Histone H2A monoubiquitination marks are targeted to specific sites by cohesin subunits in Arabidopsis

Nature Communications, 2023 · DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36788-3 · Published: March 3, 2023

Simple Explanation

Histone H2A monoubiquitination (H2Aub1) is a conserved post-translational modification that maintains gene expression and cellular identity in eukaryotes. This study reveals that cohesin subunits AtSYN4 and AtSCC3 interact, with AtSCC3 binding to AtBMI1s, influencing H2Aub1 levels at specific genomic locations in Arabidopsis. AtSYN4 binds directly to the G-box motif and directs H2Aub1 to these sites, revealing a mechanism for cohesin-mediated recruitment of AtBMI1s.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Arabidopsis thaliana plants and mutants

Evidence Level

Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry study

Key Findings

1
The Arabidopsis cohesin subunits AtSYN4 and AtSCC3 interact with each other, and AtSCC3 binds to AtBMI1s.
2
AtSYN4 and AtSCC3 are functionally related to catalytic subunits of PRC1, AtBMI1A/B/C.
3
AtSYN4 directly binds to the genomic loci enriched with the G-box motif of DNA and associates with AtBMI1A/B/C through AtSCC3, thus affecting H2Aub1 levels at these sites.

Research Summary

This study elucidates how histone H2A monoubiquitination (H2Aub1) is targeted to specific genomic locations in Arabidopsis by cohesin subunits. The findings demonstrate that AtSYN4 interacts with AtSCC3, which then binds to AtBMI1s, affecting H2Aub1 levels. AtSYN4 directly binds to G-box motifs, recruiting AtBMI1s via AtSCC3, thus mediating H2Aub1 deposition at specific genomic sites.

Practical Implications

Epigenetic Regulation

The study enhances our understanding of how epigenetic modifications, such as H2Aub1, are targeted to specific genomic regions to regulate gene expression.

Cohesin Function

It reveals a novel function for cohesin subunits in recruiting PRC1 components to mediate H2Aub1, linking genome organization to epigenetic regulation.

Plant Development

Understanding the role of cohesin-mediated H2Aub1 in Arabidopsis development may provide insights into manipulating plant growth and stress responses.

Study Limitations

1
The study primarily focuses on Arabidopsis, and the findings may not be directly transferable to other plant species or eukaryotes.
2
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the dynamics and regulation of the cohesin-PRC1 module in different developmental stages and environmental conditions.
3
The precise mechanisms by which AtSYN2 might be involved in the AtBMI-mediated pathway to some degree upon the complete depletion of AtSYN4 remain unclear.

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