t gene. The genomic sequence of the human HFE (HLA-H) gene and the 3' portion of the homologous mouse gene were determined. Comparison of the genomic sequences from man and mouse and the cDNA sequence from rat shows significant similarities, also beyond the transcribed region of the mouse gene.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

cAMP/phorbol ester response element is involved in transcriptional regulation of the human replacement histone gene H3.3B.

The human histone H3.3B gene belongs to the group of replacement histone genes, which are up-regulated during differentiation of cells. Here we provide evidence that a cAMP response element/PMA response element (CRE/TRE) located in the proximal promoter contributes to the expression of the H3.3B gene. (1) Band shift and supershift analysis demonstrated the binding of AP-1 and transcription factors of the CRE-binding protein/activating-transcription-factor family to the H3.3B CRE/TRE. (2) Treatment of HeLa cells with PMA led to a 4-fold increase in H3. 3B mRNA levels within 2 h, whereas transcription of the cell cycle-dependent H3 histone genes remained constant. In contrast with PMA, cAMP did not affect H3.3B transcription. (3) PMA treatment of cells transiently transfected with H3.3B promoter constructs linked to a luciferase gene caused a 4-5-fold increase in reporter gene activity, whereas mutation of the CRE/TRE element abolished the PMA response. These results demonstrate that activation of the protein kinase C pathway by PMA results in an early up-regulation of H3.3B gene expression via the CRE/TRE element. Furthermore treatment with PMA apparently leads to differential induction of H3 histone subtype genes and this in turn can result in a remodelling of chromatin structure of cells before or during differentiation processes.

Activating Transcription Factors↗

PubMed1997

Transcriptional regulation of the human replacement histone gene H3.3B.

In contrast to the cell-cycle-dependent histone genes, replacement histone genes are transcribed independently of DNA replication and their expression is upregulated during differentiation. We have investigated the transcriptional regulation of the recently characterized human replacement histone gene H3.3B. Using reporter gene assays of promoter-luciferase gene-constructs, we show that promoter activity largely depends on an intact Oct and CRE/TRE element within the proximal 145 bp of the promoter. DNase I footprinting revealed binding of proteins to a 40-bp region covering these two elements. Band shift experiments identified binding proteins as Oct-1 and factors of the CREB/ATF and AP-1 family, respectively. The unexpected transcriptional regulation of this replacement histone gene is discussed.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1997

Nuclear transport of H1 histones meets the criteria of a nuclear localization signal-mediated process.

We have studied the nuclear transport of H1 histones using the digitonin permeabilization assay system in order to establish the transport requirements for H1 translocation to the nucleus. Using HeLa cells and fluorescence-labeled calf thymus H1, we show that the H1 nuclear transport in permeabilized cells requires the addition of cytoplasmic extract. Furthermore, it can be blocked by energy depletion and by chilling or by addition of wheat germ agglutinin or by nonhydrolyzable GTP analogs. Thus, the import of H1 histones follows the criteria established for nuclear import mediated by nuclear localization signals (NLS). The distribution of basic amino acids in average H1 sequences, however, does not allow the assignment of a specific element as a classical NLS.

Biological Transport↗

PubMed1997

Human histone gene organization: nonregular arrangement within a large cluster.

We have previously located the genes of the five human main type H1 genes and the gene encoding the testicular subtype H1t to the region 21.1 to 22.2 on the short arm of chromosome 6. To investigate the organization of the histone genes in this region, we isolated two YACs from a human YAC library by PCR screening with primers specific for histone H1.1. This screen revealed two YAC clones, YAC Y23 (corresponding to ICRFy901D1223) contains an insert of about 480 kb, whereas the smaller YAC 4A (corresponding to ICRFy900C104) spans about 340 kb and is completely covered by YAC Y23. We have subcloned the YAC inserts in cosmids, determined the linear orientation of the cosmids by cosmid walking, and constructed a restriction map of the entire region by mapping the individual cosmids using partial digests and hybridization with labeled oligonucleotides complementary to the cos site of the vector. Hybridization analysis, subcloning, restriction mapping, and sequencing revealed that most of the previously isolated phage and cosmid clones containing histone genes are part of this YAC including the clones containing the four human main type H1 histone genes H1.1 to H1.4, the H1t gene, and core histone genes. Thirty-five histone genes map within 260 kb of the YAC Y23 insert. All newly identified histone genes were sequenced, and the sequences were deposited with the EMBL nucleotide sequence database. The histone H1.5 gene is not part of this region, and we therefore conclude that the H1.5 gene and the associated core histone genes form a separate subcluster within this chromosomal region.

Chromosome Mapping↗