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  • 1.
    Birve, Anna
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Sengupta, A K
    Beuchle, D
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Kennison, J A
    Rasmuson-Lestander, Åsa
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Müller, J
    Su(z)12, a novel Drosophila Polycomb group gene that is conserved in vertebrates and plants.2001In: Development, ISSN 0950-1991, Vol. 128, no 17, p. 3371-9Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    In both Drosophila and vertebrates, spatially restricted expression of HOX genes is controlled by the Polycomb group (PcG) repressors. Here we characterize a novel Drosophila PcG gene, Suppressor of zeste 12 (Su(z)12). Su(z)12 mutants exhibit very strong homeotic transformations and Su(z)12 function is required throughout development to maintain the repressed state of HOX genes. Unlike most other PcG mutations, Su(z)12 mutations are strong suppressors of position-effect variegation (PEV), suggesting that Su(z)12 also functions in heterochromatin-mediated repression. Furthermore, Su(z)12 function is required for germ cell development. The Su(z)12 protein is highly conserved in vertebrates and is related to the Arabidopsis proteins EMF2, FIS2 and VRN2. Notably, EMF2 is a repressor of floral homeotic genes. These results suggest that at least some of the regulatory machinery that controls homeotic gene expression is conserved between animals and plants.

  • 2.
    Crona, Filip
    et al.
    Stockholm University, Wenner-Gren Institute, Developmental Biology, Arrhenius laboratories E3, Stockholm SE-10691, Sweden.
    Dahlberg, Olle
    Stockholm University, Wenner-Gren Institute, Developmental Biology, Arrhenius laboratories E3, Stockholm SE-10691, Sweden.
    Lundberg, Lina E
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Mannervik, Mattias
    Stockholm University, Wenner-Gren Institute, Developmental Biology, Arrhenius laboratories E3, Stockholm SE-10691, Sweden.
    Gene regulation by the lysine demethylase KDM4A in Drosophila2013In: Developmental Biology, ISSN 0012-1606, E-ISSN 1095-564X, Vol. 737, no 2, p. 453-463Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Lysine methylation of histones is associated with both transcriptionally active chromatin and with silent chromatin, depending on what residue is modified. Histone methyltransferases and demethylases ensure that histone methylations are dynamic and can vary depending on cell cycle- or developmental stage. KDM4A demethylates H3K36me3, a modification enriched in the 3' end of active genes. The genomic targets and the role of KDM4 proteins in development remain largely unknown. We therefore generated KDM4A mutant Drosophila, and identified 99 mis-regulated genes in first instar larvae. Around half of these genes were down-regulated and the other half up-regulated in dKDM4A mutants. Although heterochromatin protein 1a (HP1a) can stimulate dKDM4A demethylase activity in vitro, we find that they antagonize each other in control of dKDM4A-regulated genes. Appropriate expression levels for some dKDM4A-regulated genes rely on the demethylase activity of dKDM4A, whereas others do not. Surprisingly, although highly expressed, many demethylase-dependent and independent genes are devoid of H3K36me3 in wild-type as well as in dKDM4A mutant larvae, suggesting that some of the most strongly affected genes in dKDM4A mutant animals are not regulated by H3K36 methylation. By contrast, dKDM4A over-expression results in a global decrease in H3K36me3 levels and male lethality, which might be caused by impaired dosage compensation. Our results show that a modest increase in global H3K36me3 levels is compatible with viability, fertility, and the expression of most genes, whereas decreased H3K36me3 levels are detrimental in males.

  • 3.
    Ekhteraei-Tousi, Samaneh
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Lewerentz, Jacob
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Painting of Fourth and the X-Linked 1.688 Satellite in D. melanogaster is Involved in Chromosome-Wide Gene Regulation2020In: Cells, E-ISSN 2073-4409, Vol. 9, no 2, article id 323Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Chromosome-specific regulatory mechanisms provide a model to understand the coordinated regulation of genes on entire chromosomes or on larger genomic regions. In fruit flies, two chromosome-wide systems have been characterized: The male-specific lethal (MSL) complex, which mediates dosage compensation and primarily acts on the male X-chromosome, and Painting of fourth (POF), which governs chromosome-specific regulation of genes located on the 4th chromosome. How targeting of one specific chromosome evolves is still not understood; but repeated sequences, in forms of satellites and transposable elements, are thought to facilitate the evolution of chromosome-specific targeting. The highly repetitive 1.688 satellite has been functionally connected to both these systems. Considering the rapid evolution and the necessarily constant adaptation of regulatory mechanisms, such as dosage compensation, we hypothesised that POF and/or 1.688 may still show traces of dosage-compensation functions. Here, we test this hypothesis by transcriptome analysis. We show that loss of Pof decreases not only chromosome 4 expression but also reduces the X-chromosome expression in males. The 1.688 repeat deletion, Zhr1(Zygotic hybrid rescue), does not affect male dosage compensation detectably; however, Zhr1 in females causes a stimulatory effect on X-linked genes with a strong binding affinity to the MSL complex (genes close to high-affinity sites). Lack of pericentromeric 1.688 also affected 1.688 expression in trans and was linked to the differential expression of genes involved in eggshell formation. We discuss our results with reference to the connections between POF, the 1.688 satellite and dosage compensation, and the role of the 1.688 satellite in hybrid lethality.

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  • 4. Enerly, Espen
    et al.
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Lambertsson, Andrew
    Reverse genetics in Drosophila: from sequence to phenotype using UAS-RNAi transgenic flies.2002In: Genesis, ISSN 1526-954X, Vol. 34, no 1-2, p. 152-5Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 5. Enerly, Espen
    et al.
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Lambertsson, Andrew
    Silencing the Drosophila ribosomal protein L14 gene using targeted RNA interference causes distinct somatic anomalies.2003In: Gene, ISSN 0378-1119, Vol. 320, p. 41-8Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    The Drosophila Minutes are haploinsufficient mutations that are defective in ribosomal protein (rp) production, resulting in short, thin bristles, delayed development and recessive lethality. In a Minute fly, the amount of rp gene messenger RNA (mRNA) is reduced to >or=50% of the normal amount of gene product, and becomes rate limiting for ribosome biogenesis, cell proliferation and growth. Haploinsufficiency increases the vulnerability to complete loss of gene function (homozygous null state) if hit by a second mutation. Because of the homozygous lethality, it has only been possible to study the effects of Minute mutations in heterozygous animals. To be able to study the consequences of a loss-of-function of an rp gene (0%>mRNA<50%) in developing and differentiated cells we used heritable RNA interference (RNAi) in combination with the yeast GAL4/UAS binary system to spatiotemporally knock down the ribosomal protein L14 (RpL14) gene. We show, at the RNA and phenotypic levels, that RNAi efficiently reduces RpL14 gene expression throughout development, causing lethality and distinct and dramatic somatic anomalies in both developing and differentiated cells.

  • 6.
    Faucillion, Marie-Line
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Johansson, Anna-Mia
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Genome-wide RNA stability analysis in Drosophila melanogaster reveals two distinct gene expression regulation mechanismsManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
  • 7.
    Faucillion, Marie-Line
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Johansson, Anna-Mia
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Modulation of RNA stability regulates gene expression in two opposite ways: through buffering of RNA levels upon global perturbations and by supporting adapted differential expression2022In: Nucleic Acids Research, ISSN 0305-1048, E-ISSN 1362-4962, Vol. 50, no 8, p. 4372-4388Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The steady state levels of RNAs, often referred to as expression levels, result from a well-balanced combination of RNA transcription and decay. Alterations in RNA levels will therefore result from tight regulation of transcription rates, decay rates or both. Here, we explore the role of RNA stability in achieving balanced gene expression and present genome-wide RNA stabilities in Drosophila melanogaster male and female cells as well as male cells depleted of proteins essential for dosage compensation. We identify two distinct RNA-stability mediated responses involved in regulation of gene expression. The first of these responds to acute and global changes in transcription and thus counteracts potentially harmful gene mis-expression by shifting the RNA stability in the direction opposite to the transcriptional change. The second response enhances inter-individual differential gene expression by adjusting the RNA stability in the same direction as a transcriptional change. Both mechanisms are global, act on housekeeping as well as non-housekeeping genes and were observed in both flies and mammals. Additionally, we show that, in contrast to mammals, modulation of RNA stability does not detectably contribute to dosage compensation of the sex-chromosomes in D. melanogaster.

