BAF Chromatin Remodeling Complex Research Articles

The molecular basis of selective DNA binding by the BRG1 AT-hook and bromodomain

The ATP-dependent BAF chromatin remodeling complex plays a critical role in gene regulation by modulating chromatin architecture, and is frequently mutated in cancer. Indeed, subunits of the BAF complex are found to be mutated in >20% of human tumors. The mechanism by which BAF properly navigates chromatin is not fully understood, but is thought to involve a multivalent network of histone and DNA contacts. We previously identified a composite domain in the BRG1 ATPase subunit that is capable of associating with both histones and DNA in a multivalent manner. Mapping the DNA binding pocket revealed that it contains several cancer mutations. Here, we utilize SELEX-seq to investigate the DNA specificity of this composite domain and NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling to determine the structural basis of DNA binding. Finally, we demonstrate that cancer mutations in this domain alter the mode of DNA association.

Merkel cell polyomavirus activates LSD1-mediated blockade of non-canonical BAF to regulate transformation and tumorigenesis.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a neuroendocrine cancer of the skin, is caused by integration of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) and persistent expression of Large T antigen (LT) and Small T antigen (ST). We report that ST in complex with MYCL and the EP400 complex activates expression of LSD1 (KDM1A), RCOR2, and INSM1 to repress gene expression by the lineage transcription factor ATOH1. LSD1 inhibition reduces growth of MCC in vitro and in vivo. Through a forward-genetics CRISPR-Cas9 screen, we identified an antagonistic relationship between LSD1 and the non-canonical BAF (ncBAF) chromatin remodeling complex. Changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility caused by LSD1 inhibition could be partially rescued by BRD9 inhibition, revealing that LSD1 and ncBAF antagonistically regulate an overlapping set of genes. Our work provides mechanistic insight into the dependence of MCC on LSD1 and a tumor suppressor role for ncBAF in cancer.

Cryo-Electron Microscopy Reveals Architecture of the BAF Complex.

The structure of the chromatin-remodeling BAF complex provides molecular-scale mechanistic insight.

Generation of an antibody recognizing a set of acetylated proteins, including subunits of BAF complexes

The aim of this study was to generate an antibody specific to Ki-67 acetylated at lysine 3180, whose existence was reported in an acetylome study (Scholz, C., B.T. Weinert, S.A. Wagner, P. Beli, Y. Miyake, J. Qi, L.J. Jensen, W. Streicher, A.R. McCarthy, N.J. Westwood, S. Lain, J. Cox, P. Matthias, M. Mann, J.E. Bradner, and C. Choudhary. 2015). Rabbits were immunized with a synthetic acetylated peptide corresponding to acetylated lysine 3180 of Ki-67 and the residues flanking it. The obtained antibody, referred to as Ab3180 in this study, was affinity purified with the antigen peptide and characterized. Immunoblot analysis of cell extracts using Ab3180 revealed that this antibody unexpectedly recognized a set of acetylated proteins unrelated to Ki-67. Ab3180-recognizable proteins were immunoprecipitated from cell extracts in a stringent condition and identified by mass-spec analysis as subunits of BAF (mammalian SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complexes. The unique specificity of Ab3180 will allow this antibody to be a useful tool for analyzing the acetylation of BAF complexes and its significance to the formation/function of BAF complexes.

Spliceosomal Disruption of the Non-Canonical SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex in SF3B1 Mutant Leukemias

