Screening of histone mutants reveals a domain within the N-terminal tail of histone H3 that regulates the Tup1-independent repressive role of Cyc8 at the active FLO1

Yeast flocculation relies on cell surface flocculin proteins encoded by the FLO1 gene. The expression of FLO1 is antagonistically regulated by the Tup1-Cyc8 and the Swi-Snf complexes. The Post translational modifications of core histones regulate the transcription of Tup1-Cyc8-regulated genes. However, the mechanisms by which the physical presence of tail residues regulate FLO1 transcription process and flocculation is yet to be completely understood. Through screening we have identified a new region within the N-terminal tail of histone H3 regulating the transcription of FLO1 and FLO5. One of the histone H3 N-terminal truncation mutants H3del(17 to 24) showed higher FLO1 expression compared to wild type H3. Results revealed that in absence of 17 to 24 stretch the occupancy of Cyc8 decreases from the upstream regions of FLO1. Additionally, analysis suggests that Hda1 is required for the Cyc8-mediated repression of FLO1. Altogether we demonstrate that 17 to 24 stretch is essential for the Tup1 independent binding of Cyc8 at the promoters assisted by Hda1, leading to the strong repression of FLO1 transcription. In the absence of the 17 to 24 stretch, Cyc8 cannot bind, resulting in uncontrolled transcription of FLO1.