The histone chaperone FACT modulates nucleosome structure by tethering its components
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
Authors: Wang, Tao; Liu, Yang; Edwards, Garrett; Krzizike, Daniel; Scherman, Hataichanok; Luger, Karolin
Abstract
Human FAcilitates Chromatin Transcription (hFACT) is a conserved histone chaperone that was originally described as a transcription elongation factor with potential nucleosome assembly functions. Here, we show that FACT has moderate tetrasome assembly activity but facilitates H2A-H2B deposition to form hexasomes and nucleosomes. In the process, FACT tethers components of the nucleosome through interactions with H2A-H2B, resulting in a defined intermediate complex comprising FACT, a histone hexamer, and DNA. Free DNA extending from the tetrasome then competes FACT off H2A-H2B, thereby promoting hexasome and nucleosome formation. Our studies provide mechanistic insight into how FACT may stabilize partial nucleosome structures during transcription or nucleosome assembly, seemingly facilitating both nucleosome disassembly and nucleosome assembly.
Interaction of RSC Chromatin Remodeling Complex with Nucleosomes Is Modulated by H3 K14 Acetylation and H2B SUMOylation In Vivo
ISCIENCE
Authors: Jain, Neha; Tamborrini, Davide; Evans, Brian; Chaudhry, Shereen; Wilkins, Bryan J.; Neumann, Heinz
Abstract
Chromatin remodeling complexes are multi-subunit nucleosome translocases that reorganize chromatin in the context of DNA replication, repair, and transcription. To understand how these complexes find their target sites on chromatin, we use genetically encoded photo-cross-linker amino acids to map the footprint of Sth1, the catalytic subunit of the RSC complex, on nucleosomes in living yeast. We find that H3 K14 acetylation induces the interaction of the Sth1 bromodomain with the H3 tail and mediates the interaction of RSC with neighboring nucleosomes rather than recruiting it to chromatin. RSC preferentially resides on H2B SUMOy-lated nucleosomes in vivo and shows a moderately enhanced affinity due to this modification in vitro. Furthermore, RSC is not ejected from chromatin in mitosis, but changes its mode of nucleosome binding. Our in vivo analyses show that RSC recruitment to specific chromatin targets involves multiple histone modifications likely in combination with histone variants and transcription factors.