SPEN is required for Xist upregulation during initiation of X chromosome inactivation (RNA-seq)
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ABSTRACT:
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE163320 | GEO | 2021/09/30
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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Project description:At initiation of X chromosome inactivation (XCI), Xist is monoallelically upregulated from the future inactive X (Xi) chromosome, overcoming repression by its antisense transcript Tsix. Xist recruits various chromatin remodelers, amongst them SPEN, which are involved in silencing of X-linked genes in cis and establishment of the Xi. Here, we show that SPEN plays an important role in the initiation of XCI. Spen null female mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are defective in Xist upregulation upon differentiation. We find that Xist-mediated SPEN recruitment to the Xi chromosome happens very early in XCI, and that SPEN-mediated silencing of the Tsix promoter is required for Xist upregulation. Accordingly, failed Xist upregulation in Spen-/- ESCs can be rescued by concomitant removal of Tsix. These findings indicate that SPEN is not only required for the establishment of the Xi, but is also crucial in the initiation of the XCI process.
2021-09-30 | GSE163319 | GEO
Project description:Xist represents a paradigm for long non-coding RNA function in epigenetic regulation, although how it mediates X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) remains largely unexplained. Multiple Xist-RNA binding proteins have recently been identified, including SPEN/SHARP, whose knockdown has been associated with deficient XCI at multiple loci. Here we demonstrate that SPEN is a key orchestrator of XCI in vivo and unravel its mechanism of action. We show that SPEN is essential for initiating gene silencing on the X chromosome in preimplantation mouse embryos and embryonic stem cells. On the other hand, SPEN is dispensable for maintenance of XCI in neural progenitor cells, although it significantly dampens expression of genes that escape from XCI. During initiation of XCI, we show by live-cell imaging and CUT&RUN approaches that SPEN is immediately recruited to the X chromosome upon Xist up-regulation, where it is targeted to enhancers and promoters of actively transcribed genes. SPEN rapidly disengages from chromatin once silencing is accomplished, implying a need for active transcription to tether it to chromatin. We define SPEN’s SPOC (SPEN paralog and ortholog C-terminal) domain as a major effector of SPEN’s gene silencing function, and show that artificial tethering of SPOC to Xist RNA is sufficient to mediate X-linked gene silencing. We identify SPOC’s protein partners which include NCOR/SMRT, the m6A RNA methylation machinery, the NuRD complex, RNA polymerase II and factors involved in regulation of transcription initiation and elongation. We propose that SPEN acts as a molecular integrator for initiation of XCI, bridging Xist RNA with the transcription machinery as well as nucleosome remodelers and histone deacetylases, at active enhancers and promoters.
2021-04-19 | PXD015699 | Pride
Project description:Evolution of the mammalian sex chromosomes has resulted in a heterologous X and Y pair, where the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes. Hence, there is a need for X-linked gene dosage compensation between XY males and XX females. In placental mammals, this is achieved by random inactivation of one X chromosome (XCI) in all female somatic cells. Up-regulation of Xist transcription on the future inactive X chromosome (Xi) acts against Tsix antisense transcription, and spreading of Xist RNA in cis triggers epigenetic changes leading to XCI. Previously, we have shown that the X-encoded E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF12 is up-regulated in differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and activates Xist transcription and XCI. Here, we have identified the pluripotency factor REX1 as a key target of RNF12 in the XCI mechanism. RNF12 causes ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of REX1, and Rnf12 knockout mouse ESCs show an increased level of REX1. Using ChIP-seq, REX1 binding sites were detected in Xist and Tsix regulatory regions. Over-expression of REX1 in female ESCs was found to inhibit Xist transcription and XCI, whereas male Rex1+/- ESCs showed ectopic XCI. From this, we propose that RNF12 causes REX1 breakdown through dose-dependent catalysis, thereby representing an important pathway to initiate XCI. Rex1 and Xist are present only in placental mammals, which points to co-evolution of these two genes and XCI. 2 (one control one pulldown) samples
2012-06-12 | E-GEOD-36417 | biostudies-arrayexpress
Project description:Evolution of the mammalian sex chromosomes has resulted in a heterologous X and Y pair, where the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes. Hence, there is a need for X-linked gene dosage compensation between XY males and XX females. In placental mammals, this is achieved by random inactivation of one X chromosome (XCI) in all female somatic cells. Up-regulation of Xist transcription on the future inactive X chromosome (Xi) acts against Tsix antisense transcription, and spreading of Xist RNA in cis triggers epigenetic changes leading to XCI. Previously, we have shown that the X-encoded E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF12 is up-regulated in differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and activates Xist transcription and XCI. Here, we have identified the pluripotency factor REX1 as a key target of RNF12 in the XCI mechanism. RNF12 causes ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of REX1, and Rnf12 knockout mouse ESCs show an increased level of REX1. Using ChIP-seq, REX1 binding sites were detected in Xist and Tsix regulatory regions. Over-expression of REX1 in female ESCs was found to inhibit Xist transcription and XCI, whereas male Rex1+/- ESCs showed ectopic XCI. From this, we propose that RNF12 causes REX1 breakdown through dose-dependent catalysis, thereby representing an important pathway to initiate XCI. Rex1 and Xist are present only in placental mammals, which points to co-evolution of these two genes and XCI.
