Genome-wide analysis of regulation of gene expression and H3K9me2 distribution by JIL-1 kinase mediated histone H3S10 phosphorylation in Drosophila

In this study we have determined the genome-wide relationship of JIL-1 kinase mediated H3S10 phosphorylation with gene expression and the distribution of the epigenetic H3K9me2 mark. We show in wild-type salivary gland cells that the H3S10ph mark is predominantly enriched at active genes whereas the H3K9me2 mark is largely associated with inactive genes. Comparison of global transcription profiles in salivary glands from wild-type and JIL-1 null mutant larvae revealed that the expression levels of 1539 genes changed at least 2-fold in the mutant and that a substantial number (49%) of these genes were upregulated whereas 51% were downregulated. Furthermore, the results showed that downregulation of genes in the mutant was correlated with higher levels or acquisition of the H3K9me2 mark whereas upregulation of a gene was correlated with loss of or diminished H3K9 dimethylation. These results are compatible with a model where gene expression levels are modulated by the levels of the H3K9me2 mark independent of the state of the H3S10ph mark, which is not required for either transcription or gene activation to occur. Rather, H3S10 phosphorylation functions to indirectly maintain active transcription by counteracting H3K9 dimethylation and gene silencing.