PGC-1α and MEF2 Regulate the Transcription of the Carnitine Transporter OCTN2 Gene in C2C12 Cells and in Mouse Skeletal Muscle.

OCTN2 (SLC22A5) is a carnitine transporter whose main function is the active transport of carnitine into cells. In skeletal muscle and other organs, the regulation of the SLC22A5 gene transcription has been shown to depend on the nuclear transcription factor PPAR-α. Due to the observation that the muscle OCTN2 mRNA level is maintained in PPAR-α knock-out mice and that PGC-1α overexpression in C2C12 myoblasts increases OCTN2 mRNA expression, we suspected additional regulatory pathways for SLC22A5 gene transcription. Indeed, we detected several binding sites of the myocyte-enhancing factor MEF2 in the upstream region of the SLC22A5 gene, and MEF2C/MEF2D stimulated the activity of the OCTN2 promoter in gene reporter assays. This stimulation was increased by PGC-1α and was blunted for a SLC22A5 promoter fragment with a mutated MEF2 binding site. Further, we demonstrated the specific binding of MEF2 to the SLC22A5 gene promoter, and a supershift of the MEF2/DNA complex in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. In immunoprecipitation experiments, we could demonstrate the interaction between PGC-1α and MEF2. In addition, SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, blocked and interferon-γ stimulated the transcriptional activity of the SLC22A5 gene promoter. Finally, mice with muscle-specific overexpression of OCTN2 showed an increase in OCTN2 mRNA and protein expression in skeletal muscle. In conclusion, we detected and characterized a second stimulatory pathway of SLC22A5 gene transcription in skeletal muscle, which involves the nuclear transcription factor MEF2 and co-stimulation by PGC-1α and which is controlled by the p38 MAPK signaling cascade.

Translating a Culture of Quality to Clinical Research Conduct: Expanding the Clinical Development Quality Framework.

The International Council on Harmonisation E8 Guidance Revision 1 (ICH E8(R1)) calls for creating a Culture of Quality that "values and rewards critical thinking and open, proactive dialogue about what is critical to quality." Across the biopharma landscape, clinical sites, sponsors, and service providers are working to translate this far-reaching guideline into working practices. This manuscript deconstructs key elements that comprise the critical thinking and open, proactive Culture of Quality "enablers." In addition, maturity models are provided so readers can visualize what a Culture of Quality looks like in their clinical research organization. These provide examples of high performing cultures of quality and useful tools for teams or organizations to measure and evolve their respective quality cultures.

Combinatorial depletion analysis to assemble the network architecture of the SAGA and ADA chromatin remodeling complexes.

Despite the availability of several large-scale proteomics studies aiming to identify protein interactions on a global scale, little is known about how proteins interact and are organized within macromolecular complexes. Here, we describe a technique that consists of a combination of biochemistry approaches, quantitative proteomics and computational methods using wild-type and deletion strains to investigate the organization of proteins within macromolecular protein complexes. We applied this technique to determine the organization of two well-studied complexes, Spt-Ada-Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase (SAGA) and ADA, for which no comprehensive high-resolution structures exist. This approach revealed that SAGA/ADA is composed of five distinct functional modules, which can persist separately. Furthermore, we identified a novel subunit of the ADA complex, termed Ahc2, and characterized Sgf29 as an ADA family protein present in all Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase complexes. Finally, we propose a model for the architecture of the SAGA and ADA complexes, which predicts novel functional associations within the SAGA complex and provides mechanistic insights into phenotypical observations in SAGA mutants.

The Novel ReNu Region of TAF12 Regulates Gcn5 Nucleosomal Acetylation.

The post-translational acetylation of the histone components of chromatin mediates numerous DNA-templated events, including transcriptional activation, DNA repair, and genomic replication. The conserved SAGA (Spt-Ada-Gcn5 Acetyltranferase) and SLIK (SAGA-Like) Histone Acetyltransferase (HAT) complexes are required for transcriptional activation of a subset of yeast genes and contain multiple subunits including the histone fold-containing TBP- Associated Factors (TAFs): 6, 9, 10, and 12. These TAFs are also components of the TFIID complex and are consequently involved in most RNA polymerase II-transcription in yeast. Here we identify a novel conserved region of TAF12, termed ReNu, outside of its histone fold, which is required for SAGA and SLIK-directed nucleosomal acetylation. We demonstrate that this region is not required for chromatin association, but show that this region plays an important role for histone H3 acetylation at specific SAGA and SLIK-regulated promoters. Our data suggests that the ReNu region of TAF12 regulates Gcn5 acetylation of specific substrates within the SAGA super-family of HAT complexes.

