CATACOMB: An endogenous inducible gene that antagonizes H3K27 methylation activity of Polycomb repressive complex 2 via an H3K27M-like mechanism

Sci Adv. 2019 Jul 3;5(7):eaax2887. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aax2887. eCollection 2019 Jul.

Abstract

Using biochemical characterization of fusion proteins associated with endometrial stromal sarcoma, we identified JAZF1 as a new subunit of the NuA4 acetyltransferase complex and CXORF67 as a subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). Since CXORF67's interaction with PRC2 leads to decreased PRC2-dependent H3K27me2/3 deposition, we propose a new name for this gene: CATACOMB (catalytic antagonist of Polycomb; official gene name: EZHIP ). We map CATACOMB's inhibitory function to a short highly conserved region and identify a single methionine residue essential for diminution of H3K27me2/3 levels. Remarkably, the amino acid sequence surrounding this critical methionine resembles the oncogenic histone H3 Lys27-to-methionine (H3K27M) mutation found in high-grade pediatric gliomas. As CATACOMB expression is regulated through DNA methylation/demethylation, we propose CATACOMB as the potential interlocutor between DNA methylation and PRC2 activity. We raise the possibility that similar regulatory mechanisms could exist for other methyltransferase complexes such as Trithorax/COMPASS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Co-Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Co-Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • DNA Methylation
  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Glioma / genetics
  • Glioma / metabolism*
  • Glioma / pathology
  • HCT116 Cells
  • Histones / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Methylation
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Oncogene Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 / genetics
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Co-Repressor Proteins
  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • EZHIP protein, human
  • Histones
  • JAZF1 protein, human
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Oncogene Proteins
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2