Deconstructing virus condensation.

Viruses have evolved precise mechanisms for using the cellular physiological pathways for their perpetuation. These virus-driven biochemical events must be separated in space and time from those of the host cell. In recent years, granular structures, known for over a century for rabies virus, were shown to host viral gene function and were named using terms such as viroplasms, replication sites, inclusion bodies, or viral factories (VFs). More recently, these VFs were shown to be liquid-like, sharing properties with membrane-less organelles driven by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in a process widely referred to as biomolecular condensation. Some of the best described examples of these structures come from negative stranded RNA viruses, where micrometer size VFs are formed toward the end of the infectious cycle. We here discuss some basic principles of LLPS in connection with several examples of VFs and propose a view, which integrates viral replication mechanisms with the biochemistry underlying liquid-like organelles. In this view, viral protein and RNA components gradually accumulate up to a critical point during infection where phase separation is triggered. This yields an increase in transcription that leads in turn to increased translation and a consequent growth of initially formed condensates. According to chemical principles behind phase separation, an increase in the concentration of components increases the size of the condensate. A positive feedback cycle would thus generate in which crucial components, in particular nucleoproteins and viral polymerases, reach their highest levels required for genome replication. Progress in understanding viral biomolecular condensation leads to exploration of novel therapeutics. Furthermore, it provides insights into the fundamentals of phase separation in the regulation of cellular gene function given that virus replication and transcription, in particular those requiring host polymerases, are governed by the same biochemical principles.

Topology Dictates Evolution of Regulatory Cysteines in a Family of Viral Oncoproteins.

Redox regulation in biology is largely operated by cysteine chemistry in response to a variety of cell environmental and intracellular stimuli. The high chemical reactivity of cysteines determines their conservation in functional roles, but their presence can also result in harmful oxidation limiting their general use by proteins. Papillomaviruses constitute a unique system for studying protein sequence evolution since there are hundreds of anciently evolved stable genomes. E7, the viral transforming factor, is a dimeric, cysteine-rich oncoprotein that shows both conserved structural and variable regulatory cysteines constituting an excellent model for uncovering the mechanism that drives the acquisition of redox-sensitive groups. By analyzing over 300 E7 sequences, we found that although noncanonical cysteines show no obvious sequence conservation pattern, they are nonrandomly distributed based on topological constrains. Regulatory residues are strictly excluded from six positions stabilizing the hydrophobic core while they are enriched in key positions located at the dimerization interface or around the Zn+2 ion. Oxidation of regulatory cysteines is linked to dimer dissociation, acting as a reversible redox-sensing mechanism that triggers a conformational switch. Based on comparative sequence analysis, molecular dynamics simulations and biophysical analysis, we propose a model in which the occurrence of cysteine-rich positions is dictated by topological constrains, providing an explanation to why a degenerate pattern of cysteines can be achieved in a family of homologs. Thus, topological principles should enable the possibility to identify hidden regulatory cysteines that are not accurately detected using sequence based methodology.

Hidden Structural Codes in Protein Intrinsic Disorder.

Intrinsic disorder is a major structural category in biology, accounting for more than 30% of coding regions across the domains of life, yet consists of conformational ensembles in equilibrium, a major challenge in protein chemistry. Anciently evolved papillomavirus genomes constitute an unparalleled case for sequence to structure-function correlation in cases in which there are no folded structures. E7, the major transforming oncoprotein of human papillomaviruses, is a paradigmatic example among the intrinsically disordered proteins. Analysis of a large number of sequences of the same viral protein allowed for the identification of a handful of residues with absolute conservation, scattered along the sequence of its N-terminal intrinsically disordered domain, which intriguingly are mostly leucine residues. Mutation of these led to a pronounced increase in both α-helix and ß-sheet structural content, reflected by drastic effects on equilibrium propensities and oligomerization kinetics, and uncovers the existence of local structural elements that oppose canonical folding. These folding relays suggest the existence of yet undefined hidden structural codes behind intrinsic disorder in this model protein. Thus, evolution pinpoints conformational hot spots that could have not been identified by direct experimental methods for analyzing or perturbing the equilibrium of an intrinsically disordered protein ensemble.

