GO:0070822 Sin3-type complex: Components, Assembly and Research Methods, Genes, Functions and Research Methods

Research-grade guide for scientists and biopharma professionals

Key Takeaways

• GO:0070822 (Sin3-type complex) is an evolutionarily conserved histone deacetylase complex built around a paired amphipathic helix protein (Sin3p/Pst1/Sin3A), at least one class I HDAC (Rpd3p/Clr6/HDAC1/HDAC2), and at least one WD40 repeat protein (Ume1p/Prw1/RbAp46/RbAp48).
• The complex removes acetyl groups from histone lysines, producing a repressed chromatin state that silences transcription.
• In Arabidopsis, RPD3-like HDACs form multiple distinct Sin3-type complexes that participate in stress responses, and HDA19-containing complexes require plant-specific subunits.
• Dysregulation of Sin3-type complex components is linked to human disease, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis where KDM6B and associated epigenetic modulators are altered.
• CRISPR knockout, point mutation, knock-in and overexpression models are powerful tools to dissect the causal roles of Sin3-type complex subunits.
• Understanding Sin3-type complex assembly and function provides a foundation for epigenetic drug discovery and for interpreting transcriptomic and proteomic data.

Description

The Sin3-type complex (GO:0070822) is a conserved histone deacetylase complex that serves as a central transcriptional co-repressor in eukaryotes. It is defined by a core of three types of subunits: a paired amphipathic helix motif protein (Sin3p in S. cerevisiae, Pst1 in S. pombe, or Sin3A in mammals), at least one class I histone deacetylase (Rpd3p, Clr6, or HDAC1/HDAC2), and at least one WD40 repeat protein (Ume1p, Prw1, or RbAp46/RbAp48). These complexes also contain variable accessory proteins that direct histone binding, DNA binding, or add other functionalities. Researchers study the Sin3-type complex because it is a key node in epigenetic regulation, linking histone deacetylation to gene silencing, cell cycle control, development, and stress responses. In plants, RPD3-like HDACs form multiple Sin3-type complexes involved in stress response, and angiosperm-specific subunits of HDA19 histone deacetylase complexes have been identified. In humans, epigenetic modulators including KDM6B and associated molecules have been implicated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, highlighting the disease relevance of such complexes. This article provides a research-grade overview of the Sin3-type complex, covering its definition, composition, molecular mechanism, key genes, disease links, and experimental methods including CRISPR-based models. All factual statements are supported by verified PubMed literature.

Sin3-type complex At A Glance

GO ID GO:0070822
GO term Sin3-type complex
Ontology cellular_component
Synonym none
Major function Histone deacetylation and transcriptional repression
Core subunits Paired amphipathic helix protein (Sin3p/Pst1/Sin3A), class I HDAC (Rpd3p/Clr6/HDAC1/HDAC2), WD40 repeat protein (Ume1p/Prw1/RbAp46/RbAp48)
Conservation Evolutionarily conserved from yeast to plants and mammals
Accessory proteins Variable proteins that direct histone binding, DNA binding, or add other functionality

What Is GO:0070822?

The Sin3-type complex (GO:0070822) is any of a number of evolutionarily conserved histone deacetylase complexes (HDACs) that contain a core consisting of a paired amphipathic helix motif protein (e.g., Sin3p in S. cerevisiae, Pst1 in S. pombe, or Sin3A in mammals), at least one class I histone deacetylase (e.g., Rpd3p in S. cerevisiae, Clr6 in S. pombe, or HDAC1 and HDAC2 in mammals), and at least one WD40 repeat protein (e.g., Ume1p in S. cerevisiae, Prw1 in S. pombe, or RbAp46 and RbAp48 in mammals). These complexes also contain a variable number of other proteins that direct histone binding, DNA binding, or add other functionality to the complex.

Why Is Sin3-type complex Important in Cell Biology?