Effect of carnitine deprivation on carnitine homeostasis and energy metabolism in mice with systemic carnitine deficiency.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Juvenile visceral steatosis (jvs-/-) mice lack the activity of the carnitine transporter OCTN2 and are dependent on carnitine substitution. The effects of carnitine deprivation on carnitine homeostasis and energy metabolism are not known in jvs-/- mice. METHODS: jvs-/- mice were studied 3, 6 and 10 days after carnitine deprivation, and compared to jvs-/- mice substituted with carnitine, wild-type (jvs+/+) and jvs+/- mice. Carnitine concentrations were assessed radioenzymatically. RESULTS: Compared to wild-type mice, carnitine-treated jvs-/- mice had decreased plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate levels and showed hepatic fat accumulation. The carnitine levels in plasma, liver and skeletal muscle were decreased by 58, 16 and 17%, respectively. After ten days of carnitine deprivation, the plasma carnitine concentration had fallen by 87% (to 2.3 mumol/l) and the tissue carnitine levels by approximately 50% compared to carnitine-treated jvs-/- mice. Carnitine deprivation was associated with a further drop in plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate and increased hepatic fat. Skeletal muscle glycogen stores decreased and lactate levels increased with carnitine deprivation, whereas tissue ATP levels were maintained. CONCLUSIONS: In jvs-/- mice, tissue carnitine stores are more resistant than carnitine plasma concentrations to carnitine deprivation. Metabolic changes (liver steatosis and loss of muscle glycogen stores) appear also early after carnitine deprivation.

Targeting of skeletal muscle in vitro using biotinylated immunoliposomes.

In the present study, a non-covalent (biotin-streptavidin) coupling procedure for the preparation of pegylated immunoliposomes is presented, which simplifies the attachment of targeting vectors to sterically stabilized liposomes. A biotinylated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-phospholipid [bio-PEG-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE)] was used as a linker between a streptavidin-conjugated monoclonal antibody (mAb) (i.e. the OX26 mAb raised against the rat transferrin receptor) and 150 nm liposomes. OX26-streptavidin had a biotin binding capacity of two to three biotin molecules per OX26-streptavidin conjugate. Immunostaining experiments with the OX26 mAb followed by fluorescent confocal microscopy revealed immunofluorescence labelling of the transferrin receptor on skeletal muscle, as well as in L6 cells, a continuous cell line derived from rat skeletal muscle. Uptake experiments with L6 cells using the OX26 mAb, fluorescence-labelled OX26-streptavidin or fluorescent OX26-immunoliposomes demonstrated cellular uptake and accumulation within an intracellular compartment of the OX26 mAb and its conjugates. Cellular uptake of OX26 conjugates was sensitive to competition with free OX26 antibody. In summary, these studies describe the design of biotinylated immunoliposomes as a universal drug transport vector and their potential for targeting of the transferrin receptor of skeletal muscle.

Histone acetyltransferases and deacetylase in Entamoeba histolytica.

In our efforts to understand how transcription may be regulated in Entamoeba histolytica, we have examined if this parasite has conserved enzymatic mechanisms for targeted acetylation and deacetylation of histones. Western blotting indicated that basic nuclear proteins in the size range of 16-23 kDa were acetylated in amebic trophozoites, suggesting histone acetylation. Single representatives of the GNAT and MYST family of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) were identified in the E. histolytica genome and their expression in amebic trophozoites was detected by reverse transcription of RNA followed by the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Full-length recombinant EhMYST protein demonstrated HAT activity with calf thymus histones and showed a preference for histone H4, similar to the yeast MYST protein, Esa1. However, ehMYST did not complement a yeast esa1 mutation. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity was detected in nuclear extracts from E. histolytica, and characteristically, was inhibited by trichostatin A (TSA). Consistent with the observation of HDAC activity, RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that an amebic hdac1 homolog (ehHDAC) is expressed and appropriately spliced in E. histolytica trophozoites. Our results suggest that mechanisms for histone acetylation and deacetylation are operational in E. histolytica.

