Loss of SET1/COMPASS methyltransferase activity reduces lifespan and fertility in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Life Sci Alliance, 5(3).
Changes in histone post-translational modifications are associated with agingthrough poorly defined mechanisms. Histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation atpromoters is deposited by SET1 family methyltransferases acting within conservedmultiprotein complexes known as COMPASS. Previous work yielded conflicting resultsabout the requirement for H3K4 methylation during aging. Here, we reassessed therole of SET1/COMPASS-dependent H3K4 methylation in Caenorhabditis elegans lifespanand fertility by generating set-2(syb2085) mutant animals that express acatalytically inactive form of SET-2, the C. elegans SET1 homolog. We show thatset-2(syb2085) animals retain the ability to form COMPASS, but have a marked globalloss of H3K4 di- and trimethylation (H3K4me2/3). Reduced H3K4 methylation wasaccompanied by loss of fertility, as expected; however, in contrast to earlierstudies, set-2(syb2085) mutants displayed a significantly shortened, not extended,lifespan and had normal intestinal fat stores. Other commonly used set-2 mutantswere also short-lived, as was a cfp-1 mutant that lacks the SET1/COMPASSchromatin-targeting component. These results challenge previously held views andestablish that WT H3K4me2/3 levels are essential for normal lifespan in C. elegans.
Document Actions