Mutations in the RNA splicing factor SF3B1 are common in MDS and other myeloid malignancies. SF3B1 mutations promote expression of mRNAs that use an aberrant, intron proximal 3' splice site (ss). Despite the consistency of this finding, linking aberrant splicing changes to disease pathogenesis has been a challenge. Here we identify aberrant splicing and downregulated expression of BRD9, a member of the recently described ATP-dependent non-canonical BAF (ncBAF) chromatin remodeling complex, across SF3B1 mutant leukemias. In so doing, we identify a novel role for altered ncBAF function in hematopoiesis and MDS. To systematically identify functionally important aberrant splicing events created by mutant SF3B1, we integrated differential splicing events in SF3B1 mutant versus wild-type MDS with a positive enrichment CRISPR screen mimicking splicing changes induced by mutant SF3B1 that promote NMD (non-sense mediated mRNA decay). We tested whether loss of any gene functionally inactivated by SF3B1 mutations promoted transformation of Ba/F3 and 32D cells. This identified a specific NMD-inducing aberrant splicing event in BRD9 which promoted cytokine independence (Fig. A) and exhibited striking aberrant splicing across CLL and MDS and across all mutational hotspots in SF3B1 (Fig. B). SF3B1 mutations cause exonization of a normally intronic sequence in BRD9, resulting in inclusion of a poison exon that interrupts BRD9's reading frame (Fig. C) and reduced BRD9 mRNA and protein expression through NMD (Fig. D). We confirmed that mutant SF3B1 suppressed full-length BRD9 levels without generating truncated BRD9 protein. Loss of BRD9 impaired ncBAF complex formation as indicated by abolished interaction between the ncBAF specific component GLTSCR1 and the ATPase subunit BRG1 upon chemical or spliceosomal BRD9 ablation (Fig. D). Given that prior work has linked mutant SF3B1 to use of aberrant 3' ss, we sought to understand the molecular basis for aberrant exon inclusion in BRD9 by mutant SF3B1. Lariat sequencing of SF3B1 mutant versus WT K562 cells and BRD9 minigene analyses identified use of a deep intronic branchpoint adenosine by mutant SF3B1 to promote BRD9 poison exon inclusion (Fig. E). The data above suggest a role for BRD9 downregulation in SF3B1 mutant leukemia. While prior work indicated that BRD9 is required in MLL-rearranged AML (Hohmman et al. Nature Chemical Biology 2016), the role of BRD9 in normal hematopoiesis or other subtypes of myeloid neoplasms has not been evaluated. Genetic downregulation of BRD9 in normal human hematopoietic progenitors from cord blood promoted myelopoiesis while impairing megakaryopoiesis. Interestingly and unexpectedly, BRD9 loss in CD34+ cells promoted terminal erythroid differentiation in vitro. To further evaluate BRD9's role in hematopoiesis in vivo, we also generated mice with inducible knockout of the bromodomain of BRD9 (required for BRD9 function) and generation of a frameshift transcript resulting in reduced Brd9 expression (Fig. F). Loss of Brd9 resulted in macrocytosis with bone marrow erythroid dysplasia in a dosage-dependent manner, along with impaired lymphopoiesis and myeloid skewing. Moreover, competitive transplantation of hematopoietic precursors from these mice revealed that ablation of Brd9 function impaired lymphoid reconstitution while promoting advantage of myeloid cells and hematopoietic precursors (Fig. G-I). In myeloid leukemia cells, introduction of SF3B1K700E or downregulation of BRD9 resulted in increased chromatin accessibility at promoters with a significant overlap in commonly upregulated genes. This finding suggests shared epigenetic effects of SF3B1K700E mutations and BRD9 loss (Fig. J). These data identify aberrant splicing of BRD9 across the spectrum of SF3B1 mutant cancers and identify a novel role for downregulation of ncBAF function in MDS pathogenesis. Consistent with human genetic data, genetic ablation of BRD9 function in mouse and human hematopoietic cells resulted in myeloid skewing and dyserythropoiesis. These data suggest that targeted correction of aberrant BRD9 splicing might serve as a novel therapeutic approach for SF3B1-mutant leukemias. Of note, treatment with drugs impairing the binding of mutant SF3B1 to RNA resulted in a dose-dependent rescue of aberrant BRD9 splicing in vitro (Fig. K) and in treatment of an SF3B1 mutant AML patient-derived xenograft in vivo. Figure Disclosures Kadoch: Foghorn Therapeutics: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Spliceosomal disruption of the non-canonical BAF complex in cancer.