A cell-based, multiparametric sensor approach characterises drug-induced cytotoxicity in human liver HepG2 cells.

Drug-induced toxicity is of considerable concern in drug discovery and development, placing emphasis on the need for predictive in vitro technologies that identify potential cytotoxic side effects of drugs. A label-free, real-time, multiparametric cytosensor system has therefore been established for in vitro assessment of drug-induced toxicity. The system is based on monitoring cellular oxygen consumption, acidification and impedance of human hepatocarcinoma-derived HepG2 cells. The read-out derived from the multiparametric cytosensor system has been optimised and permits sensitive, reliable, and simultaneous recording of cell physiological signals, such as metabolic activity, cellular respiration and morphological changes and cell adhesion upon exposure to a drug. Analysis of eight prototypic reference drugs revealed distinct patterns of drug-induced physiological signals. Effects proved to be rigidly concentration-dependent. Based on signal patterns and reversibility of the observed effects, compounds could be classified based as triggering mechanisms of respiratory or metabolic stress or conditions leading to cell death (necrosis-like and apoptosis-like). A test-flag-risk mitigation strategy is proposed to address potential risks for drug-induced cytotoxicity.

The role of CYP3A4 in amiodarone-associated toxicity on HepG2 cells.

Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic drug with potentially life-threatening hepatotoxicity. Recent in vitro investigations suggested that the mono-N-desethyl (MDEA) and di-N-desethyl (DDEA) metabolites may cause amiodarone's hepatotoxicity. Since cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 is responsible for amiodarone N-deethylation, CYP3A4 induction may represent a risk factor. Our aim was therefore to investigate the role of CYP3A4 in amiodarone-associated hepatotoxicity. First, we showed that 50µM amiodarone is more toxic to primary human hepatocytes after CYP induction with rifampicin. Second, we overexpressed human CYP3A4 in HepG2 cells (HepG2 cells/CYP3A4) for studying the interaction between CYP3A4 and amiodarone in more detail. We also used HepG2 wild type cells (HepG2 cells/wt) co-incubated with human CYP3A4 supersomes for amiodarone activation (HepG2 cells/CYP3A4 supersomes). Amiodarone (10-50µM) was cytotoxic for HepG2 cells/CYP3A4 or HepG2 cells/CYP3A4 supersomes, but not for HepG2 cells/wt or less toxic for HepG2 cells/wt incubated with control supersomes without CYP3A4. Co-incubation with ketoconazole, attenuated cytotoxicity of amiodarone incubated with HepG2 cells/CYP3A4 or HepG2 cells/CYP3A4 supersomes. MDEA and DDEA were formed only in incubations containing HepG2 cells/CYP3A4 or HepG2 cells/CYP3A4 supersomes but not by HepG2 cells/wt or HepG2 cells/wt with control supersomes. Metabolized amiodarone triggered the production of reactive oxygen species, induced mitochondrial damage and cytochrome c release, and promoted apoptosis/necrosis in HepG2 cells/CYP3A4, but not HepG2 cells/wt. This study supports the hypothesis that a high CYP3A4 activity is a risk factor for amiodarone's hepatotoxicity. Since CYP3A4 inducers are used frequently and amiodarone-associated hepatotoxicity can be fatal, our observations may be clinically relevant.

Hepatocellular toxicity of kava leaf and root extracts.

Kava extracts are used widely for different purposes and were thought to be safe. Recently, several cases of hepatotoxicity have been published. To explore possible mechanisms of kava hepatotoxicity, we prepared and analyzed three different kava extracts (a methanolic and an acetonic root and a methanolic leaf extract), and investigated their toxicity on HepG2 cells and isolated rat liver mitochondria. All three extracts showed cytotoxicity starting at a concentration of 50 microg/ml (lactate dehydrogenase leakage) or 1 microg/ml (MTT test). The mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased (root extracts starting at 50 microg/ml) and the respiratory chain inhibited and uncoupled (root extracts) or only uncoupled (leaf extract) at 150 microg/ml, and mitochondrial beta-oxidation was inhibited by all extracts starting at 100 microg/ml. The ratio oxidized to reduced glutathione was increased in HepG2 cells, whereas the cellular ATP content was maintained. Induction of apoptosis was demonstrated by all extracts at a concentration of 150 microg/ml. These results indicate that the kava extracts are toxic to mitochondria, leading to inhibition of the respiratory chain, increased ROS production, a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential and eventually to apoptosis of exposed cells. In predisposed patients, mitochondrial toxicity of kava extract may explain hepatic adverse reactions of this drug.