Cysteine-rich positions outside the structural zinc motif of human papillomavirus E7 provide conformational modulation and suggest functional redox roles.

The E7 protein from high-risk human papillomavirus is essential for cell transformation in cervical, oropharyngeal, and other HPV-related cancers, mainly through the inactivation of the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor. Its high cysteine content (~7%) and the observation that HPV-transformed cells are under oxidative stress prompted us to investigate the redox properties of the HPV16 E7 protein under biologically compatible oxidative conditions. The seven cysteines in HPV16 E7 remain reduced in conditions resembling the basal reduced state of a cell. However, under oxidative stress, a stable disulfide bridge forms between cysteines 59 and 68. Residue 59 has a protective effect on the other cysteines, and its mutation leads to an overall increase in the oxidation propensity of E7, including cysteine 24 central to the Rb binding motif. Gluthationylation of Cys 24 abolishes Rb binding, which is reversibly recovered upon reduction. Cysteines 59 and 68 are located 18.6 Å apart, and the formation of the disulfide bridge leads to a large structural rearrangement while retaining strong Zn association. These conformational and covalent changes are fully reversible upon restoration of the reductive environment. In addition, this is the first evidence of an interaction between the N-terminal intrinsically disordered and the C-terminal globular domains, known to be highly and separately conserved among human papillomaviruses. The significant conservation of such noncanonical cysteines in HPV E7 proteins leads us to propose a functional redox activity. Such an activity adds to the previously discovered chaperone activity of E7 and supports the picture of a moonlighting pathological role of this paradigmatic viral oncoprotein.

Argentophilic nucleolus organizer region as a proliferation marker in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 of the uterine cervix.

AIM: p16INK4a and argentophilic nucleolus organizer region (AgNOR) can be used as markers for progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1) of the uterine cervix. Our objective was to study the predictive value of the AgNOR technique as a progression marker of CIN1 and its correlation with p16INK4A. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One uterine cervix biopsy from each of 75 patients with diagnosis of CIN1 was selected. All of these patients underwent a second biopsy, and these were also used for the study. RESULTS: The second biopsies showed: regression (20 patients), persistent CIN1 (38 patients), progression to CIN2 (10 patients) and progression to CIN3 (seven patients). p16INK4A showed reactivity in 67 of the 75 first CIN1 biopsies: 12 of the 20 cases that cleared the lesions and the 55 cases with persistent or progressive lesions were positive for p16INK4a (specificity: 40%; sensitivity: 100%; positive predictive value [PPV]: 82%; negative predictive value [NPV]: 100%). Samples with AgNOR areas less than 3.0 µ(2) returned in all cases, but patients whose lesions persisted or progressed to CIN2/CIN3, showed AgNOR areas greater than 3.0 µ(2) in 50/55 cases (specificity: 100%; sensitivity: 91%; PPV: 100%; NPV: 80%). CONCLUSIONS: p16INK4a is expressed in a high percentage of returning lesions. AgNOR might be a better marker of proliferation of CIN1 than p16INK4a (PPV = 100%), which means that a value greater than 3.0 µ(2) indicates the persistence or progression of the lesion. As its NPV is 80%, a value of AgNOR area less than 3.0 µ(2) in CIN1 leaves a margin of doubt about the future behavior of the lesion.

Assembly of the Tripartite and RNA Condensates of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Factory Proteins In Vitro: Role of the Transcription Antiterminator M2-1.

