H2A.Z and chromatin remodelling complexes: a focus on fungi

Abstract

Chromatin is a highly dynamic structure that closely relates with gene expression in eukaryotes. ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling, histone post-translational modification and DNA methylation are the main ways that mediate such plasticity. The histone variant H2A.Z is frequently encountered in eukaryotes, and can be deposited or removed from nucleosomes by chromatin remodelling complex SWR1 or INO80, respectively, leading to altered chromatin state. H2A.Z has been found to be involved in a diverse range of biological processes, including genome stability, DNA repair and transcriptional regulation. Due to their formidable production of secondary metabolites, filamentous fungi play outstanding roles in pharmaceutical production, food safety and agriculture. During the last few years, chromatin structural changes were proven to be a key factor associated with secondary metabolism in fungi. However, studies on the function of H2A.Z are scarce. Here, we summarize current knowledge of H2A.Z functions with a focus on filamentous fungi. We propose that H2A.Z is a potential target involved in the regulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis by fungi.

Keywords:

• Chromatin
• secondary metabolism
• mycotoxins

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Vance C. Huskins for his careful proofreading.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by ANR Grant ANR-18-CE91-0006 to N. P. Z. C. held a doctoral fellowship from the China Scholarship Council.