2012-06-12 | GSE36417 | GEO
Project description:The presence of two active X chromosomes (XaXa) is a hallmark of the ground state of pluripotency specific to murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Human ESCs invariably exhibit signs of X chromosome inactivation (XCI) and are considered developmentally more advanced than their murine counterparts. We describe the establishment of the first XaXa hESCs derived under physiological oxygen concentrations. Using these cell lines we demonstrate that (1) differentiation of hESCs induces random XCI in a manner similar to murine ESCs, (2) exposure to atmospheric oxygen is sufficient to induce irreversible XCI and dramatic changes throughout the transcriptome, (3) the Xa exhibits heavy methylation of the XIST promoter region, and (4) XCI is associated with demethylation and transcriptional activation of XIST along with H3K27-me3 deposition across the Xi. These findings suggest that XaXa cells exist in the ICM of the human blastocyst and that this state is preserved in vitro through culture under physiological oxygen. Gene expression profiling was performed on human ES cell lines isolated and maintained under different oxygen concentrations
2010-11-10 | E-GEOD-20937 | biostudies-arrayexpress
Project description:The presence of two active X chromosomes (XaXa) is a hallmark of the ground state of pluripotency specific to murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Human ESCs invariably exhibit signs of X chromosome inactivation (XCI) and are considered developmentally more advanced than their murine counterparts. We describe the establishment of the first XaXa hESCs derived under physiological oxygen concentrations. Using these cell lines we demonstrate that (1) differentiation of hESCs induces random XCI in a manner similar to murine ESCs, (2) chronic exposure to atmospheric oxygen is sufficient to induce irreversible XCI with minor changes of the transcriptome, (3) the Xa exhibits heavy methylation of the XIST promoter region, and (4) XCI is associated with demethylation and transcriptional activation of XIST along with H3K27-me3 deposition across the Xi. These findings indicate that the human blastocyst contains pre-X-inactivation cells and that this state is preserved in vitro through culture under physiological oxygen. Examination of 2 different histone modifications (H3K4me3 and H3K27me3) in 3 ES cell lines in 5% and 20% oxygen.
2010-05-28 | E-GEOD-21141 | biostudies-arrayexpress
Project description:Female human ESC-lines can carry active X-chromosomes (Xa) or an XIST-RNA- coated inactive X-chromosome (Xi XIST+ ). Additionally, many ESC-lines have abnormal X-chromosome-inactivation (XCI)-states where the Xi no longer expresses XIST-RNA and has transcriptionally active regions (eroded Xi=Xe). The fate of each XCI-state upon differentiation is unclear because individual lines often contain a mixture of XCI-states. Here, we established homogeneous XiXa, XeXa, and XaXa ESC-lines. We found that these lines were unable to initiate XIST-expression and X-chromosome- wide silencing upon differentiation indicating that the ESC XCI-state is maintained in differentiated cells. Consequently, differentiated XeXa and XaXa cells displayed higher levels of X-linked gene-expression than XiXa cells. Although global transcriptional compensation between X-chromosomes and autosomes is not required for female ESC-differentiation, the degree of X-chromosome- silencing influences differentiation efficiencies. Our data suggest that the Xi XIST+ Xa state is inherent to human ESCs and that all other XCI-states, including XaXa, are abnormal and arise during ESC-derivation or maintenance.
2016-12-15 | GSE91072 | GEO
Project description:Background: During early embryonic development, one of the two X chromosomes in mammalian female cells is inactivated to compensate for a potential imbalance in transcript levels with male cells containing a single X chromosome. We use mouse female Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) with nonrandom XCI and polymorphic X chromosomes to study the dynamics of gene silencing over the inactive X chromosome (Xi) by high-resolution allele-specific RNA-Seq. Results: Induction of XCI by differentiation of female ESCs shows that genes proximal to the X-inactivation center (XIC) are silenced earlier than distal genes, while lowly expressed genes show faster XCI dynamics than highly expressed genes. The active X chromosome shows a minor but significant increase in gene activity during differentiation, resulting in complete dosage compensation in differentiated cell types. Genes escaping XCI show little or no silencing during early propagation of XCI. Using allele-specific RNA-Seq of Neural Progenitor Cells (NPCs) generated from the female ESCs, we identify three regions distal to the XIC that stably escape XCI during differentiation of the female ESCs, as well as during propagation of the NPCs. These regions coincide with Topologically Associated Domains (TADs) as determined in the undifferentiated female ESCs. Also the previously characterized human gene clusters escaping XCI correlate with TADs. Conclusions: Together, the dynamics of gene silencing observed over the Xi during XCI provide further insight in the formation and maintenance of the repressive Xi complex. The association of regions of escape with TADs, in mouse and human, suggests a regulatory role for TADs during propagation of XCI. 19 RNA-Seq profiles of mouse ESCs, EpiSCs and NPCs, mostly from distant crosses to allow allele specific mapping. 1 HiC profile of an undifferentiated mouse female ESC line containing a Tsix mutation. Mainly focusing on X inactivation.
2015-06-15 | E-GEOD-60738 | biostudies-arrayexpress
Project description:X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a global silencing mechanism by which XX and XY mammals equalize X-linked gene dosages. XCI begins with an establishment phase during which Xist RNA spreads and induces de novo heterochromatinization across a female X chromosome, and is followed by a maintenance phase when multiple epigenetic pathways lock down the inactive X (Xi) state. Involvement of Polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2 in XCI has been intensively studied, but with conflicting conclusions regarding their recruitment and role in Xi silencing. Here we reveal that establishment of XCI has two phases and reconcile the roles that Xist Repeats A and B play in gene silencing and Polycomb recruitment. Repeat A initiates both processes, whereas Repeat B bolsters or stabilizes them thereafter. Once established, XCI no longer requires Repeat A during maintenance. These findings integrate disparate studies and present a unified view of Xist?s role in Polycomb-mediated silencing.
2020-06-15 | GSE135389 | GEO
Project description:The Xist long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is essential for X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), the process by which mammals compensate for unequal numbers of sex chromosomes. During XCI, Xist coats the future inactive X (Xi) and recruits Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) to the X-inactivation center (Xic). Currently unclear is how Xist spreads silencing on a 150 Mb scale. Here we generate high-resolution maps of Xist binding across a developmental time course using CHART-seq. In female cells undergoing XCI de novo, Xist follows a two-step mechanism in which it initially targets gene-rich islands before spreading to intervening gene-poor domains. Xist is depleted from genes that escape XCI but frequently concentrates near escapee boundaries. Xist binding was linearly proportional to PRC2 density and H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), suggesting co-migration of Xist and PRC2. Interestingly, when the Xi is acutely stripped of Xist in post-XCI cells, Xist recovers quickly within both gene-rich and -poor domains on a time scale of hours instead of days, suggesting a previously primed Xi chromatin state. We conclude that Xist spreading takes on distinct stage-specific forms: During initial establishment, Xist follows a two-step mechanism, but during maintenance, Xist spreads rapidly to both gene-rich and -poor regions. Capture hybridization analysis of RNA targets (CHART) and input samples of (differentiating) mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) using paired-end 75 nt reads on Illumina HiSeq2500, with 2 replicates per sample (# of samples). RNA-seq of the same cell lines with 50 nt reads on Illumina HiSeq2000, with 2 replicates per sample (2 samples, 4 datasets total). CHIP-seq: Data from GSE36905 was aligned and processed as CHART-seq samples. Resulting coverage tracks (EZH2/K27me3) are linked directly to GSE48649 (bedGraphs linked below).
2013-11-04 | E-GEOD-48649 | biostudies-arrayexpress