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  • 8.
    Faucillion, Marie-Line
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Increased expression of X-linked genes in mammals is associated with a higher stability of transcripts and an increased ribosome density2015In: Genome Biology and Evolution, ISSN 1759-6653, E-ISSN 1759-6653, Vol. 7, no 4, p. 1039-1052Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Mammalian sex chromosomes evolved from the degeneration of one homolog of a pair of ancestral autosomes, the proto-Y. This resulted in a gene dose imbalance that is believed to be restored (partially or fully) through up-regulation of gene expression from the single active X-chromosome in both sexes by a dosage compensatory mechanism. We analyzed multiple genome-wide RNA stability datasets and found significantly longer average half-lives for X-chromosome transcripts than for autosomal transcripts in various human cell lines, both male and female, and in mice. Analysis of ribosome profiling data shows that ribosome density is higher on X-chromosome transcripts than on autosomal transcripts in both humans and mice, suggesting that the higher stability is causally linked to a higher translation rate. Our results and observations are in accordance with a dosage compensatory upregulation of expressed X-linked genes. We therefore propose that differential mRNA stability and translation rates of the autosomes and sex chromosomes contribute to an evolutionarily conserved dosage compensation mechanism in mammals.

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  • 9.
    Figueiredo, Margarida L. A.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Kim, Maria
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Philip, Philge
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology). Computational Life Science Cluster (CLiC), Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
    Allgardsson, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology). Division of CBRN Defence and Security, FOI, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Sweden.
    Stenberg, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology). Computational Life Science Cluster (CLiC), Umeå UniversityUmeå, Sweden; Division of CBRN Defence and Security, FOI, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Sweden.
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Non-coding roX RNAs prevent the binding of the MSL-complex to heterochromatic regions2014In: PLOS Genetics, ISSN 1553-7390, E-ISSN 1553-7404, Vol. 10, no 12, p. e1004865-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Long non-coding RNAs contribute to dosage compensation in both mammals and Drosophila by inducing changes in the chromatin structure of the X-chromosome. In Drosophila melanogaster, roX1 and roX2 are long non-coding RNAs that together with proteins form the male-specific lethal (MSL) complex, which coats the entire male X-chromosome and mediates dosage compensation by increasing its transcriptional output. Studies on polytene chromosomes have demonstrated that when both roX1 and roX2 are absent, the MSL-complex becomes less abundant on the male X-chromosome and is relocated to the chromocenter and the 4thchromosome. Here we address the role of roX RNAs in MSL-complex targeting and the evolution of dosage compensation in Drosophila. We performed ChIP-seq experiments which showed that MSL-complex recruitment to high affinity sites (HAS) on the X-chromosome is independent of roX and that the HAS sequence motif is conserved in D. simulans. Additionally, a complete and enzymatically active MSL-complex is recruited to six specific genes on the 4thchromosome. Interestingly, our sequence analysis showed that in the absence of roX RNAs, the MSL-complex has an affinity for regions enriched in Hoppel transposable elements and repeats in general. We hypothesize that roX mutants reveal the ancient targeting of the MSL-complex and propose that the role of roX RNAs is to prevent the binding of the MSL-complex to heterochromatin.

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  • 10.
    Figueiredo, Margarida L. A.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Philip, Philge
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    The Male-Specific Lethal complex interacts with non-roX RNAs in Drosophila melanogasterManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
  • 11.
    Figueiredo, Margarida L A
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Philip, Philge
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Stenberg, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    HP1a Recruitment to Promoters Is Independent of H3K9 Methylation in Drosophila melanogaster2012In: PLOS Genetics, ISSN 1553-7390, E-ISSN 1553-7404, Vol. 8, no 11, p. e1003061-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) proteins, recognized readers of the heterochromatin mark methylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me), are important regulators of heterochromatin-mediated gene silencing and chromosome structure. In Drosophila melanogaster three histone lysine methyl transferases (HKMTs) are associated with the methylation of H3K9: Su(var)3-9, Setdb1, and G9a. To probe the dependence of HP1a binding on H3K9me, its dependence on these three HKMTs, and the division of labor between the HKMTs, we have examined correlations between HP1a binding and H3K9me patterns in wild type and null mutants of these HKMTs. We show here that Su(var)3-9 controls H3K9me-dependent binding of HP1a in pericentromeric regions, while Setdb1 controls it in cytological region 2L:31 and (together with POF) in chromosome 4. HP1a binds to the promoters and within bodies of active genes in these three regions. More importantly, however, HP1a binding at promoters of active genes is independent of H3K9me and POF. Rather, it is associated with heterochromatin protein 2 (HP2) and open chromatin. Our results support a hypothesis in which HP1a nucleates with high affinity independently of H3K9me in promoters of active genes and then spreads via H3K9 methylation and transient looping contacts with those H3K9me target sites.

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  • 12.
    Johansson, Anna-Mia
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Allgardsson, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Stenberg, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    msl2 mRNA is bound by free nuclear MSL complex in Drosophila melanogaster2011In: Nucleic Acids Research, ISSN 0305-1048, E-ISSN 1362-4962, Vol. 39, no 15, p. 6428-6439Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In Drosophila, the global increase in transcription from the male X chromosome to compensate for its monosomy is mediated by the male-specific lethal (MSL) complex consisting of five proteins and two non-coding RNAs, roX1 and roX2. After an initial sequence-dependent recognition by the MSL complex of 150-300 high affinity sites, the spread to the majority of the X-linked genes depends on local MSL-complex concentration and active transcription. We have explored whether any additional RNA species are associated with the MSL complex. No additional roX RNA species were found, but a strong association was found between a spliced and poly-adenylated msl2 RNA and the MSL complex. Based on our results, we propose a model in which a non-chromatin-associated partial or complete MSL-complex titrates newly transcribed msl2 mRNA and thus regulates the amount of available MSL complex by feedback. This represents a novel mechanism in chromatin structure regulation.

  • 13.
    Johansson, Anna-Mia
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Genome-wide mapping of Painting of fourth on Drosophila melanogaster salivary gland polytene chromosomes2014In: Genomics Data, E-ISSN 2213-5960, Vol. 2, p. 63-65Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The protein Painting of fourth (POF) in Drosophila melanogaster specifically targets and stimulates expression output from the heterochromatic 4th chromosome, thereby representing an autosome specific protein [1,2]. Despite the high specificity for chromosome 4 genes, POF is occasionally observed binding to the cytological region 2L:31 in males and females [3] and two loci on the X-chromosome, PoX1 and PoX2 only in females [4]. Here we provide a detailed description of the experimental design and analysis of the tiling array data presented by Lundberg and colleagues in G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics 2013 [4], where the female specific POF binding to PoX1 and PoX2 loci on the X chromosome was reported. We show the genome-wide high resolution binding profile of the POF protein where these different POF binding sites are detected. The complete data set is available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/ (accession: GSE45402).

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  • 14.
    Johansson, Anna-Mia
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Stenberg, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Allgardsson, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    POF Regulates the Expression of Genes on the Fourth Chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster by Binding to Nascent RNA2012In: Molecular and Cellular Biology, ISSN 0270-7306, E-ISSN 1098-5549, Vol. 32, no 11, p. 2121-2134Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    In Drosophila, two chromosome-wide compensatory systems have been characterized: the dosage compensation system that acts on the male X chromosome and the chromosome-specific regulation of genes located on the heterochromatic fourth chromosome. Dosage compensation in Drosophila is accomplished by hypertranscription of the single male X chromosome mediated by the male-specific lethal (MSL) complex. The mechanism of this compensation is suggested to involve enhanced transcriptional elongation mediated by the MSL complex, while the mechanism of compensation mediated by the painting of fourth (POF) protein on the fourth chromosome has remained elusive. Here, we show that POF binds to nascent RNA, and this binding is associated with increased transcription output from chromosome 4. We also show that genes located in heterochromatic regions spend less time in transition from the site of transcription to the nuclear envelope. These results provide useful insights into the means by which genes in heterochromatic regions can overcome the repressive influence of their hostile environment.

