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Related Experiment Videos

Beyond the double helix: writing and reading the histone code.

Yanming Wang1, Wolfgang Fischle, Wang Cheung

  • 1Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021, USA.

Novartis Foundation Symposium
|June 3, 2004
PubMed
Summary

This study supports the "histone code" hypothesis, showing effector proteins read histone methylation marks. A "binary switch" model suggests modifications regulate protein binding, potentially revealing a unique "death" mark for apoptotic chromatin condensation.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Chromatin carries genetic and epigenetic information, including DNA methylation and histone modifications.
  • Histone modifications are crucial for nuclear processes like gene regulation and chromosome segregation.
  • The 'histone code' hypothesis proposes patterns of histone modification direct downstream cellular events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the 'histone code' hypothesis by examining effector protein recognition of histone marks.
  • To propose a 'binary switch' model for regulating effector protein binding through histone modifications.
  • To identify novel histone modifications involved in specific cellular processes like apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • In vivo and in vitro experiments to assess effector protein binding to histone methylation marks.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of adjacent and nearby histone modifications to understand regulatory mechanisms.
  • Investigation of histone phosphorylation in the context of apoptotic chromatin condensation.

    • Main Results:

    • Evidence supporting the 'histone code' hypothesis: HP1 and Pc proteins specifically recognize K9 and K27 histone methylation.
    • A 'binary switch' model is proposed, where adjacent modifications modulate effector protein binding.
    • A novel histone phosphorylation (H2B Ser14) linked to Mst1 kinase and apoptotic chromatin condensation was identified.

    Conclusions:

    • Histone modifications, including methylation and phosphorylation, play critical roles in regulating chromatin function.
    • The 'binary switch' model provides a framework for understanding combinatorial histone modifications.
    • A unique 'death' mark associated with H2B Ser14 phosphorylation may regulate chromatin condensation during apoptosis.