DUX4-Induced Histone Variants H3.X and H3.Y Mark DUX4 Target Genes for Expression

Publication date: 12 November 2019Source: Cell Reports, Volume 29, Issue 7Author(s): Rebecca Resnick, Chao-Jen Wong, Danielle C. Hamm, Sean R. Bennett, Peter J. Skene, Sandra B. Hake, Steven Henikoff, Silvère M. van der Maarel, Stephen J. TapscottSummaryThe DUX4 transcription factor is briefly expressed in the early cleavage-stage embryo, where it induces an early wave of zygotic gene transcription, whereas its mis-expression in skeletal muscle causes the muscular dystrophy facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). Here, we show that DUX4 induces the expression of the histone variants H3.X and H3.Y. We have used a myoblast cell line with doxycycline-inducible DUX4 to show that these histone variants are incorporated throughout the body of DUX4-induced genes. Following a brief pulse of DUX4, these histones contribute to greater perdurance and to enhanced re-activation of DUX4 target gene expression. These findings provide a model for H3.X/Y as a chromatin mechanism that facilitates the expression of DUX4 target genes subsequent to a brief pulse of DUX4 expression.Graphical Abstract
Source: Cell Reports - Category: Cytology Source Type: research