A wide variety of viruses replicate in liquid-like viral factories. Non-segmented negative stranded RNA viruses share a nucleoprotein (N) and a phosphoprotein (P) that together emerge as the main drivers of liquid-liquid phase separation. The respiratory syncytial virus includes the transcription antiterminator M2-1, which binds RNA and maximizes RNA transcriptase processivity. We recapitulate the assembly mechanism of condensates of the three proteins and the role played by RNA. M2-1 displays a strong propensity for condensation by itself and with RNA through the formation of electrostatically driven protein-RNA coacervates based on the amphiphilic behavior of M2-1 and finely tuned by stoichiometry. M2-1 incorporates into tripartite condensates with N and P, modulating their size through an interplay with P, where M2-1 is both client and modulator. RNA is incorporated into the tripartite condensates adopting a heterogeneous distribution, reminiscent of the M2-1-RNA IBAG granules within the viral factories. Ionic strength dependence indicates that M2-1 behaves differently in the protein phase as opposed to the protein-RNA phase, in line with the subcompartmentalization observed in viral factories. This work dissects the biochemical grounds for the formation and fate of the RSV condensates in vitro and provides clues to interrogate the mechanism under the highly complex infection context.

Molten Globule Driven and Self-downmodulated Phase Separation of a Viral Factory Scaffold.

Viral factories of liquid-like nature serve as sites for transcription and replication in most viruses. The respiratory syncytial virus factories include replication proteins, brought together by the phosphoprotein (P) RNA polymerase cofactor, present across non-segmented negative stranded RNA viruses. Homotypic liquid-liquid phase separation of RSV-P is governed by an α-helical molten globule domain, and strongly self-downmodulated by adjacent sequences. Condensation of P with the nucleoprotein N is stoichiometrically tuned, defining aggregate-droplet and droplet-dissolution boundaries. Time course analysis show small N-P nuclei gradually coalescing into large granules in transfected cells. This behavior is recapitulated in infection, with small puncta evolving to large viral factories, strongly suggesting that P-N nucleation-condensation sequentially drives viral factories. Thus, the tendency of P to undergo phase separation is moderate and latent in the full-length protein but unleashed in the presence of N or when neighboring disordered sequences are deleted. This, together with its capacity to rescue nucleoprotein-RNA aggregates suggests a role as a "solvent-protein".

[Development of a second generation prophylactic vaccine against human papillomavirus]. / Desarrollo de una vacuna profiláctica de segunda generación contra el papilomavirus humano.

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the etiologic agent for cervical cancer (CC), the second cause of cancer death in women worldwide. It is estimated that half a million new cases are diagnosed each year, mostly in developing countries due to the lack of massive programs for early detection of the virus. Recently, two prophylactic vaccines against the main oncogenic HPV types 16 and 18 (responsible for 80% of CC) have been introduced into market. Both of these vaccines, obtained as recombinants, have been shown to be safe and effective; however, their high cost works against its immediate impact in the incidence of HPV infection in developing and low-income countries. There is a need to have in hand second generation, low cost vaccines of massive use that will decrease CC cases in a large extent. With this in mind, we have developed a recombinant expression platform that allows us to obtain virus-like particles (VLPs) to formulate both effective and accessible vaccines against HPV infection.

Sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter gene is regulated at the chromatin level by histone biotinylation in human Jurkat lymphoblastoma cells.

The sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT) is essential for mediating and regulating biotin entry into mammalian cells. In cells, holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS) mediates covalent binding of biotin to histones; biotinylation of lysine-12 in histone H4 (K12BioH4) causes gene repression. Here we propose a novel role for HCS in sensing and regulating levels of biotin in eukaryotic cells. We hypothesize that nuclear translocation of HCS increases in response to biotin supplementation; HCS then biotinylates histone H4 at SMVT promoters, silencing biotin transporter genes. We show that nuclear translocation of HCS is a biotin-dependent process that might involve tyrosine kinases, histone deacetylases, and histone methyltransferases in human lymphoid (Jurkat) cells. The nuclear translocation of HCS correlated with biotin concentrations in cell culture media; the relative enrichment of both HCS and K12BioH4 at SMVT promoter 1 (but not promoter 2) increased by 91% in cells cultured in medium containing 10 nmol/L biotin compared with 0.25 nmol/L biotin. This increase of K12BioH4 at the SMVT promoter was inversely linked to SMVT expression. Biotin homeostasis by HCS-dependent chromatin remodeling at the SMVT promoter 1 locus was disrupted in HCS knockdown cells, as evidenced by abnormal chromatin structure (K12BioH4 abundance) and increased SMVT expression. The findings from this study are consistent with the theory that HCS senses biotin, and that biotin regulates its own cellular uptake by participating in HCS-dependent chromatin remodeling events at the SMVT promoter 1 locus in Jurkat cells.

Holocarboxylase synthetase regulates expression of biotin transporters by chromatin remodeling events at the SMVT locus.

The sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT) is essential for mediating and regulating biotin entry into mammalian cells. In cells, biotin is covalently linked to histones in a reaction catalyzed by holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS); biotinylation of lysine 12-biotinylated histone H4 (K12Bio H4) causes gene silencing. Here, we propose a novel role for HCS in sensing and regulating levels of biotin in eukaryotic cells. We hypothesized that nuclear translocation of HCS increases in response to biotin supplementation; HCS then biotinylates histone H4 at SMVT promoters, silencing biotin transporter genes. Jurkat lymphoma cells were cultured in media containing 0.025, 0.25, or 10 nmol/l biotin. The nuclear translocation of HCS correlated with biotin concentrations in media; the relative enrichment of both HCS and K12Bio H4 at SMVT promoter 1 (but not promoter 2) increased by 91% in cells cultured in medium containing 10 nmol/l biotin compared with 0.25 nmol/l biotin. This increase of K12Bio H4 at the SMVT promoter decreased SMVT expression by up to 86%. Biotin homeostasis by HCS-dependent chromatin remodeling at the SMVT promoter 1 locus was disrupted in HCS knockdown cells, as evidenced by abnormal chromatin structure (K12Bio H4 abundance) and increased SMVT expression. The findings from this study are consistent with the theory that HCS senses biotin, and that biotin regulates its own cellular uptake by participating in HCS-dependent chromatin remodeling events at the SMVT promoter 1 locus in Jurkat cells.

Use of synthetic peptides for identifying biotinylation sites in human histones.

Posttranslational modifications of histones play an important role in the regulation of chromatin structure and, hence, gene regulation. Recently, we have identified a novel modification of histones: binding of the vitamin biotin to lysine residues in histones H2A, H3, and H4. Here, we describe a procedure to identify those amino acids that are targets for biotinylation in histones. Briefly, the following analytical sequence is used to identify biotinylation sites: (i) short peptides (<20 amino acids in length) are synthesized chemically; amino acid sequences in the peptides are based on the sequence in a given region of a given histone; (ii) peptides are incubated with biotinidase or holocarboxylase synthetase to conduct enzymatic biotinylation; and (iii) biotin in peptides are probed using streptavidin peroxidase. Amino acid substitutions (e.g., lysine-to-alanine substitutions) in synthetic peptides can be used to corroborate identification of biotinylation sites.

K12-biotinylated histone H4 marks heterochromatin in human lymphoblastoma cells.

Covalent modifications of histones play crucial roles in chromatin structure and genomic stability. Recently, we reported a novel modification of histones: biotinylation of lysine residues. Here we provide evidence that K12-biotinylated histone H4 (K12Bio H4) maps specifically to both heterochromatin (alpha satellite repeats in pericentromeric regions) and transcriptionally repressed chromatin (gamma-G globin and interleukin-2) in human lymphoblastoma cells. The abundance of K12Bio H4 in these regions was similar to that of K9-dimethylated histone H3, a known marker for heterochromatin. Likewise, K8-biotinylated histone H4 (K8Bio H4) mapped to heterochromatin, but the relative enrichment was smaller compared with K12Bio H4. Stimulation of interleukin-2 transcriptional activity with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate and phytohemagglutinin caused a rapid depletion of K12Bio H4 in the gene promoter. These data are consistent with a novel role for biotin in chromatin structure and transcriptional activity of genes.

