title: NF-Y dependent epigenetic modifications discriminate between proliferating and postmitotic tissue.
abstract: The regulation of gene transcription requires posttranslational modifications of histones that, in concert with chromatin remodeling factors, shape the structure of chromatin. It is currently under intense investigation how this structure is modulated, in particular in the context of proliferation and differentiation. Compelling evidence suggests that the transcription factor NF-Y acts as a master regulator of cell cycle progression, activating the transcription of many cell cycle regulatory genes. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet completely understood. Here we show that NF-Y exerts its effect on transcription through the modulation of the histone "code". NF-Y colocalizes with nascent RNA, while RNA polymerase II is I phosphorylated on serine 2 of the YSPTSPS repeats within its carboxyterminal domain and histones are carrying modifications that represent activation signals of gene expression (H3K9ac and PAN-H4ac). Comparing postmitotic muscle tissue from normal mice and proliferating muscles from mdx mice, we demonstrate by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) that NF-Y DNA binding activity correlates with the accumulation of acetylated histones H3 and H4 on promoters of key cell cycle regulatory genes, and with their active transcription. Accordingly, p300 is recruited onto the chromatin of NF-Y target genes in a NF-Y-dependent manner, as demonstrated by Re-ChIP. Conversely, the loss of NF-Y binding correlates with a decrease of acetylated histones, the recruitment of HDAC1, and a repressed heterochromatic state with enrichment of histones carrying modifications known to mediate silencing of gene expression (H3K9me3, H3K27me2 and H4K20me3). As a consequence, NF-Y target genes are downregulated in this context. In conclusion, our data indicate a role of NF-Y in modulating the structure and transcriptional competence of chromatin in vivo and support a model in which NF-Y-dependent histone "code" changes contribute to the proper discrimination between proliferating and postmitotic cells in vivo and in vitro.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Oncogenesis Laboratory, Experimental Oncology Department, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Aymone
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gurtner
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fuschi
authors.forename: Fiorenza
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Magi
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Colussi
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gaetano
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dobbelstein
authors.forename: Ada
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sacchi
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Piaggio
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D023081:CCAAT-Binding Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D022041:Euchromatin / Q000737:chemistry; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008745:Methylation; D051379:Mice; D008938:Mitosis; D008957:Models, Genetic; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D011485:Protein Binding; D021381:Protein Transport; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D050880:p300-CBP Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D023081:CCAAT-Binding Factor; D022041:Euchromatin; D006657:Histones; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D050880:p300-CBP Transcription Factors