Global mapping of the regulatory interactions of histone residues

Abstract

Histone residues can serve as platforms for specific regulatory function. Here we constructed a map of regulatory associations between histone residues and a wide spectrum of chromatin regulation factors based on gene expression changes by histone point mutations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Detailed analyses of this map revealed novel associations. Regarding the modulation of H3K4 and K36 methylation by Set1, Set2, or Jhd2, we proposed a role for H4K91 acetylation in early Pol II elongation, and for H4K16 deacetylation in late elongation and crosstalk with H3K4 demethylation for gene silencing. The association of H3K56 with nucleosome positioning suggested that this lysine residue and its acetylation might contribute to nucleosome mobility for transcription activation. Further insights into chromatin regulation are expected from this approach.