SF3B1 is the most commonly mutated RNA splicing factor in cancer1–4, but the mechanisms by which SF3B1 mutations promote malignancy are poorly understood. Here, we integrated pan-cancer splicing analyses with a positive enrichment CRISPR screen to prioritize splicing alterations that promote tumorigenesis. We report that diverse SF3B1 mutations converge on repression of BRD9, a core component of the recently described GLTSCR1/1L-containing non-canonical BAF (ncBAF) chromatin remodeling complex5–7. Mutant SF3B1 recognizes an aberrant deep intronic branchpoint within BRD9, thereby inducing inclusion of an endogenous retroviral element-derived poison exon and BRD9 mRNA degradation. BRD9 depletion causes loss of ncBAF at CTCF-associated loci and promotes melanomagenesis. BRD9 is a potent tumor suppressor in uveal melanoma (UVM), such that correcting BRD9 mis-splicing in SF3B1-mutant cells with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) or CRISPR-directed mutagenesis suppresses tumor growth. Our results implicate ncBAF disruption in the diverse cancers carrying SF3B1 mutations and suggest a mechanism-based therapeutic for these malignancies.

ACTL6A is a novel oncogene and prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer

Abstract ACTL6A (Actin-like 6A protein) is a member of ATP-dependent SWI/SNF-like BAF chromatin remodeling complexes encoding a family of actin-related proteins. Using 3D culture and Micro-Western Array analysis targeting for epigenetic regulatory proteins, we discovered that ACTL6A plays essential role in regulation of the prostate acinar morphogenesis, a differentiation procedure. Expression level of ACTL6A protein decreases dramatically during prostate acinar morphogenesis, suggesting that ACTL6A is a potential oncogene in prostate cancer (PCa). We analyzed Oncomine online database and found that ACTL6A is higher in prostate cancer vs. adjacent normal prostate tissues, while ACTL6A protein level is even higher in metastatic PCa. High ACTL6A gene expression level in prostate tumors correlates to worse PCa patient survival outcome. We knocked down ACTL6A in PC-3 PCa cells, and the reduction of ACTL6A suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of PC-3 cells. Knockdown of ACTL6A also reduced population of CD44+ and ALDH enzyme activity-positive PCa cells, which represents the population of cancer stem cell (CSC) in PCa. Decrease of ACTL6A reduced expression of a few oncogenic long non-coding RNA, including HIFCAR, MALAT1, and PCAT-1. Seahorse mito-stress and glycol-stress analysis revealed that knockdown of ACTL6A suppressed OCR and ECAR of mitochondria in PCa cells. ACTL6A knockdown up-regulates expression of glycolysis-related genes, suggesting that ACTL6A regulate cancer metabolism. Our study suggested that ACTL6A regulates expression and activity of YAP and c-Myc, which in turn regulates stemness factors Nanog and Sox2, thus enhances the cancer stemness of PCa cells. ACTL6A also regulates mitochondrial function and metabolic genes PKM2, LDHA, GLS1, partially through c-Myc, therefore ACTL6A causes metabolism rewiring in PCa. All these regulations contribute to the metastasis of PCa. In conclusion, ACTL6A is a novel oncogene and prognostic biomarker for PCa.

Unwinding chromatin at the right places: how BAF is targeted to specific genomic locations during development.

The BAF (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex plays a crucial role in modulating spatiotemporal gene expression during mammalian development. Although its remodeling activity was characterized in vitro decades ago, the complex actions of BAF in vivo have only recently begun to be unraveled. In living cells, BAF only binds to and remodels a subset of genomic locations. This selectivity of BAF genomic targeting is crucial for cell-type specification and for mediating precise responses to environmental signals. Here, we provide an overview of the distinct molecular mechanisms modulating BAF chromatin binding, including its combinatory assemblies, DNA/histone modification-binding modules and post-translational modifications, as well as its interactions with proteins, RNA and lipids. This Review aims to serve as a primer for future studies to decode the actions of BAF in developmental processes.