  • 15.
    Johansson, Anna-Mia
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Stenberg, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Bernhardsson, Carolina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Painting of fourth and chromosome-wide regulation of the 4th chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster.2007In: EMBO J, ISSN 0261-4189, Vol. 26, no 9, p. 2307-2316Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Drosophila melanogaster exhibits two expression-regulating systems that target whole, specific chromosomes: the dosage compensation system whereby the male-specific lethal complex doubles transcription of genes on the male X-chromosome and the chromosome 4-specific protein Painting of fourth, POF. POF is the first example of an autosome-specific protein and its presence raises the question of the universality of chromosome-specific regulation. Here we show that POF and heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) are involved in the global regulation of the 4th chromosome. Contrary to previous conclusions, Pof is not essential for survival of diplo-4th karyotype flies. However, Pof is essential for survival of haplo-4th individuals and expression of chromosome 4 genes in diplo-4th individuals is decreased in the absence of Pof. Mapping of POF using chromatin immunoprecipitation suggested that it binds within genes. Furthermore, we show that POF binding is dependent on heterochromatin and that POF and HP1 bind interdependently to the 4th chromosome. We propose a balancing mechanism involving POF and HP1 that provides a feedback system for fine-tuning expression status of genes on the 4th chromosome.

  • 16.
    Johansson, Anna-Mia
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP).
    Stenberg, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Pettersson, Fredrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    POF and HP1 bind expressed exons, suggesting a balancing mechanism for gene regulation2007In: PLoS Genet, ISSN 1553-7404, Vol. 3, no 11, p. e209-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Two specific chromosome-targeting and gene regulatory systems are present in Drosophila melanogaster. The male X chromosome is targeted by the male-specific lethal complex believed to mediate the 2-fold up-regulation of the X-linked genes, and the highly heterochromatic fourth chromosome is specifically targeted by the Painting of Fourth (POF) protein, which, together with heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1), modulates the expression level of genes on the fourth chromosome. Here we use chromatin immunoprecipitation and tiling microarray analysis to map POF and HP1 on the fourth chromosome in S2 cells and salivary glands at high resolution. The enrichment profiles were complemented by transcript profiles to examine the link between binding and transcripts. The results show that POF specifically binds to genes, with a strong preference for exons, and the HP1 binding profile is a mirror image of POF, although HP1 displays an additional "peak" in the promoter regions of bound genes. HP1 binding within genes is much higher than the basal HP1 enrichment on Chromosome 4. Our results suggest a balancing mechanism for the regulation of the fourth chromosome where POF and HP1 competitively bind at increasing levels with increased transcriptional activity. In addition, our results contradict transposable elements as a major nucleation site for HP1 on the fourth chromosome.

  • 17.
    Kim, Maria
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Ekhteraei-Tousi, Samaneh
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Lewerentz, Jacob
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    The X-linked 1.688 satellite in Drosophila melanogaster promotes specific targeting by Painting of Fourth2018In: Genetics, ISSN 0016-6731, E-ISSN 1943-2631, Vol. 208, no 2, p. 623-632Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Repetitive DNA, represented by transposons and satellite DNA, constitutes a large portion of eukaryotic genomes, being the major component of constitutive heterochromatin. There is a growing body of evidence that it regulates several nuclear functions including chromatin state and the proper functioning of centromeres and telomeres. The 1.688 satellite is one of the most abundant repetitive sequences in Drosophila melanogaster, with the longest array being located in the pericentromeric region of the X-chromosome. Short arrays of 1.688 repeats are widespread within the euchromatic part of the X-chromosome, and these arrays were recently suggested to assist in recognition of the X-chromosome by the dosage compensation male-specific lethal complex. We discovered that a short array of 1.688 satellite repeats is essential for recruitment of the protein POF to a previously described site on the X-chromosome (PoX2) and to various transgenic constructs. On an isolated target, i.e., an autosomic transgene consisting of a gene upstream of 1.688 satellite repeats, POF is recruited to the transgene in both males and females. The sequence of the satellite, as well as its length and position within the recruitment element, are the major determinants of targeting. Moreover, the 1.688 array promotes POF targeting to the roX1-proximal PoX1 site in trans Finally, binding of POF to the 1.688-related satellite-enriched sequences is conserved in evolution. We hypothesize that the 1.688 satellite functioned in an ancient dosage compensation system involving POF targeting to the X-chromosome.

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  • 18.
    Kim, Maria
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Medicine).
    Faucillion, Marie-Line
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    RNA-on-X 1 and 2 in Drosophila melanogaster fulfill separate functions in dosage compensation2018In: PLOS Genetics, ISSN 1553-7390, E-ISSN 1553-7404, Vol. 14, no 12, article id e1007842Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In Drosophila melanogaster, the male-specific lethal (MSL) complex plays a key role in dosage compensation by stimulating expression of male X-chromosome genes. It consists of MSL proteins and two long noncoding RNAs, roX1 and roX2, that are required for spreading of the complex on the chromosome and are redundant in the sense that loss of either does not affect male viability. However, despite rapid evolution, both roX species are present in diverse Drosophilidae species, raising doubts about their full functional redundancy. Thus, we have investigated consequences of deleting roX1 and/or roX2 to probe their specific roles and redundancies in Dmelanogaster. We have created a new mutant allele of roX2 and show that roX1 and roX2 have partly separable functions in dosage compensation. In larvae, roX1 is the most abundant variant and the only variant present in the MSL complex when the complex is transmitted (physically associated with the X-chromosome) in mitosis. Loss of roX1 results in reduced expression of the genes on the X-chromosome, while loss of roX2 leads to MSL-independent upregulation of genes with male-biased testis-specific transcription. In roX1 roX2mutant, gene expression is strongly reduced in a manner that is not related to proximity to high-affinity sites. Our results suggest that high tolerance of mis-expression of the X-chromosome has evolved. We propose that this may be a common property of sex-chromosomes, that dosage compensation is a stochastic process and its precision for each individual gene is regulated by the density of high-affinity sites in the locus.

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  • 19.
    Larsson, Jan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Chen, J D
    Rasheva, Vanya
    Rasmuson-Lestander, Åsa
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Pirrotta, V
    Painting of fourth, a chromosome-specific protein in Drosophila.2001In: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, ISSN 0027-8424, Vol. 98, no 11, p. 6273-8Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Chromosome-specific gene regulation is known thus far only as a mechanism to equalize the transcriptional activity of the single male X chromosome with that of the two female X chromosomes. In Drosophila melanogaster, a complex including the five Male-Specific Lethal (MSL) proteins, "paints" the male X chromosome, mediating its hypertranscription. Here, with the molecular cloning of Painting of fourth (Pof), we describe a previously uncharacterized gene encoding a chromosome-specific protein in Drosophila. Unlike the MSL proteins, POF paints an autosome, the fourth chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. Chromosome translocation analysis shows that the binding depends on an initiation site in the proximal region of chromosome 4 and spreads in cis to involve the entire chromosome. The spreading depends on sequences or structures specific to chromosome 4 and cannot extend to parts of other chromosomes translocated to the fourth. Spreading can also occur in trans to a paired homologue that lacks the initiation region. In the related species Drosophila busckii, POF paints the entire X chromosome exclusively in males, suggesting relationships between the fourth chromosome and the X and between POF complexes and dosage-compensation complexes.

