SWR1 complex poises heterochromatin boundaries for antisilencing activity propagation

Mol Cell Biol. 2010 May;30(10):2391-400. doi: 10.1128/MCB.01106-09. Epub 2010 Mar 22.

Abstract

In eukaryotes, chromosomal processes are usually modulated through chromatin-modifying complexes that are dynamically targeted to specific regions of chromatin. In this study, we show that the chromatin-remodeling complex SWR1 (SWR1-C) uses a distinct strategy to regulate heterochromatin spreading. Swr1 binds in a stable manner near heterochromatin to prepare specific chromosomal regions for H2A.Z deposition, which can be triggered by NuA4-mediated acetylation of histone H4. We also demonstrate through experiments with Swc4, a module shared by NuA4 and SWR1-C, that the coupled actions of NuA4 and SWR1-C lead to the efficient incorporation of H2A.Z into chromatin and thereby synergize heterochromatin boundary activity. Our results support a model where SWR1-C resides at the heterochromatin boundary to maintain and amplify antisilencing activity of histone H4 acetylation through incorporating H2A.Z into chromatin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / genetics
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal*
  • Gene Silencing*
  • Heterochromatin / metabolism*
  • Histones / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Models, Genetic
  • Protein Subunits / genetics
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Heterochromatin
  • Histones
  • Protein Subunits
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • Swr1 protein, S cerevisiae