Rotational symmetry of the structured Chip/LDB-SSDP core module of the Wnt enhanceosome

The Chip/LIM-domain binding protein (LDB)-single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSDP) (ChiLS) complex controls numerous cell-fate decisions in animal cells, by mediating transcription of developmental control genes via remote enhancers. ChiLS is recruited to these enhancers by lineage-specific LIM-domain proteins that bind to its Chip/LDB subunit. ChiLS recently emerged as the core module of the Wnt enhanceosome, a multiprotein complex that primes developmental control genes for timely Wnt responses. ChiLS binds to NPFxD motifs within Pygopus (Pygo) and the Osa/ARID1A subunit of the BAF chromatin remodeling complex, which could synergize with LIM proteins in tethering ChiLS to enhancers. Chip/LDB and SSDP both contain N-terminal dimerization domains that constitute the bulk of their structured cores. Here, we report the crystal structures of these dimerization domains, in part aided by DARPin chaperones. We conducted systematic surface scanning by structure-designed mutations, followed by in vitro and in vivo binding assays, to determine conserved surface residues required for binding between Chip/LDB, SSDP, and Pygo-NPFxD. Based on this, and on the 4:2 (SSDP-Chip/LDB) stoichiometry of ChiLS, we derive a highly constrained structural model for this complex, which adopts a rotationally symmetrical SSDP2-LDB2-SSDP2 architecture. Integrity of ChiLS is essential for Pygo binding, and our mutational analysis places the NPFxD pockets on either side of the Chip/LDB dimer, each flanked by an SSDP dimer. The symmetry and multivalency of ChiLS underpin its function as an enhancer module integrating Wnt signals with lineage-specific factors to operate context-dependent transcriptional switches that are pivotal for normal development and cancer.

EWS-FLI1 modulated alternative splicing of ARID1A reveals novel oncogenic function through the BAF complex.

Connections between epigenetic reprogramming and transcription or splicing create novel mechanistic networks that can be targeted with tailored therapies. Multiple subunits of the chromatin remodeling BAF complex, including ARID1A, play a role in oncogenesis, either as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Recent work demonstrated that EWS–FLI1, the oncogenic driver of Ewing sarcoma (ES), plays a role in chromatin regulation through interactions with the BAF complex. However, the specific BAF subunits that interact with EWS–FLI1 and the precise role of the BAF complex in ES oncogenesis remain unknown. In addition to regulating transcription, EWS–FLI1 also alters the splicing of many mRNA isoforms, but the role of splicing modulation in ES oncogenesis is not well understood. We have identified a direct connection between the EWS–FLI1 protein and ARID1A isoform protein variant ARID1A-L. We demonstrate here that ARID1A-L is critical for ES maintenance and supports oncogenic transformation. We further report a novel feed-forward cycle in which EWS–FLI1 leads to preferential splicing of ARID1A-L, promoting ES growth, and ARID1A-L reciprocally promotes EWS–FLI1 protein stability. Dissecting this interaction may lead to improved cancer-specific drug targeting.

New insights into DNA methylation signatures: SMARCA2 variants in Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome

BackgroundNicolaides-Baraitser syndrome (NCBRS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by pathogenic sequence variants in SMARCA2 which encodes the catalytic component of the chromatin remodeling BAF complex. Pathogenic variants in genes that encode epigenetic regulators have been associated with genome-wide changes in DNA methylation (DNAm) in affected individuals termed DNAm signatures.MethodsGenome-wide DNAm was assessed in whole-blood samples from the individuals with pathogenic SMARCA2 variants and NCBRS diagnosis (n = 8) compared to neurotypical controls (n = 23) using the Illumina MethylationEPIC array. Differential methylated CpGs between groups (DNAm signature) were identified and used to generate a model enabling classification variants of uncertain significance (VUS; n = 9) in SMARCA2 as “pathogenic” or “benign”. A validation cohort of NCBRS cases (n = 8) and controls (n = 96) demonstrated 100% model sensitivity and specificity.ResultsWe identified a DNAm signature of 429 differentially methylated CpG sites in individuals with NCBRS. The genes to which these CpG sites map are involved in cell differentiation, calcium signaling, and neuronal function consistent with NCBRS pathophysiology. DNAm model classifications of VUS were concordant with the clinical phenotype; those within the SMARCA2 ATPase/helicase domain classified as “pathogenic”. A patient with a mild neurodevelopmental NCBRS phenotype and a VUS distal to the ATPase/helicase domain did not score as pathogenic, clustering away from cases and controls. She demonstrated an intermediate DNAm profile consisting of one subset of signature CpGs with methylation levels characteristic of controls and another characteristic of NCBRS cases; each mapped to genes with ontologies consistent with the patient’s unique clinical presentation.ConclusionsHere we find that a DNAm signature of SMARCA2 pathogenic variants in NCBRS maps to CpGs relevant to disorder pathophysiology, classifies VUS, and is sensitive to the position of the variant in SMARCA2. The patient with an intermediate model score demonstrating a unique genotype-epigenotype-phenotype correlation underscores the potential utility of this signature as a functionally relevant VUS classification system scalable beyond binary “benign” versus “pathogenic” scoring. This is a novel feature of DNAm signatures that could enable phenotypic predictions from genotype data. Our findings also demonstrate that DNAm signatures can be domain-specific, highlighting the precision with which they can reflect genotypic variation.

