Work

WSTF deficiency reprograms regulatory networks by linking locus–specific chromatin remodeling to altered isoform expression and misdirected signaling

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Loss of the chromatin remodeler WSTF (BAZ1B), a gene deleted in Williams syndrome, causes reproducible, genome-scale reprogramming of chromatin states and transcript processing that links altered chromatin composition to misprocessed transcripts and aberrant signaling. Using engineered HCT116-WSTFKO cells, we combine transcriptome profiling, microscopy, chromatin CUT&RUN, and histone post-translational modification (HPTM)-defined chromatin state modeling to show that WSTF localizes to promoters and gene bodies of actively transcribed loci together with ASH2L and CBP. Loss of WSTF causes depletion of ASH2L/CBP, selective loss of H3K4me2 and multiple acetylation marks, and gain of Polycomb components. This loss results in systematic conversion from a multi-mark active promoter/enhancer chromatin landscape to a hypoacetylated, H3K4me2-depleted, PRC-enriched landscape. These chromatin changes coincide with widespread isoform switching and splicing alterations in genes encoding chromatin regulators and signaling pathways. This WSTF deficiency produces Wnt/β-catenin hyperactivation. A locus-specific example at TCF7L2 demonstrates how gene body loss of active marks drives isoform switching that alters DNA binding domains and decouples stabilized nuclear β-catenin from canonical target engagement. Our results establish a mechanistic chain from WSTF-dependent chromatin architecture to co-transcriptional RNA processing integrity, signaling pathway fidelity, and developmental gene program regulation relevant to Williams syndrome.

Source: Nucleic Acids Research

DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkag602

Authors: Shahin Behrouz Sharif, Jonathan H Dennis

Institution: Florida State University

Language: English

Topic: Genomics and Chromatin Dynamics

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,992