Canonical histone H2Ba and H2A.X dimerize in an opposite genomic localization to H2A.Z/H2B.Z dimers in Toxoplasma gondii

Mol Biochem Parasitol. 2014 Oct;197(1-2):36-42. doi: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.09.009. Epub 2014 Oct 5.

Abstract

Histone H2Ba of Toxoplasma gondii was expressed as recombinant protein (rH2Ba) and used to generate antibody in mouse that is highly specific. Antibody recognizing rH2Ba detects a single band in tachyzoite lysate of the expected molecular weight (12kDa). By indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) in in vitro grown tachyzoites and bradyzoites, the signal was detected only in the parasite nucleus. The nucleosome composition of H2Ba was determined through co-immunoprecipitation assays. H2Ba was detected in the same immunocomplex as H2A.X, but not with H2A.Z. Through chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays and qPCR, it was observed that H2Ba is preferentially located at promoters of inactive genes and silent regions, accompanying H2A.X and opposed to H2A.Z/H2B.Z dimers.

Keywords: Canonical histones; ChIP; Chromatin; Epigenetics; Nucleosome; Toxoplasma.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • Genome, Protozoan*
  • Histones / chemistry
  • Histones / genetics*
  • Histones / immunology
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Nucleosomes / metabolism
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Protein Transport
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Toxoplasma / genetics*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Histones
  • Nucleosomes
  • Recombinant Proteins