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Exposure of human cells to interferon-γ (IFNγ) results in a mitotically heritable yet reversible state called long-term transcriptional memory. We previously identified the clustered GBP genes as strongly primed by IFNγ. Here, we discovered that in primed cells, both interferon-responsive transcription factors STAT1 and IRF1 target chromatin with accelerated kinetics upon re-exposure to IFNγ, specifically at promotors of primed genes. Priming does not alter the degree of IFNγ-induced STAT1 activation or nuclear import, indicating that memory does not alter upstream JAK-STAT signaling. We found STAT1 to be critical to establish transcriptional memory but in a manner that is independent of mere transcription activation. Interestingly, while Serine 727 phosphorylation of STAT1 was maintained during the primed state, STAT1 is not required for the heritability of GBP gene memory. Our results suggest that the memory of interferon exposure constitutes a STAT1-mediated, heritable state that is established during priming. This renders GBP genes poised for subsequent STAT1 and IRF1 binding and accelerated gene activation upon a secondary interferon exposure., (© 2023 The Authors. Published under the terms of the CC BY 4.0 license.)

Cytokine activation of cells induces gene networks involved in inflammation and immunity. Transient gene activation can have a lasting effect even in the absence of ongoing transcription, known as long-term transcriptional memory. Here we explore the nature of the establishment and maintenance of interferon γ (IFNγ)-induced priming of human cells. We find that, although ongoing transcription and local chromatin signatures are short-lived, the IFNγ-primed state stably propagates through at least 14 cell division cycles. Single-cell analysis reveals that memory is manifested by an increased probability of primed cells to engage in target gene expression, correlating with the strength of initial gene activation. Further, we find that strongly memorized genes tend to reside in genomic clusters and that long-term memory of these genes is locally restricted by cohesin. We define the duration, stochastic nature, and molecular mechanisms of IFNγ-induced transcriptional memory, relevant to understanding enhanced innate immune signaling., Competing Interests: Declaration of Interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Specificity engineering is challenging and particularly difficult for enzymes that have the catalytic machinery and specificity determinants in close proximity. Restriction endonucleases have been used as a paradigm for protein engineering, but successful cases are rare. Here, we present the results of a directed evolution approach to the engineering of a dimeric, blunt end cutting restriction enzyme NlaIV (GGN/NCC). Based on the remote similarity to EcoRV endonuclease, regions for random mutagenesis and in vitro evolution were chosen. The obtained variants cleaved target sites with an up to 100-fold k cat /K M preference for AT or TA (GGW/WCC) over GC or CG (GGS/SCC) in the central dinucleotide step, compared to the only ~17-fold preference of the wild-type enzyme. To understand the basis of the increased specificity, we determined the crystal structure of NlaIV. Despite the presence of DNA in the crystallization mix, the enzyme crystallized in the free form. We therefore constructed a computational model of the NlaIV-DNA complex. According to the model, the mutagenesis of the regions that were in the proximity of DNA did not lead to the desired specificity change, which was instead conveyed in an indirect manner by substitutions in the more distant regions., (Copyright © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Understanding chromatin dynamics is essential to define the contribution of chromatin to heritable gene silencing and the long-term maintenance of gene expression. Here we present a detailed protocol for time-ChIP, a novel method to measure histone turnover at high resolution across long timescales. This method is based on the SNAP-tag, a self-labeling enzyme that can be pulse labeled with small molecules in cells. Upon pulse biotinylation of a cohort of SNAP-tagged histones we can determine their abundance and fate across a chase period using a biotin-specific chromatin pulldown followed by DNA sequencing or quantitative PCR. This method is unique in its ability to trace the long-term fate of a chromatin bound histone pool, genome wide. In addition to a step by step protocol, we outline advantages and limitations of the method in relation to other existing techniques. time-ChIP can define regions of high and low histone turnover and identify the location of pools of long lived histones.

Pathogen-specific acquired immunity in bacteria is mediated by the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas systems. Thermus thermophilus strain HB8 contains CRISPR systems of several major subtypes (type I, IIIA and IIIB), and has become a widely studied model for CRISPR biology. We have selected two highly expressed CRISPR spacers, crRNA 2.1 and crRNA 2.2, and have enriched endogenous T. thermophilus proteins that co-purify with these crRNAs. Mass spectroscopy indicates that the chromatography protocol enriches predominantly Csm complex subunits, but also Cmr subunits. After several chromatographic steps, size exclusion chromatography indicated a molecular mass of the crRNA associated complex of 265±69 kDa. In agreement with earlier work, crRNAs of different lengths (containing the selected spacers) were observed. Most of these were completely lost when several T. thermophilus csm genes were ablated.

