Uncovering the function of histone variant H2BE in neurons

项目摘要 本研究的目的是阐明组蛋白变体H2 BE在神经元中的分子和行为功能。 由不同基因编码的组蛋白变体可以取代典型的组蛋白蛋白（H2 A， H2 B、H3和H4），并参与许多细胞过程和基因表达的调节。组蛋白 在小鼠的主要嗅上皮中发现了变异H2 BE，它影响嗅神经元的功能 和长寿。虽然H2 BE以前被认为只在嗅觉系统中表达，但我们的实验室 开发了一种针对H2 BE的高度特异性抗体，并证明H2 BE存在于整个大脑中。 然而，尽管组蛋白变体在控制神经元功能中的重要性，但迄今为止，H2 BE仍然存在。 在嗅觉系统之外没有被研究过在这里，我建议确定H2 BE如何改变染色质结构， 神经元基因表达和动物行为。我假设H2 BE减少了连接组蛋白的结合， H1，控制活动依赖性基因的表达，是认知灵活性，空间学习， 恐惧记忆为了验证我的假设，我将结合联合收割机全基因组测序、小鼠模型和动物模型， 从染色质生物学领域的分子和生物化学技术的行为。在目标1中，我将确定 H2 BE表达如何改变染色质结构。我将使用ChIP测序来确定基因组定位 H2 BE在基线和响应外部信号。我的初步数据表明，H2 BE促进 开放的染色质构型并减少异染色质相关蛋白的结合。所以我会 检查H2 BE如何影响染色质纤维的组成。具体来说，我将使用ChIP-seq来确定 H2 BE掺入如何影响接头组蛋白H1的定位。目的2阐明了H2 BE在神经细胞中的作用。 基因表达和小鼠行为。首先，我将测试H2 BE敲除对以下基因的RNA测序的影响： 有无外部刺激的神经元其次，我将使用H2 BE进行一系列行为测试， WT和KO小鼠被设计用于确定受H2 BE损失影响最大的特定脑区域，并完全 描述H2 BE在认知中的作用。这里提出的工作将揭示组蛋白变体H2 BE 有助于大脑中复杂的染色质环境。这一发现对于理解 神经元使用环境信号来控制转录并最终支配行为。在发展一个更 通过对神经元染色质景观的全面了解，我们还将深入了解潜在的 用于治疗许多与表观遗传破坏有关的神经系统疾病的治疗剂 大脑的调节。

Project Summary The goal of this proposal is to elucidate the molecular and behavioral function of histone variant H2BE in neurons. Histone variants, which are encoded by separate genes, can substitute for the canonical histone proteins (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) and are involved in regulation of many cellular processes and gene expression. The histone variant H2BE was discovered in the mouse main olfactory epithelium, where it affects olfactory neuron function and longevity. While H2BE was previously thought to be exclusively expressed in the olfactory system, our lab developed a highly specific antibody against H2BE and demonstrated that H2BE is present throughout the brain. However, despite the importance of histone variants in controlling neuronal function, to date, H2BE remains unstudied outside of the olfactory system. Here, I propose to determine how H2BE alters chromatin structure, neuronal gene expression, and animal behavior. I hypothesize that H2BE decreases binding of linker histone H1, controls expression of activity-dependent genes, and is necessary for cognitive flexibility, spatial learning, and fear memory. To test my hypothesis, I will combine genome-wide sequencing, mouse models, and animal behavior with molecular and biochemical techniques from the chromatin biology field. In Aim 1, I will determine how H2BE expression alters chromatin structure. I will use ChIP-sequencing to define the genomic localization of H2BE at baseline and in response to external signals. My preliminary data demonstrates that H2BE promotes an open chromatin configuration and decreases binding of heterochromatin-associated proteins. Therefore, I will examine how H2BE affects the composition of the chromatin fiber. Specifically, I will use ChIP-seq to determine how H2BE incorporation affects localization of linker histone H1. Aim 2 addresses the role of H2BE in neuronal gene expression and mouse behavior. First, I will test the effects of H2BE knockout on RNA-sequencing of neurons with and without external stimulation. Second, I will perform a battery of behavioral tests using H2BE WT and KO mice designed to determine the specific brain regions most affected by H2BE loss and to fully characterize the role of H2BE in cognition. The work proposed here will reveal how histone variant H2BE contributes to the complex chromatin environment in the brain. This discovery is critical to understanding how neurons use environmental signals to control transcription and ultimately govern behavior. In developing a more complete understanding of the chromatin landscape in neurons, we will also gain insight into potential therapeutics for the treatment of the many neurological disorders that are linked to disruption of epigenetic regulation in the brain.