Publisher Correction: BAF complex vulnerabilities in cancer demonstrated via structure-based PROTAC design

In the version of this article originally published, several lines of text in the last paragraph of the right column on page 1 of the PDF were transposed into the bottom paragraph of the left column. The affected text of the left column should read "The ATP-dependent activities of the BAF (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complexes affect the positioning of nucleosomes on DNA and thereby many cellular processes related to chromatin structure, including transcription, DNA repair and decatenation of chromosomes during mitosis12,13." The affected text of the right column should read "SMARCA2/4BD inhibitors are thus precluded from use for the treatment of SMARCA4 mutant cancers but could provide attractive ligands for PROTAC conjugation. Small molecules binding to other bromodomains have been successfully converted into PROTACs by conjugating them with structures capable of binding to the E3 ligases von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) or cereblon5,6,10,11,25,26,27." The errors have been corrected in the PDF version of the paper.

ARID1A facilitates KRAS signaling-regulated\xa0enhancer activity in an AP1-dependent manner in colorectal cancer cells

BackgroundARID1A (AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A) is a subunit of the BAF chromatin remodeling complex and plays roles in transcriptional regulation and DNA damage response. Mutations in ARID1A that lead to inactivation or loss of expression are frequent and widespread across many cancer types including colorectal cancer (CRC). A tumor suppressor role of ARID1A has been established in a number of tumor types including CRC where the genetic inactivation of Arid1a alone led to the formation of invasive colorectal adenocarcinomas in mice. Mechanistically, ARID1A has been described to largely function through the regulation of enhancer activity.MethodsTo mimic ARID1A-deficient colorectal cancer, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to inactivate the ARID1A gene in established colorectal cancer cell lines. We integrated gene expression analyses with genome-wide ARID1A occupancy and epigenomic mapping data to decipher ARID1A-dependent transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.ResultsInterestingly, we found that CRC cell lines harboring KRAS mutations are critically dependent on ARID1A function. In the absence of ARID1A, proliferation of these cell lines is severely impaired, suggesting an essential role for ARID1A in this context. Mechanistically, we showed that ARID1A acts as a co-factor at enhancers occupied by AP1 transcription factors acting downstream of the MEK/ERK pathway. Consistently, loss of ARID1A led to a disruption of KRAS/AP1-dependent enhancer activity, accompanied by a downregulation of expression of the associated target genes.ConclusionsWe identify a previously unknown context-dependent tumor-supporting function of ARID1A in CRC downstream of KRAS signaling. Upon the loss of ARID1A in KRAS-mutated cells, enhancers that are co-occupied by ARID1A and the AP1 transcription factors become inactive, thereby leading to decreased target gene expression. Thus, targeting of the BAF complex in KRAS-mutated CRC may offer a unique, previously unknown, context-dependent therapeutic option in CRC.

SIRT6 promotes transcription of a subset of NRF2 targets by mono-ADP-ribosylating BAF170.

