JMJD-1.2 controls multiple histone post-translational modifications in germ cells and protects the genome from replication stress

Toshia R. Myers, Pier Giorgio Amendola, Yvonne C. Lussi, Anna Elisabetta Salcini

    4 Citations (Scopus)
    52 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Post-translational modifications of histones, constitutive components of chromatin, regulate chromatin compaction and control all DNA-based cellular processes. C. elegans JMJD-1.2, a member of the KDM7 family, is a demethylase active towards several lysine residues on Histone 3 (H3), but its contribution in regulating histone methylation in germ cells has not been fully investigated. Here, we show that jmjd-1.2 is expressed abundantly in the germline where it controls the level of histone 3 lysine 9, lysine 23 and lysine 27 di-methylation (H3K9/K23/K27me2) both in mitotic and meiotic cells. Loss of jmjd-1.2 is not associated with major defects in the germ cells in animals grown under normal conditions or after DNA damage induced by UV or ionizing irradiation. However, jmjd-1.2 mutants are more sensitive to replication stress and the progeny of mutant animals exposed to hydroxyurea show increased embryonic lethality and mutational rate, compared to wild-type. Thus, our results suggest a role for jmjd-1.2 in the maintenance of genome integrity after replication stress and emphasize the relevance of the regulation of histone methylation in genomic stability.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number3765
    JournalScientific Reports
    Volume8
    Pages (from-to)1-11
    Number of pages11
    ISSN2045-2322
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2018

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'JMJD-1.2 controls multiple histone post-translational modifications in germ cells and protects the genome from replication stress'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this