Degenerate cysteine patterns mediate two redox sensing mechanisms in the papillomavirus E7 oncoprotein.

Infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus induces deregulation of cellular redox homeostasis. Virus replication and papillomavirus-induced cell transformation require persistent expression of viral oncoproteins E7 and E6 that must retain their functionality in a persistent oxidative environment. Here, we dissected the molecular mechanisms by which E7 oncoprotein can sense and manage the potentially harmful oxidative environment of the papillomavirus-infected cell. The carboxy terminal domain of E7 protein from most of the 79 papillomavirus viral types of alpha genus, which encloses all the tumorigenic viral types, is a cysteine rich domain that contains two classes of cysteines: strictly conserved low reactive Zn+2 binding and degenerate reactive cysteine residues that can sense reactive oxygen species (ROS). Based on experimental data obtained from E7 proteins from the prototypical viral types 16, 18 and 11, we identified a couple of low pKa nucleophilic cysteines that can form a disulfide bridge upon the exposure to ROS and regulate the cytoplasm to nucleus transport. From sequence analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction of redox sensing states we propose that reactive cysteine acquisition through evolution leads to three separate E7s protein families that differ in the ROS sensing mechanism: non ROS-sensitive E7s; ROS-sensitive E7s using only a single or multiple reactive cysteine sensing mechanisms and ROS-sensitive E7s using a reactive-resolutive cysteine couple sensing mechanism.

Lysine residues in N-terminal and C-terminal regions of human histone H2A are targets for biotinylation by biotinidase.

In eukaryotic cell nuclei, DNA associates with the core histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 to form nucleosomal core particles. DNA binding to histones is regulated by posttranslational modifications of N-terminal tails (e.g., acetylation and methylation of histones). These modifications play important roles in the epigenetic control of chromatin structure. Recently, evidence that biotinidase and holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS) catalyze the covalent binding of biotin to histones has been provided. The primary aim of this study was to identify biotinylation sites in histone H2A and its variant H2AX. Secondary aims were to determine whether acetylation and methylation of histone H2A affect subsequent biotinylation and whether biotinidase and HCS localize to the nucleus in human cells. Biotinylation sites were identified using synthetic peptides as substrates for biotinidase. These studies provided evidence that K9 and K13 in the N-terminus of human histones H2A and H2AX are targets for biotinylation and that K125, K127 and K129 in the C-terminus of histone H2A are targets for biotinylation. Biotinylation of lysine residues was decreased by acetylation of adjacent lysines but was increased by dimethylation of adjacent arginines. The existence of biotinylated histone H2A in vivo was confirmed by using modification-specific antibodies. Antibodies to biotinidase and HCS localized primarily to the nuclear compartment, consistent with a role for these enzymes in regulating chromatin structure. Collectively, these studies have identified five novel biotinylation sites in human histones; histone H2A is unique among histones in that its biotinylation sites include amino acid residues from the C-terminus.

K4, K9 and K18 in human histone H3 are targets for biotinylation by biotinidase.

