Signaling coupled epigenomic regulation of gene expression

Oncogene. 2017 Oct 26;36(43):5917-5926. doi: 10.1038/onc.2017.201. Epub 2017 Jun 26.

Abstract

Inheritance of genomic information independent of the DNA sequence, the epigenetics, as well as gene transcription are profoundly shaped by serine/threonine and tyrosine signaling kinases and components of the chromatin remodeling complexes. To precisely respond to a changing external milieu, human cells efficiently translate upstream signals into post-translational modifications (PTMs) on histones and coregulators such as corepressors, coactivators, DNA-binding factors and PTM modifying enzymes. Because a protein with multiple residues for putative PTMs is expected to undergo more than one PTM in cells stimulated with growth factors, the outcome of combinational PTM codes on histones and coregulators is profoundly shaped by regulatory interplays between PTMs. The genomic functions of signaling kinases in cancer cells are manifested by the downstream effectors of cytoplasmic signaling cascades as well as translocation of the cytoplasmic signaling kinases to the nucleus. Signaling-mediated phosphorylation of histones serves as a regulatory switch for other PTMs, and connects chromatin remodeling complexes into gene transcription and gene activity. Here, we will discuss the recent advances in signaling-dependent epigenomic regulation of gene transcription using a few representative cancer-relevant serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases and their interplay with chromatin remodeling factors in cancer cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly / genetics
  • Epigenomics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Histones / genetics
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics*
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Histones
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases