Enzymatic transfer of acetate on histones from lysine reservoir sites to lysine activating sites (RNA-Seq)

ABSTRACT: Histone acetylation, a post-translational modification associated with transcriptional activation, is governed by nuclear acetyl-CoA pools that can vary depending on the metabolic state of the cell. The metabolic enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) is proposed to regulate nuclear acetyl-CoA levels, using local acetate to produce acetyl-CoA that is utilized for histone acetylation. We hypothesize that during gene activation, a local transfer of intact acetate occurs between histones to upregulate transcription via sequential action of epigenetic and metabolic enzymes. Here we present converging lines of evidence in support of this acetate transfer to serve rapid gene induction. Using stable isotope labeling, we detect local transfer of intact acetate between histone acetylation sites both in vitro using purified mammalian enzymes and in vivo using quiescence exit in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a change-of-state model. We delineate the enzymatic components required for this transfer mechanism, finding that ACSS2, histone deacetylase and histone acetyltransferase enzymes are necessary for efficient acetyl-group transfer in vitro. We show that Acs2, the yeast orthologue of ACSS2, is recruited to the genome during quiescence exit, and observe dynamic changes of histone acetylation in the vicinity of Acs2 peaks in vivo. Strikingly, we find that Acs2 is preferentially associated with the most upregulated growth genes, suggesting that acetyl-group transfer might play an important role in increased gene expression. Overall, our data reveal direct transfer of acetate between histone lysine residues to facilitate rapid transcriptional induction, an exchange that may be critical during metabolic alterations and changes in nutrient availability.

ORGANISM(S): Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PROVIDER: GSE189444 | GEO | 2022/01/21

REPOSITORIES: GEO