• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제62권1호
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• pp.98-116
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• 2024

Epigenetic writers including DNA and histone lysine methyltransferases (DNMT and HKMT, respectively) play an initiative role in the differentiation and development of eukaryotic organisms through the spatiotemporal regulation of functional gene expressions. However, the epigenetic mechanisms have long been suspected in helminth parasites lacking the major DNA methyltransferases DNMT1 and DNMT3a/3b. Very little information on the evolutionary status of the epigenetic tools and their role in regulating chromosomal genes is currently available in the parasitic trematodes. We previously suggested the probable role of a DNMT2-like protein (CsDNMT2) as a genuine epigenetic writer in a trematode parasite Clonorchis sinensis. Here, we analyzed the phylogeny of HKMT subfamily members in the liver fluke and other platyhelminth species. The platyhelminth genomes examined conserved genes for the most of SET domain-containing HKMT and Disruptor of Telomeric Silencing 1 subfamilies, while some genes were expanded specifically in certain platyhelminth genomes. Related to the high gene dosages for HKMT activities covering differential but somewhat overlapping substrate specificities, variously methylated histones were recognized throughout the tissues/organs of C. sinensis adults. The temporal expressions of genes involved in eggshell formation were gradually decreased to their lowest levels proportionally to aging, whereas those of some epigenetic tool genes were re-boosted in the later adult stages of the parasite. Furthermore, these expression levels were significantly affected by treatment with DNMT and HKMT inhibitors. Our data strongly suggest that methylated histones are potent epigenetic markers that modulate the spatiotemporal expressions of C. sinensis genes, especially those involved in sexual reproduction.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제17권3호통권83호
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• pp.444-453
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• 2007

유핵세포의 게놈(genome)은 단백-DNA복합체인 염색질(chromatin)의 형태로 존재하는데, 생명현상을 유지하기 위해서는 생명체 또는 세포가 처한 상황에 맞게 염색질의 구조를 변화시키는 역동적인 조절기전이 필요하다. 염색질을 구성하는 기본단위는 히스톤 8량체 (histone octamer)를 포함하는 뉴클레오좀(nucleosome)이다. 히스톤 단백에는 여러 종류의 공유결합성 수식이 일어나는데, 그 중 하나가 라이신 잔기(lysine residue)에 일어나는 메틸화이다. 최근 수년간의 연구로 여러 개의 히스톤 라이신 메틸화효소(histone lysine methyltransferase, HKMT), 이에 결합하는 염색질단백 및 메틸화와 관련된 후생유전학적 현상이 밝혀졌으며, 특히 정밀한 연구방법을 동원한 다방면의 실험을 통하여 비록 자세한 기전과 전체적인 윤곽의 규명은 미흡하더라도 라이신 메틸화가 후생유전학적 변화를 초래하는 일부 과정이 규명 되었다. 또한 여러 종류의 라이신 탈메틸화효소가 최근에 발견됨에 따라, 아세틸화, 인산화등 다른 공유결합성 수식보다는 상대 적으로 안정되더라도, 히스톤 메 틸화로 유발되는 후생유전학적 변화가 불가역성이 아님을 알게 되었다.