  • 20.
    Larsson, Jan
    et al.
    Umeå University. Department of Pharmacology, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
    Koskinen, Lars-Owe D.
    Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, S-901 85 Umeå, Sweden; Division of Biomedicine, Department of NBC Defence, National Defence Research Establishment, S-901 82 Umeå, Sweden.
    Wahlström, Göran
    Umeå University.
    Effects of TRH and atropine on induction and duration of anesthesia with propofol in rats.1996In: Peptides, ISSN 0196-9781, E-ISSN 1873-5169, Vol. 17, no 2, p. 293-297Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The effects of IV TRH pretreatment on induction of anesthesia with propofol or pentobarbital were investigated in rats. The effects of IV TRH, administered after induction, on duration of propofol anesthesia and the interaction with atropine were also studied. The doses of propofol or pentobarbital were not influenced by TRH. TRH reduced duration of anesthesia after propofol, with higher brain concentrations of propofol at recovery. Atropine did not block this effect, but given alone prolonged duration of anesthesia. It is concluded that TRH shortens the duration of propofol anesthesia, probably due to a pharmacodynamic effect and not to a pharmacokinetic interaction.

  • 21.
    Larsson, Jan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Meller, Victoria H
    Dosage compensation, the origin and the afterlife of sex chromosomes.2006In: Chromosome Res, ISSN 0967-3849, Vol. 14, no 4, p. 417-31Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Over the past 100 years Drosophila has been developed into an outstanding model system for the study of evolutionary processes. A fascinating aspect of evolution is the differentiation of sex chromosomes. Organisms with highly differentiated sex chromosomes, such as the mammalian X and Y, must compensate for the imbalance in gene dosage that this creates. The need to adjust the expression of sex-linked genes is a potent force driving the rise of regulatory mechanisms that act on an entire chromosome. This review will contrast the process of dosage compensation in Drosophila with the divergent strategies adopted by other model organisms. While the machinery of sex chromosome compensation is different in each instance, all share the ability to direct chromatin modifications to an entire chromosome. This review will also explore the idea that chromosome-targeting systems are sometimes adapted for other purposes. This appears the likely source of a chromosome-wide targeting system displayed by the Drosophila fourth chromosome

  • 22.
    Larsson, Jan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Rasmuson-Lestander, Åsa
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Cloning, mapping and mutational analysis of the S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase gene in Drosophila melanogaster.1997In: Mol Gen Genet, ISSN 0026-8925, Vol. 256, no 6, p. 652-60Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase is a key enzyme in the synthesis of polyamines. These small cationic molecules are required for growth and development in all organisms. A wealth of biological processes, including synthesis of DNA and protein and condensation of chromatin, involve polyamines. Inhibition of polyamine synthesis has been proposed for treatment of cancer but this requires more knowledge about the in vivo function of polyamines. We report here the cloning of the S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase gene from Drosophila melanogaster and the analysis of corresponding mutants. The mutant phenotypes are similar to those previously described for ribosomal protein genes (Minutes) and rRNA genes (bobbed). This work elucidates the in vivo consequences of impaired polyamine synthesis with respect to the development of a whole animal.

  • 23.
    Larsson, Jan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Rasmuson-Lestander, Åsa
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Molecular cloning of the S-adenosylmethionine synthetase gene in Drosophila melanogaster.1994In: FEBS Lett, ISSN 0014-5793, Vol. 342, no 3, p. 329-33Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    We have isolated and sequenced cDNA clones encoding the Drosophila melanogaster S-adenosylmethionine synthetase. The deduced amino acid sequence contains 405 amino acid residues and shows high homology to rat, yeast, Arabidopsis and Escherichia coli counterparts. The gene is transcribed throughout Drosophila development but its main activity is seen in adult males and females. The highest transcription activity is seen in female ovaries. The transcript has an unusually long 5'-untranslated region, which might be of importance for translational regulation

  • 24.
    Larsson, Jan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Rasmuson-Lestander, Åsa
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Somatic and germline clone analysis in mutants of the S-adenosylmethionine synthetase encoding gene in Drosophila melanogaster.1998In: FEBS Lett, ISSN 0014-5793, Vol. 427, no 1, p. 119-23Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    We have analysed the phenotypic consequences of homozygous mutant clones in the S-adenosylmethionine synthetase encoding gene in Drosophila melanogaster. The results suggest that SamS function is required for cell proliferation/growth in embryonic/early larval cells and during development of imaginal disc cells. Homozygous SamS germline clones can, however, develop and give rise to viable heterozygous offspring. This offspring expresses a Minute-like phenotype. We suggest that this phenotype is caused by an obstruction of the polyamine biosynthesis

  • 25.
    Larsson, Jan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP).
    Svensson, Malin J
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP).
    Stenberg, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP).
    Mäkitalo, Maria
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP).
    Painting of fourth in genus Drosophila suggests autosome-specific gene regulation2004In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, ISSN 0027-8424, E-ISSN 1091-6490, Vol. 101, no 26, p. 9728-9733Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Painting of fourth (POF) is a chromosome-specific protein in Drosophila and represents the first example of an autosome-specific protein. POF binds to chromosome 4 in Drosophila melanogaster, initiating at the proximal region, followed by a spreading dependent on chromosome 4-specific sequences or structures. Chromosome-specific gene regulation is known thus far only as a mechanism to equalize the transcriptional activity of the single male X chromosome with that of the two female X chromosomes. In Drosophila, a complex including the male-specific lethal proteins, "paints" the male X chromosome, mediating its hypertranscription, explained to some extent by the acetylation of lysine 16 on histone H4. Here, we show that Pof is essential for viability in both sexes and for female fertility. POF binding to an autosome, the F element, is conserved in genus Drosophila, indicating functional conservation of the autosome specificity. In three of nine studied species, POF binds to the male X chromosome. When bound to the male X, it also colocalizes with the dosage compensation protein male-specific lethal 3, suggesting a relationship to dosage compensation. The chromosome specificity is determined at the species level and not by the amino acid sequence. We argue that POF is involved in a chromosome-specific regulatory function.

  • 26.
    Larsson, Jan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Zhang, Jingpu
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Rasmuson-Lestander, Åsa
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Mutations in the Drosophila melanogaster gene encoding S-adenosylmethionine synthetase [corrected] suppress position-effect variegation.1996In: Genetics, ISSN 0016-6731, Vol. 143, no 2, p. 887-96Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    In Drosophila melanogaster, the study of trans-acting modifier mutations of position-effect variegation and Polycomb group (Pc-G) genes have been useful tools to investigate genes involved in chromatin structure. We have cloned a modifier gene, Suppressor of zeste 5 (Su(z)5), which encodes S-adenosylmethionine synthetase, and we present here molecular results and data concerning its expression in mutants and genetic interactions. The mutant alleles Su(z)5, l(2)R23 and l(2)M6 show suppression of wm4 and also of two white mutants induced by roo element insertions in the regulatory region i.e., wis (in combination with z1) and wsp1. Two of the Su(z)5 alleles, as well as a deletion of the gene, also act as enhancers of Polycomb by increasing the size of sex combs on midleg. The results suggest that Su(z)5 is connected with regulation of chromatin structure. The enzyme S-adenosylmethionine synthetase is involved in the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine, a methyl group donor and also, after decarboxylation, a propylamino group donor in the bio-synthesis of polyamines. Our results from HPLC analysis show that in ovaries from heterozygous Su(z)5 mutants the content of spermine is significantly reduced. Results presented here suggest that polyamines are an important molecule class in the regulation of chromatin structure.

  • 27.
    Lewerentz, Jacob
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Johansson, Anna-Mia
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Stenberg, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences.
    Transposon activity, local duplications and propagation of structural variants across haplotypes drive the evolution of the Drosophila S2 cell line2022In: BMC Genomics, E-ISSN 1471-2164, Vol. 23, no 1, article id 276Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Immortalized cell lines are widely used model systems whose genomes are often highly rearranged and polyploid. However, their genome structure is seldom deciphered and is thus not accounted for during analyses. We therefore used linked short- and long-read sequencing to perform haplotype-level reconstruction of the genome of a Drosophila melanogaster cell line (S2-DRSC) with a complex genome structure.

