Arabidopsis histone acetyltransferase complex coordinates cytoplasmic histone acetylation and nuclear chromatin accessibility

Sci Adv. 2024 Dec 6;10(49):eadp1840. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adp1840. Epub 2024 Dec 4.

Abstract

Conserved type B histone acetyltransferases are recognized for their role in acetylating newly synthesized histones in the cytoplasm of eukaryotes. However, their involvement in regulating chromatin within the nucleus remains unclear. Our study shows that the Arabidopsis thaliana type B histone acetyltransferase HAG2 interacts with the histone chaperones MSI2, MSI3, and NASP, as well as the histones H3 and H4, forming a complex in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Within this complex, HAG2 and MSI2/3 constitute a histone acetylation module essential for acetylating histone H4 in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, this module works together with NASP to regulate histone acetylation, chromatin accessibility, and gene transcription in the nucleus. This complex enhances chromatin accessibility near transcription start sites while reducing accessibility near transcription termination sites. Our findings reveal a distinct role for the Arabidopsis type B histone acetyltransferase in the nucleus, shedding light on the coordination between cytoplasmic histone acetylation and nuclear chromatin regulation in plants.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Arabidopsis Proteins* / genetics
  • Arabidopsis Proteins* / metabolism
  • Arabidopsis* / genetics
  • Arabidopsis* / metabolism
  • Cell Nucleus* / metabolism
  • Chromatin* / genetics
  • Chromatin* / metabolism
  • Cytoplasm* / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Histone Acetyltransferases* / genetics
  • Histone Acetyltransferases* / metabolism
  • Histones* / metabolism
  • Protein Binding

Substances

  • Histone Acetyltransferases
  • Histones
  • Chromatin
  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • histone acetyltransferase type B complex