The Sin3-type complex is important because it is a conserved epigenetic regulator that controls gene expression through histone deacetylation, influencing development, stress responses, and disease. In Arabidopsis, RPD3-like HDACs form multiple complexes involved in stress response, and HDA19 complexes contain essential angiosperm-specific subunits. In humans, epigenetic modulators such as KDM6B and associated molecules are implicated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Thus, understanding the Sin3-type complex provides insights into fundamental chromatin biology and potential therapeutic targets.
• Central to transcriptional repression via histone deacetylation.
• Evolutionarily conserved across yeast, plants, and mammals.
• Involved in stress response pathways in plants.
• Contains plant-specific subunits that fine-tune complex function.
• Linked to human disease such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis through epigenetic modulators.
• Provides a target for epigenetic drug discovery.
• Essential for understanding chromatin remodeling and gene silencing.
• Serves as a model for studying multi-subunit HDAC complex assembly.

What Happens During Sin3-type complex?

Assembly of the Core Complex
In simple terms: The Sin3-type complex is built from three main types of proteins that come together.
The Sin3-type complex assembles from a paired amphipathic helix protein (Sin3p/Pst1/Sin3A), at least one class I histone deacetylase (Rpd3p/Clr6/HDAC1/HDAC2), and at least one WD40 repeat protein (Ume1p/Prw1/RbAp46/RbAp48). In Arabidopsis, RPD3-like HDACs form multiple complexes, indicating combinatorial assembly. HDA19 complexes include angiosperm-specific subunits that are essential for their function.
Recruitment to Chromatin
In simple terms: The complex is guided to specific genes by accessory proteins that bind histones or DNA.
Accessory proteins within the Sin3-type complex direct histone binding, DNA binding, or add other functionalities, thereby targeting the complex to specific genomic loci. This recruitment is critical for selective gene repression.
Histone Deacetylation
In simple terms: Once at the gene, the complex removes acetyl groups from histones, turning the gene off.
The class I HDAC subunit (Rpd3p/Clr6/HDAC1/HDAC2) catalyzes the removal of acetyl groups from lysine residues on histone tails. This deacetylation leads to a more compact chromatin structure and transcriptional repression.
Transcriptional Repression
In simple terms: The end result is that genes are silenced.
Histone deacetylation by the Sin3-type complex results in transcriptional repression of target genes. In plants, these complexes are involved in stress response, indicating dynamic regulation of gene expression.

Key Genes Involved in GO:0070822 Sin3-type complex

The following genes and proteins are key components or associated factors of the Sin3-type complex, based on verified literature.
GeneMajor RoleResearch Relevance
Sin3A Core paired amphipathic helix protein Scaffold for complex assembly; target for knockout studies
HDAC1 Class I histone deacetylase Catalytic subunit; drug target
HDAC2 Class I histone deacetylase Catalytic subunit; drug target
RbAp46 WD40 repeat protein Histone binding; structural component
RbAp48 WD40 repeat protein Histone binding; structural component
KDM6B Histone demethylase Associated epigenetic modulator in pulmonary fibrosis
RPD3 Class I HDAC in Arabidopsis Forms multiple complexes; stress response
HDA19 Class I HDAC in Arabidopsis Part of Sin3-type complexes; plant-specific subunits
SIN3 Paired amphipathic helix protein in Arabidopsis Core scaffold; multiple complexes
UME1 WD40 repeat protein in yeast Accessory subunit; conserved
PRW1 WD40 repeat protein in S. pombe Accessory subunit; conserved
CLR6 Class I HDAC in S. pombe Catalytic subunit; conserved
SIN3p Paired amphipathic helix protein in yeast Core scaffold; conserved
RPD3p Class I HDAC in yeast Catalytic subunit; conserved
PST1 Paired amphipathic helix protein in S. pombe Core scaffold; conserved
HDA6 Class I HDAC in Arabidopsis Potential Sin3-type complex component
HDA9 Class I HDAC in Arabidopsis Potential Sin3-type complex component

How Is Sin3-type complex Regulated?