Histones are modified post-translationally, e.g. by methylation of lysine and arginine residues, and by phosphorylation of serine residues. These modifications regulate processes such as gene expression, DNA repair, and mitosis and meiosis. Recently, evidence has been provided that histones are also modified by covalent binding of the vitamin biotin. The aims of this study were to identify biotinylation sites in histone H3, and to investigate the crosstalk among histone biotinylation, methylation and phosphorylation. Synthetic peptides based on the sequence of human histone H3 were used as substrates for enzymatic biotinylation by biotinidase; biotin in peptides was probed using streptavidin peroxidase. These studies provided evidence that K4, K9 and K18 in histone H3 are good targets for biotinylation; K14 and K23 are relatively poor targets. Antibodies were generated to histone H3, biotinylated either at K4, K9 or K18. These antibodies localized to nuclei in human placental cells in immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting experiments, suggesting that lysines in histone H3 are biotinylated in vivo. Dimethylation of R2, R8 and R17 increased biotinylation of K4, K9 and K18, respectively, by biotinidase; phosphorylation of S10 abolished biotinylation of K9. These observations are consistent with crosstalk between biotinylation of histones and other known modifications of histones. We speculate that this crosstalk provides a link to known roles for biotin in gene expression and cell proliferation.

Biological functions of biotinylated histones.

Histones H1, H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 are DNA-binding proteins that mediate the folding of DNA into chromatin. Various posttranslational modifications of histones regulate processes such as transcription, replication and repair of DNA. Recently, a novel posttranslational modification has been identified: covalent binding of the vitamin biotin to lysine residues in histones, mediated by biotinidase and holocarboxylase synthetase. Here we describe a novel peptide-based technique, which was used to identify eight distinct biotinylation sites in histones H2A, H3 and H4. Biotinylation site-specific antibodies were generated to investigate biological functions of histone biotinylation. Evidence was provided that biotinylation of histones plays a role in cell proliferation, gene silencing and cellular response to DNA damage.

The non-structural NS1 protein unique to respiratory syncytial virus: a two-state folding monomer in quasi-equilibrium with a stable spherical oligomer.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is a major infectious agent that cause pediatric respiratory disease worldwide. Considered one of the main virulence factors of hRSV, NS1 is known to suppress type I interferon response and signaling, thus favoring immune evasion. This, together with the fact that NS1 is unique to hRSV among paramyxoviruses, and that has no homology within databases, prompted us to investigate its conformational stability, equilibria and folding. Temperature cooperatively induces conformational changes leading to soluble spherical oligomers (NS1SOs) with amyloid-like or repetitive ß-sheet structures. The onset of the thermal transition is 45°C, and the oligomerization rate is increased by 25-fold from 40 to 46°C. Conformational stability analyzed by chemical perturbation of the NS1 monomer shows a two-state, highly reversible and cooperative unfolding, with a denaturant midpoint of 3.8 M, and a free energy change of 9.6±0.9 kcal⋅mol(-1). However, two transitions were observed in the chemical perturbation of NS1SOs: the first, from 2.0 to 3.0 M of denaturant, corresponds to a conformational transition and dissociation of the oligomers to the native monomer, indicating a substantial energy barrier. The second transition (2.0 to 3.5 M denaturant) corresponds to full unfolding of the native NS1 monomer. In addition, different cosolvent perturbations converged on the formation of ß-sheet enriched soluble oligomeric species, with secondary structure resembling those obtained after mild temperature treatment. Thus, a unique protein without homologs, structure or mechanistic information may switch between monomers and oligomers in conditions compatible with the cellular environment and be potentially modulated by crowding or compartmentalization. NS1 may act as a reservoir for increased levels and impact on protein turnover.

K12-biotinylated histone H4 is enriched in telomeric repeats from human lung IMR-90 fibroblasts.

Covalent modifications of histones play a role in regulating telomere attrition and cellular senescence. Biotinylation of lysine (K) residues in histones, mediated by holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS), is a novel diet-dependent mechanism to regulate chromatin structure and gene expression. We have previously shown that biotinylation of K12 in histone H4 (H4K12bio) is a marker for heterochromatin and is enriched in pericentromeric alpha satellite repeats. Here, we hypothesized that H4K12bio is also enriched in telomeres. We used human IMR-90 lung fibroblasts and immortalized IMR-90 cells overexpressing human telomerase (hTERT) in order to examine histone biotinylation in young and senescent cells. Our studies suggest that one out of three histone H4 molecules in telomeres is biotinylated at K12 in hTERT cells. The abundance of H4K12bio in telomeres decreased by 42% during telomere attrition in senescent IMR-90 cells; overexpression of telomerase prevented the loss of H4K12bio. Possible confounders such as decreased expression of HCS and biotin transporters were formally excluded in this study. Collectively, these data suggest that H4K12bio is enriched in telomeric repeats and represents a novel epigenetic mark for cell senescence.

