Bilateral BBSRC-SFI: Understanding the impact of divergent Sin3A/HDAC1 complex assemblies in gene regulation
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leicester
Department Name: Molecular and Cell Biology
Abstract
'Histone deacetylase' (HDAC) enzymes, the class of enzymes which catalyse the removal of the acetyl group from acetylated lysines, have been implicated in almost all cellular processes, including cell cycle, DNA synthesis, DNA repair and gene expression. There are 18 HDACs in mammals, which can be categorized initially as having either a Zn2+-dependent (Class I, II and IV) or NAD+ dependent (Class III - Sirtuins) catalytic domain; and then further by the presence of additional N-terminal domains and a tissue specific expression pattern (Class II and IV) or a short C-terminal tail and ubiquitous expression (Class I). Classically, class I HDACs (HDAC1, 2 and 3) are thought to be involved in the process of gene repression as the catalytic core of canonical co-repressor complexes, such as Sin3A, NuRD and CoREST. The Sin3a complex is thought to be recruited to chromatin by a combination of transcription factors and Sin3-associated proteins (SAPs) where it then mediates histone deacetylation and consequent chromatin compaction. Clinically, generic HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) are used to treat both depression (Valproic acid) and subcutaneous T-cell lymphoma (SAHA). Despite this clinical importance, almost nothing is known about their mode of action. Furthermore, the use of these generic HDACi, is associated with a number of debilitating side-effects including, fatigue, diarrhoea, low platelet counts (thrombocytopaenia), and hyperammonemia, which can lead to brain damage. Therefore, given the positive therapeutic value of HDAC inhibition in numerous disease states, and the appalling side-effects of generic HDACi, the logical way forward is to disrupt individual HDAC complexes. The Sin3A/HDAC1 complex for instance, has been shown to play a critical role in cell cycle regulation, therefore inhibition of additional HDAC1/2 complexes (NuRD, CoREST and MiDAC) may be unnecessary to arrest the growth of cancer cells.
A key challenge to specifically inhibiting individual HDAC complexes will be to understand how they are assembled, and which co-factors are essential for their function. To date, most major proteomics studies of the Sin3A complex in mammals have used cancer cell lines. In this proposal, we aim to identify all essential co-factors and substrates (including non-histones) of the Sin3A complex in an array of primary cell types. To achieve this, we will employ state of the art proteomic and transcriptomic approaches, developed in the Cowley and Bracken labs. The specific aims we will pursue are the following: i) assess the requirement for the stem cell specific SAPs, Fam60a and Tet1, to the function of Sin3A in cells, ii) test whether the composition of Sin3A is the same in different types of primary cells, and iii) ask what fraction of the aceytlome (around 4,000 site of Lys-ac in most cell types) is regulated specifically by the Sin3A complex. By using Sin3A as an exemplar of a class I HDAC complex, we expect to extend our understanding of HDAC complexes in a cellular context. By understanding the molecular basis for how HDAC complexes function we can use that knowledge to design new drugs to treat a variety of diseases including, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer.
A key challenge to specifically inhibiting individual HDAC complexes will be to understand how they are assembled, and which co-factors are essential for their function. To date, most major proteomics studies of the Sin3A complex in mammals have used cancer cell lines. In this proposal, we aim to identify all essential co-factors and substrates (including non-histones) of the Sin3A complex in an array of primary cell types. To achieve this, we will employ state of the art proteomic and transcriptomic approaches, developed in the Cowley and Bracken labs. The specific aims we will pursue are the following: i) assess the requirement for the stem cell specific SAPs, Fam60a and Tet1, to the function of Sin3A in cells, ii) test whether the composition of Sin3A is the same in different types of primary cells, and iii) ask what fraction of the aceytlome (around 4,000 site of Lys-ac in most cell types) is regulated specifically by the Sin3A complex. By using Sin3A as an exemplar of a class I HDAC complex, we expect to extend our understanding of HDAC complexes in a cellular context. By understanding the molecular basis for how HDAC complexes function we can use that knowledge to design new drugs to treat a variety of diseases including, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer.