The generation and recognition of histone methylation.

The posttranslational modification of histone proteins via methylation has important functions in gene activation, transcriptional silencing, establishment of chromatin states, and likely many aspects of DNA metabolism. The identification of numerous effector protein domains with the capability of binding methylated histones has significantly advanced our understanding of how such histone modifications may exert their biological effects. Here, we summarize aspects of the generation of arginine and lysine methylation marks on core histones, the characterization of the protein modules that interact with them, and how histone methylation cross-talks with other modifications.

Mechanisms of venoocclusive disease resulting from the combination of cyclophosphamide and roxithromycin.

BACKGROUND: High doses (>or=500 mg/m) of cyclophosphamide are known to cause venoocclusive disease (VOD). The authors recently observed a patient treated with immunosuppressive cyclophosphamide doses (100 mg/day) and roxithromycin who developed VOD. Because roxithromycin inhibits cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and P-glycoprotein, the patient may have been exposed to higher cyclophosphamide and/or cyclophosphamide metabolite concentrations. METHODS: The effect of roxithromycin on the metabolism and toxicity of cyclophosphamide was studied using human hepatic microsomes and a human endothelial cell line. RESULTS: Cyclophosphamide or roxithromycin at concentrations from 0.05 to 500 micromol/L were not toxic to endothelial cells as assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay. However, the combination of roxithromycin (500 micromol/L) and cyclophosphamide was toxic for all the tested cyclophosphamide concentrations (0.05 to 500 micromol/L) without clear concentration dependence (LDH ratio 38.3 +/- 11.0 [mean +/- SEM] for the combination with cyclophosphamide 0.05 micromol/L and 50.2 +/- 10.2 for the combination with cyclophosphamide 500 micromol/L; P

Hepatocellular toxicity and pharmacological effect of amiodarone and amiodarone derivatives.

The aim of this work was to compare hepatocellular toxicity and pharmacological activity of amiodarone (2-n-butyl-3-[3,5 diiodo-4-diethylaminoethoxybenzoyl]-benzofuran; B2-O-Et-N-diethyl) and of eight amiodarone derivatives. Three amiodarone metabolites were studied, namely, mono-N-desethylamiodarone (B2-O-Et-NH-ethyl), di-N-desethylamiodarone (B2-O-Et-NH(2)), and (2-butyl-benzofuran-3-yl)-(4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodophenyl)-methanone (B2) carrying an ethanol side chain [(2-butylbenzofuran-3-yl)-[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3,5-diiodophenyl]-methanone; B2-O-Et-OH]. In addition, five amiodarone analogs were investigated, namely, N-dimethylamiodarone (B2-O-Et-N-dimethyl), N-dipropylamiodarone (B2-O-Et-N-dipropyl), B2-O-carrying an acetate side chain [[4-(2-butyl-benzofuran-3-carbonyl)-2,6-diiodophenyl]-acetic acid; B2-O-acetate], B2-O-Et carrying an propionamide side chain (B2-O-Et-propionamide), and B2-O carrying an ethyl side chain [(2-butylbenzofuran-3-yl)-(4-ethoxy-3,5-diiodophenyl)-methanone; B2-O-Et]. A concentration-dependent increase in lactate dehydrogenase leakage from HepG2 cells and isolated rat hepatocytes was observed in the presence of amiodarone and of most analogs, confirming their hepatocellular toxicity. Using freshly isolated rat liver mitochondria, amiodarone and most analogs showed a dose-dependent toxicity on the respiratory chain and on beta-oxidation, significantly reducing the respiratory control ratio and oxidation of palmitate, respectively. The reactive oxygen species concentration in hepatocytes increased time-dependently, and apoptotic/necrotic cell populations were identified using flow cytometry and annexin V/propidium iodide staining. The effect of the three least toxic amiodarone analogs on the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) channel was compared with amiodarone. Amiodarone, B2-O-acetate, and B2-O-Et-N-dipropyl (each 10 microM) significantly reduced the hERG tail current amplitude, whereas 10 microM B2-O-Et displayed no detectable effect on hERG outward potassium currents. In conclusion, three amiodarone analogs (B2-O-Et-N-dipropyl, B2-O-acetate, and B2-O-Et) showed a lower hepatocellular toxicity profile than amiodarone, and two of these analogs (B2-O-Et-N-dipropyl and B2-O-acetate) retained hERG channel interaction capacity, suggesting that amiodarone analogs with class III antiarrhythmic activity and lower hepatic toxicity could be developed.