Susceptibility to heat stress and aberrant gene expression patterns in holocarboxylase synthetase-deficient Drosophila melanogaster are caused by decreased biotinylation of histones, not of carboxylases.

Previously, we discovered that holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS) is a chromatin-associated protein in Drosophila melanogaster and that HCS deficiency alters chromatin structure and gene expression patterns, leading to decreased heat tolerance. The effects of HCS deficiency were attributed to decreased biotinylation of histones. However, HCS is known to mediate biotinylation of carboxylases in cytoplasm and mitochondria in addition to mediating biotinylation of histones. A challenge posed by the genetic analysis of HCS is to distinguish between the effects of decreased biotinylation of carboxylases from the effects of decreased histone biotinylation in the gene expression patterns and phenotypes observed in HCS-deficient flies. Here, we tested whether 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (MCC) mutant flies exhibit gene expression patterns and heat susceptibility similar to that in HCS-deficient Drosophila. Biotin transporter [sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT)] mutants were used to investigate effects of cellular biotin depletion on gene expression and heat susceptibility. Deficiencies of MCC and SMVT in mutant flies were confirmed by real-time PCR, streptavidin blotting of holocarboxylases, and analysis of MCC activities; expression of HCS and biotinylation of histones were not altered in MCC and SMVT mutants. Gene expression patterns in MCC and SMVT mutants were different from that seen with HCS-deficient flies, as judged by the abundance of mRNA coding for defective chorion 1, chitin-binding peritrophin-A, dopamine receptor 2, and yolk protein 2. MCC mutants exhibited increased resistance to heat stress compared with wild-type flies. We conclude that gene expression patterns and phenotypes in HCS-deficient flies in previous studies are caused by decreased biotinylation of histones rather than MCC.

Drosophila melanogaster holocarboxylase synthetase is a chromosomal protein required for normal histone biotinylation, gene transcription patterns, lifespan, and heat tolerance.

Post-translational modifications of histones play important roles in chromatin structure and genomic stability. Distinct lysine residues in histones are targets for covalent binding of biotin, catalyzed by holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS) and biotinidase (BTD). Histone biotinylation has been implicated in heterochromatin structures, DNA repair, and mitotic chromosome condensation. To test whether HCS and BTD deficiency alters histone biotinylation and to characterize phenotypes associated with HCS and BTD deficiency, HCS- and BTD-deficient flies were generated by RNA interference (RNAi). Expression of HCS and BTD decreased by 65-90% in RNAi-treated flies, as judged by mRNA abundance, BTD activity, and abundance of HCS protein. Decreased expression of HCS and BTD caused decreased biotinylation of K9 and K18 in histone H3. This was associated with altered expression of 201 genes in HCS-deficient flies. Lifespan of HCS- and BTD-deficient flies decreased by up to 32% compared to wild-type controls. Heat tolerance decreased by up to 55% in HCS-deficient flies compared to controls, as judged by survival times; effects of BTD deficiency were minor. Consistent with this observation, HCS deficiency was associated with altered expression of 285 heat-responsive genes. HCS and BTD deficiency did not affect cold tolerance, suggesting stress-specific effects of chromatin remodeling by histone biotinylation. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide evidence that HCS-dependent histone biotinylation affects gene function and phenotype, suggesting that the complex phenotypes of HCS- and BTD-deficiency disorders may reflect chromatin structure changes.