NuA4 and SWR1-C: two chromatin-modifying complexes with overlapping functions and components

Biochem Cell Biol. 2009 Oct;87(5):799-815. doi: 10.1139/O09-062.

Abstract

Chromatin structure is important for the compaction of eukaryotic genomes, thus chromatin modifications play a fundamental role in regulating many cellular processes. The coordinated activities of various chromatin-remodelling and -modifying complexes are crucial in maintaining distinct chromatin neighbourhoods, which in turn ensure appropriate gene expression, as well as DNA replication, repair, and recombination. SWR1-C is an ATP-dependent histone deposition complex for the histone variant H2A.Z, whereas NuA4 is a histone acetyltransferase for histones H4, H2A, and H2A.Z. Together the NuA4 and SWR1-C chromatin-modifying complexes alter the chromatin structure through 3 distinct modifications in yeast: post-translational addition of chemical groups, ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling, and histone variant incorporation. These 2 multi-protein complexes share 4 subunits and function together to regulate the circuitry of H2A.Z biology. The components and functions of both multi-protein complexes are evolutionarily conserved and play important roles in multi-cellular development and cellular differentiation in higher eukaryotes. This review will summarize recent findings about NuA4 and SWR1-C and will focus on the connection between these complexes by investigating their physical and functional interactions through eukaryotic evolution.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Chromatin / metabolism*
  • Eukaryotic Cells / metabolism
  • Eukaryotic Cells / physiology
  • Gene Regulatory Networks / physiology
  • Histone Acetyltransferases / metabolism
  • Histone Acetyltransferases / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism
  • Multiprotein Complexes / physiology*
  • Phylogeny
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / physiology
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Histone Acetyltransferases
  • NuA4 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • Swr1 protein, S cerevisiae