The Sin3-type complex is regulated at multiple levels, including subunit availability, post-translational modifications, and interaction with accessory proteins that direct its localization and activity. In Arabidopsis, RPD3-like HDACs form multiple complexes involved in stress response, suggesting dynamic regulation under different conditions. Angiosperm-specific subunits of HDA19 complexes are essential for their function, indicating evolutionary specialization. In humans, epigenetic modulators such as KDM6B may influence complex activity in disease contexts.

Sin3-type complex and Human Disease

GeneDisease / BiologyPotential Experimental Model
KDM6BIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosisKnockout or overexpression in lung fibroblasts
HDAC1Cancer, fibrosisCRISPR knockout in cell lines
HDAC2Cancer, fibrosisCRISPR knockout in cell lines
RPD3Plant stress responseArabidopsis knockout mutants
HDA19Plant development and stressArabidopsis knockout and knock-in
Sin3-type complex in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Integrative bioinformatics and validation studies have revealed KDM6B and its associated molecules, including epigenetic modulators related to Sin3-type complexes, as crucial modulators in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This suggests that dysregulation of histone deacetylation and demethylation contributes to fibrotic lung disease.
Sin3-type complex in Plant Stress Response
In Arabidopsis, RPD3-like histone deacetylases form multiple Sin3-type complexes that are involved in stress response. This highlights the role of these complexes in environmental adaptation and may inform crop improvement strategies.
Sin3-type complex and Angiosperm-Specific Functions
Essential angiosperm-specific subunits of HDA19 histone deacetylase complexes have been identified, indicating that Sin3-type complexes in plants have unique components that may be linked to developmental and stress-related phenotypes.

From Sin3-type complex-Related Genes to Experimental Models

Research QuestionSuitable Model
Does loss of Sin3A affect complex assembly?CRISPR knockout of Sin3A in human cell lines
What is the catalytic role of HDAC1/2?Point mutation of catalytic residues in HDAC1/2
How does KDM6B contribute to fibrosis?Knock-in of tagged KDM6B in lung fibroblasts
What are the plant-specific subunits of HDA19 complexes?Knockout of HDA19 in Arabidopsis
How do RPD3-like complexes respond to stress?Overexpression of RPD3 in Arabidopsis
Can we screen for regulators of Sin3-type complex?CRISPR library screening in mammalian cells

How to Study the Sin3-type complex Process

MethodWhat It MeasuresTypical Application
RNA-seqGene expression changesTranscriptomic profiling after Sin3 complex perturbation
ChIP-seqHistone acetylation and factor bindingMapping HDAC occupancy and histone marks
ProteomicsProtein interactions and complex compositionIdentifying subunits of HDA19 complexes
CRISPR knockoutLoss-of-function phenotypesTesting causal roles of Sin3 subunits
CRISPR point mutationSpecific residue functionsDissecting catalytic activity of HDACs
CRISPR knock-inTagged or mutant protein expressionStudying localization and dynamics
OverexpressionGain-of-function effectsTesting RPD3 in stress response
BioinformaticsIntegrative data analysisIdentifying disease modulators
Transcriptomics and RNA-seq
RNA sequencing can reveal changes in gene expression upon perturbation of Sin3-type complex subunits, as demonstrated in studies of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis where KDM6B and associated molecules were analyzed. In plants, transcriptomics helps dissect stress-responsive pathways regulated by RPD3-like complexes.
Proteomics and Interactomics
Affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry can identify subunits and interactors of the Sin3-type complex, as shown for HDA19 complexes in Arabidopsis where angiosperm-specific subunits were discovered. This approach is essential for defining complex composition.
Genome Editing and Functional Validation
CRISPR-Cas9 knockout, point mutation, and knock-in models allow causal testing of Sin3-type complex components. For example, knockout of KDM6B or HDACs can validate their roles in fibrosis, and knockout of RPD3 in Arabidopsis can test stress response functions.
Bioinformatics and Integrative Analysis
Integrative bioinformatics approaches, combining transcriptomic and epigenomic data, have been used to identify KDM6B and associated molecules as crucial modulators in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Similar strategies can uncover regulatory networks involving Sin3-type complexes.

