Histone H2A C-terminus regulates chromatin dynamics, remodeling, and histone H1 binding

Christine Vogler, Claudia Huber, Tanja Waldmann, Ramona Ettig, Lora Braun, Annalisa Izzo, Sylvain Daujat, Isabelle Chassignet, Andres Joaquin Lopez-Contreras, Oscar Fernandez-Capetillo, Miroslav Dundr, Karsten Rippe, Gernot Längst, Robert Schneider

51 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The tails of histone proteins are central players for all chromatin-mediated processes. Whereas the N-terminal histone tails have been studied extensively, little is known about the function of the H2A C-terminus. Here, we show that the H2A C-terminal tail plays a pivotal role in regulating chromatin structure and dynamics. We find that cells expressing C-terminally truncated H2A show increased stress sensitivity. Moreover, both the complete and the partial deletion of the tail result in increased histone exchange kinetics and nucleosome mobility in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, our experiments reveal that the H2A C-terminus is required for efficient nucleosome translocation by ISWI-type chromatin remodelers and acts as a novel recognition module for linker histone H1. Thus, we suggest that the H2A C-terminal tail has a bipartite function: stabilisation of the nucleosomal core particle, as well as mediation of the protein interactions that control chromatin dynamics and conformation.

Original languageEnglish
JournalP L o S Genetics
Volume6
Issue number12
Pages (from-to)e1001234
ISSN1553-7390
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Cell Line
  • Chromatin
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
  • Histones
  • Humans
  • Nucleosomes
  • Protein Binding

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