    Results: Using a custom implementation (that is designed to use ultra-long reads in complex genomes with nested rearrangements) to call structural variants (SVs), we found that the most common SV was repetitive sequence insertion or deletion (> 80% of SVs), with Gypsy retrotransposon insertions dominating. The second most common SV was local sequence duplication. SNPs and other SVs were rarer, but several large chromosomal translocations and mitochondrial genome insertions were observed. Haplotypes were highly similar at the nucleotide level but structurally very different. Insertion SVs existed at various haplotype frequencies and were unlinked on chromosomes, demonstrating that haplotypes have different structures and suggesting the existence of a mechanism that allows SVs to propagate across haplotypes. Finally, using public short-read data, we found that transposable element insertions and local duplications are common in other D. melanogaster cell lines.

    Conclusions: The S2-DRSC cell line evolved through retrotransposon activity and vast local sequence duplications, that we hypothesize were the products of DNA re-replication events. Additionally, mutations can propagate across haplotypes (possibly explained by mitotic recombination), which enables fine-tuning of mutational impact and prevents accumulation of deleterious events, an inherent problem of clonal reproduction. We conclude that traditional linear homozygous genome representation conceals the complexity when dealing with rearranged and heterozygous clonal cells.

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  • 28.
    Lindehell, Henrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Glotov, Alexander
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Medicine).
    Dorafshan, Eshagh
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Medicine).
    Schwartz, Yuri B.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Medicine).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    The role of H3K36 methylation and associated methyltransferases in chromosome-specific gene regulation2021In: Science Advances, E-ISSN 2375-2548, Vol. 7, no 40, article id eabh4390Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In Drosophila, two chromosomes require special mechanisms to balance their transcriptional output to the rest of the genome. These are the male-specific lethal complex targeting the male X chromosome and Painting of fourth targeting chromosome 4. Here, we explore the role of histone H3 methylated at lysine-36 (H3K36) and the associated methyltransferases—Set2, NSD, and Ash1—in these two chromosome-specific systems. We show that the loss of Set2 impairs the MSL complex–mediated dosage compensation; however, the effect is not recapitulated by H3K36 replacement and indicates an alternative target of Set2. Unexpectedly, balanced transcriptional output from the fourth chromosome requires intact H3K36 and depends on the additive functions of NSD and Ash1. We conclude that H3K36 methylation and the associated methyltransferases are important factors to balance transcriptional output of the male X chromosome and the fourth chromosome. Furthermore, our study highlights the pleiotropic effects of these enzymes.

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  • 29.
    Lindehell, Henrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Kim, Maria
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Proximity ligation assays of protein and RNA interactions in the male-specific lethal complex on Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosomes2015In: Chromosoma, ISSN 0009-5915, E-ISSN 1432-0886, Vol. 124, no 3, p. 385-395Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In Drosophila, the male-specific lethal (MSL) complex specifically targets the male X chromosome and participates in a twofold increase in expression output leading to functional dosage compensation. The complex includes five proteins and two non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). A number of additional associated factors have also been identified. However, the components' roles and interactions have not been fully elucidated. The in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) provides a sensitive means to determine whether proteins and other factors have bound to chromosomes in close proximity to each other, and thus may interact. Thus, we modified, tested, and applied the assay to probe interactions of MSL complex components on polytene chromosomes. We show that in situ PLA can detect and map both protein-protein and protein-ncRNA interactions on polytene chromosomes at high resolution. We further show that all five protein components of the MSL complex are in close proximity to each other, and the ncRNAs roX1 and roX2 bind the complex in close proximity to MLE. Our results also indicate that JIL1, a histone H3 Ser10 kinase enriched on the male X chromosome, interacts with MSL1 and MSL2, but not MSL3 of the MSL complex. In addition, we corroborate proposed interactions of the MSL complex with both CLAMP and TopoII.

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  • 30.
    Lindehell, Henrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Schwartz, Yuri B.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Medicine).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Methylation of lysine 36 on histone H3 is required to control transposon activities in somatic cells2023In: Life Science Alliance, E-ISSN 2575-1077, Vol. 6, no 8, article id e202201832Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Transposable elements constitute a substantial portion of most eukaryotic genomes and their activity can lead to developmental and neuronal defects. In the germline, transposon activity is antagonized by the PIWI-interacting RNA pathway tasked with repression of transposon transcription and degrading transcripts that have already been produced. However, most of the genes required for transposon control are not expressed outside the germline, prompting the question: what causes deleterious transposons activity in the soma and how is it managed? Here, we show that disruptions of the Histone 3 lysine 36 methylation machinery led to increased transposon transcription in Drosophila melanogaster brains and that there is division of labour for the repression of transposable elements between the different methyltransferases Set2, NSD, and Ash1. Furthermore, we show that disruption of methylation leads to somatic activation of key genes in the PIWI-interacting RNA pathway and the preferential production of RNA from dual-strand piRNA clusters.

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  • 31.
    Lundberg, Lina E
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Figueiredo, Margarida L A
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Stenberg, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Buffering and proteolysis are induced by segmental monosomy in Drosophila melanogaster2012In: Nucleic Acids Research, ISSN 0305-1048, E-ISSN 1362-4962, Vol. 40, no 13, p. 5926-5937Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Variation in the number of individual chromosomes (chromosomal aneuploidy) or chromosome segments (segmental aneuploidy) is associated with developmental abnormalities and reduced fitness in all species examined; it is the leading cause of miscarriages and mental retardation and a hallmark of cancer. However, despite their documented importance in disease, the effects of aneuploidies on the transcriptome remain largely unknown. We have examined the expression effects of seven heterozygous chromosomal deficiencies, both singly and in all pairwise combinations, in Drosophila melanogaster. The results show that genes in one copy are buffered, i.e. expressed more strongly than the expected 50% of wild-type level, the buffering is general and not influenced by other monosomic regions. Furthermore, long genes are significantly more highly buffered than short genes and gene length appears to be the primary determinant of the buffering degree. For short genes the degree of buffering depends on expression level and expression pattern. Furthermore, the results show that in deficiency heterozygotes the expression of genes involved in proteolysis is enhanced and negatively correlates with the degree of buffering. Thus, enhanced proteolysis appears to be a general response to aneuploidy.

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  • 32.
    Lundberg, Lina E
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Kim, Maria
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Johansson, Anna-Mia
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Faucillion, Marie-Line
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Josupeit, Rafael
    German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Targeting of painting of fourth to roX1 and roX2 proximal sites suggests evolutionary links between dosage compensation and the regulation of the 4th chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster2013In: G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, E-ISSN 2160-1836, Vol. 3, no 8, p. 1325-1334Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In Drosophila melanogaster, two chromosome-specific targeting and regulatory systems have been described. The male-specific lethal (MSL) complex supports dosage compensation by stimulating gene expression from the male X-chromosome and the protein Painting of fourth (POF) specifically targets and stimulates expression from the heterochromatic 4(th) chromosome. The targeting sites of both systems are well characterized, but the principles underlying the targeting mechanisms have remained elusive. Here we present an original observation, namely that POF specifically targets two loci on the X-chromosome, PoX1 and PoX2 (POF-on-X). PoX1 and PoX2 are located close to the roX1 and roX2 genes, which encode ncRNAs important for the correct targeting and spreading of the MSL-complex. We also found that the targeting of POF to PoX1 and PoX2 is largely dependent on roX expression and identified a high-affinity target region which ectopically recruits POF. The results presented support a model linking the MSL-complex to POF and dosage compensation to regulation of heterochromatin.