Mechanisms of benzarone and benzbromarone-induced hepatic toxicity.

Treatment with benzarone or benzbromarone can be associated with hepatic injury. Both drugs share structural similarities with amiodarone, a well-known mitochondrial toxin. Therefore, we investigated the hepatotoxicity of benzarone and benzbromarone as well as the analogues benzofuran and 2-butylbenzofuran. In isolated rat hepatocytes, amiodarone, benzarone, and benzbromarone (20 micromol/L) decreased mitochondrial membrane potential by 23%, 54% or 81%, respectively. Benzofuran and 2-butylbenzofuran had no effect up to 100 micromol/L. In isolated rat liver mitochondria, amiodarone, benzarone, and benzbromarone, but not benzofuran, decreased state 3 oxidation and respiratory control ratios for L-glutamate (50% decrease of respiratory control ratio at [micromol/L]: amiodarone, 12.9; benzarone, 10.8; benzbromarone, <1). Amiodarone, benzarone, and benzbromarone, but not benzofuran, also uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial beta-oxidation was decreased by 71%, 87%, and 58% with 100 micromol/L amiodarone or benzarone and 50 micromol/L benzbromarone, respectively, but was unaffected by benzofuran, whereas ketogenesis was not affected. 2-Butylbenzofuran weakly inhibited state 3 oxidation and beta-oxidation only at 100 micromol/L. In the presence of 100 micromol/L amiodarone, benzarone or benzbromarone, reactive oxygen species production was increased, mitochondrial leakage of cytochrome c was induced in HepG2 cells, and permeability transition was induced in isolated rat liver mitochondria. At the same concentrations, amiodarone, benzarone, and benzbromarone induced apoptosis and necrosis of isolated rat hepatocytes. In conclusion, hepatotoxicity associated with amiodarone, benzarone, and benzbromarone can at least in part be explained by their mitochondrial toxicity and the subsequent induction of apoptosis and necrosis. Side chains attached to the furan moiety are necessary for rendering benzofuran hepatotoxic.

Determination of -3858G-->A and -164C-->A genetic polymorphisms of CYP1A2 in blood and saliva by rapid allelic discrimination: large difference in the prevalence of the -3858G-->A mutation between Caucasians and Asians.

INTRODUCTION: Two mutations in CYP1A2, -164C-->A (allele CYP1A2*F) and -3858G-->A (allele CYP1A2*C), affecting the inducibility of the enzyme, have been published. The aim of this study was to develop a high throughput allelic discrimination assay for these mutations in both saliva and blood and to determine their frequency in Caucasians. METHODS: An allelic discrimination assay, based on the fluorogenic 5'-nuclease activity (TaqMan), was developed for the two mutations. Genomic DNA extracted from 17 saliva and 100 blood samples from Caucasians was analysed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: For the -164C-->A mutation, we found an allelic frequency of 68% in the Caucasian population, comparable with data published for Asians and Caucasians. For the -3858G-->A mutation, the allele frequency was only 2% in Caucasians, a much lower value than the approximately 25% reported in Asians (P<0.001). The presented allelic discrimination allows fast and accurate detection of these two mutations. Genotype calls were 100% identical for DNA from saliva and blood. Saliva is easily accessible and represents an excellent alternative to the traditionally used venous blood for genotyping.

Modulation of transendothelial permeability and expression of ATP-binding cassette transporters in cultured brain capillary endothelial cells by astrocytic factors and cell-culture conditions.