SIRT6 is critical for activating transcription of Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) responsive genes during oxidative stress. However, while the mechanism of SIRT6-mediated silencing is well understood, the mechanism of SIRT6-mediated transcriptional activation is unknown. Here, we employed SIRT6 separation of function mutants to reveal that SIRT6 mono-ADP-ribosylation activity is required for transcriptional activation. We demonstrate that SIRT6 mono-ADP-ribosylation of BAF170, a subunit of BAF chromatin remodeling complex, is critical for activation of a subset of NRF2 responsive genes upon oxidative stress. We show that SIRT6 recruits BAF170 to enhancer region of the Heme oxygenase-1 locus and promotes recruitment of RNA polymerase II. Furthermore, SIRT6 mediates the formation of the active chromatin 10-kb loop at the HO-1 locus, which is absent in SIRT6 deficient tissue. These results provide a novel mechanism for SIRT6-mediated transcriptional activation, where SIRT6 mono-ADP-ribosylates and recruits chromatin remodeling proteins to mediate the formation of active chromatin loop.

Expanding the phenotypic spectrum associated with DPF2: A new case report

Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous developmental disorder, linked to disruption of the BAF chromatin-remodeling complex. Recently, de novo missense and truncating variants have been reported in DPF2 in patients sharing some of the common features of CSS. Here we report a further individual harboring a novel de novo missense DPF2 variant, c.1066T>G, p.Cys356Gly. Structural modeling indicated that the predicted amino acid substitution affects a core residue required for zinc ion coordination and would likely alter the PHD2 domain structure of DPF2. The clinical presentation of Pierre Robin sequence and diaphragmatic hernia did not immediately suggest CSS, with the more common CSS features of hypoplastic toenails and characteristic facial features very subtle. This individual further broadens the phenotypic features of DPF2-related CSS, as well as CSS more generally.

SMARCA4-deficient Thoracic Sarcomas: Clinicopathologic Study of 30 Cases With an Emphasis on Their Nosology and Differential Diagnoses.

SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma (SMARCA4-DTS) is a recently described entity with an aggressive clinical course and specific genetic alterations of the BAF chromatin remodeling complex. In the present study, we reviewed the clinical and pathologic features of 30 cases of SMARCA4-DTS, discussed its main differential diagnoses and the challenging diagnostic scenarios that the average pathologist may face. In addition, we tested the specificity of the "SMARCA4-DTS immunohistochemical signature" (co-loss of SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 with overexpression of SOX2) in a large cohort of intrathoracic malignancies. Patients ranged from 28 to 90 years of age (median: 48 y), with a marked male predominance (male:female=9:1) and they were usually smokers. Tumors were generally large compressive masses located in the mediastinum (n=13), pleura (n=5), lung (n=2) or in 2 or more of these topographies (n=10). Treatment strategies were varied, including 1 case treated with EZH2 inhibitors. Median overall survival was 6 months. Histologically, tumors were poorly differentiated frequently showing rhabdoid features. A subset of cases showed a focal myxoid stroma (7%, n=2/30) and rare cases displayed a previously unreported pattern simulating desmoplastic small round cell tumors (7%, n=2/30). Making a diagnosis was challenging when dealing with biopsy material from massively necrotic tumors and in this setting the expression of SOX2, CD34, and SALL4 proved useful. All tested cases displayed concomitant loss of SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 and most tumors expressed epithelial markers (Pan-keratin or EMA) (n=29/30), SOX2 (n=26/27), and CD34 (n=17/27). SMARCB1 expression was retained in all cases (23/23). SALL4 and Claudin-4 were expressed in a subset of cases (n=7/21 and 2/19, respectively). TTF-1 and P63 were focally expressed in 1 case each. P40 and NUT were not expressed (0/23 and 0/20, respectively) The SMARCA4-DTS immunohistochemical signature was both sensitive and specific, with only a subset of small cell carcinoma of the ovary hypercalcemic type showing overlapping phenotypes. Our study confirms and expands the specific features of SMARCA4-DTS, emphasizing the fact that they can be straightforwardly identified by pathologists.