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  • 33.
    Lundberg, Lina E
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Stenberg, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    HP1a, Su(var)3-9, SETDB1 and POF stimulate or repress gene expression depending on genomic position, gene length and expression pattern in Drosophila melanogaster2013In: Nucleic Acids Research, ISSN 0305-1048, E-ISSN 1362-4962, Vol. 41, no 8, p. 4481-4494Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Heterochromatin protein 1a (HP1a) is a chromatin-associated protein important for the formation and maintenance of heterochromatin. In Drosophila, the two histone methyltransferases SETDB1 and Su(var)3-9 mediate H3K9 methylation marks that initiates the establishment and spreading of HP1a-enriched chromatin. Although HP1a is generally regarded as a factor that represses gene transcription, several reports have linked HP1a binding to active genes, and in some cases, it has been shown to stimulate transcriptional activity. To clarify the function of HP1a in transcription regulation and its association with Su(var)3-9, SETDB1 and the chromosome 4-specific protein POF, we conducted genome-wide expression studies and combined the results with available binding data in Drosophila melanogaster. The results suggest that HP1a, SETDB1 and Su(var)3-9 repress genes on chromosome 4, where non-ubiquitously expressed genes are preferentially targeted, and stimulate genes in pericentromeric regions. Further, we showed that on chromosome 4, Su(var)3-9, SETDB1 and HP1a target the same genes. In addition, we found that transposons are repressed by HP1a and Su(var)3-9 and that the binding level and expression effects of HP1a are affected by gene length. Our results indicate that genes have adapted to be properly expressed in their local chromatin environment.

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  • 34.
    Mendoza-Garcia, Patricia
    et al.
    Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Basu, Swaraj
    Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Sukumar, Sanjay Kumar
    Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Arefin, Badrul
    Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Wolfstetter, Georg
    Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Anthonydhason, Vimala
    Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Molander, Linnea
    Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Uçkun, Ezgi
    Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Lindehell, Henrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology). Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
    Lebrero-Fernandez, Cristina
    Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology). Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
    Larsson, Erik
    Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Bemark, Mats
    Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, SE-41346 Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Palmer, Ruth H.
    Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
    DamID transcriptional profiling identifies the Snail/Scratch transcription factor Kahuli as an Alk target in the Drosophila visceral mesoderm2021In: Development, ISSN 0950-1991, E-ISSN 1477-9129, Vol. 148, no 23, article id dev199465Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Development of the Drosophila visceral muscle depends on Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (Alk) receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling, which specifies founder cells (FCs) in the circular visceral mesoderm (VM). Although Alk activation by its ligand Jelly Belly (Jeb) is well characterized, few target molecules have been identified. Here, we used targeted DamID (TaDa) to identify Alk targets in embryos overexpressing Jeb versus embryos with abrogated Alk activity, revealing differentially expressed genes, including the Snail/Scratch family transcription factor Kahuli (Kah). We confirmed Kah mRNA and protein expression in the VM, and identified midgut constriction defects in Kah mutants similar to those of pointed (pnt). ChIP and RNA-Seq data analysis defined a Kah target-binding site similar to that of Snail, and identified a set of common target genes putatively regulated by Kah and Pnt during midgut constriction. Taken together, we report a rich dataset of Alk-responsive loci in the embryonic VM and functionally characterize the role of Kah in the regulation of embryonic midgut morphogenesis.

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  • 35. Pointud, J C
    et al.
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Dastugue, B
    Couderc, J L
    The BTB/POZ domain of the regulatory proteins Bric à brac 1 (BAB1) and Bric à brac 2 (BAB2) interacts with the novel Drosophila TAF(II) factor BIP2/dTAF(II)155.2001In: Dev Biol, ISSN 0012-1606, Vol. 237, no 2, p. 368-80Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    The BTB/POZ domain is an evolutionarily conserved protein-protein interaction domain present in the N-terminal region of numerous transcription factors involved in development, chromatin remodeling, and human cancers. This domain is involved in homomeric and heteromeric associations with other BTB/POZ domains. The Drosophila BTB/POZ proteins Bric à brac 1 (BAB1) and Bric à brac 2 (BAB2) are developmentally regulated transcription factors which are involved in pattern formation along the proximo-distal axis of the leg and antenna, in the morphogenesis of the adult ovaries, and in the control of sexually dimorphic characters. We have identified partners of the BAB1 protein by using the two-hybrid system. The characterization of one of these proteins, called BIP2 for BAB Interacting Protein 2, is presented. BIP2 is a novel Drosophila TATA-box Protein Associated Factor (TAF(II)), also named dTAF(II)155. We show that the BTB/POZ domains of BAB1 and BAB2 are sufficient to mediate a direct interaction with BIP2/dTAF(II)155. This provides a direct link between these BTB/POZ transcription factors and the basal transcriptional machinery. We discuss the implications of the interaction between a BTB/POZ domain and a TAF(II) for the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional control mediated by BTB/POZ transcription factors.

  • 36. Qi, Dai
    et al.
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Mannervik, Mattias
    Drosophila Ada2b is required for viability and normal histone H3 acetylation.2004In: Mol Cell Biol, ISSN 0270-7306, Vol. 24, no 18, p. 8080-9Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Regulation of chromatin through histone acetylation is an important step in gene expression. The Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase is part of protein complexes, e.g., the SAGA complex, that interact with transcriptional activators, targeting the enzyme to specific promoters and assisting in recruitment of the basal RNA polymerase transcription machinery. The Ada2 protein directly binds to Gcn5 and stimulates its catalytic activity. Drosophila contains two Ada2 proteins, Drosophila Ada2a (dAda2a) and dAda2b. We have generated flies that lack dAda2b, which is part of a Drosophila SAGA-like complex. dAda2b is required for viability in Drosophila, and its deletion causes a reduction in histone H3 acetylation. A global hypoacetylation of chromatin was detected on polytene chromosomes in dAda2b mutants. This indicates that the dGcn5-dAda2b complex could have functions in addition to assisting in transcriptional activation through gene-specific acetylation. Although the Drosophila p53 protein was previously shown to interact with the SAGA-like complex in vitro, we find that p53 induction of reaper gene expression occurs normally in dAda2b mutants. Moreover, dAda2b mutant animals show excessive p53-dependent apoptosis in response to gamma radiation. Based on this result, we speculate that dAda2b may be necessary for efficient DNA repair or generation of a DNA damage signal. This could be an evolutionarily conserved function, since a yeast ada2 mutant is also sensitive to a genotoxic agent

  • 37.
    Rasmuson, Åsa
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Somatic and germline mutagenesis assayed by the unstable zeste-white test in Drosophila melanogaster.1992In: Mutagenesis, ISSN 0267-8357, Vol. 7, no 3, p. 219-23Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    This investigation is an attempt to compare mutation rates in germinal and somatic cells by the use of the unstable zeste-white assay in Drosophila melanogaster. In this system it is possible to use the same genetic end point to measure both somatic mutations (aberrantly pigmented spots in the eyes of adult flies) and germinal mutations (males with aberrantly pigmented eyes). We used two mutagens, formaldehyde and methylmethane sulphonate (MMS), to induce mutations and two different routes of mutagen administration, larval feeding and adult feeding, and scored mutations in somatic as well as germinal cells. Both types of tissues were susceptible to MMS mutagenesis, showing elevated frequencies of both germline mutations and eye spots. Formaldehyde, however, gave no increase in the germinal mutation rate but caused somatic mutations. These were found after larval exposure, but also among the offspring of exposed males, as formation of delayed somatic mutations. The results show that somatic cells are much more sensitive in monitoring induced mutations than germinal cells in this system. We also found that spontaneous mutation rate among germinal cells is 200 times higher than that in somatic cells, which presumably is due to the involvement of a mobile element

  • 38.
    Rasmuson-Lestander, Åsa
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Rasmuson, Bertil
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Position-effect variegation and z1 mediated white repression in the In(1)wis system in Drosophila melanogaster.1993In: Hereditas, ISSN 0018-0661, Vol. 119, no 3, p. 209-18Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    We have characterized a new X-chromosomal inversion in Drosophila melanogaster, extending from just distal of white to just proximal of the bb locus. The inversion places the w-isoxanthopterinless (wis) allele close to heterochromatin and under the influence of position-effect variegation (PEV). The wis gene activity is also regulated by chromosome pairing-dependent z1-mediated repression. By changing the environment, using specific second site modifiers, altering the amount of heterochromatin, and disturbing the chromosome pairing, we have been able to separately affect the two regulatory phenomena and analyse their respective impact on the wis regulation. We provide evidence that under normal conditions PEV and z1 mediated white repression are additive. However, at extreme levels of wis repression by PEV, changes in the z1-mediated interactions are not observable. This indicates that PEV is epistatic to z1-mediated regulation of wis. We also show that deficiencies in the short arm of Y act as suppressors of the z1-mediated white repression. This suppression does not influence PEV and is thus not due to the lower amount of heterochromatin. We propose that nonhomologous chromosome pairing between X and Y is important for the synapsis-dependent z1-mediated repression of white transcription activity in this system

