A nucleotide-driven switch regulates flanking DNA length sensing by a dimeric chromatin remodeler

Mol Cell. 2015 Mar 5;57(5):850-859. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2015.01.008. Epub 2015 Feb 12.

Abstract

The ATP-dependent chromatin assembly factor (ACF) spaces nucleosomes to promote formation of silent chromatin. Two copies of its ATPase subunit SNF2h bind opposite sides of a nucleosome, but how these protomers avoid competition is unknown. SNF2h senses the length of DNA flanking a nucleosome via its HAND-SANT-SLIDE (HSS) domain, yet it is unclear how this interaction enhances remodeling. Using covalently connected SNF2h dimers we show that dimerization accelerates remodeling and that the HSS contributes to communication between protomers. We further identify a nucleotide-dependent conformational change in SNF2h. In one conformation the HSS binds flanking DNA, and in another conformation the HSS engages the nucleosome core. Based on these results, we propose a model in which DNA length sensing and translocation are performed by two distinct conformational states of SNF2h. Such separation of function suggests that these activities could be independently regulated to affect remodeling outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Diphosphate / metabolism
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / chemistry
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / genetics
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism*
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • Chromatin / metabolism*
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly*
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / chemistry
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / genetics
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / metabolism*
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Nucleosomes / genetics
  • Nucleosomes / metabolism
  • Nucleotides / chemistry
  • Nucleotides / genetics
  • Nucleotides / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Thermodynamics
  • Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • BAZ1A protein, human
  • Chromatin
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Nucleosomes
  • Nucleotides
  • Transcription Factors
  • Adenosine Diphosphate
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • DNA
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • SMARCA5 protein, human