Confluent cell monolayers of brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC) are used widely as an in vitro cell culture model of the blood-brain barrier. The present study describes the influence of cell-culture conditions on tight junctions, filamentous-actin cytoskeleton, and expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in primary cell cultures of porcine BCEC. Astrocyte as well as C6 glioma-conditioned cell culture medium was used in combination with retinoic acid, dexamethasone, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analogs, or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. It was shown that C6-conditioned medium led to a reorganization of filamentous actin and to an improved staining of zonula occludens-associated protein-1 (ZO-1). Further optimization of these culture conditions was achieved with cAMP analogs and dexamethasone. Retinoic acid, as well as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, did not improve cellular tight junctions as judged by filamentous actin, ZO-1 rearrangement, and transcellular electrical resistance (TER) measurements. However, these morphological changes did not influence the paracellular permeability of the extracellular marker sucrose. Expression of ABC transporters such as P-glycoprotein, multidrug resistance-associated protein-1(MRP1), and MRP2 were compared by measuring messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in whole-brain tissue, isolated brain capillaries, and cultured cells. In freshly isolated BCEC, mRNA levels of MRP2 and P-glycoprotein dropped by two- to sevenfold, respectively, whereas MRP1 mRNA levels were slightly increased. During cell culture, mRNA levels of MRP1 and MRP2 decreased by up to fivefold, while P-glycoprotein levels remained constant. These results were unaltered by different cell-culture conditions. In conclusion, the present study suggests that paracellular permeability, as well as mRNA expression of the studied ABC transporters in primary cultures, of porcine BCEC are insensitive toward changes in cell-culture conditions.

Mechanisms of liver steatosis in rats with systemic carnitine deficiency due to treatment with trimethylhydraziniumpropionate.

Rats with systemic carnitine deficiency induced by treatment with trimethylhydraziniumpropionate (THP) develop liver steatosis. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms leading to steatosis in THP-induced carnitine deficiency. Rats were treated with THP (20 mg/100 g) for 3 or 6 weeks and were studied after starvation for 24 h. Rats treated with THP had reduced in vivo palmitate metabolism and developed mixed liver steatosis at both time points. The hepatic carnitine pool was reduced in THP-treated rats by 65% to 75% at both time points. Liver mitochondria from THP-treated rats had increased oxidative metabolism of various substrates and of beta-oxidation at 3 weeks, but reduced activities at 6 weeks of THP treatment. Ketogenesis was not affected. The hepatic content of CoA was increased by 23% at 3 weeks and by 40% at 6 weeks in THP treated rats. The cytosolic content of long-chain acyl-CoAs was increased and the mitochondrial content decreased in hepatocytes of THP treated rats, compatible with decreased activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I in vivo. THP-treated rats showed hepatic peroxisomal proliferation and increased plasma VLDL triglyceride and phospholipid concentrations at both time points. A reduction in the hepatic carnitine pool is the principle mechanism leading to impaired hepatic fatty acid metabolism and liver steatosis in THP-treated rats. Cytosolic accumulation of long-chain acyl-CoAs is associated with increased plasma VLDL triglyceride, phospholipid concentrations, and peroxisomal proliferation.

Deubiquitination of histone H2B by a yeast acetyltransferase complex regulates transcription.

Post-translational modifications of the histone protein components of eukaryotic chromatin play an important role in the regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression (1). Given the requirement of Rad6/Bre1-dependent ubiquitination of histone H2B for H3 dimethylation (at lysines 4 and 79) and gene silencing (2-7), removal of ubiquitin from H2B may have a significant regulatory effect on transcription. Here we show that a putative deubiquitinating enzyme, Ubp8, is a structurally nonessential component of both the Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) and SAGA-like (SLIK) histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complexes in yeast. Disruption of this gene dramatically increases the cellular level of ubiquitinated-H2B, and SAGA and SLIK are shown to have H2B deubiquitinase activity. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, how the ubiquitin moiety can be removed from histone H2B in a regulated fashion. Ubp8 is required for full expression of the SAGA- and SLIK-dependent gene GAL10 and is recruited to the upstream activation sequence (UAS) of this gene under activating conditions, while Rad6 dissociates. Furthermore, trimethylation of H3 at lysine 4 within the UAS increases significantly under activating conditions, and remarkably, Ubp8 is shown to have a role in regulating the methylation status of this residue. Collectively, these data suggest that the SAGA and SLIK HAT complexes can regulate an integrated set of multiple histone modifications, counteracting repressive effects that alter chromatin and regulate gene expression.