  • 39. Sidorenko, D. S.
    et al.
    Zykova, T. Yu
    Khoroshko, V. A.
    Pokholkova, G. , V
    Demakov, S. A.
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Belyaeva, E. S.
    Zhimulev, I. F.
    Polytene chromosomes reflect functional organization of the Drosophila genome2019In: Vavilovski Zhurnal Genetiki i Selektsii, ISSN 2500-0462, Vol. 23, no 2, p. 148-153Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Polytene chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster are a convenient model for studying interphase chromosomes of eukaryotes. They are giant in size in comparison with diploid cell chromosomes and have a pattern of cross stripes resulting from the ordered chromatid arrangement. Each region of polytene chromosomes has a unique banding pattern. Using the model of four chromatin types that reveals domains of varying compaction degrees, we were able to correlate the physical and cytological maps of some polytene chromosome regions and to show the main properties of genetic and molecular organization of bands and interbands, that we describe in this review. On the molecular map of the genome, the interbands correspond to decompacted aquamarine chromatin and 5' ends of ubiquitously active genes. Gray bands contain lazurite and malachite chromatin, intermediate in the level of compaction, and, mainly, coding parts of genes. Dense black transcriptionally inactive bands are enriched in ruby chromatin. Localization of several dozens of interbands on the genome molecular map allowed us to study in detail their architecture according to the data of whole genome projects. The distribution of proteins and regulatory elements of the genome in the promoter regions of genes localized in the interbands shows that these parts of interbands are probably responsible for the formation of open chromatin that is visualized in polytene chromosomes as interbands.Thus, the permanent genetic activity of interbands and gray bands and the inactivity of genes in black bands are the basis of the universal banding pattern in the chromosomes of all Drosophila tissues. The smallest fourth chromosome of Drosophila with an atypical protein composition of chromatin is a special case. Using the model of four chromatin states and fluorescent in situ hybridization, its cytological map was refined and the genomic coordinates of all bands and interbands were determined. It was shown that, in spite of the peculiarities of this chromosome, its band organization in general corresponds to the rest of the genome. Extremely long genes of different Drosophila chromosomes do not fit the common scheme, since they can occupy a series of alternating bands and interbands (up to nine chromosomal structures) formed by parts of these genes.

  • 40. Sidorenko, Darya S.
    et al.
    Sidorenko, Ivan A.
    Zykova, Tatyana Yu.
    Goncharov, Fedor P.
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Zhimulev, Igor F.
    Molecular and genetic organization of bands and interbands in the dot chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster2019In: Chromosoma, ISSN 0009-5915, E-ISSN 1432-0886, Vol. 128, no 2, p. 97-117Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The fourth chromosome smallest in the genome of Drosophila melanogaster differs from other chromosomes in many ways. It has high repeat density in conditions of a large number of active genes. Gray bands represent a significant part of this polytene chromosome. Specific proteins including HP1a, POF, and dSETDB1 establish the epigenetic state of this unique chromatin domain. In order to compare maps of localization of genes, bands, and chromatin types of the fourth chromosome, we performed FISH analysis of 38 probes chosen according to the model of four chromatin types. It allowed clarifying the dot chromosome cytological map consisting of 16 loose gray bands, 11 dense black bands, and 26 interbands. We described the relation between chromatin states and bands. Open aquamarine chromatin mostly corresponds to interbands and it contains 5UTRs of housekeeping genes. Their coding parts are embedded in gray bands substantially composed of lazurite chromatin of intermediate compaction. Polygenic black bands contain most of dense ruby chromatin, and also some malachite and lazurite. Having an accurate map of the fourth chromosome bands and its correspondence to physical map, we found that DNase I hypersensitivity sites, ORC2 protein, and P-elements are mainly located in open aquamarine chromatin, while element 1360, characteristic of the fourth chromosome, occupies band chromatin types. POF and HP1a proteins providing special organization of this chromosome are mostly located in aquamarine and lazurite chromatin. In general, band organization of the fourth chromosome shares the features of the whole Drosophila genome.

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  • 41. Stabell, Marianne
    et al.
    Eskeland, Ragnhild
    Bjørkmo, Mona
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Aalen, Reidunn B
    Imhof, Axel
    Lambertsson, Andrew
    The Drosophila G9a gene encodes a multi-catalytic histone methyltransferase required for normal development.2006In: Nucleic Acids Res, ISSN 1362-4962, Vol. 34, no 16, p. 4609-21Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Mammalian G9a is a histone H3 Lys-9 (H3-K9) methyltransferase localized in euchromatin and acts as a co-regulator for specific transcription factors. G9a is required for proper development in mammals as g9a-/g9a- mice show growth retardation and early lethality. Here we describe the cloning, the biochemical and genetical analyses of the Drosophila homolog dG9a. We show that dG9a shares the structural organization of mammalian G9a, and that it is a multi-catalytic histone methyltransferase with specificity not only for lysines 9 and 27 on H3 but also for H4. Surprisingly, it is not the H4-K20 residue that is the target for this methylation. Spatiotemporal expression analyses reveal that dG9a is abundantly expressed in the gonads of both sexes, with no detectable expression in gonadectomized adults. In addition we find a low but clearly observable level of dG9a transcript in developing embryos, larvae and pupae. Genetic and RNAi experiments reveal that dG9a is involved in ecdysone regulatory pathways.

  • 42. Stabell, Marianne
    et al.
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Aalen, Reidunn B
    Lambertsson, Andrew
    Drosophila dSet2 functions in H3-K36 methylation and is required for development.2007In: Biochem Biophys Res Commun, ISSN 0006-291X, Vol. 359, no 3, p. 784-9Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Lysine methylation has important functions in biological processes that range from heterochromatin formation to transcription regulation. Here, we demonstrate that Drosophila dSet2 encodes a developmentally essential histone H3 lysine 36 (K36) methyltransferase. Larvae subjected to RNA interference-mediated (RNAi) suppression of dSet2 lack dSet2 expression and H3-K36 methylation, indicating that dSet2 is the sole enzyme responsible for this modification in Drosophila melanogaster. dSet2 RNAi blocks puparium formation and adult development, and causes partial (blister) separation of the dorsal and ventral wing epithelia, defects suggesting a failure of the ecdysone-controlled genetic program. A transheterozygous EcR null mutation/dSet2 RNAi combination produces a complete (balloon) separation of the wing surfaces, revealing a genetic interaction between EcR and dSet2. Using immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that dSet2 associates with the hyperphosphorylated form of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII).

  • 43.
    Stenberg, Per
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology). Computational Life Science Cluster (CLiC), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Buffering and the evolution of chromosome-wide gene regulation2011In: Chromosoma, ISSN 0009-5915, E-ISSN 1432-0886, Vol. 120, no 3, p. 213-225Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Copy number variation (CNV) in terms of aneuploidies of both entire chromosomes and chromosomal segments is an important evolutionary driving force, but it is inevitably accompanied by potentially problematic variations in gene doses and genomic instability. Thus, a delicate balance must be maintained between mechanisms that compensate for variations in gene doses (and thus allow such genomic variability) and selection against destabilizing CNVs. In Drosophila, three known compensatory mechanisms have evolved: a general segmental aneuploidy-buffering system and two chromosome-specific systems. The two chromosome-specific systems are the male-specific lethal complex, which is important for dosage compensation of the male X chromosome, and Painting of fourth, which stimulates expression of the fourth chromosome. In this review, we discuss the origin and function of buffering and compensation using Drosophila as a model.

