Chromosome dynamics in the yeast interphase nucleus

Little is known about the dynamics of chromosomes in interphase nuclei. By tagging four chromosomal regions with a green fluorescent protein fusion to lac repressor, we monitored the movement and subnuclear position of specific sites in the yeast genome, sampling at short time intervals. We found that early and late origins of replication are highly mobile in G1 phase, frequently moving at or faster than 0.5 micrometers/10 seconds, in an energy-dependent fashion. The rapid diffusive movement of chromatin detected in G1 becomes constrained in S phase through a mechanism dependent on active DNA replication. In contrast, telomeres and centromeres provide replication-independent constraint on chromatin movement in both G1 and S phases.

The positioning and dynamics of origins of replication in the budding yeast nucleus

Thierry Laroche

We have analyzed the subnuclear position of early- and late-firing origins of DNA replication in intact yeast cells using fluorescence in situ hybridization and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged chromosomal domains. In both cases, origin position was determined with respect to the nuclear envelope, as identified by nuclear pore staining or a NUP49-GFP fusion protein. We find that in G1 phase nontelomeric late-firing origins are enriched in a zone immediately adjacent to the nuclear envelope, although this localization does not necessarily persist in S phase. In contrast, early firing origins are randomly localized within the nucleus throughout the cell cycle. If a late-firing telomere-proximal origin is excised from its chromosomal context in G1 phase, it remains late-firing but moves rapidly away from the telomere with which it was associated, suggesting that the positioning of yeast chromosomal domains is highly dynamic. This is confirmed by time-lapse microscopy of GFP-tagged origins in vivo. We propose that sequences flanking late-firing origins help target them to the periphery of the G1-phase nucleus, where a modified chromatin structure can be established. The modified chromatin structure, which would in turn retard origin firing, is both autonomous and mobile within the nucleus.

2001

The dynamics of yeast telomeres and silencing proteins through the cell cycle

Thierry Laroche

Genes integrated near the telomeres of budding yeast have a variegated pattern of gene repression that is mediated by the silent information regulatory proteins Sir2p, Sir3p, and Sir4p. Immunolocalization and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) reveal 6-10 perinuclear foci in which silencing proteins and subtelomeric sequences colocalize, suggesting that these are sites of Sir-mediated repression. Telomeres lacking subtelomeric repeat elements and the silent mating locus, HML, also localize to the periphery of the nucleus. Conditions that disrupt telomere proximal repression disrupt the focal staining pattern of Sir proteins, but not necessarily the localization of telomeric DNA. To monitor the telomere-associated pools of heterochromatin-binding proteins (Sir and Rap1 proteins) during mitotic cell division, we have performed immunofluorescence and telomeric FISH on populations of yeast cells synchronously traversing the cell cycle. We observe a partial release of Rap1p from telomeres in late G2/M, although telomeres appear to stay clustered during G2-phase and throughout mitosis. A partial release of Sir3p and Sir4p during mitosis also occurs. This is not observed upon HU arrest, although other types of DNA damage cause a dramatic relocalization of Sir and Rap1 proteins. The observed cell cycle dynamics were confirmed by direct epifluorescence of a GFP-Rap1p fusion. Using live GFP fluorescence we show that the diffuse mitotic distribution of GFP-Rap1p is restored to the interphase pattern of foci in early G1-phase.

2000

Exploring the mechanisms governing nuclear cGAS localization and activity

Marilena Wischnewski

Recognition of pathogen-derived molecules through germline-encoded receptors is a fundamental principle of innate immunity. Pattern recognition receptors detect specific intracellular danger signals to trigger potent immune responses. The DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) detects double-stranded DNA derived from viruses and microbes in the cytoplasm. However, due to its ability to recognize DNA independent of sequence, aberrant detection of self-DNA in various settings can lead to autoinflammatory diseases. Under physiological conditions, genomic DNA is sequestered in the nucleus and shielded from cytosolic molecules by the nuclear envelope (NE). Nevertheless, cGAS gains access to the nuclear compartment in some instances, and the mechanisms controlling its activity on genomic DNA are not fully known.In this study, we investigate the regulation of nuclear cGAS localization and activity in different contexts. We first describe how cGAS activity against nuclear DNA is restricted in instances of spontaneous loss of nucleo-cytoplasmic compartmentalization. Upon NE rupture, cGAS enters the nucleus, but is prevented from activation by Barrier-to-autointegration factor 1 (BAF). BAF dynamically competes with cGAS for DNA binding, thereby preventing the formation of stable cGAS-DNA complexes and cGAS enzymatic activity. We thus identify a cellular safeguard mechanism, beyond physical separation, that restricts cGAS activity against genomic self-DNA.In addition, we investigate cGAS activation in conditions associated with a disrupted NE. Instability of the NE is a hallmark of laminopathies, diseases of the nuclear lamina that can manifest in premature aging phenotypes. While we find no contribution of basal cGAS signaling to the pathogenesis of two different progeria syndromes, we detect a decreased capacity to respond to DNA challenge on the cellular level, suggesting that cGAS may be sequestered inside the nucleus in these cells.Lastly, because cGAS is increasingly recognized to reside inside the nucleus at steady state, we delineate cGAS nuclear localization in time and space. In cycling cells, nuclear cGAS levels oscillate with the cell cycle and are highest after mitosis followed by a sharp decrease in G1 phase. We report that cGAS is not exported during G1, but rather subjected to degradation inside the nucleus by the nuclear proteasome. Moreover, we establish a technique to study potential interaction partners of nuclear cGAS, which opens up intriguing possibilities for further investigation.Together, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the regulatory processes that govern nuclear cGAS localization and activity, and will help to uncover potential disease-causing aberrations in the future.

EPFL2022

Exploring the mechanisms governing nuclear cGAS localization and activity

Marilena Wischnewski

EPFL2022