Technical Summary
Histone deacetylase 1 and 2 (HDAC1/2) regulate global levels of lysine acetylation as common catalytic components of four distinct co-repressor complexes; Sin3A, NuRD, CoREST and MiDAC. These complexes have been implicated in almost all cellular process from cell cycle, DNA synthesis, DNA repair and gene expression. In the clinic, pan-HDAC inhibitors (HDACi, e.g. valproic acid) are used to treat cancer and depression, although their use is associated with a number of debilitating side-effects. More specific HDACi, such as Entinostat (which targets HDAC1/2), have been developed. However, these still have the issue that HDAC1/2 are present in all four complexes, which the genetic evidence tells us have unique functions. Therefore, given the positive therapeutic value of HDAC inhibition in numerous disease states, and the detrimental side-effects of generic HDACi, the logical way forward is to perturb individual HDAC complexes. Our goal is to define a network of target genes and substrates (including non-histones), for each of the four HDAC1/2 complexes, beginning (in this application) with Sin3A. Sin3A is an essential complex in all organisms and cell types. In addition to HDAC1/2, it contains a large number of accessory proteins which are thought to fine-tune its activity in cells. Using a combination of cutting edge techniques (enDIP-iBAQ, ChIP-RX, Bio-ID and SILAC/mass-spec) we will examine i) the requirement for individual accessory proteins to Sin3A function (Aim1), ii) the composition of Sin3A complexes in different primary cell types (Aim2) and iii) the 'portion' of the acetylome (7,668 Lys-Ac sites in ES cells) are specifically regulated by the Sin3A complex (Aim3). By utilizing Sin3A as the paradigm, we will have a greater understanding of HDAC1/2 function in a cellular context, information that will be critical to their future use as therapeutic targets in numerous disease types, including, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer.
Planned Impact
BBSRC Strategic Priorities: This work focusses on a fundamental gene regulatory mechanism that underpins normal cell homeostasis and health (Priority 3 - Biosciences for Health). Understanding how HDAC complexes function is also key to future efforts to develop improved HDACi for the treatment of different cancers and depression. Our combination of cutting-edge genomics and proteomics approaches is core to Enabling Theme 2: Exploiting new ways of working. The project is made possible by the BBSRC-SFI partnership, which forms a key part of Enabling Theme 3.
1. Commercial / Industrial -
There is a growing recognition within the pharmaceutical industry of the importance histone modifying enzymes as effective drug targets with several in the clinic or in trials. Histone deacetylase 1 and 2 (HDAC1/2) function has been implicated in almost all cellular processes including cell cycle progression, DNA repair, differentiation and cancer. HDAC enzymes are largely inactive on their own and have little inherent substrate specificity until assembled into their cognate multiprotein complexes, such as Sin3a, NuRD and Co-REST. By examining each of the four canonical HDAC1/2 complexes individually (beginning with Sin3A in this application) we will have a greater understanding of their roles in a physiological context (target genes, accessory proteins, substrates, etc.), information which that will be critical to their future use as therapeutic targets. Our long-term goal is to be able to specifically target individual HDAC complex functions. The effectiveness of BET family bromodomain inhibitors (e.g. JQ1), is proof of concept that perturbing individual chromatin recognition motifs is a practicable method for drugging individual multiprotein complexes. The University of Leicester has a vigorous and experienced 'Research and Enterprise Division' (RED) and an embedded unit ('The Biobator'), dedicated to exploitation of activities arising from work in biomedical research. Outputs from the project will be used by BIOBATOR to establish partnerships with industrial collaborators to exploit these findings. Similarly, Dr. Bracken has worked with TCD Technology Transfer Office to register patent applications for research conducted in his lab.
2. Societal -
HDAC inhibitors are currently used in the clinic to treat depression and cancer. It is only a matter of time before their application becomes more extensive, enhancing the well-being of society as a whole. In the laboratory, inhibition of HDAC1 and 2 reactivates alpha-globin (the foetal globin isoform) in human erythroid progenitors, making them potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of sickle cell disease. Inhibition of HDAC activity has ameliorative effects in mice models of dementia and muscular dystrophy. The essence of our project is basic science, and the therapeutic payoff long-term. However, an understanding of HDAC enzymes in their cellular context, incorporated into diverse co-repressor complexes (e.g. Sin3A), will be necessary to understand the action of existing HDACi used clinically, and in the design of small molecules which inhibit HDAC function.