A BAF’ling Approach to Curing HIV

Latency is the primary barrier to the development of a long-sought cure for HIV-1. In this issue of Cell Chemical Biology, Marian etal., (2018) describe the development of novel compounds targeting the BAF chromatin remodeling complex to reverse HIV latency, with the potential to provide a functional cure.

BAFopathies\u2019 DNA methylation epi-signatures demonstrate diagnostic utility and functional continuum of Coffin\u2013Siris and Nicolaides\u2013Baraitser syndromes

Coffin–Siris and Nicolaides–Baraitser syndromes (CSS and NCBRS) are Mendelian disorders caused by mutations in subunits of the BAF chromatin remodeling complex. We report overlapping peripheral blood DNA methylation epi-signatures in individuals with various subtypes of CSS (ARID1B, SMARCB1, and SMARCA4) and NCBRS (SMARCA2). We demonstrate that the degree of similarity in the epi-signatures of some CSS subtypes and NCBRS can be greater than that within CSS, indicating a link in the functional basis of the two syndromes. We show that chromosome 6q25 microdeletion syndrome, harboring ARID1B deletions, exhibits a similar CSS/NCBRS methylation profile. Specificity of this epi-signature was confirmed across a wide range of neurodevelopmental conditions including other chromatin remodeling and epigenetic machinery disorders. We demonstrate that a machine-learning model trained on this DNA methylation profile can resolve ambiguous clinical cases, reclassify those with variants of unknown significance, and identify previously undiagnosed subjects through targeted population screening.

ACTL6A interacts with p53 in acute promyelocytic leukemia cell lines to affect differentiation via the Sox2/Notch1 signaling pathway

Actin-like 6A (ACTL6A), a component of BAF chromatin remodeling complexes, is important for cell differentiation. Nevertheless, its role and mechanism in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has not been reported. To identify the genes that may participate in the development of APL, we analyzed data from an APL cDNA microarray (GSE12662) in the NCBI database, and found that ACTL6A was up-regulated in APL patients. Subsequently, we investigated the function and mechanisms of ACTL6A in myeloid cell development. The expression of ACTL6A was gradually decreased during granulocytic differentiation in all-trans retinoic acid-treated NB4 and HL-60 cells, and phorbol myristate acetate-treated HL-60 cells. We also found that knockdown of ACTL6A promoted differentiation in NB4 and HL-60 cells, and decreased the levels of Sox2 and Notch1. Mechanistically, ACTL6A interacted with and was co-localized with Sox2 and p53. Meanwhile, CBL0137, an activator of p53, decreased the expression of ACTL6A and promoted differentiation in NB4 and HL-60 cells. These findings suggest that the inhibition of ACTL6A promotes differentiation via the Sox2 and Notch1 signaling pathways. Furthermore, the differentiation promoted by inhibiting ACTL6A could be regulated by p53 via its physical interaction with ACTL6A.

Smarce1 mutants have a defective endocardium and an increased expression of cardiac transcription factors in zebrafish

SWI/SNF or BAF chromatin-remodeling complexes are polymorphic assemblies of homologous subunit families that remodel nucleosomes and facilitate tissue-specific gene regulation during development. BAF57/SMARCE1 is a BAF complex subunit encoded in animals by a single gene and is a component of all mammalian BAF complexes. In vivo, the loss of SMARCE1 would lead to the formation of deficient combinations of the complex which might present limited remodeling activities. To address the specific contribution of SMARCE1 to the function of the BAF complex, we generated CRISPR/Cas9 mutations of smarce1 in zebrafish. Smarce1 mutants showed visible defects at 72 hpf, including smaller eyes, abnormal body curvature and heart abnormalities. Gene expression analysis revealed that the mutant embryos displayed defects in endocardial development since early stages, which led to the formation of a misshapen heart tube. The severe morphological and functional cardiac problems observed at 4 dpf were correlated with the substantially increased expression of different cardiac transcription factors. Additionally, we showed that Smarce1 binds to cis-regulatory regions of the gata5 gene and is necessary for the recruitment of the BAF complex to these regions.