ChlamytinaTool: An Integrative Epigenomic Platform for Investigating Stress Adaption in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Abstract
Algal species are frequently exposed to suboptimal environmental conditions that impede their growth and development. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, and chromatin remodelling, has been identified as key regulators in coordinating stress responses and adaptative process. However, the interplay between epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic layers remains poorly understood. To overcome this limitation, we developed ChlamytinaTool, an integrative platform that compiles epigenomic data from the algal model species Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, including chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to next generation sequencing (ChIP-seq), whole genome bisulfite (WGBS), methylated DNA precipitation (MeDIP-seq), and micrococcal nuclease digestion (MNase-seq). Using ChromHMM software, we generated a new universal chromatin states model based on eleven epigenetic marks: histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K4me2, H3K9me3, H3K36me3, H3K27me3 and H3K27ac), DNA methylation (5mC and 6mA), nucleosome positioning, RNA polymerase II and PSR1 transcription factor. ChlamytinaTool enabled the integration of epigenetic marks and chromatin states with transcriptomic and proteomic data, offering new insights into regulatory mechanisms underlying stress adaptation. By combining a previously generated proteomic dataset characterizing C. reinhardtii response to combined heat and drought stress, we identified key molecular genes activated under simultaneous stress conditions, uncovering adaptive responses and potential trade-offs. To validate these in silico findings, we applied a ChIP protocol coupled with MNase digestion and qPCR. Results revealed dynamic changes in the H3K4me3 mark under combined heat and drought stress conditions, highlighting its role in activating stress-responsive genes. This study emphasizes the relevance of integrating epigenomic data into stress biology, providing novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of environmental adaptation.