3. Skills development -
This grant will directly lead to the training of one staff member in the UK and two in Ireland. Staff will gain expertise in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics research areas that will expand the skills base of the UK. As is often the case, the combination of diverse research skills will likely lead to further discoveries and technological advances as this expertise is propagated though the workforce. The exchange of knowledge between groups in the UK and Ireland will be of benefit to the science base in both countries. Staff will also gain training in skills transferable to the wider economy, including time management, communication, presentation, IT and programming and university teaching.
1. Commercial / Industrial -
There is a growing recognition within the pharmaceutical industry of the importance histone modifying enzymes as effective drug targets with several in the clinic or in trials. Histone deacetylase 1 and 2 (HDAC1/2) function has been implicated in almost all cellular processes including cell cycle progression, DNA repair, differentiation and cancer. HDAC enzymes are largely inactive on their own and have little inherent substrate specificity until assembled into their cognate multiprotein complexes, such as Sin3a, NuRD and Co-REST. By examining each of the four canonical HDAC1/2 complexes individually (beginning with Sin3A in this application) we will have a greater understanding of their roles in a physiological context (target genes, accessory proteins, substrates, etc.), information which that will be critical to their future use as therapeutic targets. Our long-term goal is to be able to specifically target individual HDAC complex functions. The effectiveness of BET family bromodomain inhibitors (e.g. JQ1), is proof of concept that perturbing individual chromatin recognition motifs is a practicable method for drugging individual multiprotein complexes. The University of Leicester has a vigorous and experienced 'Research and Enterprise Division' (RED) and an embedded unit ('The Biobator'), dedicated to exploitation of activities arising from work in biomedical research. Outputs from the project will be used by BIOBATOR to establish partnerships with industrial collaborators to exploit these findings. Similarly, Dr. Bracken has worked with TCD Technology Transfer Office to register patent applications for research conducted in his lab.
2. Societal -
HDAC inhibitors are currently used in the clinic to treat depression and cancer. It is only a matter of time before their application becomes more extensive, enhancing the well-being of society as a whole. In the laboratory, inhibition of HDAC1 and 2 reactivates alpha-globin (the foetal globin isoform) in human erythroid progenitors, making them potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of sickle cell disease. Inhibition of HDAC activity has ameliorative effects in mice models of dementia and muscular dystrophy. The essence of our project is basic science, and the therapeutic payoff long-term. However, an understanding of HDAC enzymes in their cellular context, incorporated into diverse co-repressor complexes (e.g. Sin3A), will be necessary to understand the action of existing HDACi used clinically, and in the design of small molecules which inhibit HDAC function.
3. Skills development -
This grant will directly lead to the training of one staff member in the UK and two in Ireland. Staff will gain expertise in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics research areas that will expand the skills base of the UK. As is often the case, the combination of diverse research skills will likely lead to further discoveries and technological advances as this expertise is propagated though the workforce. The exchange of knowledge between groups in the UK and Ireland will be of benefit to the science base in both countries. Staff will also gain training in skills transferable to the wider economy, including time management, communication, presentation, IT and programming and university teaching.
Publications
Chandru A
(2018)
Sin3A recruits Tet1 to the PAH1 domain via a highly conserved Sin3-Interaction Domain.
in Scientific reports
Woodley KT
(2019)
S-acylated Golga7b stabilises DHHC5 at the plasma membrane to regulate cell adhesion.
in EMBO reports
Barnes C
(2022)
Proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) reveals a dynamic LSD1-CoREST interactome during embryonic stem cell differentiation
in Molecular Omics
Smalley JP
(2020)
PROTAC-mediated degradation of class I histone deacetylase enzymes in corepressor complexes.
in Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)
Smalley JP
(2022)
Optimization of Class I Histone Deacetylase PROTACs Reveals that HDAC1/2 Degradation is Critical to Induce Apoptosis and Cell Arrest in Cancer Cells.
in Journal of medicinal chemistry
Smalley JP
(2024)
MDM2 Antagonist Idasanutlin Reduces HDAC1/2 Abundance and Corepressor Partners but Not HDAC3.
in ACS medicinal chemistry letters
Kelly RDW
(2024)
Histone deacetylases maintain expression of the pluripotent gene network via recruitment of RNA polymerase II to coding and noncoding loci.
in Genome research
Kelly RDW
(2018)
Histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 and 2 complexes regulate both histone acetylation and crotonylation in vivo.
in Scientific reports
Baker I
(2022)
Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of Novel Class I HDAC Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs)
in Biochemistry
Adams GE
(2018)
Co-repressor, co-activator and general transcription factor: the many faces of the Sin3 histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex.