How CRISPR Can Be Used to Study GO:0070822 Sin3-type complex

Knockout

CRISPR knockout of Sin3-type complex subunits such as Sin3A, HDAC1, or HDAC2 can abolish complex function and reveal essential roles in gene repression and disease. In Arabidopsis, knockout of RPD3 or HDA19 can uncover stress-related phenotypes.

Point Mutation

Point mutations in the catalytic domain of HDAC1/2 can separate deacetylase activity from scaffolding functions, allowing precise structure-function analysis. Such models are valuable for drug target validation.

Knock-in

Knock-in of epitope-tagged subunits (e.g., HA-Sin3A) enables affinity purification and imaging of the complex in its native context. This approach can also introduce disease-associated mutations.

Overexpression

Overexpression of Sin3-type complex components, such as RPD3 in Arabidopsis, can test gain-of-function effects on stress response and development. In mammalian cells, overexpression of KDM6B can model fibrosis-associated changes.

How EDITGENE Supports Sin3-type complex Research

Researchers studying Sin3-type complex-related genes often need to determine whether a candidate gene is causally involved in chromatin regulation, stress response, or disease. EDITGENE provides comprehensive CRISPR-based services to accelerate this discovery, from knockout to knock-in and library screening, supported by bioinformatics expertise.
Contact EDITGENE today to design your custom CRISPR model for Sin3-type complex research.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sin3-type complex

The Sin3-type complex (GO:0070822) is an evolutionarily conserved histone deacetylase complex containing a paired amphipathic helix protein, a class I HDAC, and a WD40 repeat protein, which represses transcription.
Key genes include Sin3A, HDAC1, HDAC2, RbAp46, RbAp48 in mammals; RPD3, HDA19, SIN3 in Arabidopsis; and SIN3p, RPD3p, UME1 in yeast.
GO:0070822 functions in histone deacetylation and transcriptional repression, influencing development, stress response, and disease.
It is regulated by subunit availability, post-translational modifications, and accessory proteins that direct its localization and activity.
Dysregulation has been linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other epigenetic disorders.
Common models include human cell lines, Arabidopsis, and yeast, using CRISPR knockout, point mutation, knock-in, and overexpression.
CRISPR enables knockout, point mutation, knock-in, and overexpression of complex subunits to test causal roles in gene regulation and disease.
RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, proteomics, and bioinformatics are commonly used to study its composition and function.
Yes, it is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to plants and mammals.
The core consists of a paired amphipathic helix protein (Sin3p/Pst1/Sin3A), a class I HDAC (Rpd3p/Clr6/HDAC1/HDAC2), and a WD40 repeat protein (Ume1p/Prw1/RbAp46/RbAp48).

Conclusion

The Sin3-type complex (GO:0070822) is a conserved histone deacetylase complex essential for transcriptional repression and epigenetic regulation. Its core subunits and accessory proteins are implicated in stress responses and human disease, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Understanding its assembly and function offers opportunities for therapeutic intervention and requires robust experimental models. EDITGENE provides comprehensive CRISPR services to support research on Sin3-type complex-related genes.

References

  1. 1. Chen A et al.. 2023. Integrative bioinformatics and validation studies reveal KDM6B and its associated molecules as crucial modulators in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.. Front Immunol 14:1183871 PMID: 37275887
  2. 2. Liu N et al.. 2025. Essential angiosperm-specific subunits of HDA19 histone deacetylase complexes in Arabidopsis.. EMBO J 44(12):3521-3546 PMID: 40295864
  3. 3. Feng C et al.. 2021. Arabidopsis RPD3-like histone deacetylases form multiple complexes involved in stress response.. J Genet Genomics 48(5):369-383 PMID: 34144927
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