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The association between H3K4me3 and antisense transcription
Peng Cui1, Wanfei Liu, Yuhui Zhao
1CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China.
Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics
|July 10, 2012
Summary
Trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) marks the 3' end of active genes, promoting antisense transcription. This epigenetic mark is conserved across eukaryotes, suggesting a universal role in gene regulation.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Gene Regulation
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) is traditionally linked to gene activation at promoter regions.
- The precise roles and locations of epigenetic modifications are continuously being uncovered.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate novel locations and functions of H3K4me3 beyond gene promoters.
- To explore the association of H3K4me3 with antisense transcription.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of H3K4me3 profiles in mouse cerebrum and testis.
- Examination of transcriptional initiation signals, including RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) binding and 5'-CAGE-tag.
- Comparative analysis of H3K4me3 enrichment in human, fruit fly, and Arabidopsis.
Main Results:
- Discovery of significant H3K4me3 enrichment at the 3' end of actively transcribed sense genes (3'-H3K4me3).
- Association of 3'-H3K4me3 with the initiation of antisense transcription.
- Positive correlation between 3'-H3K4me3 levels and antisense gene expression.
- Conservation of 3'-H3K4me3-marked regions across diverse eukaryotes, resembling promoter sequences.
Conclusions:
- H3K4me3 plays a role in regulating antisense transcription initiated from the 3' end of sense genes.
- 3'-H3K4me3-marked regions may function as promoters for antisense transcription.
- 3'-H3K4me3 represents a potentially universal epigenetic feature in eukaryotes.
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