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A metabolic link between DNA synthesis and chromatin assembly
Laura Quintero-Pantoja1, Gonzalo Millán-Zambrano1
1Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville 41092, Spain.
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|January 17, 2026
Summary
Metabolic enzymes regulate nuclear functions. Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 1, a nucleotide biosynthetic enzyme, is involved in early histone maturation, linking metabolism to chromatin assembly.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Metabolic enzymes are increasingly recognized for their roles beyond metabolism.
- Nuclear processes, including chromatin assembly, are influenced by cellular metabolic status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of nucleotide biosynthetic enzymes in nuclear processes.
- To explore the connection between metabolic state and chromatin assembly.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme activity assays.
- Chromatin immunoprecipitation.
- Histone modification analysis.
Main Results:
- Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 1 (PRPPs1) was identified as a key enzyme.
- PRPPs1 directly participates in early histone maturation.
- A molecular link between nucleotide biosynthesis and chromatin assembly was established.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic enzymes, specifically PRPPs1, play a crucial role in regulating nuclear processes.
- The study provides novel insights into how cellular metabolism influences chromatin structure and function.
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