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  • 44.
    Stenberg, Per
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Lundberg, Lina E.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Johansson, Anna-Mia
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Rydén, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Statistics.
    Svensson, Malin J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Buffering of segmental and chromosomal aneuploidies in Drosophila melanogaster2009In: PLOS Genetics, ISSN 1553-7390, E-ISSN 1553-7404, Vol. 5, no 5Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Chromosomal instability, which involves the deletion and duplication of chromosomes or chromosome parts, is a common feature of cancers, and deficiency screens are commonly used to detect genes involved in various biological pathways. However, despite their importance, the effects of deficiencies, duplications, and chromosome losses on the regulation of whole chromosomes and large chromosome domains are largely unknown. Therefore, to explore these effects, we examined expression patterns of genes in several Drosophila deficiency hemizygotes and a duplication hemizygote using microarrays. The results indicate that genes expressed in deficiency hemizygotes are significantly buffered, and that the buffering effect is general rather than being mainly mediated by feedback regulation of individual genes. In addition, differentially expressed genes in haploid condition appear to be generally more strongly buffered than ubiquitously expressed genes in haploid condition, but, among genes present in triploid condition, ubiquitously expressed genes are generally more strongly buffered than differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, we show that the 4th chromosome is compensated in response to dose differences. Our results suggest general mechanisms have evolved that stimulate or repress gene expression of aneuploid regions as appropriate, and on the 4th chromosome of Drosophila this compensation is mediated by Painting of Fourth (POF).

  • 45.
    Stenberg, Per
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Pettersson, Fredrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry.
    Saura, Anja O
    Department of Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Berglund, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry.
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Sequence signature analysis of chromosome identity in three Drosophila species2005In: BMC Bioinformatics, E-ISSN 1471-2105, Vol. 6, no 158, p. 1-17Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: All eukaryotic organisms need to distinguish each of their chromosomes. A few protein complexes have been described that recognise entire, specific chromosomes, for instance dosage compensation complexes and the recently discovered autosome-specific Painting of Fourth (POF) protein in Drosophila. However, no sequences have been found that are chromosome-specific and distributed over the entire length of the respective chromosome. Here, we present a new, unbiased, exhaustive computational method that was used to probe three Drosophila genomes for chromosome-specific sequences.

    Results: By combining genome annotations and cytological data with multivariate statistics related to three Drosophila genomes we found sequence signatures that distinguish Muller's F-elements ( chromosome 4 in D. melanogaster) from all other chromosomes in Drosophila that are not attributable to differences in nucleotide composition, simple sequence repeats or repeated elements. Based on these signatures we identified complex motifs that are strongly overrepresented in the F-elements and found indications that the D. melanogaster motif may be involved in POF-binding to the F-element. In addition, the X-chromosomes of D. melanogaster and D. yakuba can be distinguished from the other chromosomes, albeit to a lesser extent. Surprisingly, the conservation of the F-element sequence signatures extends not only between species separated by approximately 55 Myr, but also linearly along the sequenced part of the F-elements.

    Conclusion: Our results suggest that chromosome-distinguishing features are not exclusive to the sex chromosomes, but are also present on at least one autosome ( the F-element) in Drosophila.

  • 46.
    Svensson, Malin J
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Chen, J Don
    Pirrotta, Vincenzo
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    The ThioredoxinT and deadhead gene pair encode testis- and ovary-specific thioredoxins in Drosophila melanogaster.2003In: Chromosoma, ISSN 0009-5915, Vol. 112, no 3, p. 133-43Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    So far, two thioredoxin proteins, DHD and Trx-2, have been biochemically characterized in Drosophila melanogaster. Here, with the cloning and characterization of TrxT we describe an additional thioredoxin with testis-specific expression. TrxT and dhd are arranged as a gene pair, transcribed in opposite directions and sharing a 471 bp regulatory region. We show that this regulatory region is sufficient for correct expression of the two genes. This gene pair makes a good model for unraveling how closely spaced promoters are differentially regulated by a short common control region. Both TrxT and DHD proteins are localized within the nuclei in testes and ovaries, respectively. Use of a transgenic construct expressing TrxT fused to Enhanced Yellow Fluorescent Protein reveals a clear association of TrxT with the Y chromosome lampbrush loops ks-1 and kl-5 in primary spermatocytes. The association is lost in the absence of the Y chromosome. Our results suggest that nuclear thioredoxins may have regulatory functions in the germline.

  • 47.
    Svensson, Malin J
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Thioredoxin-2 affects lifespan and oxidative stress in Drosophila2007In: Hereditas, ISSN 0018-0661, E-ISSN 1601-5223, Vol. 144, no 1, p. 25-32Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Thioredoxins are proteins that have thiol-reducing activity and a characteristic conserved active site (WCGPC). They have

    several documented functions, e.g. roles in defences against oxidative stress and as electron donors for ribonucleotidereductase.

    In Drosophila melanogaster there are three ‘‘classical’’ thioredoxins with the conserved active site: deadhead,

    ThioredoxinT and Thioredoxin-2. Here, we report the creation of null-mutations in the Thioredoxin-2 (Trx-2) gene.

    Characterization of two Trx-2 mutants indicated that Trx-2 affects the lifespan of D. melanogaster, and is involved in the

    organism’s oxidative stress protection system. We found that the mutants have a shorter lifespan than wild-type flies, and

    thioredoxin double mutant flies showed lower tolerance to oxidative stress than wild-type flies, while flies carrying multiple

    copies of a Trx-2 rescue construct showed higher tolerance. These findings suggest that Trx-2 has modest or redundant

    functions in Drosophila physiology under unstressed conditions, but could be important during times of environmental

    stress.

  • 48.
    Svensson, Malin J.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Stenberg, Per
    Johansson, Anna-Mia
    Larsson, Jan
    Painting of fourth in Drosophila spermatogenesisManuscript (Other academic)
  • 49.
    Svensson, Malin J.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Stenberg, Per
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Molecular Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Organization and regulation of sex-specific thioredoxin encoding genes in genus DrosophilaManuscript (Other academic)
  • 50.
    Svensson, Malin J
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Stenberg, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Larsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå Centre for Molecular Pathogenesis (UCMP) (Faculty of Science and Technology).
    Organization and regulation of sex-specific thioredoxin encoding genes in the genus Drosophila.2007In: Dev Genes Evol, ISSN 0949-944X, Vol. 217, no 9, p. 639-50Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Thioredoxins are small thiol proteins that have a

    conserved active site sequence, WCGPC, and reduce

    disulfide bonds in various proteins using the two active site

    cysteines, a reaction that oxidizes thioredoxin and renders it

    inactive. Thioredoxin reductase returns thioredoxin to its

    reduced, active form in a reaction that converts NADPH to

    NADP+. The biological functions of thioredoxins vary

    widely; they have roles in oxidative stress protection, act as

    electron donors for ribonucleotide reductase, and form

    structural components of enzymes. To date, three thioredoxin

    genes have been characterized in Drosophila melanogaster:

    the generally expressed Thioredoxin-2 (Trx-2) and the two

    sex-specific genes ThioredoxinT (TrxT) and deadhead

    (dhd). The male-specific TrxT and the female-specific dhd

    are located as a gene pair, transcribed in opposite directions,

    with only 470 bp between their transcription start points. We

    show in this study that all three D. melanogaster thioredoxins

    are conserved in 11 other Drosophilid species, which are

    believed to have diverged up to 40 Ma ago and that Trx-2 is

    conserved all the way to Tribolium castaneum. We have

    found that the intriguing gene organization and regulation of

    TrxT and dhd is remarkably well conserved and identified

    potential conserved regulatory sequences. In addition, we

    show that the 50–70 C terminal amino acids of TrxT constitute

    a hyper-variable domain, which could play a role in

    sexual conflict and male–female co-evolution.

12 1 - 50 of 52
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