R.DpnI consists of N-terminal catalytic and C-terminal winged helix domains that are separately specific for the Gm6ATC sequences in Dam-methylated DNA. Here we present a crystal structure of R.DpnI with oligoduplexes bound to the catalytic and winged helix domains and identify the catalytic domain residues that are involved in interactions with the substrate methyl groups. We show that these methyl groups in the Gm6ATC target sequence are positioned very close to each other. We further show that the presence of the two methyl groups requires a deviation from B-DNA conformation to avoid steric conflict. The methylation compatible DNA conformation is complementary with binding sites of both R.DpnI domains. This indirect readout of methylation adds to the specificity mediated by direct favorable interactions with the methyl groups and solvation/desolvation effects. We also present hydrogen/deuterium exchange data that support 'crosstalk' between the two domains in the identification of methylated DNA, which should further enhance R.DpnI methylation specificity., (© The Author(s) 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.)

DNA methylation-dependent restriction enzymes have many applications in genetic engineering and in the analysis of the epigenetic state of eukaryotic genomes. Nevertheless, high-resolution structures have not yet been reported, and therefore mechanisms of DNA methylation-dependent cleavage are not understood. Here, we present a biochemical analysis and high-resolution DNA co-crystal structure of the N(6)-methyladenine (m6A)-dependent restriction enzyme R.DpnI. Our data show that R.DpnI consists of an N-terminal catalytic PD-(D/E)XK domain and a C-terminal winged helix (wH) domain. Surprisingly, both domains bind DNA in a sequence- and methylation-sensitive manner. The crystal contains R.DpnI with fully methylated target DNA bound to the wH domain, but distant from the catalytic domain. Independent readout of DNA sequence and methylation by the two domains might contribute to R.DpnI specificity or could help the monomeric enzyme to cut the second strand after introducing a nick.

For over 25 years, arthroplasty has been in general use as a means of treating degenerative changes in the coxofemoral joint. Loosening of the hip prosthesis is often observed, accompanied by bone defects in the area enveloping the prosthesis. This constitutes an indication for revision surgery., The authors present their own technique for rehabilitation following revision hip arthroplasty using frozen morselized bone grafts. The procedures used in such cases should be highly individualized. It is necessary to apply a controlled early load on the operated limb at bedside. The authors emphasize the necessity to reduce flexion contracture of the joint. Full load on the limb is proposed between the 4th and 6th month after surgery, depending on the extent of the reconstructed bone defects.

Functional treatment of crush fractures of distal femur in 2 patients is described. Quadriceps-plasty has been performed in both cases due to the muscle adhesion to bony fragments. Osteosynthesis was contraindicated by the nature of the fracture. Functional treatment resulted in good function and efficient gait in both patients.

Functional treatment of fractures is a nonoperative technique used in intraarticular knee fractures and multifragment and multilevel fractures of the shaft of femurs since 1974. The basic principle of this technique is placement of the fractured extremity in the specially designed rehabilitation splint, with skeletal traction fixed above the ankle joint through both tibia and fibula. Traction reduces the fracture while stretching of muscles provides conditions favorable for callus formation. Exercises are first isometric and then isotonic. During exercises, muscle tone and moments of force in each muscle group are measured to evaluate effects of exercises. Exercises in traction and rehabilitation splints are continued until clinical signs of healing are observed (i.e., for six to eight weeks with intraarticular knee fractures and ten to 12 weeks with fractures of the shaft of femur). Alternative flexion of bone fragments with their compression by the contracted muscles facilitate absorption of hemorrhage, reduces swelling, and accelerates osteogenesis by replacing passive-tissue congestion with the active-tissue metabolism. Seven hundred fifty-seven intraarticular knee fractures with 76% excellent and good results, 20% average, and 4% poor were observed with this treatment. Functional treatment was also used in 320 multifragment and multilevel fractures of the shaft of femurs, with approximately 81% excellent and good results, 17% average, and 2% poor. Functional treatment of fractures is simple and safe, promotes healing, prevents muscle atrophy, reduces contracture formation, and minimizes functional loss.

We describe a digitally linearized thermistor thermometer that is accurate to +/- 0.01 degrees C from 0 to 60 degrees C at a wattage of 50 microW and a sampling time of 1 s. It is traceable to the International Practical Temperature Scale of 1968 (IPTS-68). Analog and digital outputs are provided, the latter as ASCII RS-232C. The thermistor is a 10-cm long immersible probe, 1.5 mm in diameter. Only 0.5 cm of the probe need be immersed, with proper heat sinking of at least 1 cm of the remaining 9.5 cm, for accurate readings. Error from self-heating of the thermistor is less than 5X 10(-3) degrees C at all power settings from 50 to 1 microW.