in The Biochemical journal
Smalley JP
(2020)
Bifunctional HDAC Therapeutics: One Drug to Rule Them All?
in Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
Barnes CE
(2019)
Acetylation & Co: an expanding repertoire of histone acylations regulates chromatin and transcription.
in Essays in biochemistry
Cross JM
(2022)
A 'click' chemistry approach to novel entinostat (MS-275) based class I histone deacetylase proteolysis targeting chimeras.
in RSC medicinal chemistry
Description | We have shown that individual HDAC1-complexes, such as Sin3A contain a collection of 'core members' in most cells, with an adjustable set of accessory proteins that adapt to particular cell types. This suggests the existance of multiple 'Sin3A complexes' that adapt to their environment. This knowledge helps us to understand how it is targeted to specific locations within DNA and opens potnetial avenues for drugging the Sin3A complex specifically. In a related study we have shown the molecular mechanism by which Sin3A/HDAC1 is able to intereact with an important rpignenetic regulator Tet1. Tet1 and its sister protein, Tet3 (but not Tet2), contain a highly conserved Sin3-interaction domain that binds to the PAH1 domain of Sin3A. Using a strucuture function analysis we mapped two critical Leu residues in Tet1 (L897/L900) that necessary for the Sin3A/Tet1 intereaction. |
Exploitation Route | HDAC inhibitiors are used in the clinic but have a range of unwanted side-effects. By targeting individual HDAC-complexes, such as Sin3A, is should be possible to retain some of the positive effects of HDAC-inhibiiton without the side-effects. As a proof-of-principle of this approach we used the 'dTAG system' to engineer cells in which endogenous Sin3A has been tagged with FKBP12, such that it can be targeted for degradation in less than 2 hours using an existing PROTAC, dTAG-13. This will allow us to test the practicality of drugging different HDAC1/2 complexes and its consequences in cells |
Sectors | Education Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
Description | Public engagement funds from the award have been used to develop a virtual reality head-set allowing the user to intereact with protein structures in real-time. The VR helemt has been used at open-days within the Deparment of Molecular Biology. The Cowley lab has hosted 1-2 high-school students per year for 1-week internships since the start of the award. The PDRA employead on the grant, Dr Grace Adams has been able to help students with hands-on experiemnts, including growing tissue-culturecells, transfecting with a GFP plasmid for western blots and FACS analysis. Students have also performed PCR and restriction digests as introduction to molcular biology in a University setting. |
First Year Of Impact | 2017 |
Sector | Education,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | Characterizing the Sin3A/HDAC1 complex: an alternative strategy for the precise inhibition of deacetylase activity in cells. |
Organisation | LifeArc |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Characterization of the Sin3/HDAC1 complex. In particular the PAH domains of Sin3A, a unique protein-protein interaction motif which could be targeted as a more precise way of inhibiting HDAC activity in cells. |
Collaborator Contribution | Knowledge of drug development and converting basic research into therapeutics. |
Impact | Collaboration was able to secure a BBSRC iCASE PhD studentship |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Understanding the regulation of the 'acetylome' in embryonic stem cells |
Organisation | University of Sheffield |
Department | National Centre for III-V Technologies |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have provided cells, labelled with SILAC amino acids, in which individual HDAC enzymes have been deleted to address the regulation of Lysine-acetylation across all protein in stem cells. |
Collaborator Contribution | My collaborator at Sheffield has performed the mass-spectrometry analysis of complex samples and then informatics analysis of the data. |
Impact | We have generated proteome-wide dataset for individual sites of lysine-acetylation and the degree to which levels change following HDAC deletion. We intend to write up these findings and submit a manuscript in 2017. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Title | HDAC Degrader |
Description | We have developed novel proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) molecules to class-I HDAC enzymes. Unexpectedly, molecules with longer linker lengths are more efficient at entering cell and degrading HDACs than smaller molecules. |
IP Reference | PCT/GB2021/050156 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2020 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | This is the first example of PROTACs that target class-I HDAC enzymes in cells |
Description | Department of Molecular and Cell Biology open day 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Department of Molecular and Cell Biology annual open day 2018. Organized and gave presentations to 100+ A-level students from schools and colleges in the local area. Results and methodologies from this grant were discussed. Research staff from this award also participated in presenting activities and guiding tours of the labortories and research facilties. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |