Transcription factor Znf2 coordinates with the chromatin remodeling SWI/SNF complex to regulate cryptococcal cellular
Jianfeng Lin1, Youbao Zhao1, Aileen R Ferraro1
11Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA.
Communications Biology
|November 23, 2019
Summary
Researchers found that Brf1 and the SWI/SNF complex aid Znf2 in fungal differentiation in Cryptococcus neoformans, revealing differences in chromatin remodeling across fungal phyla.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Mycology
- Chromatin Biology
Background:
- Cellular differentiation relies on developmental regulators and chromatin remodeling complexes.
- Knowledge of this coordination is mainly from ascomycetous yeasts, with limited understanding in other fungal phyla.
- The transcription factor Znf2 regulates yeast-to-hypha differentiation in the basidiomycete Cryptococcus neoformans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of cellular differentiation in the basidiomycete Cryptococcus neoformans.
- To identify factors coordinating with Znf2 in differentiation.
- To compare chromatin remodeling complex function between fungal phyla.
Main Methods:
- Forward genetic screen to identify novel factors.
- Analysis of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex and its interaction with Znf2.
- Assessing gene promoter accessibility and transcription factor binding.
Main Results:
- Identification of Brf1, a basidiomycete-specific factor, essential for differentiation.
- Brf1 functions with Snf5 within the SWI/SNF complex, collaborating with Znf2.
- SWI/SNF facilitates Znf2's role by opening target gene promoters, including ZNF2 itself, and enhancing Znf2 binding.
Conclusions:
- Brf1 and the SWI/SNF complex are crucial for Znf2-mediated differentiation in C. neoformans.
- This study highlights significant differences in SWI/SNF complex composition and function between ascomycetes and basidiomycetes.
- Findings advance the understanding of fungal developmental regulation and evolutionary divergence.
Related Concept Videos
02:54Nucleosome Remodeling
10.7K
Nucleosomes are the basic units of chromatin compaction. Each nucleosome consists of the DNA bound tightly around a histone core, which makes the DNA inaccessible to DNA binding proteins such as DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase. Hence, the fundamental problem is to ensure access to DNA when appropriate, despite the compact and protective chromatin structure.
Nucleosome remodeling complex
Eukaryotic cells have specialized enzymes called ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling enzymes. These enzymes...
Nucleosome remodeling complex
Eukaryotic cells have specialized enzymes called ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling enzymes. These enzymes...
10.7K
02:23Master Transcription Regulators
7.6K
Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
7.6K
02:23Master Transcription Regulators
2.7K
2.7K
01:32Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
2.1K
Chromatin modification alters gene expression; therefore, scientists can add histone-modifying enzymes, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling complexes to somatic cells to aid reprogramming into pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
2.1K
01:30General Transcription Factors
6.6K
Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...
6.6K
02:16Transcription Factors
82.1K
Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...
82.1K